What is the best family snorkel tour in Aruba — Jolly Pirates or Dolphin Catamaran?
For most families, the Dolphin Catamaran is the best family snorkel tour in Aruba — it has a spinning water slide AND rope swing, light lunch included, free cancellation 24h+, and 2,379 reviews at 4.7 stars. Jolly Pirates wins for families with teens (11+) who specifically want a themed pirate-schooner experience and a third snorkel stop (Malmok + Boca Catalina + Antilla). Both visit the Antilla shipwreck and have open bar.
Which Aruba snorkel cruise is better for families with young kids?
The Dolphin Catamaran by Delphi Watersports is the better family pick for younger kids. It has both a spinning water slide AND a rope swing, a light lunch on board (wraps + tropical fruit), onboard restrooms, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Jolly Pirates is better for families with older kids (8+) who want the themed pirate-schooner experience and a third snorkel stop.
Do both cruises visit the Antilla shipwreck?
Yes. Both 3-hour afternoon snorkel cruises stop at the Antilla shipwreck — the Caribbean's second-largest wreck, a WWII German freighter that almost touches the surface. The Dolphin Catamaran spends about 45 minutes there; Jolly Pirates includes it as one of three snorkel sites (Malmok + Boca Catalina + Antilla).
Which cruise has the water slide?
Only the Dolphin Catamaran has a spinning water slide. Both boats have a rope swing, but the water slide is unique to Delphi Watersports — and it is usually the most-mentioned highlight in their 2,379 Viator reviews. If a water slide is on your kids' wishlist, book the Dolphin Catamaran.
Is food included on either cruise?
The Dolphin Catamaran includes a light lunch — wraps and tropical fruit — alongside the open bar. The Jolly Pirates afternoon snorkel is drinks-only with open bar; you eat before or after the sail. For families on a 3-hour afternoon cruise, the Dolphin Catamaran's included food is usually a strong tiebreaker.
Where does each cruise depart from?
The Dolphin Catamaran checks in at the Delphi Watersports hut in front of the Hyatt Regency on Palm Beach (ask for Olga or John). Jolly Pirates departs from MooMba Beach Pier, also on Palm Beach. Both are walkable from most Palm Beach hotels.
Can I cancel my booking if my kids get sick or plans change?
Only on the Dolphin Catamaran. Delphi Watersports offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for any reason. Jolly Pirates' afternoon snorkel is final sale — refunds are only given if the operator cancels for bad weather. For families booking early in a trip, this is often the deciding factor.
Which cruise has more reviews?
The Dolphin Catamaran has 2,379 Viator reviews at 4.7 stars — one of the most-reviewed snorkel cruises on the island. Jolly Pirates' afternoon snorkel sail has 488 reviews at 4.6 stars. Both are strong scores, but the Dolphin Catamaran's sample size makes its rating more reliable.
Which is the better budget pick?
The Dolphin Catamaran starts lower (~$69 pp) than Jolly Pirates (~$78 pp) AND includes a light lunch — so the value gap is even wider in practice. Jolly Pirates is only the better budget pick if you specifically value the third snorkel stop and the themed pirate experience over food and price.
Are the boats safe for non-swimmers?
Both boats provide snorkel equipment and the crew supervises swim stops. The Dolphin Catamaran is slightly easier for non-swimmers and kids — twin-hull catamaran stability, a wide boarding platform, and crew help with floats/noodles on request. Jolly Pirates is a moderate-fitness sail on a teak schooner; their listing notes it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or spinal issues.
