Aruba is fast becoming a favorite destination for recreational fishing. Set sail on an Aruba fishing charter and enjoy a day in the Caribbean waters as passionate fishermen exhale you with exciting tales of their craft. Aruban waters are rich with various species of large game fish like Barracuda, Blue and White Marlin, Sailfish, Kingfish, and sharks.
Many deep-sea fishing charters offer half-day and full-day excursions. You will get a thrilling fishing experience in 400 feet deep water for fish that can sometimes get too large for your net to hold.
Read on to find out the best deep-sea fishing charters in Aruba, their costs, types of fishing, fishing techniques, etc.
Table of Contents- 1. Blue Marlin
- 2. Barracuda
- 3. Bonefish
- 4. Mahi Mahi
- 5. Wahoo
- 6. King Mackerel
- 7. Grouper
- 8. Bull Shark
- 9. Sailfish
- 10. Albacore (Tuna)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time/season to fish in Aruba?
- What are the best fishing spots in Aruba?
- Conclusion: Be On the Lookout for These Fish in Aruba
The fishing charters were analyzed using costs, targeted fish species, the equipment they offer, fishing techniques, family-friendliness, and captain ratings. Below are 10 of the best deep-sea fishing charters in Aruba.
1. Teaser Charters – 35′ Bertram
Source: teaserfishingarubaThis 35 feet Bertram Offshore Sporting Boat is one of the best charters on the island. It is kid-friendly and accommodates six passengers. The boat is clean and comfortable with fighting chairs, AC, fishfinder, GPS, toilet, kitchen, sonar, and a flybridge.
It is run by captain Milton, who has over 20 years of experience and is a winner of several fishing competitions. He teaches fishing techniques like light tackle, trolling, heavy tackle, and jigging. The targeted fish are Marlin, Sailfish, Barracuda, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Bonito, Mackerel, Tuna, and Amberjack.
Teaser Charters provide you with rods, reels, tackles, lures, catch cleaning and filleting, and a first mate. There’s a catch-and-release policy with the billfish (Marlin). Marlins are large fish that are a matter of conservation because of their few numbers. However, the crew cleans and cuts other catches for you and suggests the best restaurants to cook it.
This charter runs multiple fishing trips a day. A half-day trip runs for 4 hours at $450, while a 6-hour trip is $720. The full-day trip is 8 hours and costs $960. Special fishing trips that target only Marlin and Sailfish cost $1160.
Teaser charters do their fishing both nearshore and offshore.
2. Hatts Off Charter
Source: fishingonarubaFamily-friendly Hatts Off Charter is a 46 foot Hatteras Sport Fishing boat out of Oranjestad. The yacht accommodates six people and experienced and hardworking fishermen. Hatts Off charter fishes offshore and provides rods, reels, tackle, lures, and drinks. The crew will also clean and cut up your catch into fillets.
You can choose any of the multiple fishing trips depending on your schedule. A four-hour trip costs $540, a 6-hour trip is $790, and an 8-hour trip costs $1080. The memorable 8-hour Marlin and Sailfish trip cost $1,250.
The Hatts Off Charter operator is one of the best on the island, called Reginald. This operator has a high Marlin and Sailfish catch rate and successfully participates in billfish tournaments in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.
Crew members include friendly and experienced fishermen. They will teach you fishing techniques and maneuvers like light tackle, trolling, heavy tackle, and deep-sea fishing. The boat has fighting chairs, outriggers, and a flybridge.
Hatts Off charters target Blue and White Marlin, Sailfish, Barracuda, Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin and Albacore Tunas, Amberjack, Wahoo, and King Mackerel.
3. Sunrise Charters
The Sunrise Caroline is a 31 feet charter boat operating out of Noord. Captain Marcelino De Jesus and his crew have great personalities and fascinating tales about their fishing adventures.
This charter offers inshore, offshore, and reef fishing. The fish targeted on this trip include Barracuda, tuna, Mahi Mahi, grouper, and snapper. It is family-oriented, and your kids will enjoy listening to fishing stories aboard.
A four-hour deep-sea fishing trip on the sunrise charter costs $450. Longer trips cost $600 for 6 hours and $800 for full-day fishing. Sunrise charter has a first mate that ensures bait and line are readily available.
Some fishing techniques include light tackle, trolling, drift fishing, bottom fishing, jigging, flounder gigging, and deep-sea fishing. Rds, reels, tackles, and lures are available aboard the fishing boat.
Passengers take 1 in 3 of the catch. The cheerful crew members are always willing to gut, clean, and cut fish into fillets.
4. Carla Boat Fishing Charters
Source: tripadvisorJoin Captain Juan Carlos aboard the Carla Boat Fishing Charter for a fun fishing adventure. At 31 feet, this Bertram sport fishing boat carries six passengers. It is clean and comfortable, with a toilet, AC, and a bed.
The captain showcases his fishing and navigation skills with bottom, drift, trolling, and deep-sea fishing techniques. This charter targets Barracuda, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Marlin, and Sailfish.
Carla Boat charters participate in nearshore, offshore, reef, and wreck fishing. A 4-hour trip costs $420, while 6 or 8 hours of fishing costs $430 and $800, respectively.
5. Aruba Bound Charters
Source: arubafishingboatCaptain Ryan and his crew run Aruba Bound Charters. The boat is a comfortable 27 feet Triton with GPS, a fish finder, outriggers, and fighting chairs.
Captain Ryan and his crew are professional and courteous, with exceptional knowledge of the area. You will get a first-rate fishing experience targeting fish such as Barracuda, Marlin, tuna, swordfish, snappers, triggerfish, etc. Spinning, popping, jigging, handline, and deep-sea fishing are fish-catching techniques.
Four hours of fishing will cost you $600, 6 hours will cost $625, and 8 hours will cost $1050. The boat is kid friendly and can accommodate six persons. Passengers keep ⅓ of the catch, and the crew cleans and cuts fish into fillets.
6. Mahi Mahi Fishing Charter
Source: aruba-mahimahiCaptains Peter, Rudolph, and Roy operate Mahi Mahi Fishing Charter. The boat is a clean and comfortable 42 feet Hatteras cruiser that can carry seven passengers.
You will leave from the Marina seaport with a knowledgeable and attentive crew. The fish targeted are Marlin, Sailfish, Barracuda, Mahi Mahi, Mackerel, etc. You get to keep 10-30% of the catch, and the crew cleans and cuts it into fillets.
The fishing trip costs $450 for 4 hours, $720 for 6 hours, and $960 for 8 hours. The fishing is done nearshore, offshore, or at the reef with techniques like trolling, heavy and light tackle, and deep shore fishing. The charter provides reels, rods, lures, tackles, lures, and drinks.
Mahi Mahi Fishing Charter is family-friendly with a pleasant crew. You will also get close to ponds of dolphins.
7. Lady Sarah Fishing Charter
Source: tripadvisorAbout six passengers can fit comfortably in this 40 feet Hatteras convertible boat. The crew uses trolling, heavy tackle, and deep-sea fishing techniques to target Sailfish, Marlin, Wahoo, Barracuda, Tuna, Bonito, etc.
The charter provides rods, reels, and other nearshore, offshore, and reef fishing equipment. The boat is clean, comfortable, and family-friendly with a lively crew. This crew will clean and fillet your share of the catch while recommending the best restaurants to cook it.
It costs $450 for 4 hours, $675 for 6 hours, and $900 for 8 hours to fish. They provide snacks and drinks if your trip is longer than four hours.
8. High-Time Charters
Operating out of Oranjestad, High Time Charters is a 33 foot Bertram boat that carries ten customers. The crew is attentive, patient, and lively. Depending on the season or weather, they use fishing techniques like trolling, light, and heavy tackle, drift filling, jigging, etc.
The main target fish are Barracuda, Mahi Mahi, Swordfish, Tuna, Kingfish, and snappers. Customers can also choose the specie they are interested in fishing.
The fishing prices are $450 for 4 hours, $660 for 6 hours, and $880 for 8 hours. The crew is committed to giving you a fun fishing experience. They provide live bait, lures, rods, reels, and other essential gear.
9. Dorothy Fishing Charters
Source: tripadvisorEnjoy a fun morning out on the water with the captain and crew of Dorothy Fishing Charter. The team has been together for several years and is always excited to meet new anglers.
The charter operates a comfortable 32 feet BHM Downeast style boat with fighting chairs, outriggers, downriggers, and tuna tubes. Other comfortable amenities are a toilet, shower, kitchen, and bedroom.
The target fish are White and Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Barracuda, Amberjack, Groupers, and Mahi Mahi. You will learn and use fishing techniques like spinning, drift fishing, jigging, bottom fishing, etc. Depending on the size, you can keep the catch or split it with the crew.
Fishing with Dorothy Charter is $410 for 4 hours, $620 for 6 hours, and $820 for 8 hours. A first mate aboard provides rods, lures, reels, and live bait. The crew will clean, fillet your catch, and give you cooking tips.
10. Driftwood Fishing Charter
Source: driftwoodfishingchartersDriftwood Fishing Charter offers a thrill-seeking and fun-filled fishing adventure. Captain Herby is a professional and helpful Sportfishing lover.
The charter leaves the Renaissance Marina and carries six persons. It has a first mate, live bait, rods, reels, etc. You will split the catch with the crew that will gut, clean, and cut it into fillets. The company also owns a restaurant that will cook your catch.
Fishing costs $480 for 4 hours, $720 for 6 hours, and $960 for 8 hours. The boat is comfortable and clean, with amenities like a toilet, kitchen, and refrigerator.
Recap: Top Aruba Fishing Charters to Check Out
Aruba is a haven for big game fishing with species like White and Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Barracuda, Jacks, Tunas, etc. It’s not surprising that the island is a favorite tourism destination for recreational fishermen.
Some of Aruba’s best deep fishing charters are Teaser, Hatts Off, Sunrise, Aruba Bound, Carla Boat, Mahi Mahi, Lady Sarah, High Time, Dorothy, and Driftwood.
These fishing charters are analyzed based on costs and factors such as fishing techniques, captain ratings, targeted fish, equipment, and family-friendliness.