Curacao: Private Day Tour with Turtles, Flamingos & Shete Boka

Summary

Swim with turtles watch flamingos and explore wild Curacao coves

You’ll watch wild flamingos feeding in Curacao’s salt bays, stand above crashing waves at Shete Boka, swim with turtles in clear water, and relax on soft white sand—all with private transport and a local guide who actually knows where to find these places. Expect laughter, salty air, and those little moments you remember later.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s handing me a bottle of cold water before I’ve even realized how hot it is—our guide, Jairo, grinning like he knows what’s coming. We pile into the van (AC humming, thank god) and head out of Willemstad. The drive isn’t long—twenty minutes maybe?—but already you start seeing flashes of pink in the salt flats near Sint Willibrordus. Wild flamingos. They’re just… there. Not fenced off or anything. Jairo says they come for the shrimp in the shallow water. I try to get a photo but mostly end up with blurry pink blobs. Still kind of magical though.

We stop at this lookout point—I’m not sure I could find it again if I tried—and there’s this hush except for wind and some birds I can’t name. The sea looks almost unreal from up here, all these shades of blue I didn’t know existed. Then we’re off again, bumping along to Shete Boka (Jairo keeps saying “Shete” like “sh-eh-teh”—I kept messing it up). The waves crash so hard against the rocks you can feel it in your chest; salty spray everywhere, hair sticking to my face. There’s an underground cave too, but honestly I was more distracted by how loud everything felt.

After that we drive maybe ten minutes—I lose track—and suddenly we’re at this little beach where turtles just… show up. They glide right past you while you snorkel (mask included), totally unfazed by humans flapping around above them. One got so close I nearly forgot to breathe through the tube. Jairo laughed when I popped up sputtering—said everyone does that their first time.

The last stop is a white sand beach that looks straight out of a postcard but doesn’t feel fake somehow. People are cliff jumping nearby; I just float and let the salt sting my lips a bit, watching clouds move over Curacao’s coast. It’s quieter than you’d expect for such a pretty spot. On the way back my skin feels tight from sun and salt and honestly—I still think about that view from the lookout sometimes, how small everything felt for a second.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Curacao's natural highlights

• Pick up by Gone Caribe
• See wild flamingos at salt bays
• Stop at secluded scenic viewpoint
• Visit Shete Boka National Park
• Swim with turtles in natural habitat
• Relax and snorkel at top beach

Top questions

How long is the private Curacao day tour?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for swimming with turtles.

Are hotel pickups included in the price?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included as part of your booking.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

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

What wildlife will we see on this Curacao day trip?

You’ll have chances to see wild flamingos at Sint Willibrordus and swim with sea turtles at one of the beaches.

Is Shete Boka included in this private tour?

Yes, Shete Boka is one of the main stops where you’ll experience dramatic waves and coves.

Are meals or drinks provided?

Bottled water is included; meals are not mentioned as part of this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere on Curacao, bottled water throughout the trip, use of snorkeling equipment for swimming with turtles, plus all guidance from your local host before returning comfortably to your hotel or ship.