Curacao Aquafari: Breathe Underwater Without Diving

Breathing underwater from a yellow scooter, no lungs full of water

You descend in a glass-domed scooter breathing naturally, guided by a professional diver through Curaçao's reef. A 30-minute briefing covers the simple controls. No diving certification or wetsuit required. Small groups, warm water, and close-to-shore reefs mean even first-timers see plenty. Book only if your departure flight is more than 18 hours away.

Step-by-step itinerary

Underwater tour with Aquafari scooters

• Meet at the Aquafari location
• Receive safety briefing
• Ride yellow underwater scooters
• Breathe naturally underwater
• Cruise around with friends

The experience

There's something that stops most people cold when they think about going under: the fear of not being able to breathe. At Aquafari in Curaçao, that worry dissolves the moment you settle into the yellow scooter. The glass bell above your head connects to an oxygen tank mounted on the front. You breathe naturally, the same way you do on land, except you're watching fish swim past your face. No regulator in your mouth, no certification card needed, no years of training. Just you, the reef, and air that somehow follows you down.

The whole thing starts with a 30-minute briefing on the boat, where a professional diver walks you through the scooter's simple controls and what to expect once you're submerged. The vehicle handles like a slow, curious underwater bike. You steer it, you can stop whenever you want, and you're never rushed. Groups stay small, which means the guide can actually see what you're looking at and point out things you'd miss alone. The reef around Curaçao is close to shore and packed with color, so even on your first descent you're surrounded by something worth the trip.

What makes this different from snorkeling or diving is the freedom. You're not fighting to stay at the surface or managing your buoyancy underwater. You're just there, cruising through the water at your own pace, breathing like you're sitting in a café. The scooter does the work. Wetsuits aren't required. The water is warm enough that most people go in regular clothes, though you'll get wet. Lockers are there for your stuff, and the whole experience is built around people who've never done anything like this before. That's the whole point.

One thing to know: if your flight leaves within 18 hours of the tour, you can't do it. Diving-related rules apply even though you're not technically diving. And there are a few medical conditions that rule you out (pregnancy, recent back or neck injuries, heart issues, respiratory problems). If any of that applies and you really want to go, you'll need a doctor's letter. The minimum age is 10, and you need to be at least 4 feet tall and under 275 pounds for the scooter to work safely. Beyond that, it doesn't matter if you're fit or not. The machine does the heavy lifting.

What’s included

Professional diver leading the tour, a full safety and control briefing lasting about 30 minutes, use of the underwater scooter with oxygen supply for the entire trip, and lockers for your belongings while you're on the water. No wetsuit required, and no diving experience or certification needed.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30, 11:00, 13:30 and 14:45

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (10 to 90 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 5

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Dutch

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish and Dutch

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Boka Sami beach, Redaweg 8b”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Aquafari

Is this one for you?Right for anyone curious about the underwater world but nervous about breathing underwater or lacking dive certification. The 18-hour flight rule means you'll need to book this early in your trip, not on your last day in Curaçao.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Dutch.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

Do I need to be a certified diver to do Aquafari?

No. The scooter is designed for non-divers. You breathe naturally from an oxygen tank attached to the vehicle: no certification or experience required.

What if I'm not a strong swimmer?

Swimming ability is not required. You're seated in the scooter the entire time, and a professional guide leads the group. The vehicle handles all the movement.

Can I wear a wetsuit?

Wetsuits are not required. The water around Curaçao is warm enough that most people go in regular clothes, though you will get wet.

What's the age and size requirement?

Minimum age is 10 years old. You must be at least 4 feet tall and weigh no more than 275 pounds to fit safely in the scooter.

What medical conditions prevent me from doing this?

Pregnancy, recent neck or back injuries, heart conditions, respiratory problems, epilepsy, claustrophobia, and diabetes are contraindications. If any apply, you'll need a doctor's consent letter.

Why can't I do Aquafari if my flight leaves within 18 hours?

Diving-related safety protocols apply. You must wait 18 hours after the tour before flying to avoid decompression-related risks.

Is there a guide with the group?

Yes. A professional Aquafari diver leads the tour and briefs you on safety and scooter operation before you go underwater.