Tour Comparisons

Aruba Pirate Ship vs Catamaran Cruises: Which Boat Style Is Best?

In Aruba, the cruise choice usually comes down to one of two boat styles: a smooth twin-hull catamaran or the island’s signature pirate schooner. The catamaran side is where you get the most choice — 14 catamaran tours across multiple operators (Red Sail Sports, De Palm Tours, Delphi Watersports, Octopus, Aruba Watersports Center, Segway Aruba), covering morning snorkel sails, sunset cruises with open bar, and private charters. The pirate-ship side is more focused: Jolly Pirates is the only true pirate schooner cruise on Palm Beach, running 4 sails including their famous open-bar sunset and afternoon snorkel adventure. Here is how the two boat styles actually feel, which travelers each is best for, and every Aruba catamaran and pirate ship cruise grouped by what you want to do on board.

Quick verdict

Pick a catamaran for smoother sailing, more operator choice (14 tours across 6 operators), and upscale sunset or snorkel-lunch days. Pick the pirate ship (Jolly Pirates — the only true pirate schooner in Aruba) for themed fun, rope swing, and a louder social atmosphere.

Most choice · 14 catamaran toursOnly pirate ship · Jolly Pirates
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Aruba Sunset Sail with Appetizers and Open Bar

Catamaran

Aruba Sunset Sail with Appetizers and Open Bar

$92· 2 hours· ★ 4.5(2,062 reviews)
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Aruba Sunset Jolly Pirate Sail with Open Bar

Pirate ship

Aruba Sunset Jolly Pirate Sail with Open Bar

$62· 2 hours· ★ 4.6(407 reviews)
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Side-by-side comparison

CompareCatamaranPirate ship
Tours available in Aruba14 tours across 6 operators4 tours (Jolly Pirates only)
Onboard feelSmooth, spacious, resort-styleThemed, teak decks, adventurous
Motion comfortTypically steadier twin hullsSchooner motion; moderate fitness on some sails
Social energyModerate; conversation-friendlyHigh; rope swing & group fun
Photo aestheticLuxury sunset, Palm Beach coastlinePirate flags, swing shots, party vibe
Typical foodAppetizers or lunch/dinner buffets on longer sailsOften drinks-first; dinner on upgrade sails
Entry sunset priceFrom ~$50 (Banana Adventure) to ~$137 (Red Sail dinner)From ~$62 (open-bar sunset)
Private charter optionsYes — Octopus & Delphi private catamaransNo private pirate-ship charters

What These Boat Styles Actually Feel Like

What Catamaran Cruises Feel Like in Aruba

Catamaran cruises in Aruba feel smoother, quieter, and more resort-style than pirate schooners. The twin-hull design creates steadier sailing along Palm Beach, making catamarans popular for couples, first-time Aruba visitors, and travelers who want a more relaxed sunset cruise atmosphere. Many Aruba catamaran tours also include appetizer bites, snorkeling stops, lunch buffets, or private charter upgrades — and because 6 different operators run catamaran sails, you get the widest price range and the most flexibility on the island.

What Pirate Cruises Feel Like in Aruba

Pirate cruises in Aruba are louder, more social, and intentionally playful. Jolly Pirates’ teak schooner leans heavily into the pirate theme with rope swings, Caribbean music, open-bar energy, and group interaction throughout the sail. Travelers looking for a memorable “only in Aruba” party-style cruise often choose the pirate ship over traditional catamaran sunset sails — and because Jolly Pirates is the only true pirate-schooner operator in Aruba, your choice is between their 4 sails rather than dozens of variations.

All Aruba catamaran cruises by category

14 catamaran tours from 6 operators, grouped by what you want to do on board.

Best Aruba Catamaran Sunset Cruises (4)

Twin-hull sunset sails along Palm Beach with open bar — from $50 group to $137 dinner.

  • Banana Adventure Catamaran Tropical Sunset Sail

    Segway Aruba

    Banana Adventure Catamaran Tropical Sunset Sail

    $50· 2 hours· ★ 4.8(106 reviews)
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  • Aruba Sunset Sail - The Arusun Catamaran

    Aruba Watersports Center

    Aruba Sunset Sail - The Arusun Catamaran

    $55· 2 hours· ★ 4.0(5 reviews)
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  • Aruba Sunset Sail Cruise Aboard The Dolphin Catamaran

    Delphi Watersports Aruba

    Aruba Sunset Sail Cruise Aboard The Dolphin Catamaran

    $59· 2 hours· ★ 4.6(697 reviews)
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  • Aruba Sunset Sail Dinner Cruise with Open Bar by Catamaran

    Red Sail Sports - Aruba

    Aruba Sunset Sail Dinner Cruise with Open Bar by Catamaran

    $137· 2 hours· ★ 4.8
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Best Aruba Catamaran Snorkel Cruises (7)

Half-day snorkel sails to the Antilla shipwreck, turtle reefs, and Caribbean lunch.

  • Arusun Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling in Aruba

    Aruba Watersports Center

    Arusun Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling in Aruba

    $63· 2.5 hours· ★ 4.8(2,449 reviews)
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  • Banana Adventure Catamaran Shipwreck Snorkel and Turtle Swim

    Segway Aruba

    Banana Adventure Catamaran Shipwreck Snorkel and Turtle Swim

    $65· 3 hours· ★ 4.7(123 reviews)
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  • Dolphin Catamaran Snorkel and Sail with Open Bar

    Delphi Watersports Aruba

    Dolphin Catamaran Snorkel and Sail with Open Bar

    $69· 3 hours· ★ 4.7(2,379 reviews)
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  • Premium Catamaran Afternoon Sail: Snorkeling and Lunch

    Octopus Snorkeling, Sailing & Sunset Tours

    Premium Catamaran Afternoon Sail: Snorkeling and Lunch

    $74.99· 3 hours· ★ 4.7(537 reviews)
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  • Premium Catamaran Morning Sail: Snorkeling, Mimosas and Brunch

    Octopus Snorkeling, Sailing & Sunset Tours

    Premium Catamaran Morning Sail: Snorkeling, Mimosas and Brunch

    $79.99· 3 hours· ★ 4.7(595 reviews)
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  • Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail aboard Palm Pleasure Catamaran

    De Palm Tours VBA Aruba

    Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail aboard Palm Pleasure Catamaran

    $85· 3 hours· ★ 4.6(296 reviews)
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  • Aruba Morning Snorkel Sail aboard Palm Pleasure Catamaran

    De Palm Tours VBA Aruba

    Aruba Morning Snorkel Sail aboard Palm Pleasure Catamaran

    $124· 4 hours· ★ 4.7(683 reviews)
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Best Private Catamaran Charters in Aruba (3)

Whole-boat charters for weddings, birthdays, or family groups — from ~$1,800 to $2,500.

  • Private Aruba Catamaran with Snorkeling and Refreshments

    Octopus Snorkeling, Sailing & Sunset Tours

    Private Aruba Catamaran with Snorkeling and Refreshments

    $1800· 2-3 hours· ★ 4.7(160 reviews)
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  • Private Sunset Catamaran Adventure Cruise with Open Bar

    Delphi Watersports Aruba

    Private Sunset Catamaran Adventure Cruise with Open Bar

    $1800· 2 hours· ★ 5.0(21 reviews)
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  • Private Catamaran Adventure Cruise with Rope Swing and Water Slide

    Delphi Watersports Aruba

    Private Catamaran Adventure Cruise with Rope Swing and Water Slide

    $2500· 3 hours· ★ 4.9(35 reviews)
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All pirate ship tours in Aruba (4)

Jolly Pirates is the only pirate-schooner operator in Aruba.

  • Aruba Jolly Pirate Afternoon Sail with Snorkeling

    Jolly Pirates

    Aruba Jolly Pirate Afternoon Sail with Snorkeling

    $78· 3 hours· ★ 4.6(488 reviews)
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  • Aruba Sunset Jolly Pirate Sail with Open Bar

    Jolly Pirates

    Aruba Sunset Jolly Pirate Sail with Open Bar

    $62· 2 hours· ★ 4.6(407 reviews)
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  • Jolly Pirate Sunset Grub and Grog Dinner Sail in Aruba

    Jolly Pirates

    Jolly Pirate Sunset Grub and Grog Dinner Sail in Aruba

    $117· 2 hours· ★ 4.9
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  • Set Sail in Aruba: Jolly Pirate Cruise with Snorkel Adventure

    Jolly Pirates

    Set Sail in Aruba: Jolly Pirate Cruise with Snorkel Adventure

    $100· 3 hours· ★ 4.8
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Choose a catamaran if…

  • You want the widest selection — 14 tours from 6 different operators
  • First-time visitors who want a classic, polished Aruba sunset sail
  • Couples or groups who prefer calm, smooth twin-hull sailing
  • Travelers prone to seasickness who need steadier decks
  • Snorkel + Caribbean lunch half-day (Red Sail or Octopus flagship)
  • Anyone wanting a private catamaran charter (Octopus or Delphi)

Choose a pirate ship if…

  • You want the only true pirate-ship cruise in Aruba (Jolly Pirates)
  • Groups, teens or friend trips who want rope-swing photos
  • Travelers prioritizing a lower sunset sail entry price (~$62)
  • Afternoon snorkel to Antilla shipwreck with playful party vibe
  • You specifically want a themed, social, “only in Aruba” experience

Best Boat Style for Different Travelers

Traveler typeBetter pick
CouplesCatamaran
HoneymoonersCatamaran
Families with young kidsCatamaran
Groups of friendsPirate ship
Travelers wanting party vibePirate ship
Seasickness concernsCatamaran
Luxury sunset seekersCatamaran
“Only in Aruba” experiencePirate ship

Neither feels right? Try the luxury schooner

If a pirate party feels too loud and a catamaran sunset feels too crowded, look at the Pelican Aruba Luxury Lagoon Cruise. It is a small-group luxury schooner with an onboard chef and signature cocktails — closer to a private dining experience on the water than a typical Palm Beach sail.

View the Luxury Lagoon Cruise on Viator

More Aruba tour comparisons & travel guides

Red Sail vs Jolly Pirates Aruba (operator hub)

Full operator comparison — vibe, pricing, every cruise from both operators

Red Sail Sunset Sail vs Jolly Pirate Sunset Sail

The two most-booked Palm Beach sunset cruises compared head-to-head

Jolly Pirates vs Dolphin Catamaran (family snorkel)

Pirate vs catamaran specifically for family snorkel days — rope swing + water slide

De Palm Morning vs Afternoon vs Sunset Sail

A different catamaran operator — three Palm Pleasure cruises compared

Best Private Catamaran Charters in Aruba

Private whole-boat catamaran rentals for groups, parties, weddings & VIP couples

Best Budget Sunset Cruises in Aruba

Sub-$60 catamaran sunset sails if Jolly Pirates is over budget

All Aruba Sunset Cruises

Every sunset cruise operator on the island in one hub

Snorkeling in Aruba

Best snorkel sites, Antilla shipwreck, and shore-vs-boat snorkel options

Aruba for First-Time Visitors

Plan your trip — flights, hotel areas, beaches, transportation, what to book first

Frequently Asked Questions

How many catamaran tours are there in Aruba?

There are 14 catamaran tours in Aruba across 6 operators: Red Sail Sports, De Palm Tours, Delphi Watersports, Octopus Snorkeling & Sailing, Aruba Watersports Center, and Segway Aruba. Options range from $50 morning sunset sails (Banana Adventure) to $137 dinner sails (Red Sail) and private charters from $1,800 to $2,500.

How many pirate ship cruises are there in Aruba?

Just one operator runs a true pirate-ship cruise in Aruba — Jolly Pirates Sailing Cruises & Snorkeling. They offer 4 tours: the open-bar sunset sail (~$62), the afternoon snorkel sail (~$78), the Grub & Grog dinner sail (~$117), and a snorkel adventure cruise (~$100).

Is a pirate ship or catamaran better for seasickness in Aruba?

Catamarans are generally better for sensitive stomachs because their twin hulls cut motion. Pirate schooners like Jolly Pirates can have more roll; the operator notes moderate fitness on some sails. Both operate in usually calm Palm Beach waters, but if seasickness is a concern, pick a catamaran.

What is the best party cruise in Aruba?

For pirate-party energy, Jolly Pirates is the standout — themed schooner, rope swing, open bar. For a smoother upscale party with open bar, Red Sail Sports’ catamaran sunset is the counterpoint. Land-based party buses like Kukoo Kunuku are a separate option entirely.

Are there luxury cruise options that are neither catamaran nor pirate ship?

Yes. Pelican Aruba runs a Luxury Lagoon Cruise with an onboard chef and signature cocktails — a small-group luxury schooner closer to a private dining experience than a typical Palm Beach sail. It sits outside both the catamaran and pirate-ship categories.

Which Aruba boat style is best for couples?

Catamarans are usually the better couples pick — smoother sailing, wider deck space for sunset photos, and more upscale dinner or appetizer options. Jolly Pirates works for couples who want a playful, social date night with rope swing energy rather than quiet luxury.

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