Private charter on Casador a classic 68ft sailing yacht.cruiseship possible

The best part of this Curaçao charter is having the 68-foot Casador to yourself. Instead of following a fixed route on a packed excursion boat, you can work with the captain to shape the day around snorkeling, swimming, beaches, sailing, or a visit to Klein Curaçao. At $130 per person, the private setting and full meal with drinks make this a strong value for families and groups.

I like the crew’s personal touch. Joseph, Robert, Daniel, Ramon, and Adris are among the captains and crew members associated with the boat, and they do more than handle the lines. They share stories about Curaçao, help less-mobile passengers board, and cook a generous lunch. I also like the barbecue and open bar, which include beer, wine, soft drinks, and rum punch.

The main consideration is the yacht itself. Some recent accounts describe Casador as comfortable and in good shape, while others found it old, rusty, or not as clean as expected from a classic yacht. Cruise passengers should also budget $15 per person for a round-trip taxi between the cruise terminal and the marina.

Key points to know before booking

• Private use of the yacht: Only your own group participates, so you can set the pace and choose how much time to spend in the water.
• Klein Curaçao option: The small offshore island offers white sand, clear water, snorkeling, and the chance to see sea turtles.
• Tugboat wreck snorkeling: The sunken tug near Spanish Waters is an artificial reef suited to both first-time and experienced snorkelers.
• Lunch is part of the experience: Expect a barbecue meal with fish, burgers, chicken, vegetable skewers, fruit, chips, and condiments, depending on the day.
• Cruise passengers need a separate transfer: The tour begins at Jan Thiel and Spanish Waters, not necessarily at the cruise dock.
• Boat condition varies by expectation: This is a classic yacht, not a polished modern luxury vessel, so book it for the crew, space, food, and freedom rather than showroom perfection.

A private day on the Casador

This is a long day on the water, usually lasting about 6 to 8 hours. The meeting point is in the Jan Thiel and Spanish Waters area, and the activity ends back there.

The private format matters most if your group has different interests. One person can snorkel while another rests in the shade. Strong swimmers can spend longer in the water, while children, older relatives, or less-confident swimmers can take things at a slower pace. You are not trying to keep up with a large boat full of strangers.

The crew has also shown flexibility with birthday trips, family gatherings, groups of friends, and cruise parties. The private setup works especially well for celebrations because you can bring your own mood to the day, including music from your phone through the boat’s speaker, as one large group experienced.

The exact route is not locked in stone. You can discuss the plan with the captain and select the places that interest you most. Klein Curaçao is the headline stop, but the Tugboat wreck, nearby beaches, Spanish Waters, and the west coast can also be part of the day.

Klein Curaçao and the open Caribbean

Klein Curaçao is a small, secluded island off the main island. Its appeal is simple: white sand, clear water, and a more remote setting than the developed beaches near Willemstad.

If you choose this route, expect time for swimming and snorkeling. The island is known for sea turtles and coral reefs, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Bring your own camera if you want pictures, and protect it properly around salt water.

The trip to Klein Curaçao can make for a full day by itself, so ask the captain how much time remains for other stops. A private charter gives you more say in the balance between riding, swimming, beach time, and lunch, but it cannot make the ocean crossing short. If your group prefers a quieter, shorter outing close to shore, the Tugboat area or a nearby beach may suit you better.

The Tugboat wreck near Spanish Waters

The Tugboat wreck is one of the more practical snorkeling choices because it is close to Curaçao and serves as an artificial reef. Colorful fish gather around the sunken boat, giving you something interesting to see without needing advanced snorkeling skills.

You can swim from the anchored yacht toward the site. One large group spent about an hour snorkeling, swimming, playing in the water, and jumping from the boat. The private charter also helped them avoid the busiest part of the visit, leaving the site less crowded for a period of time.

I would treat the Tugboat stop as a good choice for mixed-ability groups. Experienced snorkelers have something to explore, while beginners can stay near the surface and enjoy the fish. Still, you need to be comfortable in open water, and you should follow the crew’s instructions about currents, boat traffic, and distance from the yacht.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied. You should bring sunscreen, a hat, and your own beach towel. The Caribbean sun can feel mild when you are moving through the water, but it is strong on an exposed boat deck. Reapply sunscreen often, even if there is some shade.

Beaches, coves, and time to simply float

The captain may take you to a beach or quiet cove along the coast. These stops are less about checking off a famous sight and more about having room to swim, sit in the shallows, listen to music, and enjoy the boat without a strict schedule.

A private beach stop can feel very different from a busy public beach, especially on a weekday. One group spent several hours at a secluded beach area, swimming, feeding fish, walking on the sand, and relaxing near the boat. Conditions and crowd levels can change, so you should not expect complete solitude every time.

This part of the trip is where the charter earns its keep for non-snorkelers. If you have relatives who prefer sun and conversation to active water sports, they can enjoy the scenery while others use the snorkel gear. You can also ask for more time at the beach rather than rushing to another stop.

The boat has shade, but not a large amount. If you burn easily, bring a hat and use plenty of sunscreen. A camera is useful for the scenery, though you will want to keep it protected from spray.

Lunch, rum punch, and a full drinks service

Food is one of the most praised parts of the outing. Lunch is described as a generous barbecue, with items such as freshly grilled fish, hand-formed cheeseburgers, chicken and vegetable skewers, buns, chips, fruit, and condiments. The exact menu may vary, but you should arrive expecting a substantial meal rather than a small snack.

The drinks package includes water, soft drinks, beer, wine, alcoholic beverages, and Caribbean rum punch. Snacks may also include bread, crackers, meats, cheeses, chips, and fresh-cut fruit. One group appreciated being served on proper plates and with regular utensils rather than only disposable tableware.

The open bar is valuable on a day this long. You are outside in the sun for hours, and having drinks ready onboard means you do not need to carry a large supply or interrupt the day to find refreshments. You should still drink water, especially if you are swimming and enjoying rum punch or beer.

The crew also handles the meal, which adds to the relaxed feel. Joseph, Robert, Daniel, Ramon, and Adris have all been associated with warm hospitality and helpful service, though your particular crew may differ. If food allergies or special dietary needs matter to your group, confirm them before booking because the supplied details do not spell out a special-diet menu.

What the crew adds to the day

The crew is a major reason this experience receives strong marks despite concerns about the boat. Joseph and Robert are often praised for island stories and conversation, while Daniel is noted for friendly service and local guidance. Ramon and Adris have also received praise for handling a family birthday charter with care.

The crew can help with more than navigation. They assist people getting on and off the dinghy and yacht, help with lines, explain the boat, and adjust the day to suit the group. That matters because boarding is not always a simple step from a dock onto a large yacht.

Some outings include a small dog belonging to a crew member. If that would be a concern for anyone in your party, ask ahead of time. The dog has been part of the friendly atmosphere on several outings, but it is still worth confirming if you have allergies or simply prefer an animal-free boat.

The crew’s island stories also give the day more local character. You may hear about the coast, bays, homes, plantations, and the places you pass on the way out. It is not a formal history tour, but the conversation helps turn the boat ride into more than transportation between swimming stops.

The classic yacht question

The Casador is described as a classic 68-foot sailing yacht. That gives you space and a memorable old-boat character, but it also sets the right expectation. This is not a sleek new luxury yacht with spotless fittings and a polished showroom finish.

The feedback is mixed. Some descriptions call the boat comfortable and in good shape. Others found it very old, rusty, or dirty, with one response acknowledging that the boat had been in use every day and had not received its usual cleaning.

I would book this for the private deck space, crew, food, and flexible route, not for luxury design. If a pristine boat is central to your idea of a perfect charter, you may be disappointed. If you care more about having your own vessel, spending hours in the water, and eating a freshly prepared lunch, the classic condition may matter less.

It is reasonable to ask about the boat’s current condition before you commit, especially if your group is comparing this with a newer private charter. The activity provider is Casador Boat Trips, and confirmation is sent at booking.

Cruise ship timing and the $15 transfer

Cruise passengers can take this excursion, but the transport details deserve attention. The meeting point is at Jan Thiel and Spanish Waters, and the cruise terminal transfer requires a taxi arranged for about $15 per person round trip.

That transfer is not a small detail. Allow roughly 30 minutes each way based on the experience described by one large cruise group, then add time to find the driver, board the dinghy, and reach the yacht anchored away from the marina. Large parties may need more than one dinghy trip between the marina pier and the yacht.

You should also check the difference between ship time and local time. Keep a generous buffer before all-aboard time. The crew has helped cruise groups return with time to spare, but the responsibility for getting back to the ship remains yours.

For a cruise day, I would choose this only if the ship’s schedule allows a full 6 to 8 hours plus transfers. A shorter port call could make the outing feel rushed. Contact the operator about the pickup plan before booking, since dock pickup may not be available directly from the ship.

Value at $130 per person

At $130 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Curaçao from the water. The price becomes more attractive when you count what is included: private use of the yacht, snorkeling equipment, lunch, an open bar, crew service, and several hours at sea.

A public boat trip might cost less per person, but you would give up control over the schedule and share the deck with a larger crowd. For a group of friends or family, the private format can be worth the extra cost because the price buys the entire experience rather than only a seat.

The value is strongest for groups that will use the full day. If you plan to snorkel, swim, eat onboard, and spend time at a beach, $130 covers a lot. It is weaker for anyone who mainly wants a short scenic boat ride or who will not drink alcohol or use the water equipment.

Remember to add the cruise transfer, sunscreen, towel, and any personal purchases to your budget. The supplied information lists the taxi at $15 per person round trip for cruise ship dock transfers.

Who should book this charter

I would recommend the Casador to families, groups of friends, birthday parties, and cruise groups with enough time in port. It is also a good match for mixed groups, since the private boat lets active swimmers and relaxed sunbathers share the same day.

The experience suits you if you value human service over formal luxury. You should enjoy conversation with the crew, flexible plans, swimming, snorkeling, and a long outdoor day. It is especially appealing if you want your group together without the noise and crowding of a large excursion boat.

I would hesitate if you need a spotless, modern yacht or a tightly scheduled sightseeing tour. I would also be cautious for a cruise visit with limited port time, because the separate taxi and marina boarding add steps. Confirm accessibility needs in advance, as boarding includes a dinghy ride and the details do not promise full step-free access.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the local start time. Bad weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Should you book the Casador?

Book it if your ideal Curaçao day includes a private yacht, friendly crew, snorkeling, beach time, a filling barbecue, and drinks served as you go. The strongest part is the freedom to shape the day, supported by crew members who have earned repeated praise for hospitality, island stories, and help with families and older passengers.

Skip it if you want a modern luxury vessel or need a short, simple cruise excursion from the dock. The Casador’s condition can be rough around the edges, and cruise passengers must arrange a taxi.

For the right group, the boat’s age is a secondary issue. You are paying for time together on the water, not a polished hotel at sea. At $130 per person, that can be a very good Curaçao day, provided you arrive with realistic expectations.

FAQ

Where does the private Casador charter begin?

The stated meeting point is in Jan Thiel and Spanish Waters. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the charter last?

The experience lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours.

Can cruise ship passengers take this tour?

Yes, cruise passengers can take the charter, but a taxi transfer to and from the cruise terminal must be arranged. The stated cost is about $15 per person round trip.

Is the boat private?

Yes. This is a private activity, and only your group participates.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a barbecue, and the package includes alcoholic beverages, wine, beer, soft drinks, and Caribbean rum punch.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What should I bring?

Bring your own beach towel, sunscreen, camera, and possibly a hat. The boat has some shade, but sun protection is important.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund. If weather or the minimum number of participants causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.