Snorkeling in Curaçao, straight from the boat

Why snorkel Curaçao by boat

The reefs off the southeast coast are some of the best snorkeling on the island. The shore-access spots are busy by ten, and the west coast beaches mean a long drive. By boat, we reach the reef before the crowd builds. We anchor, you put on your mask and you're in.

Every trip is private. The boat, captain and crew are yours, for up to 14 guests on the Scout 355, never shared with strangers. Every trip leaves from Fisherman's Harbor in Caracasbaai, on Spanish Water.

The Tugboat wreck

The Tugboat is a small sunken tug in shallow, clear water off the southeast coast, a short run from the harbor. It sits in about 16 feet (5 m) of water, with the top around 10 feet (3 m) down. You see the whole wreck from the surface. No tank, no dive course.

Two of our trips stop here. Snorkel & Chill starts at the Tugboat and the old pier, where fish gather. Then we drift along a quiet coral strip and spend about an hour at anchor in Fuik's private cove. It leaves at 08:00, 12:00 or 16:00. Mornings have the flattest sea, midday the brightest colors, late afternoon the softest light.

Snorkel & Coastline snorkels the Tugboat, stops at Fuik Bay for a swim, then cruises back through Spanish Water. It leaves at 08:30 or 12:30. Both trips are 3 hours, from $799 for the whole boat.

Klein Curaçao

Klein Curaçao is a small, uninhabited island about an hour across open water. White sand, a lighthouse and a shipwreck. We anchor off the beach and put the snorkel gear and floaties out, and the shallows are yours.

The 6-hour trip, 08:00 to 14:00, is from $1,599 and gives you about two and a quarter hours at the island. The full day, 8 hours, is from $1,999. It gives you about four and a half hours there, time to snorkel the shallows properly, plus a reef stop on the way home. The crossing is open water, so if you get seasick, take something an hour before we sail.

The west coast: Cas Abou and Westpunt

Heading west, we stay inshore along the sheltered coast. It's a calmer run than the open water crossing to Klein. Two trips go this way.

Cas Abou, also spelled Cas Abao, is 5 hours, 08:00 to 13:00, from $1,599. We stop at a secluded beach for a swim and a snorkel, then anchor at Cas Abou for its clear shallows.

Westpunt Hopping is 7 hours, 08:00 to 15:00, from $1,999. You visit four beaches: Cas Abou, Kenepa Grandi, Playa Forti and Playa Piskadó. The captain sets the order on the day. If the sea allows, we add a quick stop at the Blue Room, a sea cave that lights up blue from below. It's a short swim through a low entrance, best for confident swimmers, and we skip it when the entrance is rough.

Sea turtles: what to expect

Green turtles feed at Playa Piskadó, where the fishermen clean their catch, and we see them on most trips there. Turtles also turn up in the shallows at Klein Curaçao. Still, they're wild animals. Nobody can promise a sighting, and we won't.

If you meet one, give it room. Don't touch, chase or feed it. Float quietly, keep your fins low and enjoy the moment.

New to snorkeling or not a strong swimmer?

Book Snorkel & Chill. The stops are sheltered and the runs between them are short. You don't need to be a strong swimmer. Life vests and noodles are on board, and our crew gets in the water with you. Floating is perfectly fine. Child and infant life jackets are on board too, which makes it our pick for families with young kids.

Gear and what to bring

Masks and fins are on board in every size, including children's, so there's nothing to rent. Towels, soft drinks, water and ice, a first aid kit and a seasickness kit are on board as well. Want to cover more reef? Add a sea scooter for $65.

Bring swimwear (wear it under your clothes), a hat, sunglasses and your own reef-safe sunscreen. It helps protect the coral you came to see. For Klein Curaçao, add a light layer for the crossing back.

Which snorkel trip is right for you

• First time, weak swimmers or young kids: Snorkel & Chill. 3 hours, from $799.
• The Tugboat with an 08:30 or 12:30 start: Snorkel & Coastline. 3 hours, from $799.
• A day at an uninhabited island: Klein Curaçao. 6 hours from $1,599, or the full day from $1,999.
• A calm west coast morning: Cas Abou. 5 hours, from $1,599.
• Turtles and four beaches: Westpunt Hopping. 7 hours, from $1,999.
• Your own route: a custom charter, from $400 an hour.

Prices are for the whole private boat, not per person, with 9% OB tax added at checkout. They're for the Scout 355, up to 14 guests. For up to 18 guests, the Scout 420 books online for trips from November 15, 2026, at a boat price 25% above the Scout 355; for earlier dates, ask on WhatsApp. Hotel pickup in a premium SUV, there and back, from anywhere on the island, is $150 per SUV of up to 4 guests. Tell us your hotel when you book. Want to see the trips without snorkeling too? Browse all our boat trips.