The Best Boat Rentals in Aruba

Most private charters in Aruba start around $200 per hour for smaller powerboats and center consoles, $400–$600 per hour for mid-size motor yachts, and $450–$700+ per hour for sailing catamarans. Large party cats for bigger groups can run $1,000+ per hour. Shared snorkel or sunset cruises are often $60–$90 per person. Prices usually include a licensed captain and crew, fuel for standard routes, ice and water or soft drinks, snorkeling gear, and safety equipment. Many boats also include an open bar and light snacks; full lunches or premium beverages may be an add‑on. Always review the listing to confirm exactly what’s included for your date and group size.

You’ll find a wide mix: sleek center consoles for quick snorkeling hops, sportfishing boats for deep‑sea trips, sailing monohulls and spacious catamarans for smooth cruising, and motor yachts for upscale celebrations. If you’re planning a bigger group outing, catamarans and party boats offer open decks, shade, and easy water access; for intimate trips, smaller powerboats and compact sailboats keep things simple and budget‑friendly.

Most visitors book captained charters, which do not require you to hold a boating license—your crew handles navigation, docking, and safety. Self‑drive options are limited on the island and typically restricted to small, low‑horsepower boats in designated areas with a safety briefing. If you specifically want to drive yourself, ask in advance; availability is limited and may have minimum age and ID requirements. For fishing trips, you won’t need a separate guest license when you’re booked with a licensed charter.

Common meeting points include the De Palm Pier on Palm Beach (between the RIU and Hilton resorts), Pelican Pier by the Holiday Inn/Playa Linda area, and the Hadicurari/Fisherman’s Huts pier near Moomba Beach in Noord. Many private charters also depart from Renaissance Marina in downtown Oranjestad or from Varadero Aruba Marina & Boatyard near the airport and Spanish Lagoon. Your captain will confirm the exact pickup pier and time after you book.

Along the calm west coast you’ll cruise past Eagle and Palm Beach, the Malmok and Boca Catalina coves, and up toward Arashi and the California Lighthouse. Snorkelers often stop at Tres Trapi to look for sea turtles and over the Antilla shipwreck off Malmok Bay. To the south, Spanish Lagoon and Mangel Halto reveal mangrove channels and clear shallows with vibrant reef life. Expect parrotfish, blue tangs, the occasional stingray or turtle, and those classic orange‑pink sunsets that light up the whole coast.

Yes—most boats welcome families. Charters carry life jackets for all ages and provide a safety briefing before departure; many also offer snorkel vests and flotation noodles. If you need infant or toddler‑sized PFDs, request them in your booking notes so the crew can have the right sizes ready. Children may be required to wear a life jacket while the boat is underway; once anchored for swimming, the captain will advise what’s safest for your group.

On many private charters, BYO is welcome alongside what the crew already provides. Coolers and ice are commonly included. For everyone’s safety, glass is often limited or not allowed on deck, and some boats discourage red wine or staining mixers. If you’d like catering, birthday cakes, or a premium open bar, ask the captain—most can arrange it with advance notice. The legal drinking age in Aruba is 18, so bring ID for anyone enjoying alcoholic beverages.

Policies vary by vessel. Some captains allow small, well‑behaved dogs with prior approval and a cleaning fee, while others are pet‑free due to upholstery or safety considerations. If you plan to travel with a pet, disclose it early in your inquiry and confirm leash rules, shade, and fresh water arrangements. If you’re flying in with a pet, be sure your airline and lodging paperwork (including vaccination and health certificates) are in order before your trip.

Aruba is famously sunny and sits outside the main hurricane belt, but brief showers are more common from October to January, and the island’s trade winds can strengthen by midday. Captains continually monitor wind and seas; if conditions aren’t safe, they’ll typically reschedule or refund according to the charter’s policy. If you’re on a tight schedule (cruise stop, flight, or celebration date), book an earlier slot in your trip to allow for flexibility.

Absolutely. Boats in Aruba host everything from low‑key family days to milestone birthdays and bachelorette cruises with music, floats, and a sunset toast. Share your headcount, preferred vibe (chill, party, luxe), and any décor or menu requests. Many captains can arrange decorations, charcuterie, or BBQ add‑ons; just note that confetti, glitter, and loose balloons are commonly restricted to protect the sea and wildlife.

Peak season runs December through April, when demand and prices are highest. Late spring and summer are breezier but less crowded, and fall brings occasional quick showers. Mornings are usually calmer with fewer boats at the reefs; afternoons are windier and great for sailing; sunsets are stunning but sell out early. Weekdays are easier to book than weekends. Late‑May music events and the Aruba Hi‑Winds competition (May 28–June 2, 2025) draw big crowds near Fisherman’s Huts, and U.S. holiday weekends like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day also book up fast—reserve well in advance for those dates.

Most boats have Bluetooth speakers for your playlist, shaded seating, swim ladders, and a marine restroom on larger vessels. Bring reef‑safe sunscreen, towels, and a hat; avoid aerosol sprays, which can make decks slippery. If you have dietary needs, confirm them ahead of time so the crew can stock alternatives or adjust the menu. Sea bands or motion‑relief tablets can help sensitive guests on windier afternoons.

For prime dates—holiday weeks, Saturdays, and sunset slots—book 2–4 weeks ahead in low season and 4–8 weeks ahead in peak season. For big groups or specialty boats, reserve even earlier. If you’re flexible on boat type and start time, last‑minute weekdays can work, but for specific routes, add‑ons, or celebrations, earlier is always better.

Yes—Antilla, Boca Catalina, Malmok, and Arashi are classic west‑coast stops with clear water and abundant marine life, and many charters include them on half‑day trips. Spanish Lagoon and Mangel Halto showcase mangroves and shallow reef gardens; conditions there depend on wind and tide, so your captain will advise what’s best for the day. If turtles are a must, mention it when you book so your route and timing can target the most reliable spots.