Aruba offers more than just white-sand beaches and turquoise waters; it’s also a fantastic place to enjoy barbecue experiences that combine great food with unforgettable scenery and activities. We particularly love the Tropical Sailing Experience with BBQ Lunch or Dinner for its relaxed vibe, snorkeling, and stunning sunset views. The sunset sail provides a wonderful blend of sailing, dining, and natural beauty, making it ideal for travelers who want a mix of adventure and leisure. Meanwhile, the Aruba Morning Snorkeling or Sunset Sail to Boca Catalina with BBQ stands out for its flexibility with water activities and its lively onboard BBQ, perfect for those wanting a more active day with a delicious meal to finish.
Quick Overview
Here’s a quick snapshot of the two top Aruba BBQ experiences:
– The Tropical Sailing Experience combines sailing past iconic sights like Flamingo Island, snorkeling at Mangel Halto Reef, and enjoying a sunset with a BBQ meal—more details here.
– The Boca Catalina Sail offers a shorter but active day with snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a onboard BBQ dinner or lunch, plus the chance to see wrecks and marine life—more details here.
Now, let’s explore each experience in detail to help you choose the best fit for your Aruba vacation.
1. Tropical Sailing Experience with BBQ Lunch or BBQ Dinner in Aruba
This 4-hour sailing trip offers a relaxed way to see Aruba’s famed coastlines while enjoying a barbecue meal onboard. Starting from Varadero Marina Aruba, you can choose either a morning or afternoon sail, making it flexible for your plans. The tour includes stops where you’ll cruise past the Spanish Lagoon, renowned for its calm waters and scenic beauty, and the vibrant Flamingo Island, famous for its flamingo population that often roams freely on the sandbanks.
What makes this tour stand out is its snorkeling stop at Mangel Halto Reef. Here, you’ll don your mask and fins to explore lively coral and tropical fish, making it a highlight for water lovers. The sail then takes you to Surfside Beach, where you can unwind, sip drinks, and relish your BBQ lunch or dinner with fresh seafood and local flavors. As the sun sets, the sky turns spectacular—a perfect moment to soak in the tranquility of Aruba’s waters.
The boat crew earns rave reviews for their friendliness and expertise, often sharing insightful stories about Aruba’s marine life. With 151 reviews rating it 5.0/5, travelers love the combination of sailing, snorkeling, and good food. One review highlights, “The snorkeling was fantastic, and the sunset sailing was magical. The crew made it special.”
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for those who want a balanced mix of sailing, snorkeling, and authentic BBQ dining in a small-group setting. It’s particularly suited for travelers who enjoy stunning sunsets and water-based adventures.
2. Aruba Morning Snorkeling or Sunset Sail to Boca Catalina With BBQ
For around $119 per person, this 4.5-hour experience offers a flexible, activity-packed day on the water. It includes hotel pickup, making logistics easier, and features stops at notable spots like Boca Catalina, a prized snorkeling location, and a shipwreck where marine life flourishes. Whether you choose the morning snorkel or sunset sail, you’ll enjoy onboard BBQ meals complemented by included alcoholic drinks—think local beers and tropical cocktails.
This tour is praised for its small, capped groups, which create an intimate atmosphere—perfect for meeting fellow travelers. During the snorkel stops, you’ll likely see turtles and colorful fish, but reviews mention that the snorkeling is “nothing spectacular” for some, so it’s best for those who enjoy moderate activity rather than intense underwater exploration. The BBQ itself is a highlight; many travelers cite the famous grouper and fish dishes as delicious. The sunset views are often described as “perfect,” with calm waters and beautiful skies elevating the experience.
While some reviews note that the crew could be more friendly, most praise the overall fun atmosphere and tasty food. The tour’s versatility makes it suitable for families and active travelers alike wanting a mix of water fun, good food, and a scenic sunset.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a flexible, social water adventure with the bonus of a flavorful BBQ meal and a chance to see Aruba’s marine life in both day and sunset settings.
How to Choose
Picking between these two Aruba BBQ experiences depends on what you’re after. If you want a more relaxed, scenic sail with snorkeling and a sunset, the Tropical Sailing Experience is a top choice. It’s perfect for couples or small groups who appreciate sailing, stunning views, and a good meal.
On the other hand, if you prefer more active water participation with the flexibility of snorkeling or paddleboarding, the Boca Catalina Sail offers a lively vibe, especially if you enjoy meeting new people and eating delicious grilled seafood amidst Aruba’s beautiful coastline.
Consider your budget, activity level, and whether you want to include hotel pickup. Both tours are well-reviewed, with the sailing and snorkeling tour slightly higher rated and more focused on a sunset experience, while the Boca Catalina trip is better for daytime activities and socializing.
Planning ahead is wise—these tours tend to fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Final Thoughts
Aruba’s BBQ experiences offer a wonderful way to combine local flavors, water activities, and scenic views. The Tropical Sailing Experience with its sunset backdrop is perfect for romance or quiet reflection, while the Boca Catalina snorkel and sail appeals to those who want a more energetic, social day on the water.
If you’re looking for a romantic sunset sail with excellent food, book early for the Tropical Sailing Experience. For families or active travelers wanting a mix of snorkeling, paddling, and good eats, the Boca Catalina tour is a fantastic choice. Either way, these tours promise memorable moments and flavorful meals—an essential part of your Aruba vacation.