Curacao coast: private yacht charter with barbecue

Summary

A day on the water in Curacao — slow, salty, and full of laughter

Step aboard a classic sailing yacht in Curacao for a private day with friends or family. Swim above shipwrecks, share barbecue lunch under open sky, sip rum punch as you drift past hidden beaches — all with a local guide who lets you set the pace. It’s an easygoing adventure you’ll remember long after your feet touch land again.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the sun bounced off Casador’s old wooden deck — not blinding, just warm and kind of golden, like someone had turned down the brightness on the whole island. We climbed aboard at Spanish Waters, shoes off right away (the crew grinned and said it’s always barefoot here), and that’s when it hit me: this wasn’t going to be one of those tours where you’re herded around. It felt more like borrowing a friend’s boat for the day — if your friend happened to have a 68-foot classic yacht and knew every cove along Curacao’s coast.

Our local guide, Jairo, had this easy way about him — he pointed out Klein Curacao in the distance (“that’s where you’ll see turtles if you’re lucky”) but didn’t rush us when we lingered over coffee from battered mugs. The sea was calm enough that morning that we could hear pelicans hitting the water nearby. When we anchored near the Tugboat wreck, I hesitated before jumping in (I’m not exactly Jacques Cousteau), but Jairo handed me a mask and said “just float — you’ll see.” And yeah, there were fish everywhere, darting around rusted metal and coral so bright it almost looked fake. I got salt in my mouth and laughed because I’d forgotten how much I missed that taste.

Lunch was this casual barbecue right on deck — smoky chicken, grilled veggies, rum punch that tasted stronger than I expected (maybe too strong? No one seemed to mind). Someone put on music from their phone and for a while it was just us eating with our hands, passing plates back and forth as the boat rocked gently. There was no schedule; Jairo asked if we wanted to keep going west or just drift for a bit longer. A couple from Amsterdam decided to head back by taxi later so they could stay at one of those hidden beaches longer — apparently that’s an option if you want it.

I still think about how quiet it got when we sailed past those cliffs — just wind in the sails and everyone sort of lost in their own thoughts for a minute. I didn’t expect to feel so far away from everything else. If you’re after something polished or fancy, maybe this isn’t it. But if you want a day where time slows down and you can actually hear yourself breathe… well, I’d do it again tomorrow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Curacao Water Adventures

• Explore Curacao’s Best Water Adventures

Top questions

How many people can join the private yacht charter?

The charter can accommodate up to 30 people on board.

Is lunch included during the Curacao yacht tour?

Yes, a delicious barbecue lunch is included along with an open bar serving wine, beer, soft drinks, and Caribbean rum punch.

Are snorkeling equipment and activities provided?

Snorkeling equipment is provided for guests to use at sites like Klein Curacao or Tugboat wreck.

Can infants or small children join the trip?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the private yacht charter.

Can guests return by taxi instead of sailing back?

Yes, guests have the option to return by taxi at the end of the day if they wish to spend more time at certain locations along Curacao's coast.

What’s included

Your day includes use of snorkelling equipment at sites like Klein Curacao or Tugboat wreck, a relaxed barbecue lunch served right on deck with an open bar featuring wine, beer, soft drinks and Caribbean rum punch—all guided by friendly locals who let you set your own pace before returning however suits you best.