Curaçao: Snorkel Cruise with Tugboat Wreck & BBQ Lunch

Summary

Snorkeling Curaçao’s tugboat wreck plus reef swim and BBQ

You’ll snorkel Curaçao’s famous Tugboat Wreck and a nearby reef with all gear included, then relax on deck while the crew grills up a BBQ lunch. Enjoy open bar drinks as you swap stories with fellow travelers — it’s easygoing and full of small surprises you’ll remember long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a mask that still smells faintly of salt and sunscreen. We’re already drifting past these wild-looking villas in Spanish Waters — I’m still trying to guess who lives in them when our guide, Rudy, calls out over the music that we’re almost at the Tugboat. It’s funny how fast you forget about your phone when the water starts turning that turquoise color. I was nervous about snorkeling (I always am), but Rudy just grinned and said, “Jump in, you’ll see.” So I did.

The first thing I noticed underwater was how quiet it gets. The tugboat itself is smaller than I expected, kind of hunched over in the sand, but there’s this weird beauty to it — yellow fish darting through rusty holes, soft coral swaying like someone breathing. My friend tried to name all the species; I mostly floated and watched sunlight flicker across metal. Back on deck, someone handed me a rum punch (stronger than I thought), and suddenly everyone’s talking at once — swapping stories about what they saw down there.

We stopped again near a shallow reef just around the corner — more fish, more laughter, one guy lost his flipper and pretended he was a mermaid for half the swim. Meanwhile, you could smell BBQ drifting from upstairs. The crew set up this buffet that honestly tasted better than most restaurant lunches I’ve had — maybe it was just eating with wet hair and salty skin that made everything sharper? There was music playing, people dancing barefoot on deck, and I remember thinking: this is exactly how you want a day trip in Curaçao to feel. Even now, sometimes when I catch the scent of grilled chicken mixed with sea air, my brain goes right back there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel and BBQ cruise in Curacao

• Board double-decker catamaran
• Sail through Spanish Waters lagoon
• Snorkel at Tugboat Wreck site
• Snorkel at shallow reef
• Anchor at Baya beach
• Enjoy BBQ lunch and tropical drinks
• Swim, dance, and relax in sun

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Curaçao snorkel cruise?

Pickup is available from selected hotels and the cruise terminal for USD 15.00 per person.

What snorkeling spots are visited during this day trip?

The cruise stops at the Tugboat Wreck and a shallow reef nearby in Curaçao’s Spanish Waters area.

Is lunch provided during the snorkel cruise?

Yes, a BBQ buffet lunch is prepared by the crew on board during the tour.

Are alcoholic drinks included on this Curaçao snorkel tour?

Yes, an open bar with beer, wine, rum punch, vodka, fruit punch, soft drinks, and water is included (selection may vary).

Is snorkeling equipment provided or do I need to bring my own?

All snorkeling equipment is provided as part of your tour.

Can infants or young children join this catamaran cruise?

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

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the vessel used for this tour is wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

Your day includes use of all snorkeling equipment at both stops—the Tugboat Wreck and nearby reef—plus a BBQ lunch served fresh on board with an open bar offering drinks like beer or rum punch. Restrooms are available on deck. Pickup from select hotels or the cruise terminal can be arranged for an extra fee before returning to shore in the afternoon.