Recommendation on Day Sail

[jaime6894]

Hi,
I'm hoping you all can give me some good recommendations on a day sail. We have never done one before and would like some input. I would like it to include a nice lunch and maybe some snorkeling. I don't know if they include anything else. Also, any idea on cost would be helpful too.
Thanks so much.
Jaime

[Arubalisa]

For serious boat snorkeling, Tranquilo http://www.tranquiloaruba.com/. It is a long day though with the sailing included. All in all a nice relaxing day. I wrote about our experiencehere and have photos here.

I do not know when you will be on the island, but Tranquilo will be off on vacation racing their sailboat Oct. 1 - 12.

For light hearted fun with some snorkeling, lunch and dancing, Jolly Pirates. Specificially their "Sail, Snorkel, Swim & Swing"
http://www.jolly-pirates.com/web/Tours.php

I wrote about our experience here and have photos here.

Also see additional info at http://www.aruba.com/forum/tags/snorkel%20cruise.html

[Sunny Beaches]

1st. Tranquilo, they will be in a sailing regatta from 10-1 to 10-13, they have a 6 hr. total sail tour 2 hr. sail to Spanish Lagoon (only one's to go there) 2 hr. snorkel, lunch including homemade Dutch pea soup (yum) drinks and a very relaxing 2 hr. sail back (take the bow) last time $60 pp. not more than 20 people. 2nd. Blue Melody. 3rd. Jolly Pirates party boat and crowded.

[susanrae]

We booked the Morning Star the reviews were excellent, and after speaking and emailing Katrina ( she is the head chef and hostess) we decided although very pricy we want something very special, they go to spanish lagoon too. We are going mid Oct/ will post after trip, but this is the high light of our trip.
Susan
www.info@morningstararuba.com

[AnnNY]

I first was on the Midushi Sailboat in 1985 when I was in my teens. It was a blast! I did the afternoon lunch & snorkel 4 hour cruise. A few years ago I went on it again for the 3 hr. Sundown Snorkel Cruise. Last year I was in Aruba & my husband & I did not go on the Midushi at all & my sister (who owns a timeshare in Aruba) thought we were nuts. (It was my husband's first trip to Aruba & she considered it a "must"). We are going back in 2 weeks & I am booking the Midushi Sundown Snorkel Cruise ahead of time. (You should ck out the website for what days of the week they offer each cruise & you also get a discount by ordering ahead of time on the Internet). (We are not real experienced snorkelers - just enjoy getting in the ocean & looking around a bit & the crew on the Midushi is a ton of fun & always good for a lot of laughs & Happy Hour fun!). Enjoy! (I think we'll book for the Tuesday, Nov. 3 cruise. It's from 3:30-6:30 PM)

[Andrea J.]

i just booked my son and his bride on the Tranquillo for the drift/snorkel/lunch sail for their delayed honeymoon vacation in aruba.

imo tranquillo is the best for low key and relaxing.

[layers73]

For those that have been: out of all the various snorkeling trips (Jolly Pirates....many others....) which ones are recommended?

Also any difference on which would be recommended if we have 2 people in our group that are terrified of the ocean (sharks, fish in general.....) but are both trying to overcome their fear on this trip so they WANT to go.....

[jollypirates9394]

I would definately recommend the Jolly Pirates. They are good for people who are experts to people who have never snorkeled before. They also do a quick lesson for those who have never snorkeled. While the people are in the water they have 2 pirates that are in the water with you in case there is any trouble and there are also the pirates on the boat that look out for you. Jolly Pirates also provides flotation devices and all snorkel equipment you would need. There are few to no sharks in Aruba so no worries there. Plus, they have a large boat so you have space and you don't feel the rocking as much. I definately felt extremely safe and comfortable when I was on the Jolly Pirates. I hope this helps

[cindyo]

Originally Posted by layers73

For those that have been: out of all the various snorkeling trips (Jolly Pirates....many others....) which ones are recommended?

.....

The Palm Pleasure of Depalm Tours is quite a magnificient boat, its 100 ft, rides 8 ft off the water and is a nice boat. have been on it 5x in 4 years. Kids and adults both like it. They have the rope mesh things to lay on over the water, snacks and open bar. We have done both sunset and snorkle. The boat also has cover and all the equip you need, however, I would recommmend you bring your own mouth piece. You never feel crowded on this boat.

[KATH2ME]

When you say, your own mouthpiece, do you mean your own snorkel equipment, mask and tube thing , I would have to look where I could get a good mask and stuff, don't mind, seems like it makes more sense, and certainly cleaner