VIP Morning Delight Champagne Sailing and Snorkeling with Lunch

The best part of this Aruba cruise is its small size. With a maximum of 12 people, you get a calm boat ride rather than the packed, noisy feel of a big catamaran. You can settle into a padded lounge chair, watch the coast slide by, and snorkel at Malmok Beach and Catalina Bay without rushing.

I like the comfortable shaded seating and the generous food and drink service. I also like that the snorkeling spots are described as shallow and easy, which helps if you are not a strong swimmer. The main drawback is price: at $129.99 per person, you are paying for comfort, space, and personal service, not simply a boat ride and a sandwich.

Key points to know before you book

• Small-group sailing: The boat takes up to 12 people, giving you more room and easier access to the crew.
• Two snorkeling stops: You visit Malmok Beach first, then Catalina Bay, with equipment supplied.
• Comfort comes first: Padded lounge chairs, shade, food, and drinks make this as much a relaxing cruise as a snorkeling outing.
• Morning timing: You must arrive by 9:15 am for the 9:30 am departure from Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier.
• Lunch and open bar included: Expect a sandwich lunch, alcoholic drinks, snacks, and the much-praised grilled cheese served during the trip.
• Not a private charter: The group is small, but you will share the boat with other people.

A quiet start at Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier

Your morning begins at Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier in Noord. The listed meeting point is Berea di Piscado Hadicurari, near the code HXH3+5X7. Plan to arrive by 9:15 am, giving yourself time to find the pier and get ready before the boat leaves at 9:30.

Transportation to the pier is not included. That matters if you are staying elsewhere on Aruba, so check your route before booking. The meeting area is near public transportation, but you still need to make your own way there. The operator also asks you to provide your accommodation details while on Aruba, likely so they know where you are staying.

Wear casual clothing and bring what you need for a morning on the water. The supplied details do not list a required swimwear policy, but snorkeling is part of the trip, so practical beach clothing makes sense. You will also want sun protection, though the boat has shaded seating.

The boat returns to the same meeting point after about three hours. This makes the cruise easy to fit into a longer day, perhaps before lunch on shore or an afternoon at the beach.

The Blue Melody, the Black Pearl, and the small-group feel

The experience is operated by Black Pearl and Blue Melody. The boat name may vary, so do not assume you will sail on one specific vessel unless the operator confirms it. The important feature is the setup: this is a small-group outing, not a private trip and not a large party boat.

The maximum group size is listed as 12 people. That is one of the strongest reasons to consider the tour. The crew can give more direct attention, getting equipment ready and helping people who need a little confidence in the water. Several crew members are connected with the operation, including Captain John and Albert.

The seating gets unusually strong attention in the available feedback. Each passenger reportedly has a padded lounge chair, with shaded areas available if you prefer a break from the sun. That changes the character of the trip. You are not simply sitting on a hard bench between snorkel stops. You can stretch out, talk, watch the coastline, and enjoy the ride in comfort.

There is also no promise of loud music. For some people, that is a plus. The boat seems designed for a peaceful morning, not a floating nightclub. If you want dancing, blasting music, and a party atmosphere, this may feel too quiet. If you want the sound of the sea and easy conversation, the calmer approach should suit you.

Sailing Aruba’s coast before the first snorkel

The cruise begins with time on the water before the first snorkeling stop. This slow start is useful. You can get settled, look toward the coast, and ease into the morning instead of jumping straight into the water.

The exact route can depend on sea and weather conditions. The trip is built around clear Aruba water, but the operator may adjust locations if conditions change. On one rainy outing, the crew changed the sites so the group could still have snorkeling time. That flexibility is worth noting, especially in a place where weather can shift quickly.

This sailing time is also where the tour earns part of its price. A cheaper outing may take you to similar water, but the difference can be the space, the chair, the smaller group, and the attention from the crew. You should decide if those comforts matter to you. If your only goal is to spend as little as possible while getting wet, other options may cost less.

Malmok Beach: an easy first stop

The first listed snorkeling site is Malmok Beach. This area is known in the tour plan as a clear-water stop where you can begin exploring the sea life around Aruba.

The most useful detail for less confident swimmers is that the stops are described as shallow and easy. You should still be comfortable entering the water and follow the crew’s instructions, but this is not presented as a demanding open-water swim. Equipment is provided, so you do not need to pack a mask, snorkel, or fins.

Malmok works well as a first stop because you can get used to the equipment and the water before moving on. You might see colorful fish, and there is a chance of spotting a turtle, though wildlife is never guaranteed. The trip’s appeal is not based on one promised animal encounter. It is the mix of simple snorkeling, calm water time, and a comfortable return to the boat.

The snorkeling itself may not satisfy someone seeking a dramatic reef expedition. One account described the underwater areas as fairly uneventful, while still praising the sailing, food, and drinks. That is a fair warning. Choose this cruise for an easy and pleasant morning, not for advanced underwater exploration.

Catalina Bay and the second chance to snorkel

After Malmok Beach, the boat continues to Catalina Bay. This gives you a second site and another chance to see fish in a different setting.

Two stops are valuable for beginners. If you need a few minutes to adjust at the first location, you have another opportunity later. If the first stop is less active than expected, the second may offer a better look at fish. Conditions and marine life change from day to day, so the two-stop plan adds some variety without making the morning feel hurried.

The crew provides the snorkeling equipment, which keeps the logistics simple. You do not need to rent gear separately or carry it to the pier. If you have a favorite mask or snorkel, you may prefer your own equipment, but the tour includes the basics.

The water is described as calm and clear, though no snorkel site can be guaranteed perfect on every departure. Weather, visibility, and sea conditions all matter. The operator can alter the plan when needed, but poor weather can also lead to cancellation.

Lunch, grilled cheese, and the open bar

Food is one of the pleasant surprises here. Lunch includes a sandwich, and the boat also serves snacks. The grilled cheese gets repeated praise, enough that I would save room for it rather than eating a heavy breakfast before departure.

One useful tip is not to overeat before boarding. The cruise includes food, and the meal comes after time on the water, so a light breakfast is probably the sensible choice. The exact sandwich selection is not specified, so do not book this expecting a particular menu item beyond the included lunch and the frequently noted grilled cheese.

Alcoholic drinks are included in the price, and the cruise has an open bar. Champagne is part of the experience’s name, though the supplied details do not specify a particular brand or how it is served. Reviews also refer to plentiful drinks and attentive bartending.

Soft drink quality may be less consistent. One person specifically found the soda flat, which is a small point but a useful reminder that food and beverage service is part of a boat excursion, not a restaurant meal. Overall, the food receives unusually warm praise for this type of outing, but expectations should stay practical.

What the $129.99 price really buys

At $129.99 per person, this is not the bargain snorkeling option in Aruba. You can find cheaper outings, especially if you are willing to join a larger boat or pay separately for food and drinks.

The value here comes from the package. You receive about three hours on the water, snorkeling equipment, two planned snorkeling areas, lunch, alcoholic beverages, padded seating, shade, and a group capped at 12 people. The smaller capacity also allows the crew to give more personal attention.

That price makes more sense for a couple or small group that dislikes crowded excursions. It is less compelling if you plan to spend most of the time in the water and do not care about seating, lunch, or the open bar. A lower-cost trip may give you similar access to the sea.

You should also remember that transportation to the pier is not included. Add the cost and time of getting to Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier when comparing options. The tour ends where it starts, so there is no drop-off at another beach or attraction.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this trip if you want a gentle morning with a clear balance between snorkeling and relaxation. It suits couples, small groups, and anyone who prefers a quieter boat with room to stretch out.

It is also a good match for people who are not strong swimmers, provided they can participate safely in the water. The snorkeling areas are described as shallow and easy, and the crew can provide equipment and assistance. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate, according to the activity information.

Families should look closely at the group size and price. The outing can work for older children who are comfortable snorkeling, but the supplied information does not give a child age minimum or special child pricing. Ask the operator before booking if that detail matters to your group.

I would skip it if you want a private charter, a loud party, a long sailing day, or advanced snorkeling. The trip is not private, lasts only about three hours, and is built around comfort rather than intense activity.

Booking details that can affect your morning

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the ticket is mobile, so you do not need a printed voucher. You still need to arrive by 9:15 am. Missing a boat that leaves at 9:30 could spoil the morning, and the supplied policy does not offer refunds for ordinary cancellations or amendments.

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can receive a different date or a full refund. If you cancel for your own reasons, the booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed.

The activity is listed as suitable for most people and near public transportation. Casual dress is fine. Because the boat returns to the starting pier, you can plan the rest of your day without arranging a second pickup point.

Should you book the VIP morning sailing cruise?

Book it if you want small-group comfort, easy snorkeling, lunch, and an open bar in one relaxed package. The padded chairs, shade, attentive crew, and two snorkeling stops give the morning a polished feel without turning it into a formal affair.

Think twice if $129.99 feels high for a three-hour outing or if your priority is simply finding the cheapest way to snorkel. The snorkeling may be pleasant rather than spectacular, and one stop may feel quiet underwater. You are paying for the whole experience, especially the space and service.

For a peaceful Aruba morning, this is a strong choice. Arrive early, keep breakfast light, bring sun protection, and save room for the grilled cheese.

FAQ

How long is the VIP morning sailing and snorkeling trip?

The activity lasts about three hours.

What time does the boat leave?

The boat departs at 9:30 am. You need to arrive at the meeting point by 9:15 am.

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier, Berea di Piscado Hadicurari, HXH3+5X7, Noord, Aruba.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is transportation included?

No. Transportation to and from the attractions or meeting point is not included.

Is the tour private?

No. It is a shared boat excursion with a maximum of 12 people.

Are snorkeling supplies provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Which snorkeling locations are included?

The planned stops are Malmok Beach and Catalina Bay.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch and alcoholic beverages are included in the tour price. The experience also includes an open bar.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. The booking is otherwise non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.