Morning Snorkeling or Sunset Sail to Boca Catalina With BBQ

Aruba’s Best Snorkeling and Sunset Sailing with BBQ on a Luxury Catamaran

This 4.5-hour tour from Oranjestad offers a chance to enjoy snorkeling at three prime spots, including the famous Antilla shipwreck, and relax with a BBQ dinner and unlimited open bar as you sail along Aruba’s coastline. The trip departs from Renaissance Marina and provides a comfortable, intimate experience with a small group size, often just around 20 passengers.

The tour is praised for its friendly crew, delicious barbecue, and beautiful sunset views, making it a popular choice for those seeking a blend of adventure, relaxation, and Caribbean scenery. While some reviews mention delays or loud music, the overall experience is considered enjoyable and well worth the cost. It’s ideal for travelers wanting snorkeling, scenic sailing, and good food in a relaxed setting.

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Key Points

• Duration of 4.5 hours with multiple snorkeling stops
• Includes BBQ dinner, unlimited drinks, vegetarian options available
• Snorkel gear provided, with choices of full face masks and regular masks
• Complimentary Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) boards for exploring the water
• Starts and ends at Renaissance Marina in Oranjestad
• Small group size often results in a more personalized experience

Departure from Renaissance Marina for a Scenic Coastal Cruise

The tour begins at Renaissance Marina, located across from Renaissance Mall. From this meeting point, the crew welcomes guests to board a luxury catamaran designed for comfort and style. The departure includes an hour of sailing with refreshing drinks such as beer, cocktails, spirits, and wine, setting a relaxed tone for the day.

This initial sailing segment provides sweeping views of Aruba’s coastline and a chance to enjoy a light drink while soaking in the island scenery. The small group size ensures everyone has space to relax and enjoy the smooth sailing experience.

Exploring Boca Catalina Beach and Its White Sands

The first snorkeling stop takes place at Boca Catalina Beach, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy shoreline. Here, 75 minutes are allocated for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach. This location is ideal for calmer currents, with consistent sightings of sea turtles and abundant tropical fish.

At Boca Catalina, travelers can swim with turtles or simply enjoy floating on the water while sipping a cocktail or snacking on local treats. The calm waters make it suitable for beginners and those looking for a peaceful swim.

Snorkeling at Tres Trapi Beach and Its Underwater World

Next, the tour heads to Tres Trapi Beach for a 45-minute snorkeling session. This stop offers a chance to see more marine life in a less crowded setting, with fewer boats and more tranquility. While primarily a snorkeling stop, it provides additional time for relaxation or light exploration along the shore.

Reviewers note that the snorkeling spots are close together, so the overall experience is convenient and rewarding without long waits or complicated logistics.

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The Iconic Antilla Shipwreck Snorkeling Adventure

The highlight for many is the Antilla Shipwreck, which fills a full hour of snorkeling. This World War II wreck is a favorite among snorkelers for its large size and the multitude of fish surrounding it. The wreck is grand enough for visitors to explore around and inside if tides and conditions permit.

The crew provides snorkel masks and fins, making the experience accessible for all skill levels. Observing sea turtles and colorful tropical fish at this site is often described as spectacular, and many reviews mention how clean and well-maintained the equipment and boat are.

The Sunset Sail and Final Stop at Oranjestad

As the tour nears its close, the catamaran sails back towards Oranjestad, offering an unforgettable sunset view. The 30-minute segment features drinks and scenic views with the sun dipping below the horizon, creating the perfect backdrop for photos and relaxation.

This sunset cruise is frequently praised for its peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking scenery, often cited as a highlight of the trip. The small group setting allows everyone to enjoy the calm waters and warm hues in comfort.

Onboard Amenities: Food, Drinks, and Paddleboards

The BBQ dinner served on the boat is described as delicious, with vegetarian options available. The meat options typically include ribs and chicken, served at the end of the excursion around 7:30 PM. Many reviews mention the quality of the food and find it to be more than adequate for a boat-based meal.

The tour also features an unlimited open bar, with cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits flowing throughout the trip. This aspect is especially popular, with reviewers praising the friendly, attentive crew who keep drinks coming and create a festive, relaxed atmosphere.

In addition, the boat is equipped with complimentary Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) boards, which guests can use to explore the waters at their own pace. The crew gladly assists with paddleboarding, whether you’re a first-timer or experienced.

Meeting Point and Ease of Access

Guests meet at Renaissance Marina, specifically across from Renaissance Mall by Lucys restaurant. The meeting process is straightforward, though some reviews suggest arriving a bit early helps avoid delays, especially during busy times.

The tour operates with English-speaking hosts, making communication easy for most visitors. It’s recommended to bring towels and sun protection due to the outdoor nature of the excursion.

Practical Tips and Considerations

The experience is generally suitable for most ages, but it is not accessible for wheelchair users. The group size tends to be small, creating a more personalized environment, but the timing of serving the BBQ might require some planning if traveling with kids or those with specific dietary needs.

Some reviews report delays and loud music, which can affect the overall ambiance. It’s advisable to confirm departure times and arrive early. The food served is takeout-style and served at the end of the trip, so don’t go hungry.

The Experience Provider: Spronk Catamarans

This tour is operated by Spronk Catamarans, known for their well-maintained boats, friendly crew, and professional service. Many reviews highlight the high standards and efficiency of the staff, making for a smooth, enjoyable journey.

Comparing with Similar Tours

There are several other catamaran cruises in Aruba offering snorkeling, sunset views, and open bars, but this tour is distinguished by its small group size and small, well-kept boat. Many travelers appreciate the personalized attention and quality of snorkeling spots like the Antilla shipwreck.

Some tours may include longer stops or different locations, but this particular experience balances snorkeling, sailing, dining, and relaxing in a compact, well-organized package.

Final Assessment of the Boca Catalina BBQ Sailing

This luxury catamaran tour combines beautiful scenery, excellent snorkeling, and delicious BBQ with an unlimited open bar. Its small group size and friendly crew lead to a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere compared to larger boats. The snorkeling stops at Boca Catalina, Tres Trapi, and the Antilla shipwreck cover some of Aruba’s best underwater spots.

While occasional delays and loud music are noted, the overall value and experience make this a strong choice for visitors seeking a fun, scenic, and delicious day at sea. It suits those who appreciate snorkeling, scenic sailing, good food, and a lively but intimate environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the BBQ dinner served on the boat?
Yes, the BBQ is served aboard the catamaran, typically at the end of the trip around 7:30 PM. Vegetarian options are available.

Are drinks included in the tour?
Yes, there is an unlimited open bar with beer, cocktails, wine, and spirits available throughout the excursion.

Can I use the paddleboards?
Yes, complimentary Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) boards are on board, and the crew assists guests in using them to explore the waters.

What are the snorkeling locations?
The tour includes snorkeling at the Antilla shipwreck, Boca Catalina, and Tres Trapi Beach. The Antilla wreck is especially popular for its size and marine life.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
While suitable for most ages, non-swimmers or those with limited mobility should be aware that the sailing and snorkeling involve outdoor water activities. The boat is not wheelchair accessible.

How do I find the meeting point?
Guests meet across Renaissance Mall at Lucys restaurant, with coordinates 12.518218994140625, -70.03881072998047. Arriving early is recommended to ensure smooth check-in.

This Boca Catalina BBQ Sailing Tour offers a blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and delicious food, making it an engaging choice for those wanting to enjoy Aruba’s best underwater and coastal sights in a relaxed setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby