| Option | Duration | Price | What is included | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Catamaran Happy Hour Sunset Sail | 2 hours, 5:00 to 7:00 pm | $89.99 | Lounge seating, appetizers, unlimited cocktails from the open bar, a souvenir | Groups and couples on a budget |
| Noord happy hour sunset cruise (GetYourGuide) | See the listing | See the listing | See the listing | Booked through GetYourGuide; rated 4.7 from 298 reviews |
| Tranquilo private sunset sail | 2 hours, departs 5:00 pm | $450 for up to 4 guests, plus $40 per extra guest, 12 maximum | Hors d'oeuvres and sunset views | A proposal, a family or a small group |
| Tranquilo private dinner sail | 3 hours, departs 5:00 pm | $550 for 2 guests | Dinner | Couples |
| Monforte Luxury Cruise dinner sail | Evening | Not stated | Four-course dinner with butler service | A special occasion |
The Octopus listing does not name its departure point, and the GetYourGuide price depends on the date and group size.
How to choose
- Group sail versus private. A group sail on a catamaran is the cheapest per person: two people on the Octopus happy hour pay $179.98, against $450 for a private sunset sail for up to four. A private sail costs $112.50 each for four guests, but $88.33 each for six ($450 plus two extra guests at $40) and $64.17 each for twelve, so it becomes the cheaper option per person from six guests.
- Snorkeling or sunset? A snorkel sail leaves in the afternoon and takes you to the Antilla wreck and Boca Catalina; the Red Sail Antilla sail runs 2:00 to 5:00 pm. If you want both in one day, see Antilla shipwreck and snorkeling tours.
- Dinner. The tourism board names Monforte Luxury Cruise for a sailing dinner on calm Caribbean waters with a four-course dinner and butler service, and its couples guide calls a sunset sail a must for couples. The couples guide dates from 2017, so check prices with the operator.
- Operators on the tourism board's lists. Pelican Adventures, Red Sail, De Palm Pleasure and Monforte Luxury Cruise appear for sunset sails; other names on the water-sports list include Tranquilo Sailing Charters, Strea Charters, Sailaway Tour and Jolly Pirates.
Where the boats leave
Most catamarans leave from Palm Beach, where Red Sail has a pier between the Hyatt Regency and Barceló. For the area, see Palm Beach. More boats are compared in catamaran cruises in Aruba, and the private options in Aruba private boat charters.
Typical mistakes
- Comparing the Octopus happy hour with a snorkel sail: the happy hour is the 5:00 to 7:00 pm sunset slot, the snorkel sails run in the afternoon.
- Booking a private sail for two: at $450 it is about two and a half times the $179.98 two people pay on the group sail.
- Treating the GetYourGuide "from" price as the final price: check the date and group size.
Related: an Aruba bachelorette party.
FAQ
How much is a sunset cruise in Aruba?
About $90 per person on a group catamaran with open bar (Octopus, $89.99); a private sunset sail starts at $450 for up to four.
How long is an Aruba sunset cruise?
Two hours on the Octopus happy hour sail (5:00 to 7:00 pm) and on the Tranquilo private sunset sail.
Is alcohol included?
On the Octopus sail, unlimited cocktails from the open bar are included. The tourism board says most sailings feature an open bar.
Where do the boats leave from?
Mostly from Palm Beach, where over a dozen catamarans and sailboats operate.
Aruba Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.
