- Curaçao
Lois Weeterings
Content
Snorkeling is one of the most fun activities you can do on Curaçao. Once you put on your snorkel mask and put your head under the water, a whole new world opens up. Brightly colored fish, unusual coral formations and curious turtles. The marine life around this Caribbean island is insanely diverse. In this article we share our favorite places to snorkel on Curaçao, including personal tips and a few hidden gems you may not know about.
1. Snorkeling at the Tugboat Beach shipwreck
Tugbat Beach is one of the most famous snorkeling spots on Curaçao, and for good reason. Less than 50 meters from shore, a sunken tugboat lies at the bottom of the sea. Completely covered with coral and surrounded by tropical fish. Underwater visibility here is often very good, and because the location of the wreck is in fairly shallow water, this is a good spot to explore with a snorkel. You will find the shipwreck near the three buoys bobbing in the water.
Our tip: bring water shoes, the seabed here is quite rocky. After snorkeling, relax at the beach bar where you can buy cold drinks and snacks (note: cash only).
You can park here for free and use the restroom.
2. Day trip to Klein Curaçao: snorkeling on an uninhabited island
For the ultimate snorkeling experience may a trip to Klein Curaçao not to be missed! This uninhabited island is located about 1.5 hours by boat from the coast of Curaçao and is a wonderful place to spend a day. When you think of Klein Curaçao, you think of: crystal clear turquoise water, colorful fish, turtles and even an abandoned lighthouse. Taking a walk around the island is a must, as is exploring the underwater world with your snorkel. Because of the island's remote location in the Caribbean Sea and the different sea currents, the marine animals here are a lot bigger. Of course, you'll want to see that with your own eyes!
3. Playa Lagun: snorkeling in a cozy cove
Playa Lagun is a cozy beach surrounded by high cliffs. Because the bay is so narrow, the water here is often very calm. Which, of course, is perfect for snorkeling. Swim along the rock walls on both sides of the bay, you are guaranteed to spot colorful fish here. We even saw a water snake and some squid while snorkeling at Playa Lagun!
Playa Lagun is not so well known among tourists, which makes that you are often among the locals on the beach here. We love this! If you are on the beach of Playa Lagun early in the morning, you even have the chance to encounter sea turtles.
At Playa Lagun beach you can park for free and you will find Bahia Beach Bar, a nice place for lunch with panoramic views of the bay.
4. Playa Kalki: snorkeling at a coral reef on Curaçao
On the west coast of Curaçao you will find Playa Kalki beach: a quiet beach with crystal clear seawater and a beautiful reef within swimming distance. Dive into the water, swim a little to the right, toward the rocks, and you'll end up at a colorful underwater paradise full of curious fish. The beach itself is small, but very atmospheric. It's a nice stop for snorkeling when exploring the west coast of the island.
At Playa Kalki you can park for free, and the beach is also free to access.
5. Playa Santa Cruz: snorkeling in the magical Blue Room
Playa Santa Cruz is a wide sandy beach with a laid-back atmosphere, but the real highlight here is a little further away: the Blue Room. This cave can only be reached by boat, kayak or swimming. Once you swim into the cave, you'll understand why this is such a unique place to snorkel on Curaçao. Because of the reflection of the sunlight, the water in the cave is insanely clear and incredibly blue in color.
Our personal tip: Plan your visit around noon, when the sun shines in at its most beautiful. Tours can be booked through Captain Goodlife, who will take you to the cave on a small boat.
Fun Curacao snorkeling tours
Want to get even more out of your snorkeling adventure? Then booking an organized snorkel tour is highly recommended! With a guide you will discover the most beautiful spots, learn more about marine life and maybe even snorkel on a hidden spot you would otherwise miss.
There are several tours you can book, from short snorkeling trips along the south coast to day trips to pristine bays or Klein Curaçao. Through GetYourGuide you can easily Compare different snorkeling tours on Curacao and book directly. Often snorkeling equipment is included!
Diving on Curacao: all our personal tips
Are you a fan of snorkeling, but want to take it a step further? Curaçao is also a true paradise for divers. The island has more than 60 dive sites, many of which are accessible from shore. Think coral gardens, drop-offs and wrecks. All are surrounded by colorful fish, turtles and sometimes even dolphins! You can go to many places for an introductory dive, a full dive course or guided dive trips. Especially the Mushroom Forest, Tugboat Wreck and Superior Producer are fun places to go diving on Curaçao. Would you like to know more about this? Then also read our article with tips about diving on Curacao.
More tips to do on Curaçao: the complete travel guide full of inspiration
Looking for even more inspiration for your Curacao vacation? From the most beautiful beaches on Curacao to the best eateries and special day trips: we've collected all our favorite tips in one handy overview. Read all our tips for Curacao here And get the most out of your trip!
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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