Curacao yacht cruise & snorkel: Spanish Waters shipwreck

Cruise past colonial estates and dive a shipwreck without fighting a group schedule

A half-day private yacht cruise in Curacao aboard a 55-foot President Yacht, with a captain and crew, that sails Spanish Waters past the King of Holland's private island and millionaire row, then heads to open waters for a snorkel stop at a shipwreck before anchoring at Fuikbay. The yacht carries snorkeling gear, floaties and water; lunch is available as an add-on.

Step-by-step itinerary

Half day yacht cruise and snorkel

• Cruise Spanish Waters, sightsee estates
• Snorkel at shipwreck
• Relax, swim, or eat at Fuikbay

The Experience

How do you see the estates and reefs around Curacao without renting a boat yourself or joining a crowded tour? The 55-foot President Yacht leaves with just your group, a captain and a maid who handle the navigation and the details. The first leg cruises Spanish Waters—the sheltered bay where the real money lives—and you pass the private island of the King of Holland, the Seru Boca Estate, and the row of waterfront homes that give the area its name. The boat moves slowly enough to see the architecture and take photos; there's no rushing between stops.

Once you've seen the coast, the yacht heads east into open water toward a shipwreck with enough marine life around it to make snorkeling worth the stop. Snorkeling equipment is on board, along with floaties if you want them. After you're done in the water, the boat anchors at Fuikbay, where the afternoon settles into swimming, floating or eating if you've arranged a meal plan in advance. The whole outing runs about four hours from start to finish.

The captain speaks English, Spanish or Dutch, so communication is straightforward. Bottled water and a cooler with ice come with the cruise. If you have infants, they can sit on a lap or use a specialized infant seat. The boat is suitable for all fitness levels—there's no hiking or strenuous activity required, just getting in and out of the water at your own pace.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and floaties.
• bottled water and a cooler with ice.
• captain and crew for the full four hours.
• private use of the 55-foot yacht.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by PARANDA BOAT TRIPS

Is this one for you?Choose this private yacht if you're navigating between estates and reefs yourself—your captain handles the boat while you decide the pace and where to linger at each stop.

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Top questions

What does the snorkeling stop at the shipwreck actually look like?

The shipwreck sits in open water off Curacao's east coast and attracts reef fish and other marine life around the wreck structure itself. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and floaties are available if you want extra buoyancy while you're in the water.

Can I bring my own food and drinks, or do I have to buy lunch from the boat?

Lunch and snacks are not included in the cruise price but can be arranged as an add-on when you book. Bottled water and ice are provided. Alcoholic beverages are not included and can be quoted separately if you want to bring your own or purchase them.

Is this tour private, or will there be other groups on the yacht?

The cruise is private to your group only. The captain and crew travel with you, and the boat does not mix groups, so the pace and stops are set around what your party wants to do.

How long does the whole tour take, and when does it start?

The cruise runs about four hours from departure to return. Specific start times depend on your booking; confirm the departure time when you reserve.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

The cruise includes use of the yacht, the captain and crew, snorkeling equipment, floaties, bottled water and a cooler with ice. Lunch, snacks and alcoholic beverages are not included but can be added when you book. Gratuities are separate.