An Aruba party boat tour is one of the most popular activities on the island — a sailing catamaran or schooner with unlimited open bar, snorkelling stops and music on the water. Here’s the complete guide to Aruba party boat tours and how to choose the right one.
• Cost: $65–95/person with open bar and snorkelling included
• Best known:Jolly Pirates (schooner), Pelican Adventures (catamaran)
• Duration: Half day (4 hours) or sunset cruise (2–3 hours)
• Open bar: Unlimited local beer, rum punch, soft drinks
• Snorkelling: 1–2 stops at coral reef and wreck sites
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Best Party Boat Operators in Aruba
Jolly Pirates
The most famous party boat in Aruba — a traditional wooden schooner (not a modern catamaran) with a genuinely fun, slightly rowdy atmosphere. Famous for the rope swing off the side of the boat. Open bar throughout. Snorkelling at the Antilla wreck and reef sites. Multiple departures daily. This is the most-reviewed and highest-rated party boat experience in Aruba. Book at least a week ahead in peak season.
Pelican Adventures
Catamaran-based tours with a more organised, slightly calmer atmosphere than Jolly Pirates. Good for groups who want a party experience without quite as much wildness. Open bar, snorkelling stops, professional guides. Also highly rated.
Sunset Cruise Options
If a full half-day party isn’t what you want, sunset catamaran cruises ($55–80) offer 2 hours of sailing along the coast with open bar and spectacular sunset views — a more romantic, less raucous alternative.
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What’s Included on Most Party Boats
- Unlimited open bar — local Balashi beer, rum punch, piña colada, soft drinks and water
- Snorkelling equipment — mask, fins and snorkel provided
- 2 snorkel stops — typically Antilla wreck (shallow sections) and a reef site
- Music — reggae and Caribbean music throughout
- Sun deck — nets to lie on, space to sunbathe
Tips for Booking
- Book 1–2 weeks ahead in peak season (December–April) — Jolly Pirates especially sells out
- Morning departures are better for snorkelling (calmer seas, better visibility)
- Afternoon/sunset departures are better for the party atmosphere
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen — you’ll be on the water for 3–4 hours
- Light lunch beforehand — open bar on an empty stomach is a bad idea
🎯 Book Top-Rated Aruba Tours
Free cancellation on most. Book ahead — popular tours sell out.
Free cancellation on most tours
For the wider set of sailing options, see every sailing option in Aruba.
Reef trips from Palm Beach
Half-day departures, most with hotel pickup.
Traveller favouriteVIP Morning Delight Champagne Sailing and Snorkeling with Lunch
$145 / person
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Related Aruba Guides
- Aruba Catamaran Tours — all cruise options ranked
- Aruba Nightlife — bars, clubs and beach parties
- Aruba Boat Tours — complete boat tour guide
- Things to Do in Aruba — ranked activities
- Jolly Pirates Aruba: 4 cruises reviewed (live prices)
Frequently asked questions
What does a snorkelling trip in Aruba cost?
Snorkelling trips start at about $55 per person and typically include gear, instruction and two or three stops. Boats usually leave from Palm Beach.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
No. Most trips provide flotation vests and the leeward-side sites are shallow and calm. Tell the crew if you are nervous in water and they will keep you near the boat.
What will I actually see?
The Antilla shipwreck is the headline site, one of the largest wrecks in the Caribbean and shallow enough to snorkel. Boca Catalina and Malmok are the reliable reef and turtle spots.
Can I cancel?
Most water trips offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you generally pay nothing upfront.
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