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10 Best Curacao Snorkel Tours in 2024 – Local’s Guide

Are you looking for the best Curacao Snorkel Tours for your vacation? You are not alone!

Curacao is famous for its pristine underwater and marine life, so it is no surprise that there is an abundance of snorkel tours available. 

I lived in Curacao last year, and I know how hard it can be to choose from such a big offer of snorkel tours. 

Luckily for you, I have created this list with the 10 best snorkel tours in Curacao for your vacation in 2024.

Let’s dive in! (pun intended)

Looking for Scuba Diving Tours instead? I got you covered as well.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my  disclaimer  for further information.

1. Private Boat Trip | Swim, Board or Snorkel

🥰 5/5 (27 reviews)

This Private Curacao Tour was my favorite tour on the island. I booked the tour with the super nice hosts, Marc and Bettina, to celebrate our anniversary with my husband. 

The boat tour starts in a small marina by the Spanish Waters. The tour is fully customizable, but we chose to let the guides plan something for us. 

The first things we saw were the coral stone rock formations and the view of the Tafelberg. We drove by all the fancy houses by the Spanish water. 

Later we decided to do some water sports. They showed us how to wakeboard and then we visited some amazing snorkel spots. 

This tour is an amazing option with a smaller group. You can bring up to 5 people and split the fee for some of the best snorkeling in Curacao. 

The guides know all the coolest spots on the island and have amazing ideas on how to plan the day. This is one of my favorite Curacao snorkel trips!

For more private Curacao Tours check out my in-depth guide.

Included: Equipment for snorkeling, tubing, and wakeboarding, bottled water

Duration : 3 hours

Best way to see Curacao! I would give more stars if I could! Bettina and Marc were incredible hosts, and we had such a great time. We had rough water so we improvised, and got an incredible tour within the safe and calm waters of the bay. We saw all of the beautiful homes, stopped at Santa Barbara beach where some snorkeled. We will definitely rebook with Bettina and Marc on our next visit, and hopefully be able to do more (weather permitting). A Tripadvisor Reviewer, Jan 2023

2. Curacao Private Beach Hopping and Snorkeling Tour

🥰 5/5 (81 reviews)

This private and customizable beach hopping and snorkeling tour is probably the best thing you can get for your money! You get a private and personal tour guide to plan a perfect day in Curacao for you. 

This tour is ideal for cruise guests because the times are flexible and pick-up from the ship is included in the tour. I still can’t get over the fact that you get a private tour around the island that costs just as little as any other tour in a big group! 

Your guide can take you to the best snorkeling beaches in Curacao: Grote Knip Beach, Playa Piskado (to see sea turtles), Playa Lagun, and Playa Porto Mari. Of course, you can add many more stops to the itinerary. 

If you wish, you can even check out other Curacao highlights, such as Shete Boka National Park, the Blue Room Caves, or Landhuis Chobolobo, the Liquor Distillery. 

There is nothing not to love about this private Curacao tour and sailing trip. 

Included: Equipment, Hotel Pickup, Water 

Duration : 5-7 hours

Awesome customizable excursion tour Lee was always prompt in his responses to my questions prior to the tour, which was booked almost 9 months in advance. He met us at our Cruise Ship dock and gave us an awesome tour for snorkeling the best beaches, driving around town and touring the distillery. Definitely more than I expected. Highly recommend! Christina_I, Feb 2023

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3. Full Day Catamaran Trip to Klein Curacao With BBQ Lunch

🥰 5/5 (575 reviews)

A day trip to Klein Curacao needs to be on everyone’s Curacao itinerary. The small, uninhabited island is located an hour off the coast of Curacao – and it is paradise on earth. The snorkeling there is next level, and you might even see sea turtles. 

This full-day Catamaran Tip is a great option for Klein Curacao. There is a super yummy BBQ lunch included – and an Open Bar is always fun! 

Included: Lunch, Open Bar, Equipment

Duration : 9 hours

Klein Curaçao day trip All parts of this trip were memorable. From start to finish 10 out of 10. Food, staff, professional service. Sailing back to Curaçao at the end if the trip was really special. David_H, Feb 2023

4. Small Group Aquafari Tour in Curacao

🥰 4,5/5 (452 reviews)

An Aquafari Tour is an amazing way to get the experience of scuba diving without all the hassle. The bell-shaped helmet will help you comfortably breathe underwater. 

The tour takes about 1,5 hours, and you can sit on a small underwater scooter. No prior experience is needed!

This tour is such a fun way to explore Curacao underwater! The groups are super small, so you will have personal attention from your tour guide. 

This is one of the best Curacao adventure tours you can find. Totally recommend it. 

Included: Equipment, Professional diver to help out

Duration : 1,5 hours

A very unique experience! My husband and I did the Aquafari. It was a very unique experience! We both enjoyed it. I was very anxious about doing it but it was much easier than I had anticipated. We were given excellent instruction and the divers kept us together. The pictures they took and emailed to us were so good! Would definitely recommend this! Diane_W, Feb 2023

5. Curacao Private Seabob Snorkel Tour – Bearded Butlers

🥰 5/5 (124 reviews)

The Curacao Sea Bob Tou r is a fun way to do some snorkeling a bit further out on the ocean. The propulsion device can take you to the most beautiful snorkeling spots in Curacao – without getting fatigued. 

Your tour guide will show you the most amazing spots. The entire experience is super personalized because it is a private tour. 

This is another super fun and adventurous way to discover the pristine marine life in Curacao. 

Included: Equipment

Duration : 1 hour

Great Seabob experience! Andy was a great tour guide! Friendly, patient, and went out of his way to find cool things for us to look at. The seabobs themselves were fun to use and allowed you to get out much farther into the sea than snorkeling alone. Really recommend. George_L, Nov 2022

6. Klein Curacao Adventure Day Trip

🥰 5/5 (49 reviews)

This amazing Klein Curacao Adventure Day Trip will fulfill your every wish. A catamaran will take you to the small, uninhabited island for some pristine snorkeling. 

Your experienced guide from Curacao, Irie Tours, will give you snorkeling instructions if needed. They can set you up with all the equipment you need. 

Since there are no amenities on the island itself, it is super convenient that the tour provider sets up everything on the catamaran. And the BBQ lunch is to die for! 

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Open Bar, Equipment

Klein Curaçao amazing experience Klein Curaçao is a must if you visit Curaçao (the most beautiful beach in both islands) and the tour agent and our crew were amazing (thank you so much!) this tour is highly recommended!! Arturo_M, Feb 2023

7. Snorkel and Beach Adventure Tour

For everyone craving some adventure on your Curacao snorkel tour – I got a total gem for you with this tour. 

The Snorkel and Beach Adventure Tour will take you to all the highlights of Curacao. You will be traveling around in a 4 x 4 vehicle and exploring off the beaten tracks. 

You will pass by Playa Piskado to swim with turtles. My favorite place is the Shete Boka National Park, where you see huge waves and impressive cliffs. 

This is one of the best Curacao island tours you can find. 

Included: Driver, Equipment, Water, Hotel Pickup

Duration : 6 hours

Best tour in Curaçao! If you do one tour in Curaçao- this is THE one! Our guide Karl was fabulous. He shared his love for the island and abundant knowledge about it’s history, nature and culture. Pick up at our resort was so convenient. The Shete Boka National Park was so impressive and different from the rest of the island. Swimming with the turtles and amazing sea life was wonderful at Playa Pisquado (easy but bring water shoes or water socks to make going in water easier). It was very interesting to watch the men cut up fresh fish afterward. Then on to a photo opportunity above the fabulous Playa Kenepa with its unreal turquoise water. Then, lunch and swimming at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world Cas Abou beach. Swimming or floating here is heavenly. It is also a good snorkeling beach and Karl tells you where to go and provides snorkeling gear. Beach chairs, shower coin and non alcoholic drink is included in the tour. This is truly a beach to cherish, in my top 3. We ended with a visit to the flamingo estuary. Again, I must say that Karl made this day incredibly special – thank you so much! Jacqueline_L, Feb 2023

Do you need travel insurance in Curacao? Yes, travel insurance in Curacao is highly recommended. Unsafe roads, water sports accidents, and food poisoning are only a few examples of when travel insurance could come in handy.   EKTA offers worldwide travel insurance  with 24/7 service and no hidden fees or restrictions.

8. Swimming with Sea Turtles and Professional Pictures

🥰 5/5 (136 reviews)

All my fellow Instagram lovers will absolutely go nuts for this tour. Not only will you be able to swim with sea turtles, but you will have a professional photographer by your side that can capture the moment. 

The four-hour tour will take you to Playa Piskado and Playa Grandi to snorkel with the sea turtles. On your way back you can stop by to see the flamingos in their natural habitat. 

Also, the tour is private, so you can relax and get some great info about the island from knowledgeable tour guides. 

Included: Equipment, Soft-Drinks, Hotel Pickup/Drop-off, GoPro Pictures

Duration : 4 hours

Don’t miss out! You have to do this! Can’t say amazingly awesome loud enough! Patrick, his wife and the driver were amazing! Great information about the island so you’re not riding in silence. The swimming and beach spots are terrific! They made us want to move here! The nicest most beautiful people! 10/10 recommend! Megan_W, Feb 2023

9. Treasures of the East and West Tour (Tugboat Beach)

🥰 5/5 (11 reviews)

This fun tour is a favorite among Curacao travelers – and mainly because of one special stop. 

Tugboat Beach is no ordinary snorkeling spot. You can see an amazingly cool, sunken shipwreck on this beach. This is a super secluded spot, so going with a tour guide is recommended. 

I loved the sunken shipwreck and all the cool fish I saw there. Another great spot on the tour is an underwater marine park. 

The tour is perfectly suitable for cruise guests as well because pickup is included in the fare. 

Included: Bottled Water, Guided Tour of the Cultural Museum

Duration : 4 hours, Snorkeling Equipment, Hotel Pickup

Great First Snorkel Experience! The ladies who led the tour were delightful! In addition to two wonderful snorkel adventures we got a history of the island along the way. Getting to the tugboat site requires good swimming skills though we did have inflatable vests on tons of pretty fish. The turtle swim was very easy right off the beach plenty of turtles. Jocelyn_A, Jan 2023

10. Swimming with sea turtles & Grote Knip Beach

🥰 5/5 (389 reviews)

This fun Curacao adventure tour is an amazing option for cruise guests since they pick you up at the pier for free. 

On this Curacao snorkel tour, you will be able to see two famous snorkeling spots and then relax at Grote Knip Beach.

A professional photographer will capture your moments with sea turtles. And as a bonus, you will be stopping by Jan Kok Landhuis to see flamingos!  

One of the best Curacao turtle excursions on the island! 

Included: Bottled Water, Equipment, Photographer

Duration : 5 hours

Best Excursion I’ve Done Patrick was my favorite excursion leader along with Eddie. All the detailed reviews are so true. This was fun, and informative, and we got to enjoy the natural beauty of Curacao. I won’t forget this day especially with Patrick’s amazing photos! Elizabeth_O, Feb 2023

How to Get Around Curacao for Snorkeling?

I have mainly picked tours that offer free hotel or cruise port pickup. If you wish to explore the island more or book a tour without a pickup, I suggest getting a rental car. Public transport in Curacao is not a thing. 

Discover Cars offers the best rental cars on the island. They have amazing rates and the service is always great. Make sure to get a 4×4 if you plan on driving off the beaten tracks! 

Where to Stay in Curacao for Snorkeling?

There are some amazing resorts in Curacao that are excellent for snorkeling. Some of my favorite Curacao Snorkeling Resorts are:

• Marriott Renaissance Resort Willemstad
• Royal Sea Aquarium Resort
• DREAMS Resort & Spa Curacao

Yes, Curacao is worth visiting. The island has amazing coral reefs, pristine white sandy beaches and lots of cultural highlights to offer. Curacao is unique and vibrant and the locals are very kind people.

Yes, Curacao is an amazing place to vacation. The white sandy beaches are dreamy, the people are friendly and the lush island has so much to offer. The underwater world is pristine, so snorkeling and diving is great.

Yes, Curacao is safe for tourists. There are certain neighborhoods that should be avoided at night, but they are far off the beaten tracks so you won’t just stumble in there.

Yes, there is good snorkeling in Curacao. The sunken shipwreck at Tugboat Beach or the famous double reef in Playa Porto Mari are visitors’ favorite snorkel spots in Curacao.

Yes, you can snorkel from shore in Curacao. Most beaches have amazing corals and lots of tropical fish to see right by the shoreline, usually on the sides of the bays.

Curacao has better snorkeling than Aruba. The water quality in Curacao is a lot better, and there are many more corals close to the shore.

Curacao is an year-round amazing destination. There are no bad times to go to Curacao. It is located outside the hurricane belt, so the weather is pretty stable. There are smaller rain showers from November until March.

Conclusion: 10 Best Snorkel Tours in Curacao in 2024

These are my 10 best snorkel tours in Curacao – and whichever one you choose you will have an amazing time.

The marine life in Curacao is pristine, and lots of these tours will even take you to see sea turtles. Klein Curacao is always worth a visit – so make sure to plan at least a day for that.

If you plan on staying longer on the island, have a look at my Ultimate Curacao Travel Guide !

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About the Author

Sabrina is a passionate travel blogger and content creator, originally from Austria. She spends most parts of the year abroad at various destinations with her husband.

She provides slow-paced itineraries that focus on quality over quantity. Sabrina wants to help her readers to get more out of their travel experiences – while doing less. Read more.

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5 Best Snorkeling Tours in Curaçao

Welcome to Curaçao, a tropical paradise in the heart of the Caribbean that beckons adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts to discover its hidden underwater treasures through snorkeling tours.

The best snorkeling tours in Curaçao will take you to Tugboat Beach, Caracas bay, Playa Grandi, Porto Mari, and the Blue Room. Each snorkeling site offers a different experience into Curaçao’s vibrant underwater paradise. 

Curaçao is renowned for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage, but it’s the underwater world that is really something different. Going on a snorkeling tour will be a great opportunity to get to know its marine wonders.

Imagine a place where the waters are as clear and turquoise as a gemstone, where vibrant coral reefs sway to the rhythm of the ocean waves, and where a carnival of marine life thrives beneath the surface.

Best Snorkeling Tours in Curaçao

When I was a resident of this Caribbean paradise, I discovered that snorkeling is an absolute must. I’ll share with you my personal choices for the best snorkeling tours in Curaçao so you will get the finest experience the island can offer.

My top picks for these snorkeling tour locations are based on my years of experience in Curaçao tourism industry, and also a bit on my personal preferences as a Curaçao resident. I totally loved visiting these snorkeling sites and I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

#1 TOP PICK

East Side Snorkeling Tour

• Explore the Tugboat Wreck
• Snorkel the reef of Directors Bay
• Visit the Nearby Fort Beekenburg
• Pick up at Cruise Port and Hotels

Tugboat Beach Snorkel Tour

The Tugboat Beach is a fantastic site for both new and experienced snorkelers. As the name suggests, the highlight of this location is an actual sunken tugboat, which has now become an artificial reef teeming with marine life. 

“As I swam behind the rock formations behind the quarantine building, I was surrounded by a bustling community of marine life. Vibrant fish of all shapes and sizes darted around the shipwreck, and I felt like an explorer in an aquatic playground”

This snorkeling tour will take you to this shipwreck, where you can swim among schools of colorful fish and explore the coral formations that have developed around it. Don’t forget your underwater camera; this is a perfect spot for capturing memorable snapshots.

#2 TOP PICK

Klein Curaçao Tour

• Explore the Island of Klein Curaçao.
• Cruise the ocean on a Catamaran
• Barbecue Buffet Lunch
• Unlimited drinks
• Snorkel around the island
• Relax on the Pearly White Beach
• Sunset sail on the way back

Klein Curaçao Snorkeling Expedition

Klein Curaçao, or “Little Curaçao,” is a tiny, uninhabited island located a short boat ride away from the main island. This remote paradise is a haven for snorkelers and divers, boasting pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an abundance of marine life. 

“I went to Klein Curaçao during my first vacation. The boat ride to this remote island was an adventure in itself, and when I arrived, I was met with pristine beaches and waters that sparkled like liquid sapphires. Snorkeling around Klein Curaçao was like being in a real-life aquarium.”

This tour operator offers a full-day excursion to Klein Curaçao, providing enough time for multiple snorkeling sessions. Expect to encounter sea turtles, colorful corals, and an array of tropical fish that call this island’s waters home.

#3 TOP PICK

Snorkel with Turtles

• Transport to Playa Grandi
• Snorkel Equipment Included
• Stop at Flamingo Sanctuary
• Bottled water
• Pick up at Cruise Port or Hotel

Playa Piskado – Snorkel with Sea Turtles

For a unique experience, head to Playa Piskado, where you can swim with sea turtles in their natural habitat. This beach is a favorite among locals and tourists for its resident turtle population. 

“I visited Playa Piskado in the early morning, a time when fishermen clean and dispose of their leftovers in the water to feed the turtles. I witnessed a gathering of at least 10 turtles around the pier.”

Grab your snorkel gear, and with a little patience, you’ll have the chance to observe these magnificent creatures up close as they glide gracefully through the water. This Turtle Snorkeling Tour will bring you to the Playa Grandi and provides snorkeling gear. A stop at Grote Knip Beach and the Flamingo Sanctuary is also included.

#4 TOP PICK

West Coast and Blue Room

• Sail Curaçao’s West Coast
• Kokomo Beach stop
• Cas Abao BBQ Lunch
• Blue Room visit
• Playa Kalki Disembark
• Several Beach Passers-by
• Bus Ride Back to the City

Blue Room Snorkeling Adventure

The Blue Room is an enchanting natural wonder and one of Curaçao’s most sought-after snorkeling spots. 

“My first journey into Curaçao’s underwater wonders began with a Blue Room Snorkeling Adventure. Trust me if I say that you won’t find such a wonder of nature easily elsewhere. It reminded me of a magical mermaid pool.”

The West Coast and Blue Room tour offers a boat trip to this mystical cavern, ensuring you will have plenty of time to navigate its tunnel and witness the breathtaking play of sunlight on the water’s surface. It’s an experience that will show you a new side of Curaçao’s beauty.

#5 TOP PICK

Aquafari Tour

• Trip lead by a professional diver
• No diving experience needed
• Unique activity
• Small groups

Explore Curaçao’s underwater world with the Aquafari adventure . Say goodbye to the hassles of managing scuba tanks or snorkel gear and effortlessly breathe using a bell-shaped helmet that provides a constant supply of oxygen.

“My friends did the Aquafari Tour and they mentioned that the divers were friendly, patient and overal very professional. The underwater views were breathtaking and they even encountered a sea turtle!”

You will cruise atop your jet-propelled water scooter and see a variety of marine species. Absolutely no prior scuba diving or snorkeling experience is necessary an you’ll witness more marine wonders than you would on a regular snorkeling excursion. 

Best Snorkeling Spots for private tours

For those enthusiastic about discovering the underwater world on their own pace, a private snorkeling tour will be a great option. 

Curaçao provides numerous snorkeling locations that guarantee captivating encounters. Here are a few must-visit spots you might want to explore when arranging a private snorkeling tour:

Playa Grandi

Playa Grandi offers a unique opportunity to swim alongside several sea turtles in Curaçao . It’s a mesmerizing experience to watch these magnificent creatures glide gracefully through the water. Make sure to keep your distance and do not touch them when they swim close to you.

Tugboat Beach

Discover the mysteries of a sunken Tugboat that has become an artificial reef. The wreck is now adorned with colorful corals and bustling with marine life. The Tugboat is located in a shallow bay and is only a 5-10 minute swim from the beach.

Mushroom Forest 

Dive into a surreal underwater landscape that resembles a mystical forest. Towering coral formations, known as “mushrooms,” create an otherworldly ambiance. The mushroom forest is more of a dive site, but you can still encounter some of the corals when snorkeling. 

The Blue Room

Not your typical snorkeling site, but a great natural phenomenon to experience. The Blue Room is a natural water cave that turns into a mesmerizing mermaid-like pool when rays of sun hit the cave’s shallow opening. This snorkeling site is located near the mushroom forest. 

• Playa Lagun

Playa Lagun is the perfect place to relax and snorkel for the afternoon. As an intimate cove between two giant rock formations, you can expect many tropical fish along the cliff edges. You might also encounter a sea turtle. Nice bonus: There’s a restaurant that offers a magnificent view over the bay.

Director’s Bay 

Delve into a world of vibrant coral formations and schools of tropical fish at Directors Bay . This site is perfect for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. Insider tip: you can easily combine Director’s bay and Tugboat Beach during one trip. 

• Kleine Knip

Nestled along Curaçao’s northern coast is Little Knip Beach, also locally known as Kleine Knip or Playa Kenepa Chiki. This picturesque beach presents the excellent combination of a cream-colored sandy beach and great snorkeling opportunities. 

If we were to select our own top three favorite snorkeling locations in Curaçao, drawing from our local knowledge and firsthand experiences, we would certainly suggest the following sites:

• Tugboat beach / Directors bay

It’s important to know that pebble/coral beaches and rocky surfaces tend to have more marine life in their surroundings. ‘The more stones, the more fish’ is a great rule of thumb.

Read carefully if snorkeling gear is included before booking. Most tours in Curaçao provide equipment, but if you’re going on a customized private tour you might need to take your own snorkeling set. 

Practical Tips for a Memorable Snorkeling Tour

To make the most of your snorkeling adventure, pack your essentials: comfortable swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a waterproof camera, and a reusable water bottle.

Some tours offer snorkel equipment. Bring your own snorkeling gear if you’re planning to book a private tour. Always check the tour description if snorkeling equipment is included.

Timing is key—opt for snorkeling during calm weather and when marine life is most active. Remember, patience is a virtue when it comes to spotting tropical fish and other creatures that live in the Curaçao waters.

It’s important to know that places with pebble beaches and rocky areas usually have more sea life around them. These spots give marine creatures many places to hide and live. 

The small spaces between the pebbles or rocks keep them safe from bigger animals and strong water movements.

Best spots to encounter aquatic life:

• Along the cliff edges
• Underwater rock formations
• Around piers/docks
• Shipwrecks and sunken cars

Tugboat beach is the place where you can snorkel, and find lot’s of marine life around the sunken tugboat. Car Pile is a dive site in Marie Pampoen where a reef has formed on several car wrecks.

Book Your Snorkeling Tour in Curaçao

Ready to dive in? Booking a snorkeling tour in Curaçao offers a memorable exploration of the island’s enchanting underwater realm. 

We have personally picked a collection of great Viator tours that, from our viewpoint, capture the best snorkeling sites you can find in Curaçao in just one day.

When you reserve any of these tours using the affiliated links and Viator widgets we provide, you are supporting Exploring Curaçao without any additional expenses on your part.

For detailed information about the specific snorkeling sites and conditions covered in each tour, simply check out the itinerary of the Viator excursion you select.

Curaçao has a magical underwater wonderland waiting to be explored. The island’s best snorkeling tours offer an enchanting glimpse into a world of marine beauty that is truly amazing.

The best snorkeling tours will take you all over the island. The Blue Room, Tugboat Beach, Klein Curaçao, and the turtle Beach Playa Piskado are a few of our favorite excursions. 

The Aquafari Tour, with its innovative approach, provides a thrilling way to experience the sea wonders without the need for traditional snorkel gear.

Snorkeling in Curaçao is an absolute must during your visit to the island. It offers a unique chance to get up close and personal with a wide variety of marine life that you won’t encounter as easily anywhere else.

Roxanne Verheesen

Hi there! My name is Roxanne , 30 years old and born in the Netherlands, I've visited Curaçao for the first time in 2011 and moved to the island one year later. Love to write, snorkel and watch pinky-orangish sunsets at the beach.

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Join us to explore this magical underwater world in

one of our snorkeling tours. 

To check our happy snorkelers'

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IT ALL HAPPENS UNDER DA SEA!

De Caribische Zee is wereldberoemd om zijn kristalheldere blauwe wateren. Ons prachtige Curaçao wordt omringd door deze verkoelende natuurlijke habitat van honderden prachtige, verrassende en ontzagwekkende zeedieren. Een kleurrijke verscheidenheid aan vissen, koralen, en schildpadden zijn slechts een duikbril verwijderd.

Ga met ons mee om deze magische onderwaterwereld te verkennen tijdens een van onze snorkeltochten.

Bekijk de beoordelingen van

onze blije snorkelaars, hier!

MEET SNORKEL MASTER YABBI

Passionate Snorkeler since he was only 4 years old

Curacao-born Yabbi is the most experienced snorkeler who loves to teach you all about our fish, corals and other sea life. Curacao's underwater world is one of the most beautiful in the world!

We welcome you to come and explore with us!

FOR FASTEST BOOKING,

send YABBI a whatsapp:   +5999 5160113

Geboren op Curacao, Yabbi is de meest ervaren snorkelaar die je graag alles leert over onze vissen, koralen en ander zeeleven. De onderwaterwereld van Curaçao is een van de mooiste ter wereld!

We heten je van harte welkom om samen met ons te komen ontdekken!

VOOR SNELSTE BOEKING,

stuur YABBI een appje:   +5999 5160113

YOUR FISH IS OUR COMMAND tour US$ 127,50 / ANG 229,50 pp · 6hrs

Yabbi takes you snorkeling off the beaten path.

First, we’ll swim with sea turtles on our island's most western point. From there, we travel thru a historical plantation on our way to your choice of 1 of 3 totally pristine beaches to discover the variety in our underwater world.

Yabbi neemt je mee snorkelen buiten de gebaande paden. Eerst gaan we zwemmen met zeeschildpadden bij het meest westelijke punt van ons eiland. Vanaf daar reizen we door een historische plantage op weg naar uw keuze uit 1 van de 3 totaal ongerepte stranden om de verscheidenheid in onze onderwaterwereld te ontdekken.

IRIE VIBES tour US$ 85 / ANG 153 pp - 4hrs

Irie Vibes means ENJOY TO THE MAX

We will do a whole lot of beautiful snorkeling.

Location: one of the best-kept secret beaches on the shore of a secluded plantation full of monumental history and beaches revealing underwater treasures.  

Irie Vibes betekent MAXIMAAL   GENIETEN

We gaan heel veel snorkelen en zien.

Locatie: een van bestbewaarde geheime stranden aan de kust van een afgelegen plantage vol monumentale historie en stranden die onderwaterschatten herbergen.

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Both tours include snorkeling instruction – snorkeling masks + snorkels – life vest if requested - 2 complimentary non-alcoholic drinks pp – a lovely local snack – beach chairs – plantation entrance and transportation. WE DRIVE YOU TO REMOTE SECLUDED BEACHES BECAUSE WE TAKE YOU TO THE WONDEROUS WORLD UNDER THA SEA! Beide tours inclusief: snorkelinstructies - duikbril + snorkel - reddingsvest indien gewenst - 2 nonalcoholische drankjes pp - een heerlijke lokale snack - strandstoelen - toegang tot de plantage en vervoer. WIJ RIJDEN JE NAAR BIJZONDERE STRANDEN WAAR WE SAMEN DE WONDERE WERELD 'UNDER THA SEA! ONTDEKKEN!

Snorkeling in Curaçao

Located in the Caribbean Sea, Curacao (often described as a tropical paradise) offer its visitors pure white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and an amazing marine life experience. You will be surprised by the variety of snorkeling beaches in Curaçao.

Want to go snorkeling on the best spots of Curacao? Join Bearded Butlers snorkeling adventure trip. According to tripadvisor is Curacao snorkeling simply great! The paradise like is island is calm and cluttered with corals and colorful fish. Top 5 Best Snorkeling Spots of Curaçao. Snorkeling in the waters surrounding the island of Curaçao you will have a perfect opportunity to swim with multitudes of colorful and tropical fish and marine life. Remain submerged as you glide along the coral reef with its colorful inhabitants. All in all, a delightful way to spend your day in Curaçao! Experience Curaçao underwater wonderland with Bearded Butlers Snorkeling Adventure tour! We will take you to one of the top 5 Best Snorkeling Spots of Curaçao.

Can anyone go on a Curacao snorkel adventure tour

Before entering the water, our friendly and professional tour guide will be on hand to assist and instruct you. Curacao offers a variety of good snorkeling beaches. Once you enter the beautiful waters of Curaçao, you will discover the wonders of the undersea with pristine coral reefs and an abundance of marine life including tropical species found no place else on earth. Most of the snorkeling beaches offers great snorkeling, with mostly sandy seabed interspersed with coral patches.

Why choose Bearded Butlers Curacao snorkeling adventure

• One of the best things to do in the caribbean sea
• Be engulfed by local aquatic life, kelp & schooling fish
• Our mission is to make sure you have a unique experience that will not leave you disappointed!
• We offer personalized tours to a maximum of 4 people with personal attention from our private guide, which will educate you about the marine life on Curaçao.
• No Experience Necessary
• Safety is the number one priority when it comes to touring with us. The experience is very important, but always second to safety.
• Certified PADI Divemaster as tour guide with extended knowledge on guiding, briefing and supervising for safer operation.
• Great swimming areas, to explore coral reefs and the diversity of life it holds
• We are a family business with much love for our work ,our passion, drive and love for Curaçao. 
• Possibility to choose your own snorkeling spot on the island.
• Amazing photos to remember this unique experience, check our instagram @curacao_seabob_adventures 
• Large number of positive reviews on tripadvisor

What to expect snorkeling in curacao from the beach

Playa piskado.

“Playa Piskado,” in the local Papiamentu language means “Fishermen Beach,” and it offers amazing green and hawksbill sea turtles spotting. Join us for a snorkeling tour as we start teaching the snorkel basics to beginners, before heading into the natural habitat of the turtles, were you can dive right in and get up close and personal with these rare endangered animals. Observing sea turtles in their natural habitat is a magical experience and of course I will provide you with some amazing pictures for instagram.

Playa Santa Cruz (Blue Room)

The blueroom is a cave that’s almost entirely submerged, found on the west coast of the island. Inside the cave there’s a beautiful blue effect caused by sunlight and the water. You can choose to hike for a nice snorkeling experience at the blue room or for our second option witch is combining your snorkel experience with a paddle board adventure. For this last option you will have to be a experienced supboarder. Both tours start at playa Santa Cruz and will take us around 15 to 25 min to get to the blueroom. On our way to the blue we will pass by playa santu pretu. Santu pretu means black sand in the local language Papiamentu. Just a little bit further from this beach lays a wreck. If you choose the paddle board combined with snorkeling tour you can stop and take a look at this wreck, best known for its excellent snorkelling.

Tugboat (shipwreck)

Lying underwater in a shallow bay, the Tugboat shipwreck is one of Curaçao’s top 5 snorkeling wonders. The reason is because of the tugboat wreck and the amount and diversity of fish species swimming in and around it. Snorkeling in Curacao starts from the beach to the shipwreck and also further in between the tugboat and directors bay. In between the tugboat and directors bay there’s some beautiful coral formations in the shallows. You will also be able to witness the famous diving wall that makes this area so popular for scuba divers.

What equipment should you bring for snorkeling from the beach

Yourself! A valid government issued photo identification, towel, bathing suit. Snorkel gear are provided, as are photos (for an additional fee $15).

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The Best Snorkel Tours Curacao

If you are looking for an awesome snorkel experience, look no futher.

We’d love to introduce you into the amazing blue sea of the beautiful island Curacao.

Dolphin Snorkel

Free dive and snorkel together with the dolphins in their natural lagoon. This program is for experienced swimmers only. You can free dive with the dolphins at 8:30, 11:00, and 14:00 at the Dolphin Academy. The dolphins will dive down alongside you, allowing you to pet and interact with them underwater.

Days available:   Every Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday and Saturday Duration:  1.5 hours Min. age required:  8

Animal Encounter Snorkeling

If you can’t wait to see as many sea animals from Curacao as possible, this Animal Encounter is just for you! You can come face to face with hundreds of tropical fish, rays and giant groupers in just one snorkeling trip on Curacao. That sounds great, right? Well, that’s what awaits you at the Sea Aquarium! The Animal Encounter is at 13:00 or 15:00. At the Sea Aquarium you will find a crystal clear lagoon where you can dive into the water with your snorkel gear at the ready.

Days available:   Every day Duration:  30  minutes Min. age required:  8

Tugboat and Blue Room Snorkeling Tour

Discover Curacao as you cruise around the South West Coast of the island. At 8:30, every Wednesday, this boat leaves from Caracas bay at the Fisherman’s Harbor. This trip will show you the Island in a way you have never seen before. You will see wonderful highlights of Curacao. Like snorkeling at the sunken Tugboat, visit a gorgeous beach: Playa Porto Marie or Playa Manzalina and then go to the famous Blue Room. The Blue Room is a cave that shines bright blue when the sun hits the water. There will also be a nice BBQ lunch served at Santa Martha Bay at around 12:30!

Days available:   Every Wednesday Duration:   7 hours Min. age required:  all ages

BlueFinn: Dolphin Snorkeling Tour

Every Friday morning at 10 am the BlueFinn departs from Mood Beach, Mambo Beach Boulevard for a breathtaking snorkeling tour. At the first snorkeling spot, you will snorkel at an overgrown shipwreck of a sailboat and possibly meet local dolphins. If the Dolphins feel like it, which is 9.9 times out of 10, they will come out to play and give you an amazing show, above and below the water. You will be in the open water with Dolphins, a once in a lifetime experience!

Days available:  Every Friday Duration:  5 hours Min. age required:  all ages

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The best dolphin activities curacao, top beaches on curacao, related tours, dolphin snorkel | dolphin academy, tugboat and blue room snorkeling tour | caribbean experience.

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Boattrip to Klein Curacao | Miss Ann

• Curacao Buggy Adventures - “Go West” buggy tour $219
• Breath of Curacao jeep safari $79
• Turtle outback & snorkel safari $109
• Beach hopping $89
• City & East Tour $69

Curacao Turtle Outback & Snorkel Safari

Curacao’s people, nature, history and land can all be linked to the beautiful waters across the island’s coastline. Get a taste of Curacao island’s unique beauty by going on our snorkel safari tour. 

On this guided snorkel safari tour, you will live out what only feels like a dream by swimming along the ocean’s wildlife and of course, Curacao’s turtles. Experience the crystal blue waters of Curacao while taking pictures with the turtles to show your friends when you get back home!

On Breeze’s snorkel safari trip you will also get to visit some hidden marvels of nature on the North side of the island where the wind exerts huge pressure on the sea water that result stunning sights of nature along the coastline that can only be described as a masterpiece purely created by nature.

This is a  half-day tour of 7 hours . The  pick-up and drop-off  from your accommodation will happen before and after the tour respectively. 

• Max 20 passengers 
• Price: $109 (children 6 -12: $79)
• Pick-up and drop-off service from most hotels, as well as from the Mega Cruise Terminal
• Refreshments
• Professional guide and driver

Highlights of this tour:

• Mini desert of Curacao
• Water spectacles on the North-West coast of Curacao
• Green South-West coast of Curacao
• Underwater world of Curacao

This Outback Safari tour will take you through the wide-open desert planes where oddly enough most natural sweet water on Curacao is found.

Let the water sprinkles, at the several isolated bays, refresh you when the big breakers crash into the coral cliffs and spot some exotic birds like herons, frigate birds and caracaras.

Cross over to the South-West coast of Curacao where you will notice how the scenery changes completely from a dry arid climate to a green hilly coast. Here you will find nearly all of Curacao’s natural white beaches with their turquoise blue waters. 

Our last stop will be at Playa Piskado where you can spot many different types of fish and of course swim alongside the turtles.

Please note:

• We recommend you wear sneakers/closed shoes or hiking shoes with a firm hold since grounds are uneven and the coral cliffs can be sharp. No flip-flops please!
• Snorkel experience is not required but participants should be able to swim, or otherwise can just relax on the beach.
• Please remember to bring sun protection. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat or cap are recommended.
• We do not recommend this tour for guests with joint or back problems, pregnant women, or small children. We advise a minimum age of 6 years.
• Please leave all valuables such as credit cards, passports and expensive cameras in your room as we will be leaving the open vehicle unattended when we visit the often desolate and remote sites.

Get out there and explore—Curaçao awaits!

Snorkel Safari Adventure

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary aquatic journey that will forever redefine your perception of Curacao’s coastal beauty. Our Turtle Outback & Snorkel Safari isn’t just an adventure; it’s an immersive exploration of the island’s vibrant underwater realm – a paradise teeming with life and wonder.

Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear depths of Curacao’s waters, where every stroke carries you closer to the island’s marine secrets.

Snorkel Safari Adventure is more than just the magic of meeting marine life. It’s also a voyage to discover hidden marvels of nature that flourish along the North side of the island.

Book your snorkel safari now, and let the azure waters of Curacao’s coastline embrace you in a dance of wonder and enchantment.

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10 Best Curacao Snorkeling Beaches & Spots

Curacao snorkeling is some of the best you’ll find in the Caribbean! This stunning Caribbean island is the largest of the ABC islands and is not only known for its colorful and vibrant architecture but also for its unparalleled snorkeling opportunities. From shallow reefs teeming with vibrant, colorful fish to underwater sculptures and sunken ships, Curacao offers something for snorkelers of all levels.

So grab your fins and let’s deep dive into the best snorkeling in Curacao and the best beaches in Curacao for snorkeling!

Disclaimer: This post contains commissionable links.

Tips for Curacao Snorkeling:

All of the best Curacao snorkeling is on the west side of the island as it’s protected from the wind, the other side is too windy and rough which is why all of the best beaches in Curacao are on the west side of the island.

All of these beaches in Curacao for snorkeling have easy entry points, some are sandy but some have more of a pebbly or rocky entrance. You’ll want to have a pair of water shoes that can fit under your flippers.

Bring your own snorkel gear! While some Curacao snorkeling spots have rentals, these will add up quickly and it’s really easy to carry a snorkel set around with you. Pack a snorkel set for everyone in your family.

We both bought this snorkel set which included a mask, snorkel, ear plugs, flippers, and carrying bags which were perfect for snorkeling in Curacao! (we both pack carry-on only and were able to easily fit it in our bag too!)

You’ll want to pack sun protection when visiting Curacao beaches ! That goes for exploring anywhere in Curacao actually as the sun is extra strong here.

Get reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life too, during our week-long trip we went through a few bottles and were able to easily find more at grocery stores. But, you’ll definitely want to pack a bottle and be ready to apply it every 60-70 minutes and let it sit a few minutes before getting in the water.

We were being cautious and still got a little sunburn on days when we spent more time at the beach, which made me wish I had a rash guard top to protect my back from the sun while snorkeling .

A few of our favorite reef-safe sunscreen products include:

• Kokua Sunscreen – water-resistant zinc sunscreen that applies smoothly without white residue
• Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen – the Mineral line (white bottle with brown text that says ‘mineral’) is a clear, fast absorbing zinc-based sunscreen that’s great for sensitive skin and is sweat and water-resistant.
• Thinksport Mineral Sunscreen – We have been using this brand for years and love how easily it applies and is water resistant. They are also a bit more affordable.
• Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen – this sunscreen is not only reef-safe but it’s also super hydrating, this one is a little pricier so we recommend using this on the face and neck area since it falls under more of a skincare product as well.

Don’t forget something to take underwater photos! For those who are looking for something on a budget, you can get a waterproof pouch for your smartphone to take underwater photos . Just be careful to keep this sealed correctly so no water gets in. This does do the trick but can be a bit tricky to play with to get focus.

Or bring a waterproof camera like the classic waterproof GoPro action camera or the waterproof Insta360 camera which are both great for snorkeling and don’t require the waterproof housing if you’re not diving into deeper water!

Bring your own towel . We also pack our own beach towel on trips with us too, not the bulky traditional beach towel you’re thinking of though.

We both always use a sarong or Turkish towel because they are lightweight, dry quickly, easy to pack, and do the job! There was a breeze at most beaches too so we purchased beach towel clips to secure them plus my beach hat to the chair while we were snorkeling.

For getting around, you’ll want to rent a car to get around to the snorkeling beaches in Curacao. There are really not any great options for public transportation here. If you’re driving, don’t leave valuables in the car at parking lots.

If you are a cruise ship visitor for the day, don’t worry we included a few options for snorkeling in Curacao near Willemstad for cruise passengers that you can arrange a taxi to pick up/drop off around your ship schedule.

But if you’re visiting on a multi-day trip, taking a taxi isn’t ideal as renting a car gives you the most freedom to explore at your own pace.

Most Curacao beaches have a fee associated with them including some of the best beaches in Curacao for snorkeling, for some it’s an entry fee for others it’s free unless you want to rent a beach chair or umbrella. The fees are pretty low though, ranging from $3-7 USD typically.

Where to go Snorkeling in Curacao

• Klein Curacao

One of the absolute best Curacao snorkeling spots can be found on Klein Curacao, or “Little Curacao” 15 miles off the coast of Curacao. To get here you’ll have to take a boat trip to Klein Curacao, which is also one of the top things to do in Curacao for many travelers so it’s definitely worth the visit!

This means you’ll have to join a Klein Curacao tour. We personally went with Miss Ann’s Boat Trips which departs from Sandals Resort (with a few hotel shuttles to the meeting point). This is the most luxurious way of getting to Klein Curacao on a high-speed yacht and they also are the only company with private facilities with beach chairs, palapa huts, and bathrooms.

They also provide meals and a guided snorkel safari tour as well as add-ons like scuba diving. Their private facilities are located on a small, easy to enter and exit, sandy access point where you can find excellent snorkeling, otherwise, you can walk over to the main white sand beach (water shoes recommended) as you’ll have to walk on rocks to get over there and get in the water.

The other tour options include BlueFinn Charters tour and Breeze Boat Trips tour (which also include meals) drop you off on the long, beautiful white sandy stretch of beach on Klein Curacao where entering and exiting the water for snorkeling is incredibly easy.

This is probably the clearest water you will encounter in Curacao, although all the beaches and Curacao snorkeling spots featured in this guide have very clear water, and you’ll spot an abundance of colorful fish, eels, and the possibility of seeing sea turtles (we saw two) and even sharks. The coral reefs are very healthy here and it’s a relaxing way to spend the day.

The tour companies also offer snorkel masks to borrow! However, they did not have flippers, so if you’re not a strong swimmer you’ll want to bring your own or a float to help you.

Tip: the boat ride there is rougher than the way back, consider packing non-drowsy Dramamine and ginger chews !

• Playa Lagun

This was one of our favorite snorkeling beaches in Curacao! This is where we swam with sea turtles, which are frequently spotted here typically in the mornings, but we were lucky in the afternoon when we got to witness one swimming and eating food.

Located just south of Westpunt in the village of Lagun, this Curacao snorkeling spot is set in a narrow bay surrounded by tall cliffs. It’s really easy to enter and exit at the beach which gradually slopes and chairs are available to rent if you want to post up on the beach before getting in to snorkel.

The best snorkeling was along the cliff walls on either side of the bay where we swam through thousands of sardines and found all kinds of underwater creatures in the cracks and crevices of the rocks.

Sea turtles are often spotted in the center of the cove, this is where we found one resting under a rock before swimming off to the cliffs for a bite to eat. They are spotted frequently here but it is possible you won’t see any.

This protected cove has very calm waters and is great for any level of snorkeler.

This is a public beach, so it’s completely free to visit! There are umbrellas and beach chairs available for rent and a dive shop here if you need to rent gear.

If you build up an appetite there’s the Bahia Beach Bar and Restaurant located on the cliff above the beach accessible by steep steps you’ll see on the side of the beach. They have a great view from up here too so it’s the perfect spot to refuel after visiting this Curacao snorkeling spot!

• Playa Kalki

One of the most popular spots for diving and snorkeling in Curacao is Playa Kalki, in Westpunt. Famously known as Alice in Wonderland due to the dramatic and unique mushroom-shaped coral formations that can be found here along with gorgonians and star corals. 

And if you love looking for hidden gems while snorkeling in Curacao, look for the underwater sculpture of a Chichi doll and a saxophone sculpture placed in the reef too.

While the most impressive of the Alice in Wonderland mushroom corals are found in depths by divers, snorkelers still can see them from the surface as well. To find these you can jump in off the dock and follow the rope.

As for marine life, you’ll see some hawksbill sea turtles, eagle rays, parrotfish, lionfish, trumpetfish, octopi, and an array of other underwater critters. 

This beach is a little more rocky, so it’s nice to have those water shoes for getting in and out of the water here!

Playa Kalki is the HQ for Go West Diving, so you can get all your rentals and equipment here too if you need it and they also offer snorkel trips to Black Sand Reef and Blue Room.

Visiting the beach here is free, but you can rent beach chairs or padded beach beds for a few bucks if you want to hang out for awhile. They also have a snack bar and toilets to use for a small fee. They have two floating docks with chairs off the beach too for relaxing in the sun.

• Tugboat Beach

Among the best Curacao snorkeling spots is, of course, Tugboat Beach in Caracas Bay where you’ll find shallow waters home to a sunken tugboat that’s been reclaimed by the underwater world and home to many types of colorful fish, sponges, and coral about 15 feet below the surface.

I am not the strongest of swimmers but this is more of an immediate to advanced snorkeling spot since there can be stronger currents here and we recommend having flippers. I didn’t experience any issues, but I was glad to have my flippers to help me glide through the water.

This is a free beach and spot to snorkel in Curacao and the beach here is more rocky so you’ll want to have water shoes to easily get in and out. There is a laid-back beach bar here that has some spots to relax, drinks, hot dogs, and rents beach chairs if you want to relax after snorkeling.

This is one of the most well-known Curacao snorkeling destinations because of the shipwreck and is only around a 25-30 minute drive away from Willemstad making it one of the best snorkeling near Willemstad for cruise passengers. Tugboat Beach also arranges transfers from the cruise port to their beach if you want to organize this ahead of time.

The bar has a little treasure map letting you know where the tugboat shipwreck is and other underwater spots you might want to check out like by the dock where seahorses are often spotted. The mooring platforms sticking in the water are fun to snorkel through as well.

From here, advanced and experienced snorkelers could swim to Director’s Bay, but we don’t recommend that as the current is strong and you’ll need to be confident you have enough energy to do it in both directions.

Although, for those who want to do this it’s recommended to snorkel in the direction from Tugboat Beach to Director’s Bay so that on your way back you have an easier swim not against the current. And all of this really depends on the waves and currents that day, so leave this up for the pros to decide and just drive to Director’s Bay as it is also one of the best snorkeling beaches in Curacao.

• Playa Piskado / Playa Grandi

The best snorkeling in Curacao for seeing sea turtles is Playa Piskado, also known as Playa Grandi, a working fisherman beach that is famous for being the best place (and almost always guaranteed spot) to see sea turtles!

This smaller, pebbly beach is located past a colorful children’s playground in Westpunt. There’s a pier here and since it’s a working fishermen’s beach, the sea turtles are attracted to the scraps from fishermen cleaning their daily catch here.

The beach is free to visit unless you want to rent beach chairs or use the restroom facilities for a small fee. Sometimes their snack bar is open too if you’re feeling peckish.

As mentioned, this beach is pebbly, so water shoes are nice for entering and exiting the water. This Curacao snorkeling beach is not only famous for its resident turtles but also for the underwater King Neptune sculpture found in the reefs encrusted with sponges.

The snorkeling by the pier is great for beginner snorkelers, but if you want to make it to the reef you’ll want to be a more experienced snorkeler as the water is a little deeper over here, but the King Neptune sculpture is at the top of the drop off so snorkelers are able to see it too.

Just remember, it’s prohibited to touch and feed sea turtles. Follow the rules as these are endangered and protected species, please be a responsible visitor.

And since fishermen’s boats come in and out of this area, please watch out for the boats!

• Playa Porto Mari

One of our favorites and best beaches for snorkeling in Curacao is Playa Porto Mari located on the Porto Marie Bay near the village of Sint Willibrordus.

Before getting into the awesome snorkeling here, this beach has all the facilities you’ll need including a shop, great restaurant and bar, hiking trails, observation tower, dive school and shop where you can rent snorkel gear, and even two resident pigs that sometimes show up to greet the beachgoers here.

But what makes this an especially great Curacao snorkeling spot is the unique double reef here, which are set a bit deeper and enjoyed by scuba divers mostly, snorkelers can enjoy the two snorkel trails here.

The first snorkel trail starts in the middle of the bay at the jetty, for beginner snorkelers you can stay near the floating raft, for those who have flippers and are more experienced snorkelers can continue to deeper water.

The second snorkeling trail here begins on the left side of the bay at the jetty. We found the best snorkeling to be along the cliff walls surrounding the bay.

You’ll also snorkel past artificial reef ball clusters that were placed here after hurricane damage in 1999, which were really interesting and teeming with colorful fish and marine life.

Entering and exiting the beach here is really easy, there’s really nice white sand but there are little pieces of coral and rocks scattered throughout the soft sand, so it’s nice to have those water shoes!

It’s $3 USD/5 ANG per person (children under 4 are free) to enter the beach and another small fee if you want to rent chairs.

• Kleine Knip / Playa Kenepa Chiki

Another one of the best Curacao snorkeling beaches is Kleine Knip also known as Playa Kenepa Chiki, a small beach located near and on the same road as the popular Grote Knip/Playa Kenepa Grandi beach.

This smaller beach has no facilities with the exception of renting beach chairs if you want to relax. So. make sure you have plenty of water, snacks, and your own snorkel gear. Don’t let that dissuade you though, some of the best snorkeling in Curacao can be found here along the rock and cliff walls.

The entrance is pretty easy as it’s mostly soft sand with a little bit of broken, fossilized coral bits (so watch your feet). You’ll want to be careful around the rock shelves too and try to enter and exit at the sandy parts.

You’ll find impressive elkhorn reefs here, angelfish, butterfly fish, parrotfish, and all kinds of tropical fish and sea creatures.

This Curacao snorkeling spot is great for beginners as it’s a smaller spot with calm waters.

• Caracas Bay Beach / Playa Caracasbaai

Another excellent spot for snorkeling in Curacao is the pebbly beach offers a shallow reef perfect for exploring the underwater world of the Caribbean. While the reef is nice and shallow, this is a snorkeling spot better suited for experienced snorkelers since it’s a wide open space that can be exposed to trade winds.

In the healthy coral reefs found here, you can spot all kinds of tropical fish like parrotfish, angelfish, grouper, snappers, and more among the possible sighting of eagle rays or sea turtles.

If you’re going to swim across the harbor channel you’ll need to have a marker buoy as there are boats that pass there here as it’s an active channel.

You can enter the water near Palapa Beach Resort, since it’s coarse sand and pebbly you’ll want water shoes.

This is a popular beach for locals who you’ll find here on the weekends enjoying the BBQ on the beach. It’s also a public beach that’s free to visit.

Director’s Bay Beach / Playa Directeurs Baai

Another hot spot for snorkeling in Curacao near Tugboat Beach is Director’s Bay. Like the other beaches and snorkel spots found around Caracas Bay, this is a pebbly beach and it’s best to enter the water with water shoes to protect your feet.

Great snorkeling can be found under the rocky outcroppings that surround this beach. As all of the beaches and Curacao snorkeling spots go found in Caracas Bay, this is best for experienced snorkelers since there can be currents here.

Offering some of the best snorkeling in Curacao, this spot is still considered a bit of a hidden gem that’s popular among locals on the weekends and tends to be a bit quieter than other popular snorkel spots on the island.

As far as aquatic life you’ll find here you may spot seahorses, moray eels, frogfish, octopi, butterfly fish, among many other types of tropical fish and old nets that were used to deter sharks and jellyfish from the shores.

This is a public beach that’s free to visit. There are a few picnic tables with a palapa umbrella for shade and no other facilities.

• Cas Abao Beach / Playa Cas Abao

One of the prettiest beaches also happens to be one of the best beaches in Curacao for snorkeling! Cas Abao Beach offers soft, white sand and full beach facilities and amenities making it a perfect place to hang out all day and enjoy relaxing plus snorkeling.

There is a fee of $6-7 USD/10-12 ANG per car depending on the day to visit the beach here, then for an additional fee you can rent beach chairs as well as a dive shop if you need to rent any gear.

Because of the postcard-perfect soft, white sand, it’s easy to enter and exit the water here, and is ideal for all levels of snorkelers from beginner to advanced. You may encounter small fragments of coral or pebbles, so again, water shoes are nice if you have tender feet.

The best snorkeling can be found along the rock walls on either side of the bay. The left-hand side of the beach is more popular and as far as marine life you might spot here includes eagle rays, sting rays, moray eels, turtles, and seahorses among colorful fish!

And if your body is achy or tired from all the snorkeling in Curacao you’ve been doing, you can book a massage on the beach here.

Bonus Hidden Snorkeling in Curacao: The Blue Room

The most unique place for Curacao snorkeling is the hidden Blue Room cave. This is a mostly underwater cave that is accessible by boat near Santu Pretu. This unique underwater cave lets in just enough sunlight to create a mesmerizing experience in an underwater blue room where you can see schools of fish dart around you with perfect visibility underwater.

This snorkeling spot in Curacao is best for experienced swimmers and those who are comfortable diving underwater and stronger swimmers who are used to endurance as you have to enter an area cut by water under the limestone cliffs. Once you’re in the Blue Room you’ll be surrounded by surreal shades of blue and this natural phenomenon that captivates everyone who experiences it.

Some beaches offer Blue Room tours, although we recommend securing a spot by booking the Blue Room snorkel tour in advance if this is something you really want to do.

It’s worth noting that it is possible to hike or kayak to the Blue Room. I don’t recommend this if you’re hiking you have to make sure you enter the water at the right point by jumping in off the cliff, which you can’t see below you and you have to wear proper hiking clothing as you’ll be on a narrow path passing cacti – ouch if you touch that by accident!

Kayaking is possible too, but you’ll need to be experienced and confident as to where you’re going. That’s why we recommend booking the tour with an experienced guide as it’s much safer and you’ll be in good hands.

Curacao Snorkeling Tours:

If you don’t want to do this on your own, you don’t have to! There are plenty of amazing snorkeling tours in Curacao you can join that provide snorkeling gear, a knowledgeable guide who will take you to the best spots, and all the planning/driving/thinking is done for you.

The snorkeling Curacao tours that are cruise-friendly are noted below. You’ll have to follow special instructions when booking to make sure you communicate your ship information so they can ensure you get back on time.

There are many opportunities to snorkel from the beach in Curacao, in fact almost every beach on the west side of Curacao has great snorkeling and shallow reefs which is why Curacao is a popular shore diving destination too!

The west side of Curacao is where you’ll find the best beaches and snorkeling as this side of the island is protected from trade winds and offers calm, blue, clear water. The east side of Curacao is too windy and rough which is why there are no swimming, snorkeling, or diving sites on that side of the island.

The best snorkeling near Willemstad Curacao can be found in Caracas Bay at Tugboat Beach, a 25-minute drive from the cruise terminal. Other beaches you can snorkel at near Willemstad include Mambo Beach, a 15 minute drive from Willemstad.

Curacao not only has good snorkeling, but it has some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean and is the largest of the ABC Islands with 38 beaches, many of which offer great snorkeling.

Best of Curacao Snorkeling Summary:

• Director’s Bay / Directeurs Baai
• Bonus: The Blue Room

Enjoyed this guide to the best Curacao snorkeling beaches and spots? Bookmark for later or share the love below on Pinterest.

Scott has been traveling with his Fiancé Megan since 2014. Prefers slow travel, beer, spicy food, and motorbikes. When Scott isn't thinking about travel he is either shooting hyperlapse or speaking about hyperlapse photography at international conferences.

I love travelling and learning. Currently trying to learn how to take better photographs, use this website, and begin travelling the world. Life goals to have Anthony Bourdain's job and travel through India on a motorbike!

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Curacao snorkeling guide – Best 10 spots to visit

Curacao is the biggest of the three ABC Islands in the Dutch-owned part of the Caribbean Sea. The appealing features of this beautiful tropical paradise are its 500 year-long historic back story, the colorful capital of Willemstad, stunning beaches, incredible nature, and vibrant sub-marine world. People who love to dive and snorkel come to the island in search of its smaller beaches which are often secluded and nestled between limestone cliffs. Much of the sea here is part of a protected Caribbean national park that includes such exotic animals as sea turtles and tropical fish of many varieties. If you wish to explore the island’s undersea beauty (that we highly recommend doing), this Curacao snorkeling guide tells you the 10 best places to go!

Table of Contents

Curacao snorkeling conditions

Playa lagun, kleine knip, playa forti, kokomo beach, playa porto marie, tugboat beach, director’s bay, klein curacao, santa martha baai.

Curacao lies in an area where trade winds blow year-round, but since their direction is pretty constant, it is clear which side of the island is good for snorkeling and which is not.

The north- and southwest shore is wind-protected with calm water and easy water access, this is where the best Curacao snorkeling beaches can be found. The eastern windward coast is rocky and the sea is often rough, which means there is no snorkel spot here.

In terms of air and water temperatures, the island is a year-round snorkel and scuba diving destination . The sea is never colder than 79F/26C, therefore snorkeling in Curacao is pleasant any time of the year. You don’t need to wear a wetsuit, but don’t forget that the UV radiation is very high so pack sun protective clothing .

Tip: The ABC islands have a dry climate, but there is a short rainy season between October and December. This is the period when the wind is the lowest. If you arrive in these months, make sure to pack mosquito repellents that really work since bloodsuckers get aggressive at that time of the year.

10 best spots to go snorkeling in Curacao

Lagun is not only a charming fishing village found along Curacao’s West coast, but also one of the Curacao snorkeling places. This place is easily accessible by either a public bus or a rental car. The beach itself is actually a narrow cove that is encircled by rocky cliffs.

To the left and right sides of the bay, you can see the most fish and sub-aquatic marine life, including wrasse, snappers, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and even green moray eels. If you are lucky, you also might see huge schools of silver juvenile fish taking shelter in the cove. Trevallies and Bar Jacks pursue the fish schools.

On top of these, locals and tour guides alike consider this beach to be the best place for snorkeling with sea turtles in Curacao. The mornings are the best times to spot them when they are generally hiding along the sea beds in the center of the cove.

Explore Curacao’s sister islands too: Best beaches to snorkel in Aruba Where to snorkel in Bonaire

Grote Knip is a beach lying along Curacao’s north-western end. If you are looking for a safe family-friendly Curacao snorkeling spot, you shouldn’t miss out on this extremely lovely site. The beach itself is nestled in a protected cove that is sheltered by rocky cliffs.

The best to snorkel along the sidewalls of the cliffs (it is very nice on the left side of the beach) where you can observe colorful fish species and if you are lucky, you might spot small sharks too.

After you finish your outing with the aquatic marine life, a little snack shop awaits you (serving hamburgers and French fries) fronting the beach. Beach chairs are also available to rent.

For an unspoiled more rural beach along the west side of Curacao, Kleine Knip is a top choice for snorkeling in Curacao. It offers the same great views and turquoise water as its big brother, but with fewer people around.

When you swim to the bay’s left side, a few massive boulders present themselves, complete with interesting underwater life to view. You can expect to take in the Elkhorn Coral along with many colorful Caribbean fish.

Rounding the bay’s point you will come upon additional soft and hard coral, one of a kind sponges, and of course fish. Numerous schools of sweepers range near the boulders. There are also angelfish, barracudas, blenny, blue-green chromis, damselfish, and cowfish to enjoy. It is also possible to see some sea turtles in Kleine Knip.

Related posts: Roatan snorkeling spots Barbados best snorkel beaches Where to snorkel in Costa Rica

Playa Forti is also known as Sweet Alice. Found in Westpunt, this diving location makes for a great snorkel spot as well. The stony beach lies nestled in between the Westpunt high cliffs.

Under the water, you will encounter stunning sponges and corals like elephant ear sponges and tube sponges. In our opinion, Playa Forti offers the best off-beach snorkeling in Curacao thanks to its gently sloping rocky bottom.

Kokomo Beach is found at Vaersen Bay and boasts many different facilities to make your beach day comfortable. You can visit the large restaurant, massage tent, and even a dive shop.

The beach also provides numerous chaise lounge chairs for your convenience. There is a dock complete with stair ladders which helps you to drop simply and quickly into the water with your snorkeling gear .

This popular yet still cozy beach is a beautiful place to go snorkeling in Curacao. You will certainly love the coral found underwater here, along with its inhabitants that include parrotfish in particular and many tropical types of fish species in general.

Tip: read an interesting article on why parrotfish are so important in the Ocean !

With its stunning white powdery sand and shady manchineel trees fronting the turquoise-hued sea, Playa Porto Marie in the northwest corner of Curacao proves to be among the most popular with locals and tourists alike on the island.

It is not only a perfect spot to chill out, but also one of the best beaches in Curacao for snorkeling. The nicest area to snorkel is around the reef ball clusters that the government placed years ago (in 2001 and 2002) in the bay and near the cliffs that serve as an artificial reef and attract marine life.

You can expect to see trunkfish, sergeant major, grunt, and even reef squid here as they are quite common.

In an area of the island called Caracas Bay, you will find Tugboat Beach which has the distinction of being the most popular Curacao snorkeling spot.

The downside here is that the beach is not set in a beautiful backdrop due to the industrial area adjacent to it, but it is still a must-to-see thanks to the rich marine life and shipwreck found here.

This sheltered bay is covered with sponges, coral, and sea fans that are populated by many bright reef fish. These include banded butterflyfish, parrotfish, grunt, and countless others.

You can approach the wreck here that gives the beach its name by starting from the southern end of the beach and heading out into the water. The wreck lies near platform 5.

Tip: Do you find wrecks fascinating? Then you should visit the neighboring island, Aruba too! See our post that lists the shipwrecks in Aruba you can snorkel !

Director’s Bay is a historical institution on the island of Curacao in between Small Wall and the notorious Tugboat wreck. Snorkelers, divers, and beachcombers alike love the site.

Once a private haunt of the Dutch Royal family and Royal Dutch Shell Group directors this beautiful bay is available to everyone in the public nowadays.

An old rotting surge protection device or fence beneath the bay is the base for a variety of stunningly beautiful sponges and corals. You can enjoy unique sea life here like sea horses, eels, frogfish, flounders, and others.

A novel creature living here is the tropically colored sea snail known as the flamingo tongue. There is even a big octopus that counts the underwater ruin as his domicile.

Visiting Klein Curacao is one of the best things to do in Curacao . This special little island is situated six miles (around 10 km) to the primary island’s southeast. The boat trip is well worth the effort and remains among the most subscribed day trips on Curacao .

While the seabed is less than inspiring here (with duller sandy beds and some seagrass), this is the finest spot possibly in all of Curacao to see the many green sea turtles that call the waters surrounding Klein Curacao home.

You also have the potential to see several tropical fish swimming in these waters such as the sergeant major, bluehead wrasse, and juvenile blue tang.

Santa Martha Baai (or Bay) boasts an amazing view of the island and is unique for its lack of tourists here. The bay lies close to Soto Village. The underwater visibility here is excellent especially to the left, thanks to the wave and wind action that goes from left towards the right.

You are likely to see parrotfish and trunkfish here. The bay is an ideal Curacao snorkeling spot for all experience levels thanks to the relatively shallow and calm water that is free of obstructions (like giant boulders).

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• Tours & Activities
• Travel Guide
• tmcuracao.com

Tugboat and Blue Room Snorkeling Tour – Caribbean Experience

Discover Curaçao as you cruise around the South West Coast of the island. Stop at the most stunning spots on Curaçao’s coastline and snorkel the underwater worlds hidden there. From East to West you will experience the best the island has to offer.

At 8:30, every Monday, this boat leaves from Caracas Bay at the Fisherman’s Harbor. This trip will show you the Island in a way you have never seen before. You will snorkel at one of the most famous spots on Curaçao, the sunken Tugboat! Afterwards, you will head towards the West Coast of Curaçao and visit a gorgeous beach or Playa Porto Marie or Playa Manzalina. Then you will go to the famous Blue Room! The Blue Room is a cave that shines bright blue when the sun hits the water. Inside you will experience the peace and beauty that cannot be seen from the outside.

A nice BBQ lunch will be served at Santa Martha Bay at around 12:30. At 15:00 you will step aboard a bus and be brought back to your accommodation.

• Porto Marie or Playa Manzalina
• Pick up and drop off at most hotels
• Snorkel Gear

Traveler tips

• The sea can be a little rough sometimes. If you are afraid to get sea-sick, we advise you to take proper medication before stepping onboard.
• An underwater camera
• Bring a towel, hat, dry clothing, and swim clothing
• Use sunscreen
• Children’s price $75 from 4-12, under the age of 4 is free
• Read more about this stunning experience in our  blog !

Wat een fijne dag!

We hebben genoten van een super dag. Prima snorkelmogelijkheden, dolfijnen gespot, de pontjesbrug van dichtbij gezien inclusief de handelskade. Vanaf het water Curacao kunnen bekijken, heerlijke nootjes, drankjes en een super BBQ. Lekker vlot met de bus weer terug naar de haven en idem transfer naar het Freedom hotel. Een echte aanrader. Goede schippers aan boord.

Amazing Trip Highly Recommend

My boyfriend and I came to Curacao for the first time and really wanted to see the tugboat and experience the Blue Room. This was the only site that offered both so we jumped on board and don’t regret it at all. We were the only Americans but the crew kindly translated everything just for us. The boat was clean, in great condition, and spacious. We were expecting only two stops but surprisingly we had an extra stop to snorkel and explore freely. The crew provided everyone with snorkeling gear, with flippers, snacks between sites, beverages and acted as tour guides during the trip. We never snorkeled before so we were a little worried but the crew gave such great instruction that we loved it and would do it again. After we saw everything, the crew made us a delicious BBQ that made us wanting more. This trip is worth every penny!!! I highly recommend the crew and this expedition to everyone!

Top 5 right now

• UTV Expedition West Coast From $ 229
• West Island & Beach Safari From $ 119
• Klein Curacao Supreme with Miss Ann Boat Trips From $ 160
• Half Day Off-Road & Snorkel Safari From $ 85
• Irie Klein Curaçao Catamaran Trip From $ 120

Tours in this category

Klein Curacao Supreme with Miss Ann Boat Trips

Irie Tours West Coast: Beaches, BBQ & Blue Room

Klein Curacao Luxury – All Boat Charters

Your order:.

Guide to the Best Curacao Snorkeling Spots

Curacao is part of the ABC islands along with Aruba and Bonaire, located in the southern Caribbean just off the coast of South America.  One of the best Curacao snorkeling features is the accessibility to the reef from some amazing beaches.  Not only can you relax and enjoy the view, but the easy beach entry to many of the Curacao snorkeling beaches makes the snorkeling accessible, even for beginner snorkelers.

The best snorkeling in Curacao locations are dotted all along the west coast, but the little island of Klein Curacao is definitely worth the day trip! Nearly all of the best places to snorkel in Curacao mentioned in this guide are located on the west coast of Curacao, and so are protected from the trade winds which come from an easterly direction, too. The only exception to this is Blue Bay, which is sheltered as a lagoon, which you can see on our snorkeling Curacao map below. 

Much of the best snorkeling Curacao has to offer can be easily accessed from beaches , too, in fact when it comes to beaches, Curacao has some of the best snorkeling in Caribbean options. In this guide, I’ve listed my best beaches in curacao for snorkeling, plus my tips for getting the most out of these top Curacao snorkeling spots. 

CURACAO SNORKELING MAP

Find all the best snorkeling spots Curacao has to offer and best snorkeling beaches in Curacao on this handy map: 

Read More: Where to Stay in Curacao

DIRECTOR’S BAY, CURACAO SNORKELING

• Entry: Rocky Beach
• Access: There’s an unsecured car park (don’t keep valuables in your car)
• Facilities: None
• Look out for: Currents and waves. 

Located in southeastern Caracasbaai, Directors Bay is a rural coral beach with some great corals and is located just south of the Tugboat. There is some good snorkeling in Curacao from the beach here, with the best place to snorkel being underneath the cliffs of the parking lot itself, a short swim from the beach. Here are a mixture of soft and hard corals, mostly in good health and plenty of fish. There’s lots of coral rubble on the beach so shoes are recommended for getting in the water here. 

If you combine this with Tugboat snorkeling Curacao, do the Tugboat first so you have plenty of energy left to swim back to Director’s Bay against any currents. 

TUGBOAT/SABA

• Entry: Beach
• Access: Unsecured car-park
• Facilities: There’s a small dive-shop on the beach that also sells drinks
• Look out for: Watch out for boats around you

One of the most popular snorkel trips Curacao has is the sunken tugboat just outside Willemstad. You can either take a tugboat & reef snorkel tour to get here, or you can enter from the beach as this one of the top Curacao beaches snorkeling spots. It’s easily accessible from the beach and rests in shallow water making it an ideal and interesting addition to your Curacao snorkeling itinerary. 

To swim out to the Tugboat Curacao location, entry is from the east side of Caracasbaai, look out for the steel mooring platforms at the end of the beach. The best snorkeling can be found around the rocky point that’s right on top of the reef drop-off (around 600 feet from shore). The Tugboat wreck itself is slightly before the drop-off. 

CARACASBAAI

• Access: Car park at Playa Caracasbaai
• Look out for: Trade winds and boating – you’ll need a marker buoy

Although it’s not the most stunning of snorkeling curacao beaches, there’s some good snorkeling at West Caracasbaai. This is not a snorkeling spot for beginners or novices and requires swimming across an area that is sometimes more exposed to trade winds and swimming across a boating channel… however it contains some of the healthiest shallow reef in Curacao and has to be one of the most beautiful snorkel curacao spots for coral. Here you can see large schools of Parrotfish, Surgeonfish, large Porcupinefish and many more. 

To get here, park at Playa Caracasbaai, then walk around 800ft to the right along the beach until you reach the harbor inlet infront of the resort. You’ll need a marker buoy to swim across the boating channel from there, and snorkeling is along the shoreline on the other side. 

SNORKELING KLEIN CURACAO

• Access: By tour / boat trip to Klein Curacao
• Facilities: There are none on the island, so check what amenities your boat operator provides

One of the Curacao best snorkeling beach options, you won’t find more of an absolute beach paradise than Klein Curacao, and with the great reef just off the beach, there are plenty of snorkeling spots to explore here. Taking one of the Curacao snorkeling tours is a must during your time snorkling Curacao. 

You will need a boat, and a full day to enjoy this tiny uninhabited island off the coast of Curacao, but it is well worth the effort. An easy way to do this is to book a snorkel tour Curacao for Klein Curacao (see below). 

The water is calm, crystal clear, and there’s a decent chance you will get to share the water with klein curacao turtles too.  If you need a break from the water, take a stroll around the island and explore the abandoned lighthouse or see the remains of shipwrecks that have washed ashore.

To get here for Klein Curacao snorkeling, it’s a 2 hour boat ride each way from the south of Curacao.  There are several options leaving from Willemstad, but make sure your tour includes lunch, as Klein Curacao is uninhabited and there are no shops or restaurants.  

These are our favorite options for tours:

PLAYA PARASASA

• Entry: Rocky beach
• Access: Park at the Marriott or Moomba Beach Club (paid)
• Facilities: Shaded picnic tables, kids playground & trash cans
• Look out for: It’s best to use a marker buoy as the snorkeling is outside the main breakwater

Located next door to the Curacao Marriott Resort, Playa Parasasa is a good option on low wind days (winds less than 10mph) for its good range of coral and fish. Enter from the center of the beach. There are some basic facilities here including shaded picnic tables, or you can get a day pass for the nearby Moomba beach club. 

Playa Piscado

• Access: Parking on site
• Facilities: Snack bar, deckchairs/umbrellas, kayak rental & fresh fish market
• Look out for: Fishing boats coming into / out from the beach area. 

Also known as Playa Grandi, local fishermen clean their catch just off the shores of Playa Piskado bringing in plenty of sea life and making is a popular spot to see turtles in this Curacao snorkeling guide.  Sea turtles and many species of bright tropical fish can be seen in the waters just off shore.

A popular tourist spot, this is not the place to go if you prefer a quiet snorkel as there are plenty of fishing boats coming and going (use a marker buoy) and the turtles are getting fat from being fed a lot of left over fish (not their natural diet). There are also lots of fish carcasses on the ocean floor. 

When in Westpunt, make sure to check out some of the fantastic hiking Curacao has to offer at Christoffel National Park and Shete Boka Park.

Playa Forti

• Access: On-road parking
• Look out for: People jump from the cliff into the water – so swim well away from the cliff. 

Playa Forti, adjacent to Playa Piskado, is a great place to see sea turtles if you’d rather see them without the feeding and crowds at Playa Piskado. This spot is also known as Sweet Alice, and is a good place to see young angelfish and a beautiful range of coral. Water visibility is best during low winds and waves and the best snorkeling is around the ladder that enters the water from the cliff. Enter the water from the beach directly in front of the stairs down and swim out to the cliff on the left. 

Playa Kalki

• Access: Public Parking
• Facilities: Dive shop & snorkel rental, snack bar, picnic tables, restrooms
• Look out for: Strong currents over the reef drop off

Playa Kalki hosts the popular dive destination known as Alice in Wonderland and is located off the Kura Hulanda house beach, although there is also free public access and parking.  Even though you cannot explore the coral reef drop off with only a snorkel, there’s still plenty to see from the surface.  The unique corals are the highlight of Playa Kalki Curacao snorkeling.

• Access: Public beach car parking 
• Facilities: Picnic tables, umbrellas. No restrooms. 
• Look out for: Can get crowded at weekends/public holidays

Also called Little Knip or Playa Kenepa Chiki, this beautiful rural beach gets great Curacao snorkeling reviews and is one of my favorite Curacao underwater spots. Both the left and right side of the bay here have great snorkeling, and you may even see colourful fish and octopuses in the shallows in front of the beach. 

Klein Knip is sheltered in most condiitons, making it a safe bet for a calm snorkel and well suited for beginners. The beach sand is soft and less rocky than most, too, for easy entry. The beach is popular especially at weekends, so come during the week for more space for yourselves. 

SANTU PRETU & THE BLUE ROOM

• Access: Via 10 minute hike from Playa Santa Cruz beach
• Facilities: Natural shade & picnic table
• Look out for: There’s a steep drop off not far from the beach and avoid getting too close to the cliff.

The Blue Room is a unique snorkel spot for sure!  Getting there can be a bit of a task, so if you aren’t prepared for a hike and a decent swim, go on a tour.  However, the Blue Room can easily be seen on your own by hiking from Playa Santa Cruz and jumping off the rocks into the water(it’s not a high jump) and exploring the cave.

Getting back, you have two options.  Either climb up the rocks to get out, which is not incredibly difficult, but will require a bit of athletic ability.  The rocks can be a bit sharp too.  Or, snorkel your way out of the cave and along the shore back to the black sand beach at Santu Pretu.  From there, it’s just a short hike back to Playa Santa Cruz.

BLUE BAY, CURACAO SNORKELING

• Access: Parking at Blue Bay Beach Resort
• Facilities: For a mandatory fee, you can use the resort’s beach, restrooms, showers, café and dive shop (who rent out snorkels). 
• Look out for: Don’t attempt to snorkel here in windy or choppy conditions

Nearly all of the beaches on this list will require driving, but the beach at Blue Bay Beach Resort is right on the resort property with a wide variety of fish and a decent coral reef, making this a great choice if you want to stay somewhere with snorkeling in front of your room. The sand is soft making this perfect for beginners to easily enter the water with bare feet. 

This is also the only snorkeling in Curacao on the west of the island – although Blue Bay is sheltered, it can be more exposed to the trade winds than other locations and the snorkeling here is a bit of a swim out from the beach. There are plenty of other watersports on offer here such as windsurfing, too.  

PLAYA LAGUN CURACAO SNORKELING

• Access: Beach parking with a security guard
• Facilities: 2 restaurants nearby, shade, snack bar, restrooms & showers for a fee
• Look out for: Crowds at weekends

Playa Lagun is a well protected, calm, and clear cove that is great for beginners as well as experienced snorkelers.  The swim to the reef is a bit far, but along the way, there will be plenty of fish, turtles, eels, and even possibly an octopus to see. Plus the beach is super pretty making this one of my favorite Curacao snorkeling trips. 

PLAYA JEREMI

• Access: Car park with security guard
• Look out for: Can also get busy

Another small, pretty beach with nice sand and good water visbility just north of Lagun, Playa Jeremi is an alternative good spot for beginner and novice snorkelers. There’s not a huge amount of reef but it’s nice for a casual snorkel around the rocks on either side of the beach, especially on the right hand side. Turtles also hang out here if you’re lucky. This is a popular spot for locals at weekends although less busy than Playa Lagun above. 

• Access: Beach parking
• Facilities: Snack bar, restroom (when snack bar is open), picnic tables & shade, loungers. There’s also a dive shop renting out various water sports gear.
• Look out for: Dangerous overhangs on the right cliff wall. 

Perhaps one of the nicest beaches on Curacao, Cas Abou beach (also spelt Cas Abao) is a good option if you’re looking for a  beautiful sandy beach with facilities and good snorkeling off to the left hand side. You can even see colorful fish close to the beach. 

This is definitely one of the prettiest beaches Curacao has, with white sand and turquoise waters, with good visibility for snorkeling too. There can be large coral rubble and iron deposits at the waters edge and in the shallows so shoes are recommended for getting in the water here and then chaning into your fins once you can float. 

PLAYA PORTO MARI

• Access: Beach parking with security
• Facilities: Restrooms, showers, snack bar / restaurant, sun loungers, snorkel rental
• Look out for: Watch out for sharp rocks if entering from the right end of the beach (better to enter at the center)

Last but not least in my snorkeling in Curacao review guide is pretty Playa Porto Mari, famous for its double reef – although that is too deep to be properly enjoyed from the surface and is better suited to scuba divers or if you freedive. 

Still, Playa Porto Mari is still one of the snorkel Curacao best places to enjoy some good snorkeling and also see coral restoration attempts underway. After storm damage from Hurricane Lenny in 1999, concrete balls have been planted in the shallows just before the sandy drop-off and you can see the new coral formations on them. There’s also good snorkeling at the south end of the bay.

There’s an entrance fee for this beach but it gives you access to plenty of facilities so you can spend a day here. 

Snorkeling in Curacao is some of the best in the Caribbean, so no matter which spots you choose, you’ll have a great time!

Need more help planning your trip?? Check out all of our Curacao Guides Here!

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Kristin Young

Best st thomas snorkeling| 9 top beach & boat spots.

Snorkeling in Curacao

Curacao is a hilly desert island situated in the southwestern arc of the Lesser Antilles, only 37 miles north to South America. If Curacao is more renowned for its clear emerald water and its gorgeous beaches than for its underwater life, it remains a good snorkeling destination. Curacao southwestern coastline gives access to more or less a dozen of snorkeling spots, where you can explore coral reefs, seagrass beds visited by sea turtles, and the captivating Tugboat wreck.

The best snorkeling spots in Curacao

All Curacao’s snorkeling spots are scattered along the southwestern side of the island, sheltered from trade winds. Here, the waters are safe, calm, and crystal-clear, offering perfect conditions for snorkeling. The east side of Curacao, exposed to winds and strong waves, is not suitable for snorkeling. 

Curacao’s western coastline shelters over 35 beaches, but not all of them have good snorkeling, especially when located close to mangroves areas, because of poor visibility. At some beaches, an admission fee is charged, sometimes including a beach chair.

Car rental is by far the best option to reach the beaches, as the public transportation network is limited on the island. Boat tours, including snorkeling stops on several spots of the island, can be booked in Willemstad and most of the hotels.

The closest snorkeling beaches north to Willemstad are the photogenic Playa Porto Mari and Playa Cas Abao . They offer decent snorkeling, with mostly sandy seabed interspersed with coral patches. Both of them have a beach admission fee.

Up north, Playa Lagun , a narrow cove adorned by rocky cliffs, is definitely the best snorkeling spot in Curacao main island to swim with sea turtles, even if they are not visiting the bay daily.

2 miles south of Westpunt, do not miss the two “Knip” beaches. Grote Knip (also known as Knip Beach or Playa Kenepa Grandi), is widely recognized as Curacao’s most beautiful beach. The view from above the bay is right out of a postcard, with a panorama on the turquoise sea and the fishing boats.

Kein Knip (Little Knip Beach, or Playa Kenepa Chiki), the second of the two coves, is located 1 mile south. It is one of the best snorkeling spots on the island’s west end, where you will swim above patches of elkhorn coral.

Around Westpunt, the twin beaches of Playa Grandi (nicknamed “Alice in Wonderland”) and Playa Forti , where it is sometimes possible to see sea turtles, are good snorkeling options, as well as Playa Kalki , the northernmost snorkeling spot in Curacao.

You will surely enjoy Curacao’s northwestern shore snorkeling. But whether you are a beginner or an advanced snorkeler, do not leave the island without having snorkeled the Tugboat . This spot, named after a shipwreck sitting in a shallow and sheltered bay, is definitely the most popular of Curacao.

The boat trip to Klein Curacao , a small coral island just 10 miles off the main island, is one of the most popular day tours around Curacao. The leeward side of the island, fringed by a half-a-mile long white sand beach, provides good snorkeling opportunities and is popular for sea turtle sightings.

More than 350 species of fish and 65 species of hard and soft coral have been recorded on the fringing reefs of Curacao. When snorkeling off the island’s beach, you may spot butterflyfish, angelfish, tang, small groupers, puffers, and a wide diversity of other reef fish. Green sea turtles are quite easy to spot in some locations, especially in Playa Lagun , Playa Forti, Playa Grandi, and Klein Curacao .

If you are planning to snorkel the ABC Islands, we recommend bringing with you the excellent Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas (also available in ebook ), the reference guide to ID the fish you will encounter snorkeling the islands.

The very best 👇👇👇 of our snorkeling time in the ABC Islands. Exploring the islands of Curacao, Bonaire , and Aruba , trying to see as much sea life as we could!

These three islands are a coveted playground for snorkelers: calm and warm waters, shallow coral reefs, beautiful shipwrecks, and a myriad of sea life. The name of the snorkeling spot where the images have been shot is mentioned in each sequence.

When to go snorkeling Curacao?

Snorkeling can be enjoyed throughout the year in Curacao. The island has a warm, sunny, and windy climate year-round. Short, occasional showers characterize the rainy season, from October to January. The average air temperature is around 80°F/27°C, with an annual rainfall average of less than 600mm (23 inches).

450+ spots have already been featured on Snorkeling Report thanks to people like you. Share your favorite snorkeling spot and help us cover the world map. Your contribution will help the snorkeling community find sites and enjoy the underwater world!

Where to spot them?

Frequently sighted at Playa Lagun and Klein Curacao; occasionally seen at Playa Grandi

Uncommon in Curacao’s shallow waters, try your luck at Klein Knip or Playa Porto Mari

Common on all reef spots

On all spots

On all reef spots

Common on all spots with sea fans

Large groups at the Tugboat

Best rated spots in Curacao

Wreck and coral reef with many fish

Level: Free shore access

• Playa Lagun

Sheltered rocky cove with seagrass beds and sea turtles

Level: Free shore access Resort nearby

• Playa Porto Mari

Shallow sandy beds and deep coral reef

• Klein Curacao

Reef flat with sea turtles and colorful fish

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• Cayo Zapatilla North
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• Ahihi Kinau
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• Anse Boudin
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• Ilot de Sable Blanc du Nord
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Kayak & Snorkeling Tour Curacao

The active kayak and snorkel tour starts at our office at the Caracas Bay in Curacao. As soon as you arrive at our location, you will have some time to prepare.

Once you are ready, you will receive a brief explanation of how the tour works and what to expect. The tour lasts two hours in total. You start with a kayaking adventure along the coast of Curacao, paddling under old piers along the way. Take a good look around and you'll see how the sun changes the color of the water - you might even see the red coral under the pier.

Kayak Tour Curacao

For this tour we use two-person kayaks. This makes kayaking lighter and therefore easier. If we have an odd number, we can also easily convert the kayaks into a single-seater. While paddling we will also pass the nostalgic Fort Beekenburg, which was originally built in 1703 to protect the inner bay of Curacao. You can also admire the old country house 'Quarantine House' from the water. This used to be used as a quarantine hospital.

At the old piers it is sometimes possible to see ships or crane platforms up close, which visit Curaçao for crew changes. From here we continue our trip to Doctor's Bay, where you will receive your snorkel gear from us. Jump into the water and discover the fascinating underwater world. At this place you can swim to a stranded tugboat, where the most diverse sea creatures can be found. Turtles, rays and rainbow colored fish, you will encounter them all. This is Curacao's best snorkeling spot, so be sure to bring an underwater camera if you have one!

Kayaking and snorkeling Curacao

Combine activity and relaxation in one of our kayaks. The best way to discover Curacao is from the water. Paddle along the coast of Caracas Bay at your own pace. Along the way you can enjoy the view above and below the water! Because there is enough time for a refreshing dip in the crystal clear water. Spot the colorful fish and feast your eyes on the beautiful coral.

What to bring

• Waterproof camera or case for your phone
• Sun protection
• Swimwear and dry clothes
• Water Shoes
• Cash for the beach
• Credit card and ID for security deposit

Important Information

• Renting a kayak is not recommended for pregnant women and guests with back/neck problems.
• Some physical fitness required. If you fall out of the kayak, you must be able to climb back on yourself.
• Maximum weight allowed 180 pounds or 90 kg.

General information

• Maximum group size 24 people (12 kayaks)
• Standard departure times 9.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm.

Special Reservations

For special reservations contact us: [email protected]  or WhatsApp +5999 5132 484 or office: +5999 767 6241 .

Pick-up service

Cruiselines Cruiselines can arrive on different times. We have tour departures especially for cruiselines. If you can not find a departure time for your cruiselinearrival time please mail us at [email protected] or contact us by WhatsApp +5999 5132 484 or office: +5999 767 6241 .

Round trip pickup service For Cruiseline passengers we arrange pick up service from the security gate where buses leave the terminal. On request we arrange pick up service for hotel guests. Additional fee applies for pickup service: $20 per person.

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The best snorkeling in Curaçao

Curaçao has amazing shore snorkeling. Find out where to swim with sea turtles, explore caves and shipwrecks, and view coral reefs on this gorgeous island.

Known for its easy shore snorkeling and picturesque sandy beaches, Curaçao is a fantastic destination for snorkelers of all skill levels. With clear waters, superb underwater visibility, and extensive coral formations, this island has some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean .

Curacao’s best places to snorkel are spread along the western coasts of the main island and Klein Curacao. These areas are sheltered from the constant trade winds and have the calmest, clearest waters and nicest beaches for swimming and snorkeling.

Here’s where to go for the best snorkeling in Curacao.

• Kleine Knip Beach

Kleine Knip Beach, also known as Little Knip Beach or Kenepa Chiki, lies between Sabana Westpunt and Lagun on Curacao’s northwestern coast. The sandy beach offers easy entry into the water, making Little Knip an ideal snorkeling spot for beginners and families with young children.

Snorkelers have the chance to see diverse underwater life, including elkhorn coral, sea turtles, octopi, and tropical fish. You can make the trek out to the barrier reef if you’re a strong swimmer, or you can stick closer to shore and explore rock formations along the coastline.

Although the beach is usually quiet, this local favorite can get busy on weekends and public holidays. There are beach chairs and umbrellas for rent at Kleine Knip but few other facilities. Plan ahead and bring plenty of snacks, drinks, and other items you need for the day.

Grote Knip Beach (also called Kenepa Grande) is another great stop in the area. Known as one of Curacao’s most beautiful beaches, Grote Knip has clear turquoise waters with good snorkeling, kayaking, and cliff jumping.

• Playa Piskado

Also called Playa Grandi, Playa Piskado is located in the fishing village of Westpunt on Curacao’s northwestern coast. Sea turtles frequent the area, feeding on vegetation on the sandy seafloor and scraps from local fisherman cleaning their catch.

The shallow water and sandy bottom make this site suitable for snorkelers of all ages and abilities. In addition to watching sea turtles, you can view corals and colorful fish along the right side of the beach.

If you want an adrenaline-inducing adventure after your snorkeling outing, head to the cliffs at nearby Playa Forti to try cliff jumping.

• Playa Kalki

The popular dive site known as Playa Kalki, or Alice in Wonderland, has plenty to offer snorkelers as well. The area’s sparkling blue waters, healthy sea life, abundant corals, and excellent underwater visibility make it a top destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.

The easiest entrance into the water is the dock in front of Kura Hulanda Lodge. Once you’re in the water, follow the rope to find the best places to snorkel. When you reach the coral reef, you can view hard coral formations, parrotfish, eagle rays, sea turtles, barracudas, and other marine life.

Since the water is deeper here, Playa Kalki is best for snorkelers with some prior experience. The laid-back beach has various facilities, including restrooms, a snack bar, picnic tables, lounge chairs, and a dive shop where you can rent snorkel gear.

• Playa Porto Mari

If you want to enjoy postcard-worthy scenery and beginner-friendly snorkeling, Playa Porto Mari on the island’s northwestern coast is a spectacular destination. The bay’s calm waters are an ideal place to explore the underwater world with your mask and snorkel.

In efforts to restore damaged corals following a hurricane in the late 1990s, marine experts placed concrete structures in the bay to promote the growth of corals and provide a habitat for sea creatures. Known as “reef balls,” these structures are now home to corals, sponges, and juvenile reef fish.

The cliffs along the bay’s south end also make for interesting snorkeling. Look for sea fans, corals, and fish, such as sergeant majors, trunkfish, and French grunts.

The beach is open every day from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm, and there is a small fee to enter (around US$3 per person) 1 . Facilities include a beach bar, restaurant, showers, restrooms, changing rooms, lockers, beach chairs, umbrellas, and snorkel gear rentals.

• Playa Lagun

Playa Lagun, a sheltered cove teeming with aquatic life, is an excellent snorkel spot for beginners. The rocky cliffs along both sides are ideal places to spot marine life such as wrasse, eels, butterflyfish, snappers, and corals, while turtles rest on the seabed towards the center.

More experienced snorkelers can explore a drop-off with vibrant corals and sponges further out towards the cove’s opening. Beginners may prefer to stay in the shallow, protected areas less exposed to the open sea.

Playa Lagun is in the small fishing village of Lagun on the island’s northwestern coast. The scenic white sand beach is popular among beachgoers, snorkelers, and swimmers and can get crowded. Head there early for the best experience.

• Klein Curacao

Visiting the island of Klein Curacao requires a two-hour boat trip each way and is a full-day excursion. It’s worth the trip if you want to snorkel with sea turtles and explore the remote, deserted island.

The best snorkeling is along the white sand beach on Klein Curacao’s western coast. After snorkeling, visitors can explore shipwrecks and an old lighthouse on the island.

Klein Curacao is about six miles from Curacao’s southeastern tip 2 . Since the passage can get choppy, this snorkel site is not well-suited for those who get motion sickness or seasickness.

Boat tours typically include lunch and drinks since there are no restaurants or other amenities on this uninhabited island. Check ahead of time with your tour operator, and make sure to bring everything you need for the day.

• Tugboat Beach

The shallow Tugboat shipwreck in Caracas Bay is a popular snorkel and dive site that’s easily accessible from shore. To reach the wreck, swim along the cliffs to Platform #5, located a few hundred feet from Tugboat Beach. The shipwreck is just behind the platform and is home to soft and hard corals, sea fans, and colorful fish.

The 30-year-old wreck sits at a depth of about 15 feet 3 . This site is best for intermediate and experienced snorkelers since there are occasionally strong currents in the area. There is also a reef a little further out that you can explore after the shipwreck.

Many boat tours from Curacao’s capital city of Willemstad stop at the Tugboat wreck. As one of the most sought-after snorkeling destinations on the island, visitors should expect potential crowds.

The area is industrial and not ideal for relaxing on the beach. If you want to enjoy the scenery after snorkeling, check out Director’s Bay, a beautiful secluded beach just south of the Tugboat wreck.

• Blue Room Cave

The Blue Room Cave is a perfect destination for snorkelers seeking a unique experience. The cave glows an incredible blue color, and large schools of fish swim through the azure water.

Various guided tours stop at the cave, or you can rent a kayak at Playa Santa Cruz and paddle there on your own. The best time to visit is at low tide, when you can safely swim into the cave without diving underwater.

If you’re up for an adventure, you can also walk to the cave from Playa Santa Cruz. The trail takes about 20 minutes one way and is a little rough and rocky in places - make sure to wear sturdy shoes. You can stop at Playa Santu Pretu on your way and enjoy the secluded black sand beach.

To access the cave from the trail, you’ll need to jump off a small cliff into the water, then swim into the cave opening. The jump is not very high (about 10 feet) but may not be ideal for those afraid of heights. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to climb back out of the water to the top of the rocks, so some basic upper body strength and balance are required.

• Blue Bay Beach

Northwest of Willemstad in Sint Michiel, Blue Bay Beach is one of Curacao’s most beautiful beaches. The area has excellent, beginner-friendly snorkeling and is a popular place to stay among those who want to snorkel right from their hotel.

There are two house reefs in the bay known as “The Garden” and “The Wall.” Each of these requires a short swim from shore. In addition to corals, you’ll have the chance to spot trumpetfish, octopi, eels, sea turtles, and barracudas.

There are many amenities nearby since the area is part of the Blue Bay Beach Resort. If you’re not staying at the resort, you’ll need to pay a small fee to access the beach. This fee will also allow you to use the resort’s facilities, including lounge chairs, showers, restrooms, and a dive shop with gear rentals.

• Curacao snorkeling FAQ

When is the best time of year to go snorkeling in Curacao?

Curacao’s warm, tropical climate and frequent sunny weather make it a year-round snorkeling destination. The peak season runs from December to April, but you can have a wonderful snorkeling vacation any time of year. Many snorkelers prefer to visit from May to November to take advantage of the lower prices and quieter beaches in the off-season.

No matter when you visit, you’re likely to have plenty of sunny days and fantastic snorkeling conditions. As one of the ABC Islands (the Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba , Bonaire , and Curacao), Curacao rarely experiences severe tropical storms or hurricanes. Even during the wettest months of October, November, and December, sunshine is abundant, and showers are short-lived ( 1 ).

What is the average temperature of the water in Curacao?

The average water temperature in Curacao is around 82°F/28°C ( 2 ). The water temperature hovers around 85°F/29°C from April to November and drops to 79°F/26°C between December and March ( 3 ).

Is snorkeling in Curacao good for families?

Yes, Curacao has many snorkel sites with calm waters, easy shore access, and sandy beaches. This makes it an excellent destination for families and novice snorkelers. Some of the best snorkeling sites for families with children are Playa Piskado, Kleine Knip Beach, Playa Porto Mari, and Playa Lagun.

Where should I stay when snorkeling in Curacao?

Curacao’s northwestern coast has the highest concentration of top snorkel sites, beautiful sandy beaches, and a variety of lodging options. Sabana Westpunt and Lagun are good choices for outdoor enthusiasts, but there are limited dining, shopping, and entertainment options. If you prefer a more urban environment, staying on the western side of Willemstad will allow you to access the northwestern snorkel sites while remaining close to nightlife, restaurants, shops, and more.

FAQ sources

• “When is the rainy season?”. Curaçao Tourist Board .
• “Why Curaçao?”. Curaçao Tourist Board .
• “Diving in Curaçao.” PADI .

“Playa Porto Mari.” Playa Porto Mari .  ↩

“The ultimate day trip, Go to Klein Curacao.” BlueFinn Charters Curaçao .  ↩

“Tugboat.” Dive Curacao , 5 Feb 2020.  ↩

Last updated 23 July 2021

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About the author

Rebecca Jambrovic

Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside.

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