Aruba Deep-Sea Fishing Charter

Aruba's leeward coast shelves quickly into deep water, which makes it a strong base for deep-sea fishing. A charter clears the calm western shallows within minutes and is soon trolling the blue water where the island's big-game species feed, so you spend more of the trip with lines out and less of it travelling.

The usual targets are wahoo, mahi-mahi (dorado), and tuna, with white and blue marlin, sailfish, and barracuda possible depending on the season and conditions. Charters supply the rods, reels, tackle, and bait, and the crew handles the technical work, so the trip suits both seasoned anglers and complete first-timers. Trips run as half or full days, with the longer option reaching the most productive grounds.

Steady trade winds keep the air pleasant at around 28C, though they can put a chop on the water, so come prepared if you are prone to seasickness. Boats depart from marinas near Oranjestad, an easy start from the resort strip.

What a charter offers

• All fishing gear, tackle, and bait provided, with an experienced captain and crew.
• Half-day or full-day trips out of the leeward marinas near Oranjestad.
• Targets including wahoo, mahi-mahi, tuna, and marlin in deep water close to shore.
• A catch policy set by the operator, often catch-and-release for billfish such as Palm Beach area sailfish.