Curaçao: Playa Piskado Seabob Tour with Sea Turtles & Private Guide

Summary

Swim with sea turtles at Playa Piskado using a Seabob and private guide

You’ll glide through Curaçao’s clear waters at Playa Piskado using a Seabob, guided by an expert Divemaster who keeps things relaxed and personal. Swim near wild sea turtles drawn by local fishermen’s catch, watch coral reefs pass beneath you, and leave with pro photos and video to remember it all. There’s something quietly unforgettable about sharing space with these gentle creatures.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to move underwater without the clunky scuba gear? I didn’t really know what to expect when we met our guide at Playa Piskado — he introduced himself as Jeroen, but everyone just called him “Jay.” The beach was already humming with fishermen chatting in Papiamentu and cleaning their catch on the pier. There was this salty, fishy smell in the air that mixed with sunscreen and something sweet from a nearby snack cart. Jay handed us the Seabobs (they look a bit like futuristic sleds) and gave us a quick rundown — he’s a certified Divemaster, so you could tell he’d done this a million times, but still checked if we were nervous. I was, honestly.

Getting into the water was easier than I thought — warm, clear, and full of little flashes of silver from tiny fish darting around my ankles. The first time I squeezed the trigger on the Seabob and felt it pull me forward under the surface, it was kind of wild. We zipped past coral heads and Jay pointed out where the reef dropped off into deeper blue. Then suddenly there they were: two sea turtles gliding below us like they owned the place (which they do). One came up for air right next to me — its shell scratched and mottled from years of dodging boats and tourists. I tried not to squeal through my snorkel. Jay laughed and said something about “tortuga grande” — I probably butchered my reply in Dutch.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would feel down there, except for my own bubbles and the distant clatter from fishermen on the pier. At one point we just hovered above a patch of coral while Jay snapped photos (included in the tour — though he joked it might take a few days to send because “WiFi is as slow as old turtles”). When we finally surfaced, sunburned shoulders and all, I caught myself grinning like an idiot. That feeling of moving alongside those turtles — yeah, I still think about that sometimes when I’m back home staring at my phone instead of open water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Seabob tour and sea turtle encounter

• Meet certified PADI Divemaster guide
• Receive safety briefing and instructions
• Ride Seabob in crystal-clear waters
• Explore Playa Piskado coral reefs
• Observe sea turtles near fishermen pier
• Enjoy personalized tour with max 3 people
• Capture experience with photo and video

Top questions

How many people are on each Curaçao Seabob tour?

The tour is limited to 2-3 people per group for personal attention.

Do I need scuba certification for this day trip?

No certification is needed; you use a Seabob which doesn’t require training or scuba experience.

Where does the Seabob tour take place?

The tour takes place at Playa Piskado (also called Playa Grandi) on Curaçao’s west side.

Will I see sea turtles during this activity?

Sea turtles are frequently seen at Playa Piskado due to local fishermen cleaning their catch nearby.

Is pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet directly at Playa Piskado.

Are photos or videos included in the tour price?

Yes, one photo and one video are included; they’re sent within about five working days.

Is this activity suitable for all fitness levels?

The activity is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a Seabob water scooter, guidance from a certified PADI Divemaster fluent in several languages, plus personalized attention since tours are capped at three people. You’ll also get one photo and one video sent after your swim so you can relive your encounter with Curaçao’s sea turtles long after leaving Playa Piskado.