Curacao: Private Island Tour, Kenepa Beach & Shete Boka Caves

Summary

Curacao’s wild beaches caves and city colors in one private day

You’ll get swept into Curacao’s colors—snorkeling Kenepa Beach, feeling sea spray at Shete Boka caves, wandering historic forts, maybe even tasting blue Curacao straight from the source. With a local guide shaping every stop around your mood, expect surprises—and memories that linger long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I booked this Curacao full day private tour mostly because I couldn’t decide what to skip. There’s too much. Our guide, Jairo, picked us up right at the hotel—he waved from the van with this easy grin like we were old friends. The air inside was cool (thank god), but you could still smell the salt from outside. We started winding through Willemstad and he pointed out Punda’s painted buildings—those blues and yellows are even brighter than Instagram makes them look. Someone on a bike called something to Jairo in Papiamentu; he just laughed and kept driving.

Kenepa Beach was our first real stop—the sand there is almost white, but not soft exactly, more like tiny shells under your feet. I tried snorkeling for the first time (mask fogged up instantly, classic) but still caught flashes of fish darting around. Later we drove out toward Shete Boka—Jairo cranked up some local music and told us stories about his grandmother’s favorite beach snacks. At the park, we didn’t have to walk far thanks to his off-road van; when that blowhole erupted it actually startled me, even though I knew it was coming. The spray felt cold on my face for a second.

We saw flamingos next—just standing there in their own world, not caring about us at all. Somewhere along the way Jairo handed us little cups of blue Curacao at the distillery (“sip slow,” he warned). I tried to say “danki” properly and butchered it; he just grinned wider. We finished at Fort Beekenburg—climbing up those old stone steps with a breeze coming off the bay, looking down over water that somehow looked both green and blue at once. That view sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Curacao's natural and historic sites

• Visit picturesque Kenepa Beach
• Swim with wild turtles at natural beach
• Explore Shete Boka National Park coves and Blow Hole
• Pass by flamingos in natural habitat
• Visit Curacao Liqueur Distillery for tasting
• Hike possibility to highest peak on Curacao
• Visit biggest off-road blowhole on island
• Learn about Curacao's flora at botanic garden
• Drive through historic UNESCO downtown Punda
• Visit untouched Fort Beekenburg and nature trails

Top questions

How long is the Curacao full day private tour?

The tour lasts a full day with flexible timing based on your preferences.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your private tour.

Can we visit both Kenepa Beach and Shete Boka on one tour?

Yes, you can combine Kenepa Beach and Shete Boka caves in your custom itinerary.

Is lunch included in the private island tour?

No lunch is included by default but bottled water is provided; ask your guide for recommendations or stops.

Are entrance fees covered for attractions?

Local taxes are included; check with your guide about specific attraction entry fees if needed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included during your day trip.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on this tour.

Will we see flamingos during this day trip?

You’ll pass by flamingos in their natural habitat as part of the route.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water throughout the journey, use of snorkeling equipment at selected beaches like Kenepa Beach, all local taxes covered, plus a fully private customized itinerary shaped by your group’s interests before returning to your accommodation or cruise port.