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.
$180 deposit online · $720 cash on the day
3 hours · 3 departures daily
Snorkel gear, drinks & captain included
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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
- Cold drinks and water on ice
- 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 |
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
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.
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.
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