Catamaran and sailing trips in Aruba
Catamaran and sailing trips are one of the easiest ways to see Aruba's calm southwest coast from the water. Most boats leave from the Palm Beach piers and head out for a snorkel stop. Day sails, sunset sails and happy hour cruises all run here, so the trip can suit a morning or an evening.
Places to go
Antilla Shipwreck
The Antilla is a scuttled German freighter lying off Malmok Beach on Aruba's west coast. Snorkelers and divers reach it by catamaran, and the wreck is one of the largest in the Caribbean.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
A day sail usually starts with boarding at the Palm Beach piers and a sail along the west coast. The main stop is the Antilla, a 400-foot German freighter scuttled in 1940 and shallow enough to snorkel. Many trips add a reef stop at Boca Catalina or Malmok, and some include sunbathing and time in the water.
Sunset and happy hour sails are shorter and more social. They run about two hours along the coast, and the light changes color as the sun goes down. Some sailings add live music, and optional dinner is sometimes offered. The day sails suit people who want a full morning or afternoon on the water.
Where to go
- Antilla Shipwreck. A 400-foot German freighter scuttled in 1940, shallow enough to snorkel. It is the main stop on the sail-and-snorkel trips. By boat. A trip that goes here: The Antilla Shipwreck Sail and Snorkel Trip, 3 Hours, $89 a person
- Catalina Bay. A stop for sunbathing and snorkeling on the champagne brunch sail. By boat. A trip that goes here: Champagne Brunch Sail, 3 Hours, $139 a person
- Boca Catalina and Malmok. Reef stops often paired with the Antilla wreck on catamaran snorkel tours. By boat. A trip that goes here: Champagne Brunch Sail, 3 Hours, $139 a person
- Palm Beach piers. The pick-up points for sail and snorkel cruises and scuba trips. By walk or taxi.
Getting there
Most catamaran trips leave from the piers along Palm Beach. Many operators will collect passengers from a nearby hotel, so ask about pickup when booking.
When to go
Trips run year-round, so there is no single best season. Morning sails tend to be calm, and the sunset sails are shaped by the evening light along the coast.
Good to know
- Book the trip ahead of your visit, since catamaran sailings are usually reserved in advance.
- Bring swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a towel and a bag for dry clothes.
- Do not stand on the reef or take shells, sand or coral from the water or the beach.
Questions
What is the Antilla shipwreck?
The Antilla is a 400-foot German freighter that was scuttled in 1940. It lies in water shallow enough to snorkel, and it is the main stop on the sail-and-snorkel catamaran trips from Aruba.
Is there a sunset sail in Aruba?
Yes. Sunset sails run about two hours along the coast, and happy hour sails are offered with live music on some trips. Booking ahead is typical.
