You’ll slip into Curaçao’s sea on a guided Aquafari tour—breathing naturally as you cruise past curious fish on your own yellow scooter. Expect friendly guides who make you feel safe (and laugh), plus all gear included so you can just focus on floating through another world for a while.
The first thing I noticed was the weird hum of my own breath echoing inside that glass bubble helmet—like being inside a fishbowl, but with air. The Aquafari crew in Curaçao were already joking around as we suited up, which helped with my nerves. Our guide, Miguel, checked everyone’s helmets and made sure we understood how to steer these bright yellow underwater scooters. He said something about “just relax and breathe,” which sounded obvious until you’re actually about to sink below the surface. I remember gripping the handles so tight my knuckles went pale.
Once we dipped under, everything changed—the water muffled all sound except for the soft chug of the scooter and my own breathing (which got steadier after a minute or two). Fish darted by like they owned the place. At one point a blue tang swam right up to my faceplate, staring at me like I was the attraction. Miguel pointed out some coral fans waving gently in the current; he tapped his helmet and did this little “okay” sign that made me laugh inside my bubble. The sunlight filtered down in ribbons—honestly, it looked unreal.
I didn’t expect it to feel so calm down there. You can just breathe normally—no mouthpiece or weird taste, just regular air piped into your helmet from a tank strapped to the scooter. There’s something oddly peaceful about cruising along with your legs dangling while schools of fish ignore you completely. I tried saying “pargo” (snapper) when Miguel gestured at one, but he just grinned—my Spanish is hopeless. We circled back after what felt like both ten minutes and an hour at once.
Back on shore, pulling off that helmet felt like waking up from a dream where you could float and breathe underwater without thinking about it too much. My hair was wild and salty and I kept replaying those quiet moments beneath Curaçao’s surface—still do sometimes when things get loud up here.
No, no diving experience is required for the Aquafari underwater scooter tour.
The minimum age is 10 years old, with a minimum height of 4ft (1.2m).
Yes, participants must weigh no more than 275lbs (125kg).
The tour includes a professional diver guide, lockers, and a full safety briefing before heading out.
No wetsuit is required for this excursion.
The safety briefing lasts about 30 minutes before your trip starts.
Yes—pregnant travelers or those with recent neck/back injuries, heart conditions, respiratory issues, epilepsy, claustrophobia or diabetes should not join unless cleared by a doctor.
If your departure flight is within 18 hours of your Aquafari trip, participation is not allowed.
Your day includes guidance from an Aquafari professional diver throughout the underwater ride, access to secure lockers for your belongings, and a thorough 30-minute safety briefing before heading out—all equipment provided so you don’t need prior diving experience or even a wetsuit.
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