Sail the high seas or spend a little time hooking dinner while fishing in Aruba

Aruba's tourist-centric hospitality seems to extend off its shores and into the waters teeming with amazing fishing. Sailing and fishing are both popular pastimes for travelers, but fishing is also an enterprise for many of Aruba's locals.

Aruba Fishing

If you're looking to strike out and catch diverse types of fish, Aruba is the place to do it. Most of Aruba's fishing is done along the calm southwest coast, away from the waves and winds of the north side of the island. However, fishing off the northern coast can yield easy catches when fish become trapped in rocks after storms.

Most of Aruba's deep-sea fishing is done by the challenge of line fishing, in which fishermen fight to wrest their catch from depths of up to 400 feet. Deep-sea fishing is also more popular during the high season, which is tied to the passing of migrating fish. Most of these pass through the area from October through February, though they are available year-round. These fish include wahoo, king mackerel, tuna, and dolphinfish. Some of the area's most popular fish are the varied species of snapper and grouper.

Traveler's Tip: Keep in mind that while you may find what are now called Goliath Groupers, formerly called the Jewfish, and also called Djuvis, they have become increasingly rare due to overfishing.

Fishermen should keep in mind that many fish, especially snapper and grouper varieties, are found in all levels of water. Some are available only in certain areas. It is best to consult one of Aruba's fishermen for local information.

The shallow water fish of the region are said to be the best fighters pound-for-pound of all fish. Many can be caught from the beach or from a small boat in Aruba's shallow waters. Fishing from the shore can be less costly for budget-conscious travelers because there is no need for boat rental. It can also be done from aboard a sailboat. Live bait such as conch or squid are the best bet for reef fishermen looking to catch some very interesting fish.

Often silk snapper and blackfish snappers are sold as red snapper, and many novice fishermen may have difficulty telling snappers and groupers apart. Take a look at the grouper's definitive jaw and teeth to be sure of what you've caught. Groupers are sure favorites of fishermen and chefs. Big Eyed Scads, also called Masbangos or Goggler, are a local favorite.

In order to take part in this favorite deep-sea pastime, you'll almost certainly need to charter a fishing boat. Luckily, Aruban charters are easy to find. Head out with a captain and a fishing mate for a half or full-day excursion. A half-day charter will set you back between $220(USD) and $320(USD), while a full-day runs from $400(USD) to $600(USD). Rates generally include equipment, food, and drinks for the journey, but you should ask about what is included just to be sure. Walk along the port at Seaport Marina in downtown Oranjestad to find a wide range of chartering options.

Aruba fishing aficionados and those out on a maiden voyage will each find plenty of fun fishing in the lcoal waters. You may even be able to carry in your catch of the day and find a restaurant to cook it for you.

Charters

Aruba fishing charters aren't the only way for travelers to explore the seas around the island. Vacationers can charter boats from other sources, or take a themed cruise out into the ocean. Charterers will be able to set their own path and go where they please, which is a"must" for some island adventurers. However, before you embark on a seafaring adventure, there are a few things you should know about boat chartering services. There are actually several ways to charter a boat. Pick the one that fits you best.

If visiting the sea is only a small part of your island plans, take a short trip with a smaller charter. These may be taken out for short picnics or sightseeing trips. For travelers more interested in staying dry, this may be the best choice for their vacation. It offers a brief taste of the beautiful ocean surrounding Aruba without requiring a long-term commitment to the sea.

Before chartering a larger boat or yacht, you should plan for a few details. Prices of most chartered boats are comparable to the price of an all-inclusive hotel stay or cruise ship for the same length of time. The duration of these voyages can vary, but generally run from 10 days to two weeks. Also, remember that on crewed yachts, the crew should be tipped approximately 10 percent of the total charter price. Food is rarely provided in the cost but can be added through the company in most cases; conversely, ships generally come with sporting supplies and a fully stocked bar.

The three main types of charters are bareboat charters, captained charters, and crewed charters. When renting a bareboat, you are responsible for either having or finding a captain and crew. A captained boat comes with just a captain; you are responsible for crewing the boat. Meanwhile, fully crewed boats come with a chef, captain, and crew to provide you with everything you need to relax and enjoy your time at sea.

Experienced sailors are the only ones who should attempt chartering a bareboat. If you are considering this type of charter, make sure that you are familiar with the specific type of boat as well as the seas around Aruba. You should also travel with others who have seafaring experience of their own. Because sailing a bareboat charter can be extremely dangerous unless you know how to sail, most Aruba charter companies will ask for credentials before renting out a bareboat.

Chartering a boat with only a captain may be best for sailors who are unfamiliar with the area or uncomfortable sailing in the Aruban waters without a strong knowledge of the location. This is another route that should only be taken by those with some sailing experience, though it does not require as much knowledge as a bareboat requires. This can be a financial drawback, as a captained charter can sometimes cost as much as a fully crewed boat.

Crewed charters are the yachts of choice for the rest of us. They allow passengers to relax and plan the itinerary independently or with the help of the knowledgeable captain and crew. No experience is necessary, but finding the right crew is important. The crew is generally a small group of people who sail charters part of the year, and sail for themselves during the remainder. They will know the area's best sites for whatever you want to do. However, they will also be your living companions for the length of your charter, so it is imperative that you are comfortable with them.

First-time charterers may wonder how they could possibly find the right boat or crew. It's surprisingly simple when you work through a charter broker. Charter brokers are paid by the boat owner or charter company to connect the right boat or crew with the right vacationer. This ensures that everyone has the best possible time. Essentially, charter brokers are paid to know the best of the best in the region and to set you up with the best match, at no cost to you. Many of the larger yacht chartering companies do not directly offer the services of a broker, but have experienced personnel to work with you. If you don't intend to book with a large company, a broker can be the best way to go.

There are many wonderful sights that can only be seen from aboard a boat off Aruba's coast. Simply by booking a charter or fishing boat, you can experience the beauty of a tropical island sunset or the magic of a secluded spot untouched by humans.

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