A calm boat ride can still be the best snorkeling plan of your trip. This VIP Morning Delight cruise pairs a small group catamaran morning with two Aruba water stops (including Malmok Beach), then wraps it up with lunch and an open bar back onboard. The vibe is simple: sail, float, snorkel, eat, repeat.

I especially love the small group size (max 12), because it keeps the pace relaxed and you get real personal attention on the water. I also like that snorkeling gear is provided, so you don’t waste time or suitcase space trying to pack and hunt for the right equipment. One thing to consider: this is not a private charter, so if you want a fully yours-only experience, you may prefer a private option.

Key Things That Make This Cruise Worth Your Morning

• Max 12 people on board means a calmer feel and easier guidance in the water
• Snorkeling gear included, so all you bring is yourself (and your water-ready attitude)
• Malmok Beach plus Catalina Bay gives you more than one look at Aruba’s fish life
• Open bar and lunch included so you’re not working around food or drink plans
• Padded lounge seating on a clean, comfortable catamaran keeps things easy from start to finish
• Chill, not party: if you want music turned up, this style may not match that mood

Price and What You’re Really Paying For

At $129.99 per person for about 3 hours, this isn’t the cheapest way to snorkel Aruba. But you’re paying for a bundle that adds up fast: the cruise itself, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and alcoholic beverages. You also get the kind of experience people usually have to hunt for—a small group setup instead of a cattle-call schedule.

The value hits hardest if you don’t want to coordinate extra stuff on your own. No gear shopping. No separate boat transfer tickets. And you’re on the water early enough to feel like you’ve beaten the day’s heat and crowd energy.

Still, one practical note: the tour doesn’t include transportation to or from the pier. So you’ll want to plan your own ride or use nearby public transportation to get to Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier on time.

Where the Cruise Starts: Noord Pier, 9:15 Arrival, 9:30 Launch

This trip leaves from Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier in Noord, Aruba (Berea di Piscado, HXH3+5X7). The start time is 9:30 am, and they ask you to arrive at 9:15 am.

That 15-minute buffer matters more than you might think. It gives you time to get checked in, settle onto the boat, and get comfortable before sailing. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not stuck figuring out a second drop-off.

Dress code is casual, and the activity is listed as one that most people can participate. If you’re bringing along anything special for your comfort—like sun protection for your own skin—that’s on you, since the provided info only specifically calls out casual clothing and included snorkeling gear.

The Boat Experience: Comfort First, Then Champagne-Style Relaxing

This cruise runs on a catamaran operated by Black Pearl and Blue Melody. You’ll find a laid-back rhythm onboard, with seating that people consistently describe as comfortable and shaded when you want it.

A few details show up repeatedly in how the experience feels in practice:

• Padded lounge chairs so you’re not battling hard seats
• A clean, well-kept boat
• A crew that stays friendly and professional
• A staff-to-boat style that keeps service moving without rushing you

In at least one account, Captain John gets mentioned for his professionalism and island knowledge. That matters because when you’re out there in the water, it helps to trust that the crew knows where conditions are good and how to keep things smooth.

If you’re the type who wants a cruise that feels like a morning routine with perks—not a loud group tour—this format is built for that.

Stop 1 Near Malmok Beach: Clear Water and Easy Snorkel Time

Your first water stop is at Malmok Beach, starting from Noord. The whole morning is framed around calm sailing and clear water, and the snorkeling setup is geared for easy entry.

What makes Malmok Beach a great first stop on this kind of cruise is that it’s a straightforward way to start snorkeling without the pressure of being far offshore or totally lost in logistics. Because snorkeling equipment is provided, you can focus on the water instead of troubleshooting your gear.

From the way people describe their time in the water, this is also a solid choice if you’re not the most confident swimmer. The snorkeling areas are described as shallow and beginner-friendly, which means you can enjoy the glide and fish without feeling like you need to perform.

You’ll snorkel, then the boat moves on—so you’re not trapped in one spot for the whole morning.

Catalina Bay Stop: More Fish, More Time in the Water

After the first snorkeling moment, the cruise sails to Catalina Bay for a second look underwater. The shift in location is one of the best parts of doing two stops instead of only one: it raises the odds of seeing different fish and enjoying that back-and-forth rhythm between floating and snorkeling.

The accounts you get from this stop often mention an enjoyable mix of wildlife and simple pleasure—seeing plenty of fish, and in one case, a turtle relaxing where it had no reason to rush.

This second snorkel also makes the timing work. By the time you reach Catalina Bay, you’ve already got the hang of how the experience runs: where to adjust your gear, how long you’ll be in the water, and when it’s time to settle back in.

Lunch and Open Bar: How the Meal Fits the Day

One of the reasons this cruise gets recommended so often is that lunch and drinks are included in the ticket price. This is a big deal for value because it removes a common Aruba frustration: you’re paying for water time, then you still have to feed yourself later.

Food on board is described as surprisingly good, and one item pops up again and again: grilled cheese. People call it a standout, with more than one saying it’s the best part of the meal. That gives you a clear mental picture—this isn’t just bread and chips. It’s a real lunch that feels like it was planned, not patched together.

You’ll also have an open bar. Alcoholic beverages are included, and multiple accounts mention that drinks were flowing during the cruise. If you prefer to keep things light, you can do that too—the vibe stays relaxed.

One small, practical consideration: one reviewer mentioned flat soda specifically. If you’re picky about mixers, you might want to plan on that.

Weather, Timing, and the Kind of Day This Is

The experience runs for about 3 hours and depends on good weather. If conditions are poor and the operator cancels due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

The schedule also suggests this is built for a morning mood. You start early at 9:30 am, and the pacing feels designed around comfort—sailing time between snorkeling, then meal and drinks as you relax afterward. If you’re planning your Aruba day, this cruise works best when you want an active morning without turning the whole day into a checklist.

Also: this isn’t described as a private charter. With a maximum of 12 people, it stays intimate, but you’ll still be sharing the boat with others.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different One)

This is a strong match for you if:

• You want snorkeling with easy logistics (gear included, simple morning schedule)
• You care about comfort as much as you care about seeing fish
• You like a small-group setup with good attention from the crew
• You want lunch and drinks handled without planning a separate meal

You might want to think twice if:

• You’re after a private experience with zero shared space
• You want a more party-style cruise vibe (this one tends to be more chill than loud, and at least one account noted no music)
• You prefer a long snorkeling session. This is a 3-hour outing, so the best results come from enjoying the rhythm rather than expecting an all-day underwater marathon.

Quick Tips Before You Go (Based on What’s Actually Provided)

Since this tour is designed to be simple, the key “prep” is mostly about timing and expectations:

• Be at the pier by 9:15 am so you can start smoothly at 9:30 am
• Wear casual clothing
• Don’t worry about snorkeling gear—equipment is provided
• If you’re comfortable, tell them where you’re staying on Aruba (they ask for this)
• Arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting point
• If you need service animals, they’re allowed

That’s it. No complicated packing list from the info you have, which is part of why this cruise feels low-stress.

Should You Book the VIP Morning Delight Champagne Sailing and Snorkeling?

If you want an Aruba morning that feels premium without being complicated, I think this is an easy yes—especially for the price-to-inclusions ratio. You’re getting two snorkeling stops (including Malmok Beach), gear included, lunch, and open bar, all on a boat that emphasizes comfort and a max 12-person group.

The only real reason to pass is if you’re seeking a private charter vibe or a loud party atmosphere. Otherwise, this is exactly the kind of straightforward, comfort-first snorkeling cruise that can anchor the start of your trip—then leave you with time for the rest of Aruba.

FAQ

How long is the VIP Morning Delight cruise?

It’s about 3 hours.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes lunch and alcoholic beverages, and you also get snorkeling equipment provided.

Where does the tour start in Aruba?

The meeting point is Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier in Noord, Aruba.

What time should I arrive for the 9:30 am departure?

You need to be there by 9:15 am, since the boat starts at 9:30 am.

Is this a private tour?

No. It is not private, though the group size is capped at 12 travelers.

What snorkeling locations are included?

The cruise includes snorkeling at Malmok Beach, and it sails to Catalina Bay for another snorkeling site.

Is transportation to and from the pier included?

No. Transportation is not included to or from the attractions.

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