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

A full day at sea, made your way. The Casador private charter combines a classic 68-foot sailing yacht, a flexible route, snorkeling, beach time, and a generous lunch with drinks. I especially like the chance to shape the day with the captain and the warm, personal service from crew members such as Joseph, Robert, Daniel, Ramon, and Adris.

I also like that the yacht is reserved for your group alone. That matters when you are marking a birthday, sailing with a large family, or simply want more room than a standard excursion boat allows. The main caution is condition: some passengers found the yacht comfortable, while others felt it looked old, rusty, or less clean than expected for a private charter.

The Casador Charter at a Glance

• A private 68-foot sailing yacht: Your group has the boat to itself, with a captain and crew to guide the day.
• Flexible Curaçao itinerary: You can discuss snorkeling, swimming, beaches, harbor views, and other stops with the captain.
• Klein Curaçao option: The small offshore island offers white sand, clear water, reef scenery, and possible sea turtle sightings.
• Tugboat wreck snorkeling: The sunken tug at Spanish Waters is a popular artificial reef suitable for newer and experienced snorkelers.
• Barbecue lunch and open bar: Food includes grilled fish, burgers, chicken, vegetable kebabs, fruit, chips, and condiments, along with beer, wine, soft drinks, and rum punch.
• Cruise passengers need extra planning: A taxi between the cruise terminal and the marina costs $15 per person round trip and takes about 30 minutes, according to the detailed trip account.

Why This Private Sailing Day Works

The best thing about this charter is control. A shared excursion usually follows a fixed route and fixed schedule. Here, you can tell the captain what your group wants from the day. That might mean more snorkeling, a quiet beach stop, a harbor cruise, or extra time floating beside the yacht.

That flexibility is especially useful for mixed groups. One person can snorkel while another stays aboard in the shade. Children can swim while older family members enjoy lunch and the scenery. Several groups used the Casador for milestone birthdays, including an 80th birthday, a 75th birthday, and a 60th birthday.

The crew receives the strongest praise. Joseph and Robert are often singled out for their friendly manner and their stories about Curaçao. Daniel is also praised for clear communication before the trip, while Ramon and Adris are described as capable and attentive. One group even enjoyed the company of a small dog aboard the yacht, though you should not assume the dog will be present on every departure.

The atmosphere sounds informal rather than polished and corporate. You may get local stories, music from a Bluetooth speaker, help with the lines, and a crew that adjusts the day around your group. That personal touch is a large part of the charter’s appeal.

Choosing Between Klein Curaçao and the Tugboat Wreck

Klein Curaçao is the more classic Caribbean outing. The island is known for pale sand and clear water, with snorkeling around coral and the possibility of seeing sea turtles. It gives you the feeling of getting away from Curaçao itself, though the trip’s exact route and time at the island should be confirmed with the captain when you book.

The small island is best for groups that want open beach space, swimming, and a scenic change of setting. Bring your own towel, sunscreen, camera, and hat. The sun can feel strong on the water, and shade aboard the yacht is limited.

The Tugboat wreck at Spanish Waters offers a different kind of stop. The sunken vessel has become an artificial reef, drawing colorful fish and other marine life. It is described as suitable for both beginner and experienced snorkelers, which makes it a useful choice for families or groups with mixed water skills.

You can swim from the anchored yacht toward the wreck site. One detailed account describes an hour spent snorkeling, swimming, playing, and watching fish, with the group enjoying the site after other snorkelers had moved on. That timing can make a difference, since a popular reef is more pleasant when you are not sharing the water with a crowd.

The wreck is not only for strong swimmers, but you still need to be comfortable in open water. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, yet you should ask about current conditions and follow the crew’s instructions before entering the water.

West Coast Views and Quiet Beach Time

The route can also include a scenic cruise along Curaçao’s west coast, where the focus shifts from snorkeling to views and swimming. The supplied details do not give a fixed list of beaches, so you should think of this as a flexible part of the charter rather than a guaranteed set of named stops.

A secluded beach or party cove can be a fine middle part of the day. One group spent several hours swimming, walking on the sand, listening to music, and eating lunch near a quiet beach area. On that weekday, only one other small boat was nearby. Weekends may feel busier, since the same area is described as a popular gathering place for boats.

This is where a private boat earns its keep. You can spend more time in the water if everyone is enjoying it, or leave sooner if the group is ready to sail. You are not tied to the pace of a large tour boat.

The scenic sailing back toward the harbor is also part of the experience. The captain and crew point out homes, plantations, architecture, and harbor sights while you cruise. The trip is not only about getting from one swim stop to another. Some of the quieter pleasure comes from sitting aboard, listening to local stories, and watching Curaçao from the water.

Lunch, Rum Punch, and the Open Bar

Food is one of the charter’s strongest features. The advertised meal is a barbecue with an open bar, wine, beer, soft drinks, and Caribbean rum punch. Accounts of the meal describe grilled fish, handmade cheeseburgers, chicken and vegetable kebabs, chips, fresh fruit, buns, condiments, meats, and cheeses.

The exact menu may vary, but the portions sound substantial. One large group of 11 had plenty to eat, including snacks after the first snorkeling stop and a full lunch later at the beach. The food was served on proper plates with utensils, which feels more comfortable than eating everything from paper plates while the boat moves.

You should still tell the operator about dietary needs before departure. The available information does not list special menus, so do not assume that a particular allergy or preference can be handled without advance notice.

The rum punch gets repeated praise, and the bar includes nonalcoholic drinks as well. That makes the charter suitable for mixed groups, although you should pace yourself carefully in the Caribbean heat. Sunscreen, water, shade, and restraint are more useful than discovering the strength of the rum punch too late in the afternoon.

What the Yacht Is Really Like

The Casador is a classic 68-foot sailing yacht, not a new luxury yacht. That distinction matters. Some passengers describe the boat as comfortable and in good shape, while others were disappointed by its old, rusty, or dirty appearance.

The operator acknowledged that the yacht had been running frequently and had not received as much cleaning as usual. That explanation does not erase the concern, but it gives you a realistic picture: book this for the private access, crew, food, and sailing day, not for a glossy yacht-club finish.

A classic boat can have character, but expectations should be set correctly. If you want spotless fittings, modern styling, and a luxury charter atmosphere, this may not be the right choice. If you care more about having a private boat, a flexible day, and a crew that cooks and talks with your group, the tradeoff may be worthwhile.

The yacht has some shade, but not a great deal. Pack a hat and apply sunscreen often. You may also want to bring a dry bag for phones and cameras, although a dry bag is not listed among the included items.

Cruise Ship Pickup Requires Extra Planning

The listed meeting point is Jhan Thiel, Spanish Waters, and the activity ends back there. Pickup may be offered, but cruise passengers need to arrange a taxi from the cruise terminal at an additional $15 per person round trip.

The drive from the cruise terminal to the marina takes about 30 minutes in the detailed account. At the marina, the group boarded a small tender for a short ride to the yacht, which was anchored in the harbor. Large groups may make more than one tender trip.

This transfer is an important practical detail. The charter is possible from a cruise ship, but you should not treat it like an excursion that begins directly at the pier. Arrange transportation early, confirm the pickup time, and allow enough room for traffic and the return to the ship.

Keep the ship’s time and Curaçao’s local time aligned. One large group made it back with time to spare, but they had specifically planned for the return. A private charter gives you more control, not unlimited control over traffic, tender movement, or weather.

Is the $130 Price Good Value?

At about $130 per person, this charter can be good value for a group that will use the private boat for most of the day. The price includes a six to eight-hour outing, crew, snorkeling equipment, lunch, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and rum punch. You also avoid sharing the boat with strangers.

For a couple or a very small group, the price may feel less compelling, especially after adding the $15 round-trip taxi cost for cruise passengers. For a family or group of friends, the value improves because you are paying for a private setting and a full day of food, drinks, sailing, and water activities.

The boat’s condition is the main factor that affects the value calculation. You should not pay this price expecting a pristine luxury yacht. You are paying for space, flexibility, local guidance, and a catered day on the water.

The overall rating is 4.3 out of 5 from 43 ratings, which fits the pattern here. The crew and food receive the most consistent praise. The boat itself creates the most disagreement.

Who Will Enjoy This Charter Most?

I would recommend the Casador to:

• Families celebrating birthdays or reunions
• Cruise passengers who can manage the added taxi transfer
• Groups that want a private boat rather than a shared excursion
• Strong and casual snorkelers traveling together
• Friends who value a relaxed lunch and open bar
• People who prefer local conversation and flexibility over formal luxury

I would be more cautious if your top priority is a spotless, modern yacht. I would also ask questions before booking if someone in your group has limited mobility. The crew helped passengers with knee and hip problems board the tender and yacht, but access involves a tender ride, and the available information does not promise a step-free experience.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. Still, ask directly about current boarding arrangements if anyone needs special assistance.

Cancellation and Weather Details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded.

The trip depends on good weather. If poor weather cancels the charter, you can receive another date or a full refund. The same options apply if the minimum number of participants is not met.

Should You Book the Casador?

Book it if you want a private, social day on Curaçao’s water, with a flexible route, good food, snorkeling, and a crew that treats the outing as more than a simple boat transfer. Joseph, Robert, Daniel, Ramon, and Adris are repeatedly praised for making birthdays, family days, and cruise outings feel personal.

Go in with realistic expectations about the yacht. The Casador is an older classic sailing boat, not a polished luxury vessel. If you can accept that, the combination of a private group, local stories, reef snorkeling, beach time, barbecue lunch, and rum punch offers strong value, especially for a larger party.

FAQ

How long is the Casador private charter?

The experience lasts approximately six to eight hours.

Where does the charter start and finish?

It starts at Jhan Thiel in Spanish Waters and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the charter private?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private activity.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is described as a barbecue, with items such as grilled fish, burgers, chicken, vegetable kebabs, fruit, chips, buns, and condiments.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The open bar includes wine, beer, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and Caribbean rum punch.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

How do cruise passengers reach the yacht?

Cruise passengers need to arrange a taxi between the cruise terminal and the marina. The listed cost is $15 per person round trip. The yacht is reached from the marina by a short tender ride.