REVIEW · ARUBA
Premium Morning Snorkel Sail with Champagne Brunch
Book on Viator →Operated by Pelican Aruba · Bookable on Viator
Nothing beats snorkel-and-mimosa timing. This Aruba catamaran pairs free-flowing mimosas with three snorkeling stops, including a shipwreck area, all for a very sane price.
I especially like that you’re not stuck choosing between food and water time. You get breakfast and lunch while you’re already out on the sea, plus snorkeling gear and repeated chances to spot fish and sea turtles.
One thing to consider: there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to get yourself to Pelican Pier on the northwest side. And if the water is choppy, the shipwreck stop can feel rougher than the first entry.
In This Review
- Quick hits
- Why This 9:00 AM Mimosa Sail Fits Real Aruba Days
- Pelican Pier Departure: Where You Meet and What the Boat Experience Feels Like
- Breakfast with Mimosas: Danishes, Croissants, and Coffee Before You Float
- Three Snorkeling Stops Off Aruba: Fish, Shipwreck, and Reef Variety
- Stop One: Easy-Entry Underwater Time
- Stop Two: The Shipwreck Area
- Stop Three: Reefs Like Tres Trapi and Boca Catalina (Plus Third Lung)
- Lunch on the Water: Paella, Sandwich Options, and Fresh Fruit
- The Crew, Safety, and Gear: What Makes This Feel Comfortable in the Water
- Value for $85: Why This Price Can Work Better Than You Expect
- Who Should Book This and Who Might Want a Different Plan
- Should You Book This Premium Morning Snorkel Sail with Champagne Brunch?
- FAQ
- What time does the tour start?
- Where do I meet for the cruise?
- How long is the experience?
- Is breakfast and lunch included?
- Is snorkeling equipment provided?
- How many snorkeling stops are there?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- Is there an option for deeper snorkeling?
- What happens if weather is poor?
- Are service animals allowed?
Quick hits

- Unlimited mimosas on board with breakfast and lunch built into the ride
- Three snorkeling stops to see different underwater scenes (including a shipwreck)
- Gear provided and safety-focused crew watching you in the water
- A “third lung” option for exploring deeper using an air supply from the boat’s surface
- Breakfast pastries and lunch plates like croissants, Danishes, and seafood paella
- Half-day timing that leaves plenty of afternoon room in your Aruba schedule
Why This 9:00 AM Mimosa Sail Fits Real Aruba Days

Aruba mornings move fast in a good way. This tour starts at 9:00 am, so you’re done by early afternoon and still have time for a beach, a sunset drink, or a quick drive inland.
The magic here is the pacing. You sail out, fuel up, snorkel three separate times, and then eat again before heading back to Pelican Pier. It’s the kind of plan that feels like you’re getting multiple activities for one group-boat setup.
And yes, it’s a “champagne brunch” style deal—but it’s not only about the alcohol. The real draw is that you’re in Aruba’s clear water with multiple go-in-the-water chances, not just one rushed stop.
Pelican Pier Departure: Where You Meet and What the Boat Experience Feels Like
You meet at Pelican Pier / Pelican Nest Restaurant (J.E. Irausquin Blvd 230, Noord, Aruba). The tour runs without hotel pickup, so plan on arriving under your own steam and getting checked in near the dock area.
On board, the catamaran setup matters. There’s shade if you want it and open sun spots if you don’t, plus enough space to stretch out rather than feeling packed in like a regular day tour. A trampoline on the boat gets used like a sun platform, and you’ll see it in action once everyone settles.
Caribbean music plays during the cruise, and the crew keeps things upbeat. Expect a fun, social vibe without it turning into a loud party boat. That balance shows up in the way people describe the energy: friendly, organized, and focused on helping you have a good time in the water.
Breakfast with Mimosas: Danishes, Croissants, and Coffee Before You Float

Breakfast is served early as you’re getting underway. You’ll get pastries like Danishes and croissants, along with coffee, tea, and juice. Then the mimosa part kicks in as part of the morning meal.
Why this is a smart start: snorkeling works better when you’re not starving. You burn energy in the water, even if you’re just floating and looking around, and having food first keeps the day from turning into a snack scramble.
I also like that the crew’s approach is geared toward comfort. People who were new to snorkeling describe feeling supported with clear instruction, and the breakfast window helps you get settled and ready before the first splash.
Three Snorkeling Stops Off Aruba: Fish, Shipwreck, and Reef Variety

The itinerary is built around three snorkeling locations, which is exactly what you want for a morning cruise. One stop can be calm; another can be a bit rough; having three chances increases your odds of seeing sea life even if conditions shift.
Stop One: Easy-Entry Underwater Time
The first entry is described as generally more approachable. You’ll slip on your mask, fins, and snorkel (included), then jump into the clear water to look for marine life.
This stop is where you usually get that immediate Aruba wow. You get close enough to see tropical fish, and it’s a solid place to build confidence if it’s your first time snorkeling.
Stop Two: The Shipwreck Area
One of the snorkeling stops is around a shipwreck. Shipwreck sites tend to attract fish and change the underwater feel fast, so it usually adds variety beyond just a flat reef.
This is also the stop where you should expect the water to be a little less still. Some people describe it as wavier than the first entry, but the practical takeaway is simple: hold on where the crew tells you, keep your gear fitted correctly, and let the lifeguard/watch team guide your pacing in the water.
You’ll also get a bit of story time. A short history note about the wreck is part of the onboard approach, which helps turn it from scenery into something you can picture and connect with.
Stop Three: Reefs Like Tres Trapi and Boca Catalina (Plus Third Lung)
The third stop is another chance to see a different underwater scene. Names like Tres Trapi and Boca Catalina come up in people’s descriptions, and that matters because reef sections can feel different based on depth, cover, and water movement.
This is also where the third lung system comes in if you want an extra twist. It’s essentially a way to breathe while exploring deeper territory: you use a breathing setup connected to an air supply on the water’s surface. The benefit is that you’re not limited to the surface-only swim if you want to go down more.
A practical note: only use it if you’re comfortable following instructions and staying calm with the equipment. The whole point is a smoother, controlled way to explore farther down, not a race to see who can go lowest.
Lunch on the Water: Paella, Sandwich Options, and Fresh Fruit

When people say the tour includes plenty to eat, they mean it. Lunch is served after snorkeling, and it’s not just a token plate.
You can expect items like chicken salad, ham and cheese, seafood paella, assorted breads, and fresh fruit. On a half-day, that’s enough variety to keep everyone happy, including people who don’t want to leave the boat the moment they’re finished in the water.
The drinks are part of lunch too. There’s an open bar, and you can order unlimited drinks while you’re eating. If you’re doing mimosa-brunch style days, this is where the day stays consistent instead of switching into a pay-as-you-go model.
The Crew, Safety, and Gear: What Makes This Feel Comfortable in the Water

This is where the reviews really line up: the crew is present, organized, and focused on safety. You’ll find clear safety instructions, and there’s a dedicated lifeguard/watch role on board.
Gear quality is part of the comfort factor too. People specifically call out that snorkeling gear is sanitized and that the boat is clean. That matters because snorkeling equipment is the literal touchpoint between you and the ocean.
For first-timers, the key isn’t just equipment—it’s confidence. The crew provides guidance on how to snorkel and how to behave in the water. And since you get three separate snorkeling chances, you can adjust after the first entry instead of feeling stuck with one shot.
If water gets choppy, you’re not expected to manage it alone. People mention feeling safe even when conditions weren’t glass-flat, because the crew maintained watch and helped you time your moments in the water.
Value for $85: Why This Price Can Work Better Than You Expect

At $85 per person, this tour lands in the category of “reasonable” for a premium-feeling morning. The value isn’t only the snorkeling. It’s the combination: catamaran ride, three snorkeling stops, gear included, and breakfast plus lunch with unlimited drinks.
Here’s the practical angle: if you price out snorkeling gear rentals, a multi-stop boat outing, and a real meal plus drinks, this starts to look less like a deal and more like a bundled lifestyle day.
Also, the timing helps. You’re not spending your whole day commuting between activities. You’re back at Pelican Pier early afternoon, so you can use the rest of the day for a beach session, a different tour, or just time to recharge.
Group size is capped at a maximum of 60 travelers. That’s big enough to feel lively, but it’s not so huge that you can’t get attention when you need it.
Who Should Book This and Who Might Want a Different Plan

This is a great fit if you want your Aruba morning to feel easy and fun. You’ll like it if:
- you’re snorkeling for the first time or you want repeated chances without pressure
- you care about good food and drinks during the activity window
- you want a half-day that doesn’t steal your whole afternoon
It might not be your best match if you’re chasing a quiet, no-music, low-alcohol vibe. Even when it’s not a party boat, it’s still designed as a social brunch-on-the-water experience.
Also, if you strongly dislike alcohol or you only want a single drink, the unlimited open bar model may change the feel of the day. The good news is you can still enjoy the snorkeling, but you should know what the tour is built around.
Should You Book This Premium Morning Snorkel Sail with Champagne Brunch?
I think you should book this if you want a simple Aruba plan that hits multiple goals: sailing, snorkeling at three spots, and real meals served while you’re out there. For $85 and about 4 hours, it’s one of those tours that can make a week feel smoother because it’s doing the heavy lifting for you.
Book it especially if you’re new to snorkeling. The structure—equipment included, safety focus, and multiple stops—lets you ease in and still see good underwater variety. Just be ready for the fact that the shipwreck stop can be a bit rougher than the first entry when the water isn’t perfectly calm.
If your top priority is quiet time above all else, you may prefer a smaller, more subdued outing. But if your ideal morning includes mimosas, fish, and a shipwreck photo moment, this one makes a strong case.
FAQ
What time does the tour start?
The tour starts at 9:00 am.
Where do I meet for the cruise?
You’ll meet at Pelican Pier / Pelican Nest Restaurant on Pelican Pier, J.E. Irausquin Blvd 230, Noord, Aruba.
How long is the experience?
The duration is about 4 hours.
Is breakfast and lunch included?
Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included, and they’re served with mimosas.
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you’ll use it for the three snorkeling stops.
How many snorkeling stops are there?
There are three snorkeling locations during the cruise.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
Is there an option for deeper snorkeling?
Yes. You can try the third lung system, which provides an air supply connection from the water’s surface for deeper exploration.
What happens if weather is poor?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes. Service animals are allowed.




