Seabob Riding in Curaçao: Sea Turtles at Playa Piskado

Underwater jet ski, sea turtles, coral reefs, and a guide who knows where they gather

Seabob riding at Playa Piskado in Curaçao is an underwater activity where you pilot a small jet ski-like craft through crystal-clear water to see sea turtles and coral reefs without needing scuba certification. A certified PADI Divemaster guides groups of up to three people for about an hour, speaking English, Spanish, German or Dutch. The tour includes high-quality photos and video of your ride.

The Experience

A Seabob is a handheld underwater jet ski that lets you move through the water like a dolphin without training or certification. You hold it in front of you, steer with your hands, and it does the work -- the setup takes minutes and the learning curve is steep enough that you're moving confidently within the first few minutes. Playa Piskado, on Curaçao's western shore, is a fisherman's beach where the pier activity attracts sea turtles year-round; they come for the scraps the fishermen discard, which means you're watching them in their actual routine, not in a staged encounter.

Your guide is a certified PADI Divemaster who knows the reef structure, the turtle patterns, and how to position the group so everyone gets close without crowding the animals. The tour stays small -- maximum three people -- which means the guide can watch each rider individually and adjust the route based on what's moving that day. You'll cover the coral formations and the sandy areas where turtles rest, moving at your own pace on the Seabob rather than following a fixed path. The water clarity is what makes this work; you see down to the reef floor and the turtles see you coming.

The operator sends you high-quality photos and video afterward (allow five to seven working days), so you have proof of the moment and the animals you met. Bring a swimsuit and sunscreen; the sun reflects hard off the water. The hour goes fast once you're moving.

What’s included

• Use of a Seabob for the full hour.
• guidance from a certified PADI Divemaster who speaks your language.
• one professional photo and one professional video of your ride.

Good to know

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

Operated by Curaçao Seabob (Andymaxadventures)

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to move through the water under your own power and watch sea turtles without the commitment of scuba training -- the small group size and the guide's knowledge of where the turtles feed make the difference between a random snorkel and a real encounter.

Traveler reviews

4.98★★★★★★★★★★

117 verified traveler reviews

5 ★116

4 ★0

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What exactly is a Seabob and do I need diving experience to use one?

A Seabob is a small handheld underwater propulsion device that resembles a jet ski; you hold it in front of you and it pulls you through the water. No diving certification or prior experience is required -- the guide briefs you on the surface and you start in shallow water, so the learning happens in the first few minutes of the tour.

Why do sea turtles come to Playa Piskado?

Fishermen at the nearby pier clean their catch and discard the scraps into the water, which attracts sea turtles to feed. This makes Playa Piskado one of the most reliable places on the island to encounter them in their natural behavior, rather than in a controlled or staged setting.

How many people go on each Seabob tour?

Each tour is limited to a maximum of three people, which ensures the certified PADI Divemaster guide can give individual attention to every rider and adjust the route based on what marine life is active that day.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide is fluent in English, Spanish, German, and Dutch, so you can choose the language that works best for your briefing and any questions during the tour.

Do I get photos or video from the tour?

Yes, the tour includes one photo and one video captured by the guide during your ride. The operator sends the files to you within five to seven working days after the tour.