Monforte Luxury Cruise Aruba – Sailing the Caribbean in style

Returning back from vivid autumn colors of autumn and crisp cold air, all we wanted now was sunshine and as our flight began to land, the beautiful Aruban coastline came into view along with all those shades of blue we longed for and nothing but sunshine, lots of it! Aruba’s shoreline is perfect with long stretches of soft white sand melting into turquoise waters and it is truly a sight we can never get enough of. But being in the Caribbean it is a must to cruise the Caribbean Sea and it was now time for us to set sail along the island’s coastline on these beautiful waters, and we are so glad we chose the best on the island to do so, which is the Monforte Luxury Cruise Aruba.

Aruba has plenty of sailing options that offer their own versions of fun in the sun and we have been on quite a lot of them, but there is nothing quite like this ginormous 115-foot wooden schooner. Don’t get us wrong we have had crazy times on other sailing trips too but if you are looking to avoid crowd, not be confined in a cramped up catamaran, constantly bumping into sweaty people and being offered cheap booze, then keep reading along for  you, just like us, will fall in love with Monforte Luxury Cruise Aruba & wouldn’t want to sail any other way.

Monforte III was built in a coastal town of Brazil by Brazilian artisans and was brought to the island by four local sailors who embarked on a one month long journey to get this beauty on the island and boy are we glad they did. It is truly a great way to sail away and enjoy Aruba’s beauty, this time from the other side of the shoreline. Monforte III sets sail from the Pelican Pier and once the crew was done prepping up the cruise, we were welcomed on board with mimosas, fresh fruits & Cheese platters. What a perfect way to set the tone of the trip and right there we knew we were in for a treat.

As we walked around and explored the cruise, we came across comfy seating areas with cushions both inside in the shade & outside as well for those who want to take in the sun & work on their tans, so something for everyone. The best part was there were only about 20 of us hence no one was bumping into each other, and there was plenty of space to move around, have a siesta if you may, and enjoy this luxurious five hour cruise.

So now with music on and sales up, we were ready to head out to experience the southern coast of the island with crystal clear waters and corals as far as the eye can see. Most of the catamaran and sail companies take you out to the northwest coast (Arashi, Malmok, Palm Beach, Eagle Beach) and if it wasn’t for these guys we would have never gotten to explore the marine life over on the southern side, which is a must see! With rays of sun shining upon us, bubbly champagnes in our hand, and cool sea breeze blowing through our hair, we sailed away and felt like we were on an island tour through the sea instead of land.

Since the cruise is docked at the northwest coast getting to the southern coast is a great trip in itself. We passed through stretches of beautiful white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees, we even spotted our favorite breakfast restaurant as we sailed by, crossed the hustle and bustle of downtown without having to stop at any signals or stop signs, even sailed right next to the giant cruise ships that were docked.

On our way, we even got a glimpse of the famous Renaissance Island Aruba aka flamingo beach, some abandoned ships and finally reached our spot at the infamous Spanish Lagoon where it was just us and one other boat out there. With the water gleaming with the sun’s rays we were ready to dive in and explore what lies beneath.

The anchor dropped, we jumped in and what we really appreciated was one of the crew members jumping in with the group to lead us on a guided snorkeling trip to make sure we did not miss out on any cool spots, and that we take the correct path to make sure to not hit the corals.

As we swam away from the boat the water kept getting clearer and soon we reached an area filled with beautiful corals of all shapes and sizes, as far as the eye can see. We were surrounded by them and with school of fish swimming around us and the clarity of the water was so insane we could see so far off without having to swim all the way. We were so enchanted by the beauty and just could not swim away. When we popped our heads out after a while, we realized we had lost the group who were off exploring, and soon another crew member saw us separated and came up to us to lead the way, making sure we were comfortable and we don’t hit any corals.

This wasn’t even it. They had two more activities set up if you wished to indulge in: Snuba and kayaking and the guests could choose whatever they wished to do. We were so captivated by the beauty underneath that we opted to try out Snuba instead and had fun as we got to learn something new! On returning to the boat, completely mesmerized with what we had just witnessed, we were welcomed with the aroma of gourmet food being cooked by the chef on board to our left, and to our right we see a crazy rope swing setup waiting for us.

So being the water babies that we are, we are always looking out for chances to be back in the water and now it was going to be through a rope swing. This would be our first time on a rope swing so we were excited and nervous both at the same time to take that leap. But as we stood there the amazing crew and guests cheered us on, making it easy to take that first jump. And let us tell you, if like us you haven’t tried it yet, you are truly missing out and must give it a go. After that one jump we kept going at it over and over again.

All that swimming and jumping around definitely had us hungry and what a way to work up our appetites. The lunch spread consisted of freshly prepared and grilled beef and chicken kebabs, fish, salads, and local dishes like panbati and funchi as accompaniments. We got our plate, and some Aruba Ariba (must try local cocktail) and chilled beer from the bar, and were ready to devour all that yummy goodness with the endless views of the sea all around us!

With our content heart and tummy, we were now ready to just lie down on those sunbeds and work a bit on that tan and while we did that the crew made sure our glasses were never empty. Who doesn’t love free flowing mojitos while tanning!

Now as we were ready to head back to the port, we couldn’t have ended it on a better note than sitting out onto the net in the front, with refreshing mojitos in our hands! Be careful and responsible while sitting out on the net but it is definitely another cool spot out on the ship to just feel like you are riding the waves with unobstructed wind blowing into your face leaving you all refreshed and recharged.

What a perfect day out on the waters it was with Monforte III Luxury Cruise Aruba. This One Happy Island has luxury hotels, restaurants, and spas, but Pelican Adventures have definitely upped the sailing game by bringing in a Luxury cruise to enjoy sailing in style and comfort. It has everything from space, style and comfort, to beautiful and uncommon snorkeling spots, gourmet food, premium bar, and the rope swing. And unlike other boat trips it doesn’t leave you exhausted but rather relaxed and refreshed. A perfect balance of luxury and fun we would say!

Next time we would love to check out their Dinner Cruise trip and we are sure it will be nothing short of amazing!

As for now as the locals say Ayo y Feliz dia (Goodbye & good day), we have to get back to our beers that are getting warm in this sizzling sun. Aruba has always been amazing. Beach, eat, drink, tan and repeat, with lots of adventures and cool trips in between!

If you loved this then be sure to check out our guide of Top Things to do in Aruba for more. There is something for everyone in there, whether you are a solo traveler, a couple on your honeymoon, or traveling with family.

Whether you are into some R&R, art/culture, shopping, adventure or even fitness. So go on and check out all that this island has to offer, from swimming with the flamingos to exploring WW2 shipwrecks!

Sending you warmth & happy vibes from One Happy Island!

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