The crew who run this charter
Malmok Charters
4.9 out of 5 from 33 Google reviews
Island Cabana, L.G. Smith Blvd, Noord
HOW MANY PEOPLE?
Prefer a catamaran to a speedboat? The private catamaran charter in Aruba on the Isabella takes up to 12 guests for $825, booked the same way with a deposit here and the balance paid on the day.
Same price for 1–10 guests — the whole boat is yours.
person
A private boat charter in Aruba is the easiest way to see the island’s best water without sharing a deck with sixty strangers. You get the whole boat, your own captain and three unhurried hours along the calm west coast. Because the group is yours, you decide how long to stay at each stop.
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Book your private boat charter
Pick a date and a departure time below. Moreover, you only pay $180 now — the remaining $720 goes straight to the crew when you arrive.
What your private boat charter includes
Everything on board is ready before you step aboard. Therefore you only need to bring a towel and sunscreen.
- The entire boat for your group of up to 10 guests
- A licensed local captain and crew
- Snorkel masks, fins and vests in every size
- Non-alcoholic drinks on ice — sodas, juice and water
- Three hours on the water, door to door
- Hotel pick-up guidance and free parking at the dock
Where the boat takes you
Captain Chris runs the same three stops on every trip because they are simply the best the coast offers. However, the order changes with the wind and the water.
Boca Catalina
This sheltered bay sits just north of Malmok. Consequently the water stays glassy most mornings. Schools of blue tang and parrotfish drift over the reef here, and the depth is gentle enough for first-time snorkellers.
Tres Trapi and the turtles
Tres Trapi is where Aruba’s green turtles feed and nest. As a result, it is the island’s number one spot to swim beside them. Turtles are wild animals, so sightings are never guaranteed — but they show up on most trips.
The Antilla shipwreck
The Antilla is the largest WWII wreck in the Caribbean. Because much of it sits close to the surface, you can see the hull clearly with just a mask.
Departure times
Three trips leave every day. Each one runs a full three hours.
| Departure | Returns | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | 12:00 PM | Calmest water and the best snorkelling |
| 12:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Warmest swimming, great for families |
| 4:00 PM | 7:00 PM | Golden light and sunset on the way back |
The morning trip books out first in high season. Therefore reserve early if you want the 9:00 AM slot.
What a private boat charter in Aruba costs
The price is $900 for the boat, not per person. So a group of ten pays $90 each, while a couple pays for privacy.
| What you pay | Amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | $180 | Online, when you book |
| Balance | $720 | Cash to the crew on the day |
| Total | $900 | Up to 10 guests |
Private Boat Charter vs Shared Catamaran: The Real Per-Person Maths
Most people assume a private boat is a luxury upgrade. Run the numbers for your actual group and it often is not. A shared snorkel sail in Aruba costs $75–95 per person. Our private 3-hour charter is a flat price for the boat — you pay only the deposit online to secure the date, and the remaining balance is paid on the day of the tour, directly to the operator. For two people, the shared boat wins on price. At six people the two options cost about the same, and at eight to ten the private boat is cheaper per head and you get the boat, the route and the timing to yourselves: no waiting for 40 strangers to finish snorkelling, no fixed 9am pier check-in, and no rope-swing queue.
What you give up on a private boat is the open bar and the big-boat atmosphere — if you want a party, the party boat cruises do that better. What you gain is time in the water: on a private charter the snorkel stops are as long as you want them, and Captain Chris will move the boat if the turtles are somewhere else that morning.
Types of Private Boat Charter in Aruba
If you are comparing options, Aruba’s private charters fall into four groups. Small powerboats (like ours — up to 10 guests, 3 hours, three snorkel stops) are the most flexible and the best value for families and groups of friends. Private catamaran charters such as the Isabella carry up to 12, sail rather than motor, and suit sunset sails and larger celebrations. Luxury yachts and sport-fishing boats from the Oranjestad and Renaissance marinas run half- and full-day trips from roughly $700 upward and are the choice for deep-sea fishing or a full day with lunch on board. Bareboat and jet-ski rentals exist, but the reef entrances around Malmok are unmarked and we do not recommend skippering yourself on a first visit.
Best Occasions for a Private Charter
The bookings we see most are proposals and anniversaries (ask for the Boca Catalina stop last, when the other boats have gone), family trips with grandparents who want shade and a toilet on board rather than a crowded deck, small bachelor and bachelorette groups who want a morning on the water before an evening out, and cruise passengers with a long port day who want the guaranteed return time — the boat leaves from Palm Beach, 15 minutes from the terminal, and Captain Chris works to your ship’s schedule. Snorkel gear, a cooler with ice and water are on board; you bring the sunscreen, towels and anything stronger to drink.
Meet Captain Chris
Captain Chris was born and raised in Aruba and has run these waters for more than fifteen years. He knows where the turtles feed, which bay stays flat when the trade winds pick up, and when to move on. In short, he reads the day and adjusts the route around it.
What to bring
Pack light. The boat supplies the rest.
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
- A towel and a change of clothes
- Cash for the $720 balance
- A waterproof phone case if you want photos
- Your own food and drinks if you like — bringing your own on board is welcome
Frequently asked questions
How many people fit on the boat?
Up to 10 guests travel on each private boat charter. The price stays the same whether you bring two people or ten.
Are drinks included?
Yes — non-alcoholic drinks (sodas, juice and water) come on ice with every charter. You are also welcome to bring your own food and drinks on board.
Do we need to know how to swim?
No. Everyone gets a flotation vest, and the crew stays in the water with weaker swimmers.
Can we bring children?
Yes. Children of all ages are welcome, and the 12:30 PM trip suits families best.
What happens if the weather turns?
The captain will move the trip to another slot or refund your deposit in full. Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt, so cancellations are rare.
Where does the boat leave from?
Departures are from Bushiri 33 in Noord, a short drive from Palm Beach and Eagle Beach. You will get exact directions with your confirmation.
Bring Aruba Home With You
Authentic Aruba merch — designed by locals, shipped worldwide.
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Our cars
Rent a car with us — from $50 a day
Automatic and air conditioned, picked up at the airport, your hotel or our Oranjestad office. Pay 13% online to hold the car and the rest when you collect it. Minimum 3 days.
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Car rental · from $50 a day
Rent a car in Aruba
Automatic and air conditioned, picked up at the airport or our Oranjestad office. We hold the exact car for your dates, you pay 13% online and the rest at pickup. Minimum 3 days.
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