Boats, Bites, and Bubbly: The PRIVATE Catamaran Adventure You Didn’t Know You Needed!

Alanna O'Connor

Dec 5, 20243 min read

Updated: Jan 22

Let me tell you about the best thing I’ve done on the island so far—a private chartered catamaran! This experience was nothing short of epic. We did a half-day charter, and honestly, it was so much fun, I’m already dreaming of doing it again!

BOOK HERE!!!

VIDEO!

The adventure starts at Varadero Marina, just south of the airport in Oranjestad. There, waiting for you at the end of the dock, is a gorgeous catamaran reserved exclusively for you and your crew—friends, family, whoever you want to bring (up to 15 people, so there’s plenty of room!). The boat is fully staffed with an amazing captain and first mate, and they’ll make sure you’re treated like royalty the entire time. Plus, they’re super knowledgeable about Aruba, pointing out cool landmarks, sharing fun facts, and answering all your questions along the way.

From the moment you step aboard, you’re handed a glass of champagne to kick things off in style. The catamaran is a dream, with tons of space to spread out. You can lounge on the shaded seating in the back, get comfy on the padded loungers, or relax up front on the net, soaking in the views. The vibe is set with music (you can even connect your own playlist!), and the energy is just perfect.

Let’s talk food—because wow. They don’t just feed you; they spoil you. We started with a huge charcuterie board overflowing with cheeses, meats, and fresh fruits. And don’t forget the drinks! The open bar is fully stocked with premium options like Tito’s vodka, Don Julio tequila, Johnnie Walker Black Label whiskey, Bacardi rum, Prosecco, wine, local beer, and more. We stuck with mimosas, but trust me, there’s something for everyone.

Our captain took us south to Mangel Halto, avoiding clouds to the north (great call!), and it was absolute paradise. The water was crystal clear, perfect for snorkeling, and the crew had everything we needed—snorkel gear, fins, and even these super cool water scooters. Think mini scooters that let you zoom around, dive deep, and have a blast. They even checked on us in their dinghy to make sure we were doing okay and had enough charge left on the scooters. It was such a thoughtful touch and made us feel completely safe and cared for.

After snorkeling, we floated on this giant inflatable (like a trampoline for the water!) while the crew brought us drinks in insulated cups with lids. Talk about luxury! Then it was back on board for more food, and oh my gosh, it was incredible. They served fish tacos and crispy fish balls (kind of like bitterballen) with a delicious dipping sauce. The fish was unbelievably fresh and full of flavor. They even offered to grill up some chicken skewers for us on the way back, but we were still so full from lunch that we had to decline.

The entire time, the crew kept the good vibes going, sharing stories about the island and pointing out cool things along the way, which made the whole trip even more special.

When it was time to head back, we didn’t want the fun to end. The ride back was filled with music, laughs, and maybe a few more drinks from the bar. It was the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and indulgence.

If you’re looking for the ultimate way to experience Aruba, this private catamaran charter is IT. It’s perfect for groups and totally customizable (you can even hire a private chef and they will pick them up with their dingy!). It's absolutely unforgettable.

Trust me, you’ll be talking about this day for years to come. And if I had it to do over again, I would absolutely do a FULL DAY excursion, the 4 hours went WAY TOO FAST!!! Book it—I PROMISE you won’t regret it!

BOOK HERE!!!