Snorkeling in Curacao: Tugboat Wreck, Fort & Spaanse Water

Three underwater stops without arranging the boat or the gear

Snorkeling in Curacao at three sites—the Tugboat Dive Wreck in shallow water, the historic Caracasbaai, and the protected lagoon of Spaanse Water—with a live guide in English, Spanish or Dutch, snorkel equipment, and drinks included. The boat returns by 4 PM. Food is not included; you choose drinks at checkout on some options.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel trip to Curacao highlights

• Visit Tugboat Dive Wreck
• Explore Fort Beekenburg
• Relax at Spaanse Water lagoon

The Experience

The Tugboat Dive Wreck sits in clear water about 5 meters deep in the Caracasbaai area, shallow enough for snorkelers at any level to drift over the submerged hull and watch the marine life moving through and around it. This is the first stop, and it sets the pace for the rest of the day—accessible, not rushed, built for people who want to see something real underwater without needing advanced certification. The wreck has been drawing snorkelers for years because it works: the water is clear, the depth is manageable, and there is always something moving in the frame.

From there the boat moves to Caracasbaai proper, a site known for both its history and what lives in the water now. Fort Beekenburg stands on the shore—a colonial fort from 1703 with its cannons still visible, a landmark that frames the snorkeling stop and gives the place a shape beyond just "a good reef." Then the trip finishes at Spaanse Water, a lagoon-like bay on the leeward side of the island where the water stays calm and protected. By late afternoon you are drifting through turquoise shallows with the green hills of the coastline around you, and the boat heads back to the drop-off point by 4 PM.

Snorkel equipment comes with you; all fees and taxes are built in. Drinks—rum, whiskey, vodka—are included for travelers 18 and older. The guide speaks English, Spanish or Dutch depending on the group, and the whole trip runs between two and three hours on the water. Public transportation options are nearby if you need them to reach the departure point.

What’s included

• Snorkel equipment for all three sites.
• drinks—rum, whiskey and vodka for travelers 18 and older.
• all fees and taxes.
• a live guide in English, Spanish or Dutch.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Water Taxi Curacao

Is this one for you?This is a shared boat trip with a guide leading the group through three stops, so you're snorkeling alongside other travelers rather than alone. Choose it if you want the gear, the route and the local knowledge handled for you, and you're comfortable in a group setting on the water.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

How deep is the Tugboat Wreck and can I snorkel it if I'm a beginner?

The Tugboat Dive Wreck rests in about 5 meters of clear water, shallow and accessible for snorkelers of any skill level. The site is designed so beginners and experienced snorkelers both see marine life around the wreck without needing to go deep.

What time does the boat return and when does the trip start?

The boat returns to the drop-off point by 4 PM at the latest. The trip itself runs between two and three hours on the water, so the departure time is scheduled to meet that return window.

Is food included, and what about drinks?

Drinks—rum, whiskey and vodka—are included for travelers 18 and older. Food is not included in this trip, so plan accordingly or bring snacks if you prefer.

What's included in the price, and do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

Snorkel equipment, all fees and taxes are included. You don't bring your own gear; everything you need to snorkel the three sites comes with the boat.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English, Spanish or Dutch depending on the group composition on the day you book.

Will I see Fort Beekenburg, and what is it?

Fort Beekenburg appears as part of the Caracasbaai stop. It's a colonial fort built in 1703 to defend against Spanish, English and French naval attacks, and its cannons are still visible on the shore overlooking the snorkeling site.