Day Sails

There is a large variety of snorkeling, dinner, sunset, and party cruises to choose from. The larger operators offer the best experience, though the smaller ones might offer the best price.

Mi Dushi. Mi Dushi means “my sweetheart” in the local lingo, and this operator has been offering guests snorkeling and sailing trips on Aruban waters for more than three decades. Having recently scuttled their older ship to make a man-made reef, they have a brand-new vessel: a huge, colorful four-deck catamaran than can hold up to 70 people. Tours include music, an open bar, snorkel gear, instruction, and a pirate rope swing. Snorkel tours cover Aruba’s three most popular reefs, and romantic sunset sails are also available. You can also charter them for private parties. Excursions depart from the DePalm Pier on Palm Beach. DePalm Pier, Palm Beach, n/a Aruba. 297/640-3000; www.midushi.com.

Tranquilo Charters Aruba. Captain Mike Hagedoorn, a legendary Aruban sailor, has recently handed the helm over to his son Captain Anthony after 20 years of running the family business. Today, The Tranquilo —a 43-foot sailing yacht—still takes small groups of passengers to a secluded spot at a Spanish lagoon named "Mike's Reef" after his father, where no other snorkel trips venture. The lunch cruise to the south side always includes “Mom’s famous Dutch pea soup,” and they also do private charters for dinner sails and sailing trips around Aruba’s lesser-explored coasts. Look for the red boat docked at the Renaissance Marina beside the Atlantis Submarine launch. Renaissance Marina, Oranjestad, n/a Aruba. 297/586–1418; www.tranquiloaruba.com.