Snorkeling in Curacao: 3 sites with catamaran and lunch

Three wreck dives in one morning, then shallow reefs where you swim under the pier

Snorkel three sites along Curacao's east coast aboard a catamaran with a live guide in English or Spanish. You'll dive open ocean twice, once at a sailboat wreck near the Dolphin Academy where dolphins sometimes appear, and again at the famous Tugboat in Caracas Bay, a nine-meter wreck wrapped in coral and sponges. The third stop is the pier at Caracas Bay, where shallow water lets you swim underneath hard and soft coral formations. Lunch, drinks and all snorkeling gear are included. The trip runs five hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day catamaran snorkeling trip

• Snorkel near sailboat wreck
• Spot dolphins near Dolphin Academy
• Snorkel at Tugboat wreck
• Snorkel at Caracas Bay pier

The experience

What's the best way to see three snorkeling sites without renting a boat or navigating on your own? The catamaran picks up from a central location and handles the route, the stops and the timing. You bring nothing but yourself: snorkeling equipment, a guide who speaks English or Spanish, and the boat's crew are all there when you arrive. The first site is open ocean near the Dolphin Academy, where the wreck of a sailboat sits overgrown with life. Dolphins swim in open water here, so you may spot them while you're down. The second stop is the Tugboat in Caracas Bay, a nine-meter wreck covered in coral and sponges, surrounded by schools of fish.

The third site shifts the day's rhythm. Instead of open ocean, you're in the shallow water of Caracas Bay pier, where you can swim among coral and fish at a pace that lets you look closely. You can even duck underneath the pier to see the different formations of hard and soft corals. Between snorkels, the boat stays anchored or drifts slowly, so there's no motion sickness between stops. Restrooms are on board.

Lunch arrives after the second dive: fried rice, chicken skewers, kroepoek and bread with homemade peanut sauce. The open bar runs the whole day: Bacardi rum, vodka, whiskey, rosé and white wine, plus two types of beer and sodas, water and tropical juice. Fruit and pineapple come out as well. If you want to add hotel transfer, it's available separately. Public transportation options are nearby the departure point.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment for all three sites.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• BBQ lunch with fried rice, chicken skewers, kroepoek and homemade peanut sauce.
• pineapple and fresh fruit.
• premium open bar with rum, vodka, whiskey, wine and beer.
• sodas, water and tropical juice throughout the day.
• restroom on board.

Before you book

Days and timesFridayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h 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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by BlueFinn Charters

Is this one for you?Book this if you want three snorkeling sites managed for you with meals and gear included. Choose a private rental instead if you're bringing your own group and want to set your own pace at each stop.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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 24 h before the start.

Can I snorkel if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The activity is not recommended for travelers who cannot swim well. The first two sites are in open ocean, and the guide will assess your comfort level before each dive. The third site at Caracas Bay pier is shallow and calmer, but you should be comfortable in water and have at least moderate physical fitness.

Will I actually see dolphins while snorkeling?

The first snorkel site is near the Dolphin Academy, where dolphins are allowed to swim into open ocean, so spotting them is possible but not guaranteed. You'll definitely see shipwreck life (coral, sponges and schools of colorful fish) at all three sites.

What's included in the open bar?

The premium open bar includes Bacardi rum, Big Rack vodka, Dewar's white label whiskey, white wine, AIX rosé wine and two types of beer, plus sodas, water, cranberry juice and tropical juice. Pineapple and other fruit are served as well.

How long is the trip, and what time does it start?

The full day snorkel runs five hours on the water. Public transportation is available near the departure point. Hotel transfer can be added separately if you need pickup from your accommodation.

What's the Tugboat wreck like underwater?

The Tugboat in Caracas Bay is a nine-meter wreck completely covered in coral and sponges, surrounded by schools of colorful fish. It's one of the most recognizable snorkel sites on the east coast and sits in water deep enough for open-ocean diving.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No, snorkeling equipment is provided and included in the price. You just need to bring yourself, a towel and sunscreen.