Why Our Private Boat Charters Are Great For Groups

When you book a regular tour boat with strangers, a positive experience isn’t guaranteed – there could be families with screaming kids or couples arguing about sunscreen. Don’t let other people hijack your vacation! Reserve our Private Boat Charter to have the entire space to yourself and enjoy this experience with your closest friends, family, or coworkers.

Hidden Locations We Tour in Aruba

Whether your group wants to snorkel amongst historical sites or witness the vibrant marine life of the Caribbean Sea, our team at Delphi Watersports can make it happen! Our Private Catamaran Snorkeling Charter will take your group to two significant diving spots: the Antilla shipwreck and the Boca Catalina Reef.

Exploring the Antilla Shipwreck

The Antilla shipwreck is a German cargo ship from World War II that measures 400 feet in length, with half of it submerged in 20 feet of water and the other half lying below 60 feet. On our tours, kids have stood on the sandy bottom and seen the hull clearly.

You’ll find lobsters hiding in the ship’s structure, angelfish swimming through the cargo holds, and schools of blue tangs clustering around the stern. Dutch authorities scuttled this ship in 1940, creating an artificial reef that has attracted decades of underwater activity and, as a result, marine life concentrates here more than on natural coral formations.

Thankfully, the current is felt minimally here, meaning the waters are clear enough to see the propeller from the surface. We recommend that beginner snorkelers stick to the shallow sections, while confident swimmers can dive down to check out the engine room.

Boca Catalina’s Coral Reef Gardens

Boca Catalina is a short, five-minute boat ride from the Antilla Shipwreck. Here, the reef slopes gradually from 10 to 30 feet deep, with a mostly sandy ocean bottom and coral scattered around like underwater boulders.

Green sea turtles frequent this area between April and October, munching on seagrass beds near the reef edge. Additionally, parrotfish will be present, eating coral all day, creating a distinctive grinding sound that can be heard underwater. Spotted trunkfish also hover around snorkelers, as they’re often curious yet skittish.

Please keep in mind that morning trips tend to have fewer crowds since commercial boats begin arriving around 10 AM and continue until 4 PM. Here at Delphi, our captains work hard to visit at low-impact times to avoid the other boats.

Our Private Boat Charter Details and Supplies

Depending on your group’s preference, we have two boating options: a private speedboat and a private catamaran. It’s essential to note that our speedboat can reach distant locations quickly, but it offers less deck space, while our 45’ catamaran provides stability and room to spread out, but moves at a slower pace. However, it boasts spacious decks, trampolines for sunbathing, and a large roof for shade. Pricing varies by boat size and trip length. Since peak season runs from December through April, we recommend booking early during the winter/spring months. Remember, while the weather rarely cancels trips, we will reschedule for safety when necessary.

Charter length depends on your group’s requested timing and budget. A half-day works well for families with small children who nap after lunch, while sunset trips are perfect for couples, lasting about two hours and focusing on nature’s evening light show. Depending on what adventure you’re seeking, we now offer underwater scooters for your enjoyment. These battery-powered devices safely pull you through the water at walking speed, allowing you to see more and stay out longer.

When it comes to food and drinks, they can be included, or you can bring your own supplies. Coolers and ice are available. Alcohol’s permitted but monitored for obvious safety reasons. On our Catamaran Snorkeling Cruise, enjoy our bar serving complimentary cocktails all tour long!

Book Your Private Boat Charter in Aruba

For three decades, our private charter experiences have brought guests joy and safety on every journey. Whether your family members want to enjoy a book in the shade or your teens want to attempt wakeboarding tricks, there’s something for everyone. From birthday and anniversaries to corporate outings and team-bonding activities, there are a plethora of events and groups that can celebrate comfortably on our catamarans. Contact us to discuss your group size and preferences; we’ll match you with the right boat and create an itinerary tailored to your timeline and interests. Reserve your private boat charter in Aruba today!