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Private Aruba Snorkeling Excursion with Rum Punch

Recommended by 98% of travelers
Aruba
Viator Experience Award
Popular pick
Booked 5+ times last week!
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Group discounts
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9
Ā·
Ā· Bruce_S Ā·
Mar 2026
Captain Lex was fantastic ! He was so attentive and very knowledgeable ! He taught us a lot about snorkeling that we didn’t know and also about the waters of Aruba ! I got sea sick and he was so nice and concerned for me and how I was feeling . Rum punch was so tasty lol . Would 100 % recommend this tour !!!
Ā· Sydney_W Ā·
Feb 2026
we had a great time. easy to communicate in advance. easy pick up right on the beach. my boyfriend and i had different levels of experience and interest in snorkeling ams had an equal amount of fun. captain lex was so chill and made it enjoyable and gave us some history. would recommend for an easy snorkeling trip and a gold value.

Overview

Most snorkeling trips in Aruba crowd passengers onto big boats. This private tour is just for your group, which lets you avoid crowds and create your own itinerary for a personalized experience. Aboard a 26-foot Bayliner boat, you'll head for Catalina Bay where you can snorkel in shallow waters and spot angel fish, damsel fish and more.
  • Private tour, exclusively for your party: A personalized experience
  • Flexibility to adjust the itinerary to your preferences
  • Snorkel in shallow waters filled with diverse marine wildlife
  • Suitable for all levels of snorkeling experience, including beginners

What's Included

  • Use of Snorkeling equipment
    Use of Snorkelling equipment
  • Bottled water
  • Rum punch
  • Soft drinks
  • Octopus souvenir
  • Food

Meeting and Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

We offer a free pick-up service with our shuttle boat from all high-rise hotels. Please let us know if you wish to use this service. You will be picked up on the beach of your hotel with our shuttle boat. Directions from non-high rise hotels When you take a taxi from your hotel to our beach hut please you can tell the taxi driver the destination is the Holiday Inn Hotel. Your meeting location is an approximate 1-2-minute walk from the entrance of the hotel. Once you reach the Holiday Inn Hotel, please walk through the entrance of the hotel and after about 20 steps, you will reach a garden where you will continue to walk through until you reach the beach area. Upon reaching the beach, please make left on the footpath and walk about 10 meters (33 feet) and you will reach the beach hut for Octopus Aruba, where you will see representatives dressed in orange shorts and white polo shirts.

or

Meeting point

  • Octopus Aruba Sailing, Snorkeling, Sunset & Private Tours
    J.E. Irausquin Blvd 87, suitenummer 227, Palm Beach, Aruba, Noord, Aruba

    Your tour departs from the Octopus Aruba beach hut, unless a pickup location is selected. Our beach hut is located on Palm Beach behind the Holiday Inn. Once you reach the Holiday Inn Hotel, walk through the lobby towards the beach. Make a left on the footpath and you will see us on your right.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

1

Malmok Beach

2

Boca Cataavlina

3

The Antilla

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Minimum drinking age is 18 years
  • Children are welcome and infants under two cruise free
  • We offer free pick-up for all hotels listed (high rise hotels), if your hotel is not listed, we offer pick-up and drop-off service for $10 per person round trip.
  • Bring a towel, sun cream and sunglasses
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Bruce_S
Captain Lex was fantastic ! He was so attentive and very knowledgeable ! He taught us a lot about snorkeling that we didn’t know and also about the waters of Aruba ! I got sea sick and he was so nice and concerned for me and how I was feeling . Rum punch was so tasty lol . Would 100 % recommend this tour !!!

Reviews

4.9
based on 538 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Fantastic tour would definitely recommend !!!

Bruce_S, Mar 2026
Captain Lex was fantastic ! He was so attentive and very knowledgeable ! He taught us a lot about snorkeling that we didn’t know and also about the waters of Aruba ! I got sea sick and he was so nice and concerned for me and how I was feeling . Rum punch was so tasty lol . Would 100 % recommend this tour !!!

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 😊 We’re so happy you had a great time with Captain Lex he’ll love hearing this! 🌊 We’re especially glad he took great care of you and that you enjoyed the snorkeling and rum punch šŸ¹ Hope to have you back again soon! šŸ’™

Great time with Captan...

Merritt_M, Feb 2026
Great time with Captan Lex - very knowledgeable about the area and timed our experience so that we were virtually by ourselves.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so glad you had a great time with Captain Lex. His knowledge and attention to timing truly make the experience special. We hope to welcome you aboard again soon! 🌊✨

good value, fun time

Sydney_W, Feb 2026
we had a great time. easy to communicate in advance. easy pick up right on the beach. my boyfriend and i had different levels of experience and interest in snorkeling ams had an equal amount of fun. captain lex was so chill and made it enjoyable and gave us some history. would recommend for an easy snorkeling trip and a gold value.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you both had a great time, regardless of your snorkeling experience, and that Captain Lex made it fun and informative. 🐠🌊 We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another easy, enjoyable snorkeling adventure!

Private snorkeling with octopus and Lex

Abe_C, Jan 2026
We went private snorkeling excursion, just the two of us Our captain was LEX. I hope I’m spelling his name right a wonderful guy originally from the Netherlands. I would ask for him if you can. My wife is a very good snorkeler, but I am not quite a beginner, but not quite comfortable. He took us to quiet areas where we saw a fish, but it wasn’t overly challenging with waves. It was very beneficial plus, he wasn’t a very good instructor and he was patient and gave us good tips as to how to snorkel. It made a huge difference to have him.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to hear that Captain Lex made your private snorkeling excursion so enjoyable and tailored the trip to your comfort level. It’s great that his patience and tips helped make snorkeling easier and more fun for you. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to him he’ll be delighted! šŸ šŸ¤æā›µ

Captain Lex

Katy_D, Jan 2026
Captain Lex is a talented boat captain. He is very knowledgable in snorkeling and scuba diving. He made us very comfortable during the excursion, offering history of the areas we moored in. The rum punch is the best I’ve ever had! We would recommend his services and will book with him again when back at the Island!

Great snorkeling in Aruba

Paul_B, Dec 2025
we had an excellent experience with Lux. He was very knowledgeable safety conscience organized on time and very friendly. We would recommend him to anyone.

Turtles, urchins, crabs & schools of fish!

Nicolle_Z, Nov 2025
We had a great time with our 10 & 6 year olds. The private boat ride was so helpful to maximize our comfort and snorkeling fun. We saw turtles, schools of fish, sting rays, urchins, crabs - and had a wonderful time! Our kids had been snorkeling off the shore, but not in open water and it was our first time in Aruba, so knowing where to safely go to see beautiful underwater life was important. Highly recommend!

Great time

Nicole_S, Nov 2025
Very good experience! Saw lots fish and a turtle it was the best experience snorkeling we had on Aruba

Excellent Experience!!!

CynthiaM_F, Nov 2025
We were on a cruise and found everything changed at the last minute. We were very stressed by the time we got to Aruba. Once we got on the boat with Lex, he immediately got us into the ā€œone happy islandā€œ state of mind. He shared interesting history and valuable information. He took us to the best snorkeling spot that we have ever experienced in any of our travels. He told us exactly what to do to make the most of our time in the water. Most important of all, he made us feel like family. We highly recommend Just do it! (Be sure to ask for Lex!)

Amazing Private Snorkeling Tour!

Ashley_R, Oct 2025
We booked a private snorkeling tour with Octopus, and it was truly the highlight of our trip! From start to finish, Captain Shaka made the experience unforgettable. It was our first time snorkeling, so we were a bit nervous, but Shaka was incredibly helpful, patient, and informative. He made us feel safe and confident the entire time. He took us to two stunning snorkeling spots, including the breathtaking Antilla shipwreck and an area where we got to swim with sea turtles! The sights were absolutely surreal. Crystal clear water, vibrant marine life, and the sense of calm that only being out at sea can bring. To top it all off, it was my birthday, and Shaka made the vibe feel so celebratory. He brought the good energy with great music, delicious rum punch, and pure island vibes. It honestly felt like a private party on the water! If you’re heading to Aruba and want a safe, fun, and unforgettable snorkeling experience, do yourself a favor and book with Octopus and definitely ask for Captain Shaka. He made our day so special, and we’ll never forget It!

I’m very late writing...

veronica_T, Sep 2025
I’m very late writing this review, but the captain was great. The snorkeling was beautiful! We had a great time.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are glad to hear you enjoyed the snorkeling and had a great time with our captain. At Octopus Aruba we are committed to offering relaxed sailing and the best snorkeling spots on the island, and we hope to welcome you back on board soon. Best regards, Octopus Aruba

Book it!

Laurel_C, Sep 2025
Lex was amazing! Knowledgeable and fun- the private tour was worth it! Great spots! We saw sea turtles and the shipwreck and was the highlight of our trip!

Our tour guide was...

Valerie_F, Sep 2025
Our tour guide was fabulous and very knowlegible!!! Took us to some great areas to snorkel and was very helpful!

Good Tour, Strange Start

Andrew_L, Sep 2025
Very strange start to our tour. We were waiting on the beach to be picked up and the boat did not show up at out meeting time. When we called the tour operator about minutes after when the tour was supposed to start, they told us the boat was running late and should be there shortly. Fifteen minutes later it still had not showed up so we called again and this time they realized the boat had picked up another family who had claimed they were us (even though they were four people and we were a party of three) and had already gone out to a snorkel site. When they realized what had happened, the captain had to get the family who had impersonated us back on the boat and came back to the meeting point to drop them off and pick us up. Once our tour got under way (about 45 minutes late), it was fine. Captain Shaka brought us to two spots and we enjoyed the snorkeling, seeing lots of fish. Overall, a good tour but just a really strange start.

Amazing tour!

Elsa_B, Aug 2025
We absolutely loved this private tour. Our guides were fun and friendly, made us feel very comfortable. We were able to choose 2 locations for our snorkeling experience and we saw so many colorful fish and coral. We were lucky enough to also spot some sea turtles. Highly recommend, don’t miss out!

Worth it!!!

Ostra_J, Jul 2025
My daughter and I went out on this snorkeling adventure with Lex. It was amazing. We saw about 10 sea turtles and their babies - almost swam into one, and saw tons of fish. During our ride from one location to the next, Lex told us about the history of Aruba which I really enjoyed as well.

Great experience! Captain...

Patricia_F, Jul 2025
Great experience! Captain Boyd was awesome! Picked us up at the beach and took us to the best spots and avoided the crowds. Would highly recommend.

Lexi is the GOAT

Meredith_S, Jul 2025
Lexi was a fantastic captain/guide. Perfect for our snorkeling excursion with our two teen boys lots of fish and we got to see the sea turtles !!!

Snorkleing a ship wreck

Kelly_M, Jul 2025
2 hrs goes by quick, we had a great time. Felt safe, hydrated, and informed about the area we snorkled.

Amazing Experience

Glenesha_S, Jun 2025
It was absolutely Amazing! Captain Lex is so knowledgeable and taught my children so many things! He knew this was our first time so he explained everything extremely well. I definitely recommend Captain Lex! We will be asking for him when we return!

We had a very good time...

Logan_M, Jun 2025
We had a very good time snorkeling. It was unique experience. The captain was wonderful. He explained history, informed us about other beaches around Aruba.

Definitely Recommend!!!

Monifa_H, Jun 2025
We had such an amazing time on the boat. Boi took us out on the boat and made sure we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I could not have asked for a better experience.

Amazing boat, snorkle...

gregory_m, Jun 2025
Amazing boat, snorkle sites and drinks. Captain Boi was outstanding, knew what he was doing and he was very knowledgeable!

Boi was absolutely amazing

Dhruv_S, Jun 2025
Boi took his time with everything and made sure we understood the terrain and where to go and how to look for the most marine life and everything very knowledgeable and also very helpful

Company was flexible with...

Emily_P, May 2025
Company was flexible with our timing & loved having a private tour guide & boat all to ourselves! Ask to go to the coral reef as it was amazing!!

Great Morning in Aruba!

Bethany_N, May 2025
Our family of four enjoyed a wonderful private snorkeling experience with Boi from Octopus Aruba. We visited two locations and had plenty of time to see fish and coral. After our two stops, we chose to enjoy the boat ride for the remainder of the two hour trip. By doing the 9am trip, we avoided most of the crowds on the water. Highly recommend this experience for a more intimate and low key snorkeling adventure.

Response from Host, May 2025

Hi Bethan, Thank you so much for sharing this! We’re so happy to hear your family had such a great morning out on the water with Boi. He’s one of those people who just loves showing guests the beauty of Aruba’s underwater world, and it sounds like you got the perfect mix of snorkeling and relaxing. We really believe in keeping things intimate and unhurried — no crowds, no pressure — just a calm, personal way to enjoy the sea. That’s exactly the kind of experience we aim to create with our small group sizes and relaxed service. Thanks for recommending us. It truly means a lot. If your travels bring you back to Aruba, we’d love to welcome you again. Warm wishes, Team Octopus Aruba Sailing. Snorkeling. Sunset. Private tours. A memory for life.

Great experience

Kira_K, May 2025
Our boat driver, Boy, was amazing—so kind and attentive! He took such great care of us throughout the trip. If you’re looking for a private and personal experience with your family or friends, this is the perfect option—especially if you want to avoid crowded boats. Boy truly made the entire experience even better. We’ll definitely be booking again when we return to Aruba!

Response from Host, May 2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful words! We’re thrilled to hear that Boy made your experience so special. He’s one of our most dedicated team members, always going above and beyond to make our guests feel cared for and at ease. We're proud to offer a more personal and intimate way to explore Aruba, far from the crowds, with just your family or friends on board. Knowing you'll return to sail with us again means the world to us. We can’t wait to welcome you back and create even more unforgettable memories on the water. Until then, sunny greetings from all of us at Octopus Aruba!

This was by far the best...

Suzanne_R, May 2025
This was by far the best snorkeling experience we have ever had and our guide was so personable and knowledgeable!

Great private experience

Mael_P, May 2025
Had an amazing experience, Lex was a great captain and is an experienced snorkeling and diving instructor. This was my 2nd time snorkeling and at first I felt uncomfortable but with his instructions I got in and did an amazing job, he even congratulated me on how well I did. I highly recommend this experience for the people who prefer a private experience.

I brought my two...

Danielle_N, Apr 2025
I brought my two daughters snorkeling for the first time and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Lex was amazing!! He is very experienced, knew all the best spots to go for beginners and we had asked to see turtles. He brought us to a spot where the turtles were popping up everywheres. Thank you lex, we will always remember this experience!

From $140.00

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 30 days in advance.

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