REVIEW · BONAIRE
Big Game Fishing charter and Snorkeling trips Bonaire
Book on Viator →Operated by The Fishing Dutchman · Bookable on Viator
Fish bites fast in Bonaire’s clear waters. The Fishing Dutchman pairs big game fishing with an easy, flexible snorkeling option, run by Captain Arjen, who brings 45 years of global fishing experience to a private 4-hour trip. You’re not stuck on a one-size schedule; the captain tailors the day to your interests and skill level.
I love how the charter aims for serious targets like wahoo, tuna, and barracuda while also building in time to watch dolphins and large sea turtles pass by as you wait. I also like that the essentials are covered: snorkeling equipment, fishing rods and lures, and all fees and taxes are included, so you can focus on enjoying the water. One possible drawback: the timing is short (about 4 hours) and it depends on good weather, so you’ll need patience if conditions force a change.
In This Review
- Key things I’d count on before you book
- A private charter that actually matches your day
- What you’re really going for: fish, turtles, and the wait that counts
- Price and value: $590 for up to 6 people
- The 4-hour flow: from the meeting point to the water time
- Snorkeling without the headache: equipment included, choice built in
- Communication and captain style: what you gain when things go smooth
- Who this charter fits best
- Weather matters more than you think
- Should you book The Fishing Dutchman in Bonaire?
- FAQ
- How much does the Bonaire fishing and snorkeling charter cost?
- How long is the trip?
- What fish does the captain aim to catch?
- Is snorkeling included?
- What’s included and what’s not included?
- What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?
- Final call: book it or skip it
Key things I’d count on before you book
- Private group up to 6 means the trip feels custom, not rushed with strangers.
- Captain Arjen’s experience (45 years) is the foundation of a calm, confident day on the water.
- Big-game targets: wahoo, tuna, and barracuda are the stated goals.
- Wildlife sightings while you wait: dolphins and large sea turtles often pass by.
- Snorkeling as an option near the coast adds variety without extending the trip.
- Gear and fees included (snorkel kit, fishing gear, all taxes) helps keep the total cost predictable.
A private charter that actually matches your day
On Bonaire, fishing and snorkeling can be two different plans. This one tries to do both in one compact outing, with Captain Arjen adjusting the approach depending on what you want and how comfortable you are in the water.
That matters because the best part of a trip like this is the match between effort and payoff. If you’re new, you don’t want a day that feels like a test. If you’re more experienced, you still want a captain who can put you in the right zone and keep the rhythm going. With a private setup for up to six people, you get more attention and fewer “everyone just watches” moments.
It also helps that the operation is built for responsiveness. The captain is easy to reach by text, and one group was met right at the public swimming pool pier when their cruise ship arrived. That kind of coordination is practical on a time-limited island visit.
What you’re really going for: fish, turtles, and the wait that counts
The plan is built around big-game fishing—then topped with wildlife time and optional snorkeling. The stated fish targets include wahoo, tuna, and barracuda, and the captain’s goal is to tailor the trip to your skill level, not just throw lines in and hope.
Here’s why that setup is worth it. Fish behavior can be unpredictable, so a good charter doesn’t panic when the bite slows. This one explicitly includes the “in-between” time as part of the experience: dolphins and large sea turtles may pass by as you wait and observe. That turns waiting into value, instead of dead time.
And if you want a change of pace, you can add snorkeling or a coast-hugging tour activity. The key is that the charter doesn’t force snorkeling as a rigid add-on. It’s flexible, and that makes a big difference for families and mixed groups.
One more practical point: this is about action, not a museum-like schedule. It’s about being on the water for roughly four hours, working toward fish, then switching gears if you want snorkeling time.
Price and value: $590 for up to 6 people
Let’s talk real math. The price is $590 per group, up to 6 people. If you fill the group, that’s about $98 per person for an approximately 4-hour private charter with fishing gear and snorkeling gear included, plus all fees and taxes.
What makes that feel fair isn’t just the per-person number. It’s that you’re not piecing together multiple rentals and add-ons. You get:
- fishing equipment (rods and lures)
- snorkeling equipment
- all fees and taxes
On the “what you don’t get” side, bottled water isn’t included, and there’s no full dinner on board. There are coolers to keep drinks cold, so you can bring what you want for hydration and snack choices. In other words: the charter covers the gear and the core activity; you plan the simple food/drink basics.
Also, this charter is often booked about 59 days in advance on average. That’s a hint that the calendar can move quickly—especially for the most convenient time slots. If you have a tight travel window, don’t wait until the last minute.
The 4-hour flow: from the meeting point to the water time
Your day starts at 27 Kaya C.E.B. Hellmund, Kralendijk. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so there’s no confusing mid-day drop-off and no extra taxi puzzle to solve.
The timing runs on the day’s available hours (5:30 AM to 6:30 PM), and the trip itself is about 4 hours. In practice, that means you should expect an efficient schedule: get onboard, get fishing/snorkeling organized, then stay focused until the time is up.
Because it’s private, there’s less waiting around for transfers and more time for the actual sea time. That’s especially useful if you’re doing a short Bonaire stop or you’re traveling with kids.
From the gear side, you don’t need to hunt down a rod rental or snorkel mask. Snorkeling equipment and necessary fishing gear come with the experience, and that reduces the most common “vacation friction”: showing up late to a start because you had to figure out equipment at the last second.
Snorkeling without the headache: equipment included, choice built in
This charter includes snorkeling equipment, and the captain can add snorkeling or keep things as a tour activity close to the coast. That’s a smart way to handle snorkeling because it respects how people actually travel.
If you’re a family group, not everyone may want to stay in the water the whole time. If you’re a beginner, you get a supported option without it becoming the entire mission. If you’re more experienced, you still get a chance to see more of the coastal environment between fishing attempts.
A nice detail for comfort: bottled water isn’t included, but there are coolers on board to keep drinks cold. So think in terms of bringing what you want to sip, then using the coolers so it stays pleasant instead of warm.
And food-wise, there’s no full dinner on board. The operation states there will be some snacks, and anything else you want can be discussed in consultation. Translation: come with reasonable expectations, plan simple snacks for yourself if you’re picky, and use the consultation option if you have needs beyond basic snacks.
Communication and captain style: what you gain when things go smooth
Fishing charters live or die on the small things: finding the right start point, communicating clearly, and adapting when the day changes. This experience has a strong reputation for practical communication.
One group shared that the captain was easy to get hold of by text when their cruise ship pulled into Bonaire, and he met them at the public swimming pool pier. That’s not a minor detail. If your arrival is delayed, or you’re coordinating from a ship balcony, clear communication can save a lot of stress.
There’s also a helpful “service mindset” signal: when a group forgot water bottles on the boat, the captain went out of his way to deliver them. I can’t promise that exact scenario will happen for everyone, but it does show the operation is paying attention to the little comfort needs that turn a trip from good to truly smooth.
Who this charter fits best
This is a private tour/activity, so it’s easiest to enjoy when your group wants control and attention. With a maximum group size of 6, you’ll likely find it ideal for:
- families with kids who want a mix of fishing and snorkeling time
- couples who want a private, guided experience instead of a crowded boat
- friends with mixed experience levels (the captain tailors to skill)
It also says most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. If you’re traveling with a mobility situation, the provided information doesn’t specify boat accessibility details, so it’s worth asking directly when you confirm.
Weather matters more than you think
This is good to know up front: the experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s how it should work for a water-based activity, and it keeps the stakes realistic.
Since the trip is around 4 hours, weather changes can also reduce flexibility. If you’re scheduling other parts of your day, I’d plan your day around the charter rather than treat it as a minor side quest.
Should you book The Fishing Dutchman in Bonaire?
If you want a private fishing day that’s serious about fish targets and still flexible enough for snorkeling and wildlife moments, this is a strong choice. The included gear, gear-based taxes/fees, and the “up to 6 people” group size make it feel efficient for the money.
I’d book it if your group wants a short, guided outing with clear goals (wahoo, tuna, barracuda) and a captain who can adapt. I’d hold off only if your schedule is extremely weather-sensitive or you’re counting on bottled water and full meals being provided, because those basics aren’t included.
FAQ
How much does the Bonaire fishing and snorkeling charter cost?
It’s $590 per group (up to 6). That price includes the core experience and all fees and taxes.
How long is the trip?
The duration is about 4 hours.
What fish does the captain aim to catch?
The charter aims to catch fish like wahoo, tuna, and barracuda.
Is snorkeling included?
Snorkeling equipment is included, and the captain can go snorkeling or do a tour activity close to the coast of Bonaire.
What’s included and what’s not included?
Included: snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment (rods to lures), and all fees and taxes. Not included: dinner, and bottled water (there are coolers on board to keep drinks cold).
What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Final call: book it or skip it
Book it if you want a private Bonaire experience that mixes big-game fishing with optional snorkeling, without making you bring gear or piece together the basics. Skip or wait if your plans can’t flex with weather, or if you expect dinner and bottled water to be fully provided.
