Snorkeling in Curacao: Sunken Shipwreck & RIB Boat

A sunken tugboat sits at 15 feet with coral grown thick and fish everywhere.

This snorkeling tour in Curacao combines sightseeing and underwater exploration aboard a fast RIB powerboat. You visit Punda's historic waterfront, snorkel a sunken tugboat shipwreck where coral has established and fish are abundant, and cruise through Spanish Water to see luxury homes and the Sandals resort. The RIB boat delivers speed and adrenaline: the operator describes it as a rollercoaster experience, not a leisurely float. A professional guide in English, Spanish or Dutch shares history and facts about the island. Snorkel equipment, beer, soda and bottled water are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel and sightseeing tour in Curacao

• Visit Handelskade in city center
• See Queen Emma and Queen Juliana bridges
• Take pictures and hear local history
• Snorkel at sunken tugboat shipwreck
• Cruise through Spanish Water area
• Learn about multi-million dollar homes

The experience

The tour starts at Punda, the city center of Curacao, where the Handelskade waterfront and the Queen Emma floating bridge dominate the view. Your guide will explain the history and point out the Queen Juliana Bridge towering above. If the bridge opens, the boat can enter the harbor. A moment that depends on timing but happens often enough that the crew watches for it. The RIB powerboat itself is the first sensation: it is built for speed, and the ride feels like a rollercoaster or horseback riding, according to the operator. This is not a gentle cruise.

The main event is the snorkel stop at a sunken tugboat shipwreck lying at 15 feet. Coral has grown over the wreck and fish are plentiful there. The drop-off beyond it is steep and dramatic. You enter the water with full snorkel gear provided, and the site is described as the best snorkel spot in Curacao. The crew stays professional and attentive throughout, and the whole experience lasts about two and a half hours from start to finish.

After snorkeling, the boat cruises through Spanish Water, a neighborhood of multi-million-dollar homes and the recently opened Sandals Royal Resort. The guide shares the area's history (it was named after the Spanish conquerors and once held military importance), and points out the homes of the wealthy. Beer, soda and bottled water are available throughout the tour to drink while you move between stops.

What’s included

• Snorkel equipment.
• beer, soda and bottled water.
• a professional guide in English, Spanish or Dutch.
• stops at Punda's historic waterfront, the sunken tugboat shipwreck and Spanish Water.

Options for this experience

2 options

Snorkel and sightseeing adventure tour aboard a RIB boatGuide in English, Spanish or Dutch · 09:45

2025 Sightseeing & SnorkelGuide in English, Spanish or Dutch · 09:45

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesFridayDeparts at 09:45

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Dutch

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Powerboat Caribbean

Is this one for you?The RIB powerboat is fast and built for adrenaline. If you want a gentle snorkel float, look elsewhere. Book this one if you want speed and thrill mixed with the snorkel stop and don't mind the ride being the main event itself.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the sunken shipwreck like when I get down to it?

The sunken tugboat lies at 15 feet and is covered in coral with plenty of fish around it. The drop-off beyond the wreck is steep, making it a visually striking spot to explore underwater.

How fast does the RIB boat go, and is it rough?

The RIB powerboat is designed for speed and thrills. The operator compares the ride to a rollercoaster or horseback riding. It is not a smooth, leisurely experience. The adrenaline is part of the product.

What happens at Punda, and how long do we stay there?

At Punda in the city center, you stop to photograph the Handelskade waterfront, the Queen Emma floating bridge and the Queen Juliana Bridge. Your guide shares history about these landmarks. If the Queen Emma bridge opens, the boat can enter the harbor. The stop is brief. The focus is on the snorkel site and the boat ride itself.

Is snorkel equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkel equipment is included with the tour. Beer, soda and bottled water are also provided throughout the experience.

What is Spanish Water, and why do we go there?

Spanish Water is a neighborhood of luxury homes and the Sandals Royal Resort, named after the Spanish conquerors of Curacao. The boat cruises through it so you can see the homes and learn the area's history and strategic past from your guide.