Snorkeling in Curaçao: Tugboat Wreck & Reef with Lunch

You snorkel a sunken tugboat and live coral reef in the same morning, then eat while the crew cleans your gear.

Snorkeling in Curaçao aboard a double-decker catamaran includes two guided snorkel stops (the Tugboat Wreck and a shallow reef in the National Underwater Park) plus BBQ lunch and open bar with beer, wine, rum and soft drinks. The boat picks up from selected hotels or the cruise terminal, and a live guide speaks English, Spanish or Dutch. The whole outing runs 4.5 hours, with snorkeling equipment and restroom on board.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel cruise with BBQ and drinks

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

The experience

What makes this snorkel work is the boat itself: a double-decker catamaran that carries you through Spanish Waters (the lagoon lined with waterfront villas and anchored yachts) before dropping anchor at the Tugboat Wreck. That sunken tugboat is one of the island's top snorkel sites, and you enter the water directly from the boat to explore the wreck, the coral formations around it, and the fish that live there. After you've had your fill, the boat moves to a second location, a shallow reef just offshore, so you get two different underwater landscapes in one morning without the hassle of separate trips.

While you're in the water at the second stop, the crew sets up a BBQ buffet on deck. When you climb back aboard, lunch is ready: grilled food and sides prepared while you were snorkeling. The open bar runs the whole time: beer, wine, rum, vodka, rum punch, soft drinks, fruit punch and water, so you can eat, drink and dry off without leaving the boat. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and there's a restroom on board.

Pickup happens from selected hotels around the island or from the cruise terminal for USD 15. If you're arriving by ship, the operator recommends using their transport to make sure you get to the boat on time. The catamaran is wheelchair accessible, and the trip suits all fitness levels. You can snorkel as much or as little as you want, or stay on deck and swim at the shallow reef if you prefer not to use the equipment.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• BBQ lunch.
• open bar with beer, wine, rum, vodka, rum punch, soft drinks, fruit punch and water.
• restroom on board.
• live guide in English, Spanish or Dutch.
• hotel or cruise terminal pickup available (pickup from selected hotels included.
• cruise terminal pickup USD 15).

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday and FridayDeparts at 10:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 60

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Irie Tours

Is this one for you?The boat spends most of the 4.5 hours in the water or at anchor, so this suits snorkelers who want to maximize time underwater without a long commute between sites. If you're arriving by cruise ship and need to be back by a set time, the operator's pickup service and fixed schedule mean you won't miss the boat's departure.

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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 (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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 Tugboat Wreck like when you snorkel it?

The Tugboat Wreck is a sunken tugboat surrounded by vibrant coral formations and abundant marine life. You enter the water from the boat and explore the wreck directly, making it one of Curaçao's top snorkeling sites without needing a separate dive operation.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear, or is it provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included with the snorkel cruise. The boat supplies everything you need, so you don't have to bring your own or arrange rental separately.

How long does the whole outing take?

The snorkel cruise runs 4.5 hours from start to finish, including the scenic cruise through Spanish Waters, both snorkel stops, and the BBQ lunch on board.

What's included in the open bar?

The open bar features beer, wine, rum, vodka, rum punch, soft drinks, fruit punch and water throughout the cruise. The selection is subject to availability.

Can I book this if I'm staying on a cruise ship?

Yes. The operator offers pickup from the cruise terminal for USD 15 and recommends using it to ensure you arrive on time for departure. You can also arrange pickup from selected hotels around the island.