Curacao Snorkeling: The Best Spots, Information & Incredible Guided Tours
Are you looking for the most amazing Curacao Snorkeling spots? I’ve organized a specially curated list below; just for you!
As a new visitor to the island of Curacao, let me tell you that it is part of the ABC island chain in the Caribbean and is known for it’s turquoise blue, crystal clear waters.
The coral reefs in this area are some of the most amazing I’ve ever seen in my life. Curacao is rated as one of the BEST places in the world to dive or snorkel.
What will You See When You Snorkel in Curacao?
The waters around Curacao are teeming with life and are home to 500 species of fish including barracuda, nurse sharks, moray eels, sea turtles, dolphins and sometimes the occasional shark (only a handful have been spotted in the last couple of decades).
You’ll also see all manner of stunning live coral including brain coral and the giant sea fan species. Colorful sea sponges abound, and you might even get lucky and see a manta ray.
The first time I snorkeled in Curacao at a private beach near Cas Abao, it felt like an out-of-body experience. There are so many different types of marine life to discover.
Top Spots for Snorkeling in Curacao
The best way to see one or more of these amazing snorkeling spots in Curacao is with a local guide. They are knowledgeable about water conditions, sea-life and often provide air conditioned transit along with all of the necessary snorkel gear.
I’ve rated these beaches below based on my favorite places to snorkel in Curacao, starting with my favorite: Tugboat Beach.
Pro Tip: Although not mandatory by the government yet, it is HIGHLY recommended that you put on REEF FRIENDLY sunscreen before snorkeling to protect these precious corals. Read more on the top tips to get beach ready here.
1). Tugboat Beach
Welcome to Tugboat Beach – located at the opposite end of the island from all the other amazing beaches in Curacao, just outside of Jan Thiel.
Tugboat Beach is my favorite beach because not only does it offer up amazing snorkeling opportunities with many varieties of fish, but you can also explore an underwater tugboat wreck.
Many species have fish have called this tugboat home since it’s sinking in the 1970s. Check out the treasure map located at the Tugboat Beach store to get your bearings or take a guided tour to make the absolute most of your time here.
What To Expect
There is a large offshore oil rig often parked at this beach, so it is sometimes not the most peaceful beach, but it more than makes up for it in charm. You’ll want to swim out past the rope to see the sunken tugboat below.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check out the wild life feeding station behind the underwater scooter rental!
Sometimes the current can be a little stronger in this area, but we’ve never had a problem with the waves even after visiting several times; it may just reduce visibility slightly.
- Parking is free at this beach, chairs can be rented for a small fee.
Snorkel at tugboat beach & Directors bay
Book your Tugboat and Directors Bay Snorkel Trip here
2). Playa Piskado (Playa Grandi)
Playa Piskado has become a very popular place to snorkel over the last few years. The first time we visited I marveled at the fact that we could swim with turtles in their natural environment!
The area around Playa Piskado is used by fishermen to supply local restaurants and stores with a fresh supply of seafood each day. The fishermen throw the discarded fish pieces back out into the water, and so have attracted a dozen or more resident turtles.
What To Expect
I highly recommend getting to this beach first thing in the morning to have the best chance of seeing the turtles, and before the crowds show up. There are plenty of places to rent a chair if you want to warm up in the sun after swimming. Expect to see bits of fish and fish parts floating in the water around the dock.
- Free parking is located further back from the beach with a short walk in. Chair rental for a fee.
Beach Hopping Curacao – All Inclusive Semi Private Tour on UTVs
Book your Beach Hop to Snorkel with The Turtles right here. This tour also included lunch!
3). Playa Porto Marie
This beautiful beach near Coral Estates is known for it’s look-out tower with incredible views, along with stunning reefs to snorkel in Curacao.
Playa Porto Marie is located in a quiet cove, at the end of a long narrow road. There is ample parking in the paved lot along with an attendant. Grab your snorkel gear and head out along the edges of the bay for the best view of the marine life. Keep you eye peeled for octopi – they are notoriously hard to spot because they blend in so well!
What To Expect
Upon entering the water, I suggest heading out on your right side towards the edge of the bay to get a glimpse of the stunning coral reefs in this area. The turquoise water is crystal clear and the waves very gentle here, making swimming very easy.
There is a swimming platform out in the central part of the bay which makes a great place to stop, sunbathe and take a break. You might also spot some wild pigs at this beach!
- This beach has free parking, but costs to enter and rent chairs.
The Curacao Private Beach Hopping / Snorkeling Tour
Customize and book a private tour to beach-hop to as many locations as you like including Playa Porto Marie. This tour is consistently ranked 5 stars!
4). Grote Knip
This has to be one of the most photographed beaches on the island! Grote Knip is a show-stopper, and offers up amazing snorkeling to top it off. Arrive at this beach early, as it does get busy.
Pro Tip: Enjoy a yummy smoothie from the food truck by the parking before heading down to snorkel along the cliffs of Grote Knip.
We found the water to be very warm and clear at Grote Knip, but the current seemed stronger here than most of the other beaches we visited. It was by no means anything we couldn’t handle, but we found ourselves very tired after snorkeling against the current here.
What To Expect
Expect the ocean current to be a little stronger at Grote Knip. I definitely recommend wearing flippers with your snorkel gear to make the swim a little easier. You should also be aware that folks cliff dive from both sides of this bay, so it may be advisable to look up on occasion.
There is a cafe at this beach, along with an ice-cream truck that makes its rounds. You also might spot some wild pigs here.
- The parking is free here along with entry, rental chairs available for a fee.
The Curacao Private Beach Hopping / Snorkeling Tour
Customize and Book a private tour to beach-hop to as many locations as you like including Grote Knip. This tour is consistently ranked 5 stars!
5). Cas Abou Beach
This was one of the very first beaches we ever set eyes on in Curacao and it is absolutely astonishing! Cas Abou Beach has one of the longest stretches of white sand on this list, and some amazingly clear turquoise water. There is plenty of space to stretch out and relax on this beach.
For the best snorkeling at Cas Abao, I recommend heading out towards the left side of the bay for optimal marine life sightings. This large open bay feels like a giant warm bath tub filled with water. It is one of the most peaceful places to swim and snorkel on the island.
What To Expect
The road in to Cas Abou Beach is quite long and rough, and makes hiring a guide definitely worth it. There is a restaurant at this beach, along with Sensi Spa Massage services.
- There is a cost to enter the beach & park, along with a chair rental fee.
Beach Hopping Curacao – All Inclusive Semi Private Tour on UTVs
Book your trip to Cas Abao and Snorkel at 4 of the BEST BEACHES in Curacao. This tour includes lunch as well!
6). Playa Forti
Playa Forti is a small beach on the west side of the island. The reason that this is one of the best snorkeling spots on Curacao is because it’s quite close to Playa Pisakado and the turtles that live there. It’s also one of the areas on Curacao that people spot dolphins most often!
Snorkel alongside the cliff face to your right as you enter the water to see giant schools of fish, along with the occasional turtle. You can also cliff jump at this location. Simply walk along the pathway next to the restaurant and jump in! It’s quite high, so please take care if you decide to do this activity/
What To Expect
This beach is located just a minute or so from Playa Piskado in Westpunt. To access this beach, park in the lot next to the Playa Forti Restaurant. You then must descend a steep set of stairs to reach the small, rocky beach and the water. This beach is usually deserted, so if you’re looking for a quiet place to relax – this is it!
- Parking is free in the lot for the restaurant and along the road.
The Curacao Private Beach Hopping / Snorkeling Tour
Customize and Book a private tour to beach-hop to as many locations as you like including Playa Forti. This tour is consistently ranked 5 stars!
7). Director’s Bay
The beach at Director’s Bay can be a little challenging to find without a guided tour. It is located on the end of the peninsula past Spanish Water. It is a small rocky beach without many facilities besides a couple of picnic tables. The area around Directors Bay is one of the most intact coral reefs on the entire island.
The water here can be a little choppy if the wind picks up, so you’ll want to make sure that you have flippers on and feel confident in the water. Unlike most of the other beaches on this list, this beach is not located in a bay. See hundreds of amazing fish species including barracuda, nurse sharks, & moray eels.
- Parking is free in the small lot at the end of the road.
Custom Snorkel Tour in Curacao
Customize this Snorkel Tour to Explore Directors Bay and Tugboat Beach. Hotel or Cruise Ship Pickup available for a fee.
Map of the Snorkeling Spots in Curacao
As you can see from the map below, snorkeling on the westside of the island is your best bet. There are almost no areas to snorkel on the east side of the island because this is the side takes the brunt of the trade winds and waves. It’s possible to do an ATV tour to see this side of the island if you’re interested in seeing it’s raw, untamed beauty.
Where to Stay in Curacao
There are some beautiful places to stay in Curacao! Many Airbnb options, along with VRBO. There are also plenty of great boutique hotels and larger resorts. The most highest rated by travelers like you are linked here.
Budget Option ($): Bed & Bike Curacao Jan Thiel
Located on the eastern side of the island, close to downtown Willemstad and only 1.5 miles from Tugboat Beach is this colorful, highly rated active resort. Free bike rentals available, guest swimming pool, and shared kitchen facilities. At $100/night, the price can’t be beat. >> Book the Bed & Bike Right Here <<
Mid-Range Option ($$): Curacao Avila Beach Hotel
Located a stones throw from downtown Willemstad, this resort is one of the TOP places to stay in Curacao. Travelers absolutely rave about the service here. Offering nightly seafood specials in the restaurant after a day of swimming in the private hotel lagoon, or playing a round of golf. >>> Book Avila Right Here <<<
Luxury Option ($$$):Dreams Curacao Resort, Spa & Casino
This beach-front, luxury 5 star hotel is located just outside of of Willemstad on the Otrabanda side of the Queen Emma Bridge. Pamper yourself at the spa here, or swim in one of the 4 pools. The area around this hotel is wonderful for snorkeling. Also offering a fitness center, kids club and 4 restaurants – this is one of the few ALL INCLUSIVE RESORTS in Curacao. >> Book the Dreams Curacao Resort, Spa & Casino Right Here <<
FAQ
Let’s dive right into some of the most common asked questions about the island of Curacao in the Caribbean.
Is The Water Warm in Curacao
The water is incredibly warm in Curacao. It is on average around 27°C (81°F). Swimming in the ocean around Curacao is like taking a warm bath! The perfect way to cool your skin down from the hot sun, but without getting too chilly.
Is the Water Choppy in Curacao
The water in Curacao for the most part is very calm. The trade winds blow from the east side of the island, making the bays along the west coast perfect for snorkeling. Curacao is also located outside of the hurricane zone, so most of the extreme weather misses this island completely.
Can you Snorkel Close to Shore and Still See Fish
If you’re nervous about swimming a little further out into the ocean, and would prefer to stay closer to the shore – you absolutely can do this in Curacao. The amazing part about snorkeling in Curacao, is that it really is for everyone, of every ability! You will still see amazing marine life close to shore in Curacao.
Pro Tip: Buy a pool noodle, or ask your tour guide for a life jacket to set your mind at ease in the open water.
Should Bring My Own Snorkel Gear to Curacao
You absolutely can bring your own snorkel gear to Curacao, but it’s not necessary. There are plenty of dive shops in town, along with dive shops at the local beaches that will rent you snorkel gear. By booking any one of the tours above, you will be provided with sanitized, clean snorkel gear for the duration of the tour.
Do You Need Water Shoes in Curacao
If you plan on spending any time in the water or beaches around Curacao, I recommend bringing water shoes. While many of the beaches are soft white sand, you’ll find lots of coral the closer you get to the waters edge. The coral reefs are prolific in Curacao, and as such can mean that dead coral often washes up on shore.
Pro Tip: Places like Directors Bay and Tugboat beach (below) definitely require some water shoes unless your feet are made of leather!
Can You Swim With Flippers Without Harming the Reef
You can, and should swim with flippers in Curacao. It it a much more rewarding experience, because you can cover greater distances in a shorter time span while snorkeling. Most of the bays are quite calm for swimming, but you might catch a day where it’s windier than normal, and you’ll be glad you had flippers.
You want to try as hard as you can to steer clear of the precious coral reefs while snorkeling with flippers on. The coral reefs around the world are shrinking in size, so we want to do everything in our power to protect them – which leads me to the next question about sunscreen.
Do You Need Reef Friendly Sunscreen in Curacao
YES YES YES! 100% YES! Although it is not mandatory YET in Curacao, I am passionate about this topic.
Having visited Hawaii many years ago when they first introduced the legislation that reef friendly sunscreen was mandatory for swimming the ocean there, I started to understand the impact we were having on the ocean as human beings.
There is plenty of great reef-friendly sunscreen to purchase. Please do your research on the impact; there’s a great guide that you can read here. Do your part to protect the ocean and coral reefs around Curacao so generations to come can still enjoy this glorious island!
Is Curacao a Safe Place To Snorkel
Curacao is rated as one of the safest countries in the world to visit. Of course there will always be crime of opportunity where-ever we travel though. It is best to take some general precautions as you travel and snorkel at the beaches here.
If you’re not with a guide, I recommend hiding any valuables in the trunk of your car out of sight. Although many of the beach parking lots in Curacao have parking attendants (mostly for security), it’s better to be safe than sorry.
I also recommend grabbing a little waterproof safe to store your phone and keys in while swimming in the ocean. I have some other great beach day essentials that I recommend including the water-proof safe.
Is Klein Curacao Worth Visiting
A common question on the Curacao forums is whether or not you should take a day trip out to Klein Curacao. My family absolutely loved our day tour with Powerboat Caribbean, and I highly recommend them as a tour operator if you decide to go.
If you’re on the fence about whether visiting Klein Curacao is for you, download my guide to see what you can expect as day-trip, along with a list of all the great tour operators that take visitors out there.
Other Activities To Do in Curacao
There is so much to do, see, and eat in Curacao. From the Amazing UNESCO world heritage site of Downtown Willemstad, to deep sea fishing charters, and unforgettable hikes. I’ve created an amazing list of the 25 best things do in and around the island.
If you’re interested in getting a bite to eat while exploring the island, I’ve compiled a list of some unique food to try & the best beach-front restaurants.
Conclusion
Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or just starting out, Curacao’s waters offer something for everyone. Each of the spots on this list provides a unique experience, from calm bays perfect for beginners to vibrant reefs filled with marine life.
If you get the chance to visit Curacao, make sure you pack your snorkel gear or book a tour with one of the amazing operators above—you won’t want to miss what’s happening just beneath the surface. Happy snorkeling!
Tanya
I went snorkelling in the Galapagos this summer and am looking for new places to go. The warm water here is definitely a plus! The isolated beach at Director’s Bay and its intact coral reef are calling me 🙂
Great advice and awesome pictures! I love the picture of the sea turtle. Thanks for sharing!
If you haven’t ever tried the full-face snorkel masks, you should give them a try. My husband and I love them!
I have only recently discovered snorkeling and how amazing it is. I second the life jacket idea, it made me feel so much safer and more comfortable exploring. These spots look stunning.
Great advice on how to prep and pack for a more enjoyable experience. And i always think going with a guide is helpful.
Great post! I appreciate you mentioning the need for water shoes! I’ve only snorkeled in places where they weren’t needed, so I wouldn’t have brought any with me.
This is a super informative blog post on snorkeling in Curacao! I´m planning my trip there and this helped a lot! Saving it!
LOVE the call-out on reef friendly sunscreen. The pictures are incredible – I could spend a full week snorkeling in those waters!