A private catamaran charter in Aruba means the whole boat is yours — no crowds, no fixed route, no strangers on deck. The Isabella sails from Hadicurari Pier with Captain Tico at the helm, and the price is the same whether you bring two people or twelve.
Prefer a private boat with your own captain? Our 3-hour private boat charter takes up to 10 guests to Boca Catalina, Tres Trapi and the Antilla wreck — $180 deposit reserves it.
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Check live availability
The calendar below reads the Isabella’s real schedule. Pick a free date, choose your charter, and reserve it with a $275 deposit.
Three charters to choose from
Every trip lasts three hours and every trip is private. The difference is the light and the water.
| Charter | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Snorkel | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Calmest water, clearest visibility |
| Afternoon Snorkel | 12:30 – 3:30 PM | Warmest swimming, great for families |
| Combo Snorkel + Sunset | Afternoon into sunset | Snorkelling first, then golden hour |
What is included on board
Everything is ready before you step aboard. Therefore you only need a towel and sunscreen.
- The entire catamaran for your group of up to 12
- Captain Tico and crew
- Sanitised snorkel gear, life jackets and pool noodles
- Cooler with ice, Coke, Sprite and water
- Bluetooth speaker — stream your own playlist
- Bring your own snacks, food and alcohol
Where you sail
Captain Tico picks the stops around the day’s wind and water. Consequently no two charters run quite the same route.
Turtle spots and sandbars
Tico knows where the turtles feed and where the sandbars let even a small child stand in turquoise water.
Reefs and shipwrecks
The west coast holds calm reefs and the wrecks that Aruba is known for. As a result, snorkellers of every level get something out of the trip.
What a private catamaran charter costs
The price covers the boat, not each person. So a group of twelve pays about $69 each.
| What you pay | Amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | $275 | Online, when you book |
| Balance | $550 | Cash on the day, or online |
| Total | $825 | Up to 12 guests |
Meet Captain Tico
Celestico “Tico” Sambo is a certified diver, born in Curaçao and sailing Aruba’s coast for more than twenty years. He captains every Isabella charter himself.
Good to know
Where does the catamaran leave from?
All charters depart from the end of Hadicurari Pier, near Moomba. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
How many people fit on board?
Up to 12 guests. The price stays the same for any group size.
What is the cancellation policy?
21 or more days ahead: full refund. Under 21 days: credit toward a future charter. Within 7 days: no refund.
Do we need to sign a waiver?
Yes. Print and sign it at least 24 hours before your charter, and you will sign again on arrival.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Absolutely. These are fully private charters, so bring whatever you like on board.
Catamaran Tours in Aruba: Types, Prices & How to Choose
A catamaran tour is the one thing almost every visitor to Aruba does — and for good reason. The calm western coast, steady trade winds and postcard sunsets make a catamaran cruise the island’s signature day on the water. Most catamaran tours in Aruba fall into four styles. Here’s how they compare, what they cost, and how to choose the right one for your group.
The main types of Aruba catamaran cruise
| Cruise style | Best for | Price / person |
|---|---|---|
| Party / social sail | First-timers & social groups — open bar, BBQ, rope swings, big-boat energy | $65–75 |
| Mid-range catamaran | Best value — a genuine catamaran, relaxed pace, smaller group | $75–90 |
| Upscale sunset cruise | Couples & honeymooners — polished, quieter, romantic | $90–120 |
| Private charter (the Isabella) | Families & groups of 8+ — the whole boat, your own captain, set your own pace | from $275 deposit, whole boat |
What’s included on an Aruba catamaran tour
Shared cruises typically include an open bar (rum punch, local Balashi beer, sodas and water), snorkel gear and instruction, two or three stops — usually the Antilla shipwreck and the Boca Catalina reef — and 2.5 to 4 hours on the Caribbean. Premium and private trips like the Isabella add flexible itineraries, smaller groups, and the freedom to set your own snorkel spots and departure time.
Good to know: on the Isabella all included drinks are non-alcoholic — chilled water, sodas and juice. The open bar mentioned above applies to the shared party sails, not this private charter.
Which catamaran tour should you book?
- First time in Aruba: a full-day party sail for the full social experience.
- Couples or honeymoon: an upscale sunset cruise — or a private sunset charter for total privacy.
- Groups of 8 or more: price out a private charter — it often costs the same or less per person than booking shared seats, and the boat is yours.
- Best value: a mid-range catamaran gives you a real sailing experience without the premium price.
Practical information
Most Aruba catamaran tours depart from Palm Beach, near the Holiday Inn and Marriott piers, and many include hotel pickup. Book 24–48 hours ahead in shoulder season and 3–5 days ahead from December to April and in July–August, when boats sell out. Bring a swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen, a light layer for the ride back, and a waterproof bag for your phone.
Prefer the whole boat to yourselves?
The Isabella private catamaran takes 1–12 guests with a local captain — snorkeling, sunset sails and fishing, 100% private, no crowds and no fixed route. You set the spots, the departure time and the vibe.
Check dates & book your private charter →Bring Aruba Home With You
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