Before You Book a Private Charter in Aruba, Read This
Aruba has no shortage of group tours and shared excursions, and most of them are worth doing. But if you’ve ever stood on a catamaran with thirty other tourists wondering if this is really the vacation experience you paid for, a private charter starts to look a lot more appealing. At Delphi Watersports on Palm Beach, we’ve been running private charters out of Noord, Aruba, for over 30 years — and we offer more charter types than most visitors realize. Whether you’re planning a romantic sunset sail, a family snorkeling day, a deep sea fishing trip, or a full group event, here’s what you should know before you book.
What Types of Private Charters Are Available in Aruba?
Not all charters are the same, and the right option depends entirely on what your group is after. At Delphi, we offer six distinct private charter experiences in Aruba: a private boat ride along the west coast, a catamaran private snorkeling charter, a catamaran private sunset charter, a catamaran snorkeling cruise, a catamaran sunset cruise, and a deep sea or bottom fishing private charter. Each one has a different character, duration, and focus. A fishing charter is a completely different day than a sunset sail, so the first step is being honest with your group about what kind of experience you’re actually looking for.
Private Boat Ride vs. Catamaran Charter — What’s the Difference?
The private boat ride is the most flexible option we offer. It runs up to seven hours, accommodates up to 12 guests, and lets you explore Aruba’s tranquil west coast at your own pace. It’s also the option where you can add our underwater scooter experience — a newer offering that lets guests explore below the surface without any diving certification. The catamaran charters are bigger, more social, and better suited to groups who want the classic Aruba sailing experience with the option to snorkel at anchor points along the coast. Both are fully private — you’re not sharing the boat with strangers.
How Many People Can a Private Charter Accommodate?
It depends on the vessel. Our private boat rides accommodate up to 12 guests, which is ideal for family reunions, birthday groups, or smaller corporate outings. The catamaran charters can handle larger groups, making them popular for bachelorette parties, engagement celebrations, and company events. When you reach out to book, we’ll help match the right vessel to your headcount and occasion. If your group is somewhere in between, the catamaran private snorkeling charter on the Dolphin is a versatile middle ground that works for most group sizes.
What’s Included — Food, Drinks, Snorkeling Gear?
This varies by charter type, so it’s worth confirming when you book. Generally, our catamaran charters include open bar service and snorkeling equipment where applicable. The sunset cruise aboard the Dolphin includes Caribbean music and open bar — it’s a full experience, not just a ride. For fishing charters, gear and tackle are provided; you’re there to fish, not to bring your own equipment. If you have specific dietary needs, event requirements, or want to customize any part of the charter, reach out directly and we’ll work with you. Private charters are designed to be flexible, and that flexibility extends to how we set them up.
When Should You Book a Sunset Charter in Aruba?
Aruba’s sunsets are genuinely among the best in the Caribbean — the low humidity and clear western horizon mean you get vivid colors almost every evening. The catamaran private sunset charter is one of our most requested bookings for this reason, and availability fills up faster than guests expect, especially during peak travel months from December through April. If your trip includes a milestone — an anniversary, a proposal, a birthday — book the sunset charter before you book your flights. Waiting until you arrive in Aruba and hoping for availability rarely works out the way people hope.
FAQ
What is the best private charter in Aruba for a bachelorette party?
The catamaran private sunset charter or snorkeling charter are both popular choices for bachelorette groups. Both offer a fully private experience, open bar, and enough room for a larger party. Reach out to discuss customization options for your group’s date and size.
Can you go deep sea fishing in Aruba on a private charter?
Yes. Delphi offers a dedicated deep sea and bottom fishing private charter with options for big game fishing, bottom fishing, or targeting marlin. All gear and tackle are provided on board.
How far in advance should I book a private charter in Aruba?
As early as possible, especially for sunset charters and holiday travel periods. Peak season runs December through April, and private charters book up quickly. We recommend booking at least two to three weeks in advance, and earlier if your trip is around a major holiday or you have a specific event date.
Is a private charter in Aruba worth the cost compared to a group tour?
For the right group, yes. Private charters offer flexibility of schedule, a customized experience, and no shared space with strangers. For families with young children, groups celebrating a special occasion, or anyone who wants to move at their own pace, the difference in experience is significant.
Ready to Plan Your Private Charter in Aruba?
Delphi Watersports has been Aruba’s premier private charter operator since 1992 — TripAdvisor Hall of Fame Award winner, with over 25 activities and a team that takes pride in every booking.
📞 Phone: (297) 733-5680 / (297) 733-5691 / (297) 733-5690
✉️ Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: delphiwatersports.com