10 Best Curacao Snorkeling Tours for the Ultimate Underwater Adventure

Looking for the best Curacao snorkeling tours? You’ve come to the right place!

I’ve been lucky enough to visit Curacao several times already and even though it would be tough for me to choose what the best things to do in Curacao are, snorkeling is definitely one of them.

This beautiful southern Caribbean island offers some of the most beautiful underwater spots in the world thanks to its abundant coral reefs and diverse marine life. In fact, I’d consider its snorkeling opportunities one of the main reasons Curacao is worth visiting!

From shallow turquoise bays where sea turtles glide by to impressive drop-offs teeming with fish, these Curacao snorkeling tours will leave you in awe of the beauty that lies just below the surface.

Best Curacao Snorkeling Tours

1. Flamingos and Snorkeling with Sea Turtles

curacao snorkeling tours

⭐️ Reviews: 5/5 | ⏰ Length: 4 to 5 hours | 🤿 Check Rates and Availability

The Flamingos and Snorkeling with Sea Turtles is one of the best Curacao snorkeling tours as it will have you seeing marine creatures as well as flamingos!

The tour includes a visit to the salt flats of Jan Kok, where you’ll see the iconic pink flamingos in their natural habitat. You’ll also visit the Shete Boka National Park, where you’ll see the rugged coastline and impressive waves crashing against the rocks.

“The most incredible, once in a lifetime experiences.”

– Amanda (See more reviews)

The highlight of the tour is snorkeling with sea turtles in the calm and clear waters of Playa Grandi.

You’ll have the opportunity to swim alongside these gentle creatures, watch them feed on sea grass, and take amazing photos.

2. Snorkel and Beach Adventure Tour

curacao snorkeling tours

⭐️ Reviews: 5/5 | ⏰ Length: 6 hours | 🤿 Check Rates and Availability

The Snorkel and Beach Jeep Safari Tour takes you on an off-road safari adventure through the rugged terrain of Curacao’s countryside, where you’ll discover hidden beaches, coves, and lagoons that are perfect to snorkel in.

The tour includes several stops at some of Curacao’s most beautiful beaches, where you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel and swim in crystal-clear waters.

“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.”

– Jacqueline (See more reviews)

Your guide will take you to some of the best snorkeling spots on the island, where you’ll see an abundance of marine life, including colorful fish, coral reefs, and sea turtles. You’ll also have some free time to relax on the beach, soak up the sun, and enjoy a refreshing drink.

This tour is perfect for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and anyone who wants to experience the beauty of Curacao’s coastline and access spots most visitors don’t.

3. Curaçao Seabob Tour (by Bearded Butlers Curaçao)

curacao snorkeling tours

⭐️ Reviews: 5/5 | ⏰ Length: 1 hour | 🤿 Check Rates and Availability

The Seabob Tour in Curacao is an exciting underwater adventure that allows you to explore the beautiful Caribbean Sea like never before.

It’s definitely one of the best Curacao snorkeling tours, especially if you want to take it to the next level as you will be able to glide through the water reaching speeds of up to 14 km/h on a seabob!

“It was a truly magical experience that you have to add on your bucket list! Our tourguide Andy did the tour on his own unique way which made the tour even more fun. I recommend this experience to everyone.”

– Dihlayla (See more reviews)

The Seabob is easy to use, and you’ll receive guidance from your experienced guide, so even if you’re a beginner, you’ll be able to enjoy this exhilarating snorkeling tour.

Moreover, you will also be able to explore Curacao’s stunning coastline and hidden coves as well as some of the best snorkeling spots on the island where you’ll get to sea turtles, rays, schools of tropical fish, and plenty more.

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

curacao snorkeling tours

⭐️ Reviews: 5/5 | ⏰ Length: 9 hours | 🤿 Check Rates and Availability

The Klein Curacao with Sailing Catamaran BlueFinn tour is an exciting and unique way to explore one of Curacao’s most beautiful and remote locations.

This tour takes you on a sailing adventure to Klein Curacao, a small uninhabited island located off the coast of Curacao on a comfortable and spacious catamaran.

“The boat ride and island was great, the experience was great and the food was good. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who comes to visit the island of Curaçao.”

– Jeremie (See more reviews)

Along the tour, you’ll make several stops where you’ll have the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and relax in the warm and crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.

You’ll also have the chance to explore the island’s stunning beaches and coral reefs, not to mention explore a few highlights in Klein Curacao.

5. Swimming with Sea Turtles and Get Professional Pictures

curacao snorkeling tours

⭐️ Reviews: 5/5 | ⏰ Length: 4 hours | 🤿 Check Rates and Availability

The Snorkeling with Turtles tour is a another of the top Curacao snorkeling tours and a super fun way to explore the waters around the island. You’ll get up close to some of the island’s most fascinating marine life and have amazing pictures taken of your adventure!

This tour takes you on a snorkeling adventure to Playa Grandi, where you’ll have the opportunity to swim with sea turtles and see them in their natural habitat.

This experience was awesome! From the tour guides, to the flamingoes, to the turtles, and ending with a BEAUTIFUL beach!!

– Ashlee (See more reviews)

The tour includes a brief introduction to the sea turtles and their habitat, and you’ll learn about their behavior and feeding habits.

You’ll then enter the water and explore the coral reefs and seagrass beds where the turtles feed while a photographer takes amazing photos of your adventure.

6. Snorkel Shore Trip with Scubaçao “East Point”

curacao snorkeling tours

⭐️ Reviews: 5/5 | ⏰ Length: 5 hours | 🤿 Check Rates and Availability

This wonderful snorkeling tour provides an opportunity to go snorkeling in Caracasbay peninsula, located on the southeastern side of Willemstad, Curacao.

The area was previously used as a bunker bay for Royal Dutch Shell, but since the company left the island in 1985, it has been converted into a national park with stunning beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

“Ladies & Gentlemen, this particular tour and the guides themselves will NOT disappoint. From pick-up to the finality of this excursion was a quality experience, which exceeds the norm. Again, you won’t be disappointed.”

– Cailtilla (See more reviews)

The first stop on the tour is Tugboat beach, where you can find the Curaçao tugboat wreck, which has been on the sea bottom since the 1970s and is now fully covered in coral and sponges.

Next, you’ll visit Director’s Bay, which has an incredible story. From this bay, you can swim back to Tugboat beach and enjoy a refreshing drink while relaxing.

You can also take in the breathtaking view from fortress Beekenburg, which dates back to 1703, and explore the Quarantine building while admiring the scenic Spanish water.

7. TUGBOAT Snorkeling Trip

⭐️ Reviews: 5/5 | ⏰ Length: 2 hours | 🤿 Check Rates and Availability

The TUGBOAT Snorkeling Trip takes you on a snorkeling adventure to Tugboat Beach, located on the southeastern side of Willemstad.

The beach is home to a sunken tugboat that has been fully covered in coral and sponges and is now a popular spot for snorkeling.

“Saw awesome 🐠, coral& tugboat underwater wreck. Our guide, Charlie, was very helpful putting on snorkel gear and making us feel comfortable. He swam with us the whole time and we were the only couple on the tour. Also, on ride to and from he told us all about the island. Was like getting a free city tour.”

– Richard (See more reviews)

Your guide will take you to some of the best spots for snorkeling, where you’ll have the opportunity to see schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, and even octopuses.

8. Explore Curacao Spanish Lagoon and Snorkeling

⭐️ Reviews: 5/5 | ⏰ Length: 4 hours | 🤿 Check Rates and Availability

Embark on a 3-hour boat cruise to the stunning Spanish water lagoon of Curacao and soak up the Caribbean sun while your captain and crew take care of everything with this tour.

You can sunbathe, sip a refreshing drink, and admire the beautiful surroundings of the Spanish water lagoon. The cruise includes a stop at one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, where you can take a dip in the warm Caribbean waters.

“Excellent!”

– Richard (See more reviews)

You’ll also visit one of Curacao’s top snorkeling sites, located on the protected southeast side of Caracas Bay.

The site is home to a tugboat shipwreck that is now a haven for a diverse range of marine life, including colorful coral, morays, scorpionfish, lobsters, and schools of tropical fish.

9. Willemstad: Turtle Watching Excursion and Snorkeling Safari

⭐️ Reviews: 4.8/5 | ⏰ Length: 7 hours | 🤿 Check Rates and Availability

On this Turtle Watching Excursion and Snorkeling Safari, you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Curacao’s coastline and explore the island’s northern side.

You will travel across the open desert plains on a safari excursion, see several remote bays, and admire powerful waves smashing against the coral cliffs, all while looking out for exotic species like herons, frigate birds, and caracaras.

“Ariel our guide/driver was awesome! Very knowledgeable and had answer for every question. Beaches were great and driving through the countryside in an open vehicle was interesting.”

– Get Your Guide (See more reviews)

Afterward, you’ll head to the southwest coast of Curacao and witness the dramatic transformation from a dry, arid climate to a verdant, hilly shoreline with pristine white beaches and turquoise waters.

Here, you’ll make a stop at Playa Piskado, where you can see a wide variety of fish and swim alongside turtles while enjoying some snorkeling.

10. Curacao Speedboat, Beach, Blue Room and Snorkel Adventure

⭐️ Reviews: 4.8/5 | ⏰ Length: 5 hours | 🤿 Check Rates and Availability

Experience a day of beach hopping, relaxation, and snorkeling at incredibly unique spots on this amazing tour.

You’ll have an unforgettable snorkeling experience in Curacao’s famous Blue Room cave, a cave that is mostly underwater and is known for its perfect turquoise, Caribbean-blue water.

Here, you’ll see schools of fish swimming around the rocky underwater terrain with crystal-clear visibility.

“Great crew on the boat to explain and help in and out of the water. We saw flying fish and lots of dolphins. The blue room was gorgeous and a must see. Just wish we had more time at the cas abou beach, gorgeous waters and so many tropical fish . Loved that the captain dropped off at our hotel at end! Beautiful day!”

– Get Your Guide (See more reviews)

After exploring the Blue Room cave, you’ll dock for a beach break. You can choose to snorkel again or relax under the sun while you enjoy a snack or cocktails at one of the beach-side restaurants.

Why snorkel in Curacao?

Curacao offers you an underwater world filled with vibrant marine life and colorful coral reefs.

Moreover, the water surrounding Curacao is warm and crystal-clear, allowing you to enjoy great visibility while snorkeling.

You can actually see up to 100 feet in some places, providing you with a breathtaking view of the tons of creatures living below the surface!

Where to find the best snorkeling in Curacao

Now that we’ve taken a look at the best Curacao snorkeling tours, here’s a little more info on some of the best snorkeling spots around the island:

1. Klein Curacao

Klein Curacao is a small, uninhabited island located off the southeast coast of Curacao, and it is a must-visit Curacao snorkeling spot.

The island is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning underwater scenery.

As you explore the waters surrounding Klein Curacao, you’ll be amazed by the abundance of marine life that inhabits the area.

You’ll have the opportunity to spot sea turtles, colorful fish, and even a shipwreck that has become a popular attraction for snorkelers. The waters are so clear that you’ll have unobstructed views of the underwater world, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

In addition to snorkeling, Klein Curacao offers other activities that you can enjoy during your visit.

You can take a stroll on the island’s white sandy beaches, soak up the sun, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade of a palm tree. You can also explore the island’s history and visit the abandoned lighthouse and other ruins that date back to the island’s days as a hub for the slave trade.

2. Playa Piskado

Playa Piskado is a popular snorkeling spot located on the western side of Curacao, and it offers an exciting adventure for anyone who loves to explore the underwater world. It’s also often called “Playa Grandi”.

curacao snorkeling spots

I personally found Playa Piskado rather ugly, but it’s still a must because here, you will get the opportunity to swim with sea turtles in their natural habitat.

Snorkeling alongside these gentle creatures is a truly unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss.

3. Blue Room Cave

The Blue Room Cave is a unique snorkeling spot located on the northern side of Curacao, and it offers an enchanting underwater experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

The cave is a natural wonder that is accessible only by boat but very much worth the trip if you ask me!

As you enter the Blue Room, you’ll be amazed by the intense blue color of the water, which is caused by the way the sunlight reflects off the limestone walls of the cave.

The water is so clear that you’ll have unobstructed views of the underwater world, making it a truly unforgettable experience. 

4. Grote Knip Beach

The coral reefs surrounding Grote Knip Beach are home to schools of tropical fish that come in all shapes and sizes, creating a beautiful underwater world that you won’t forget.

curacao snorkeling spots

You’ll see parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish swimming around the coral, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot a sea turtle or two.

The water at Grote Knip Beach is calm and shallow, making it a great snorkeling spot for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. You’ll have unobstructed views of the underwater world, and the water is so clear that you’ll feel like you’re swimming in an aquarium.

After you finish your snorkeling adventure, you can relax on the beach and soak up the sun. The beach is spacious and uncrowded, making it a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

5. Playa Porto Mari

Playa Porto Mari is one of the best beaches in Curacao for snorkeling thanks to its stunning underwater playground, which features unique double-reef formations that are teeming with diverse marine life.

curacao snorkeling spots

The double-reef formations at Playa Porto Mari are a unique feature that makes the area a must-visit destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.

The two parallel reefs are separated by a sandy channel, creating a diverse underwater world that is home to a variety of marine creatures.

You’ll see schools of colorful fish darting in and out of the coral, lobsters hiding in crevices, and even octopuses peeking out from their hiding places.

As a fun fact, Playa Porto Mari is pretty famous because of the pigs that live here. However, when I got there, the pigs were in a puddle in the parking lot rather than at the beach. This beach is gorgeous, but definitely don’t go hoping to see pigs swimming around.

6. Playa Lagun

Playa Lagun is a hidden gem in Curacao that offers a unique and secluded snorkeling experience.

curacao snorkeling spots

This small, secluded beach is located on the western side of the island and is known for its calm waters, making it a perfect spot for snorkeling.

Here, you’ll see schools of colorful fish swimming around the coral reefs, lobsters hiding in crevices, and even eels peeking out from their hiding places.

7. Tugboat Beach

Tugboat Beach is a popular snorkeling spot in Curacao thanks to the famous sunken tugboat shipwreck found underwater.

The shipwreck has become a popular attraction for snorkelers, and it’s easy to see why. The shipwreck is home to an impressive variety of sea creatures, including schools of colorful fish, lobsters, and even octopuses.

Curacao Snorkeling Tours FAQs

What are the top spots for snorkeling in Curacao?

There are numerous fantastic spots for snorkeling in Curacao. Some of the top locations include Tugboat Beach, Playa Lagun, and Klein Curacao. Each of these places offers unique marine life and clear waters to explore.

What are the best beaches in Curacao for snorkeling?

The best beaches in Curacao for snorkeling are Playa Lagun, Cas Abao Beach, and Playa Kenepa, commonly known as Knip Beach.

These beaches are known for their crystal-clear waters, which make them perfect for snorkeling adventures.

curacao snorkeling spots

Are Curacao snorkeling tours worth the price?

Yes, snorkeling tours in Curacao are definitely worth the price. These guided tours offer an exciting opportunity to explore the underwater world of Curacao and experience its marine life up close.

Plus, guides can provide valuable information about the different fish and coral species, enhancing your overall experience.

What is the best beach for snorkeling in Curacao?

The best beach for snorkeling in Curacao is subjective and depends on your preferences. However, Playa Lagun is often considered the top choice due to its calm waters and diverse marine life.

curacao snorkeling spots

Can you snorkel with turtles in Curacao?

Yes, you can snorkel with turtles in Curacao. Playa Piskado is a popular beach where you can find tons of sea turtles swimming around.

What is the best time to visit Curacao?

The best time to visit Curacao for snorkeling is from April to November, as the weather is warm and the waters are calm. This is when you’ll have the best underwater visibility for your snorkeling adventures.

Is there free snorkeling in Curacao?

Yes, there is free snorkeling in Curacao. Many beaches offer great snorkeling opportunities without the need for a guided tour.

Just remember to include snorkeling gear on your Curacao packing list, and you’re ready to explore the beautiful underwater world at your own pace.

Wrapping Up: Best Curacao Snorkeling Tours

Curacao is a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts, offering some of the best underwater experiences in the Caribbean.

With its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and stunning coral reefs, Curacao is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves snorkeling.

From the famous Blue Room cave to the Tugboat wreck and the Spanish water lagoons, there are plenty of snorkeling tours to choose from that cater to all levels of experience.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, you’ll find something to suit your needs and preferences, so pack your snorkeling gear, book a tour, and get ready to explore the underwater world of Curacao!