Curacao: Swim & Snorkel with Sea Turtles, Beach Pickup

Summary

Swim close to wild sea turtles on Curacao’s calm beach

You’ll slip into Curacao’s clear water right from the beach and swim beside wild sea turtles with a local guide nearby (and in your photos). There’s no rush — just time to float and watch these gentle creatures glide by. Includes pickup, all snorkel gear, drinks, and even a quick stop for flamingos before heading back.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the water at Turtle Beach in Curacao glowed — not the blinding blue from postcards, but this softer, wobbly turquoise that made my feet look cartoonish under the surface. Patrick, our guide (German accent, easy smile), handed me a mask and laughed when I fumbled with the strap. “Don’t worry,” he said, “the turtles are patient.” I could hear kids squealing somewhere behind us and someone’s sunscreen mixing with the salty air. No boats anywhere — just us wading right in.

I didn’t expect to feel so calm floating there. The sea turtles showed up like they’d been waiting for us — slow and unbothered, their shells marked up like old suitcases. Patrick swam alongside, snapping GoPro photos (he promised to send them later — he did). At one point a turtle brushed past my knee and I almost forgot to breathe through the snorkel. One hour felt both long and short at the same time. My fingers wrinkled, but I didn’t want to get out.

Afterwards we dried off in the sun and piled back into the van for a quick detour by the flamingos — pink dots against flat green marshes. Someone tried to count them but gave up after twenty-three. The ride back was quiet except for soft drinks fizzing open and people scrolling through turtle pictures on their phones. I still think about that moment underwater when everything slowed down — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel with sea turtles and flamingos

• Travel 27 minutes by bus
• Snorkel with sea turtles for 1 hour
• Receive free underwater pictures
• Pass by flamingos for 15 minutes

Top questions

How long is the snorkeling session with sea turtles?

The snorkeling time by the turtle beach is 1 hour.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, round-trip private transfer is included.

Do I need previous snorkeling experience?

No experience needed; suitable for all fitness levels.

Are life jackets and snorkel gear provided?

Yes, all necessary equipment including life jackets is provided.

Will there be photos of me with the sea turtles?

Yes, free underwater pictures are taken by your guide and shared via Airdrop or messaging apps.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

Do we go out on a boat to see the turtles?

No boats; you enter directly from the beach.

What else is included besides snorkeling?

A short stop by wild flamingos is also included.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip private transfer from your hotel or meeting point, use of snorkel gear and life jackets, bottled water and soft drinks during the trip, plus free GoPro photos of your swim with sea turtles sent straight to your phone or device after you dry off — and a little bonus stop at Curacao’s flamingo spot before heading back.