The best day sailboat charter in Aruba is with Dushi Life. Captain Alan and first mate (okay, only other member of the crew 😉) Astrid gave on our day sailing in Aruba. While it seems like you are on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride on the way to the Varadero Yacht Club, it is well worth the time and cost to get out there. Take a cab though ($28), y’all will never find it on your own. Also, get the driver’s card and arrange for him to come at get you at the end of the day…you won’t find a cab waiting for you after the day on Dushi Life. Also, leaving from a pier at the yacht club was much better than trying to board the vessel from a dingy, which we have had to do on other trips.
My wife and I have chartered boats in USVI, Mexico and Aruba before; however, this was by far the best experience we have had. While he will take up to 8, we were the only ones aboard for our November 1, 2022 sailing. Alan and Astrid did everything to ensure my wife and I had the best day ever. Unlike many past trips, we spent most of the trip under only sail power which allowed for a more peaceful, quiet trip as well as feeling the vessel heel as she met the wind --a real sailing experience! I was even able to try my hand at the helm during the trip back. My wife is not the most athletic, but the boat is equipped with a long ladder and Astrid’s help made getting out of the water easy even for her.
The snorkel site was great and Alan timed the trip so we were not competing nor near the giant excursion boats used for cruise ship tours. A lunch of fresh fruit, tuna wraps and drinks on the way back were perfect. I would give this trip an 11 on a scale of 1-10.
