Smooth Sailing for Holidays & Celebrations in Aruba

But restaurants and tour operators bustle with activity. Beach bags and towels in tow, our group trooped along the wooden deck of Palm Pier on Palm Beach, making our way to the island’s largest catamaran, Palm Pleasure. The sun is sparkling off the placid Caribbean Sea, and a brisk tradewind lets us know it’s a perfect day for sailing.

As an expat raising a family in Aruba, our traditions have naturally blended with the island lifestyle, and experiencing a day of sailing and snorkeling together along Aruba’s breathtaking coastline on Boxing Day is one of the holiday traditions that we look forward to every year.

Welcomed and assisted onboard by Palm Pleasure’s lively crew, we pick up our snorkeling gear and make ourselves comfy in the spacious open-air cabin below deck, receiving a briefing and overview of our snorkeling stops. Once the catamaran pushes away from the pier, the sails go up, the bar opens, and we’re invited to head up to the large bow section of the catamaran to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the view as we make our way to our first snorkel stop, The Antilla, a German cargo ship scuttled by its captain at the start of World War 2. It sits at a depth of about sixty feet, with the top part of the ship at just 20 feet below the surface. The shipwreck is now an artificial coral reef teeming with sealife.  If you’re lucky, you might see a sea turtle or two lazing around the area.  

Stops two and three, at Arashi and Boca Catalina, bring us to a vibrant chain of reefs just off Aruba’s shores. The knowledgeable crew is happy to provide basic snorkeling instruction, and if you’re new to this activity, the Arashi and Boca Catalina stops are in fairly gentle and crystal clear shallow water that’s ideal for novices. 

Nothing sparks my appetite like swimming in the sea, and food just seems to taste extra yummy after a morning of snorkeling. As with many morning, half-day sail excursions, a complete hot lunch is catered (we noshed on grouper, chicken, rice, and veggies).  And although a full open bar is offered throughout the sail, we typically put our Aruba Ariba’s on hold until we hang up our snorkel fins for the day.

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the holidays together than this!  The memories we have created over the years of our annual Boxing Day sailing trips have given us beautiful moments to reflect on as a family—far exceeding any material gifts found under the tree.

Are you looking for an unforgettable experience to celebrate the holidays or any special occasion with family and friends? Aruba’s turquoise sea and scenic coastline offer the ideal playground for group activities. With more than a dozen sailing vessels—each with its own style—you can easily find the perfect match for your group. Here’s a brief overview of some of the many sailing experiences to discover in Aruba.

Daytime Family Fun & Activities

Most daytime sailing excursions include multiple snorkel stops along Aruba’s northwest coast, where shallow reefs at Arashi, Boca Catalina, and Malmok are filled with colorful marine life. Knowledgeable crews provide equipment and instruction, making snorkeling accessible for all ages.

For added fun, some boats—like the Jolly Pirates—feature rope swings, while others, like a few in the Red Sail fleet of catamarans, have water slides. If relaxing is more your vibe, catamarans such as De Palm’s Palm Pleasure (Aruba’s largest at 70’ by 40’) offer spacious nets for sunbathing and lounging.

For a different perspective, The Tranquilo departs from Oranjestad and sails through the Spanish Lagoon with waist-deep snorkeling on a beautiful reef. Captain Anthony even serves his famous Dutch pea soup, made from his mother’s recipe.

Most morning and afternoon sails include open bars, snacks, and meals depending on the excursion. Luxury options like the Monforte III elevate the experience with an onboard chef and handcrafted cocktails, while Spronk Catamarans offers an adults-only champagne, steak, and lobster sail.

Popular daytime excursions:

Jolly Pirates • Palm Pleasure (De Palm Tours) • Red Sail Sports catamarans • Dolphin Catamaran (Delphi Sports) • Arusun & Akka (Aruba Watersports) • The Tranquilo • Monforte III • Octopus • Spronk Catamarans • Pelican Adventures

Sunset Sails

Aruba’s sunsets are especially panoramic from the water. Many operators offer late afternoon/early-evening sails with open bars and snacks—perfect for unwinding in Caribbean style.

Popular sunset sail options:

Jolly Pirates • Palm Pleasure • Red Sail Sports Catamarans • Dolphin Catamaran • Arusun & Akka • Octopus Aruba • Pelican Adventures

Dinner & Evening Cruises

There’s just something magical about sailing along the coastline under the moon and stars. There are a few special excursions that offer a most memorable evening in paradise. 

The Monforte III was one of the first sailing excursions to add luxurious touches to their experience.  The exclusive dinner cruise brings elegance front and center on the spacious 115-foot wood schooner.  Guests enjoy handcrafted cocktails, premium wines, and a four-course dinner prepared by the onboard chef.

Jolly Pirates’ adults-only Grub & Grog evening experience gets the party started with a deejay spinning tunes, a rope swing experience for those that dare, open bar, and a gourmet barbecue, making this a lively nighttime voyage at sea.

For a romantic and exclusive experience for just the two of you, a private dinner on The Tranquilo is truly special.  Enjoy a four-course dinner with freshly caught local seafood, authentic Aruban dishes, and an open bar.

Popular dinner and evening sails:

Jolly Pirates • Monforte III • Red Sail’s Luxury Sail • The Tranquilo

Private Charters

Most of Aruba’s sailing vessels welcome private charters with advance notice and planning, allowing guests to enjoy an experience tailored for just their family or group.  A few sailing vessels are exclusively for private charters, like Ocean Waves and Ocean Faith catamarans.  De Palm Tours recently dropped anchor on a new private sailing experience on the Fortunata, a Lagoon 400 catamaran designed for comfort and style on the water. With spacious decks and a private crew, families and groups can sail the day away in paradise, banking amazing memories to take back home.   

Sailing in Aruba tips: 

• Bring beach towels—most sailing excursions do not provide towels. 
• Don’t forget the sunscreen! Help preserve our coastal ecosystem: only mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreen is permitted in Aruba.
• Sailing excursions are popular; it’s best to book in advance!