Curacao: Swim with Sea Turtles & Rooftop Beach Stop

Summary

Swim with wild sea turtles in shallow waters then relax on a private rooftop above Curacao’s Turtle Beach

You’ll swim alongside wild sea turtles in crystal-clear Curacao waters (with no feeding or touching), guided by Patrick who snaps underwater photos for you. Relax afterward on a private rooftop above Turtle Beach, visit Daaibooi Beach for more sun and sand, and catch sight of flamingos near Jan Kok before your ride back.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the pickup — my phone was still on airplane mode from yesterday’s flight, so I scrambled downstairs just as Patrick pulled up. He waved from the van, big grin, and didn’t seem bothered at all. The drive out to Turtle Beach took maybe twenty minutes, windows fogged from the A/C but you could still see flashes of turquoise water between cactus and those low pastel houses. Someone in the back asked if we’d really see sea turtles or just maybe, and Patrick just said, “You’ll see them. They come for breakfast.” I liked that.

The sand at Playa Lagun is finer than I expected — kind of squeaky underfoot. We got our snorkels sorted (mine kept fogging up but Patrick fixed it with a trick involving spit and a bit of seawater). The main keyword here is swimming with sea turtles, but honestly I spent half the time floating quietly, watching these big old turtles drift by like they owned the place. You’re not supposed to touch them — Patrick’s pretty firm about that — but one swam close enough I could see little scratches on its shell. The water was so clear you could spot every pebble on the bottom. At some point I realized I’d lost track of everyone else except Patrick bobbing nearby with his GoPro. He sent us all the photos later while we dried off upstairs on this breezy rooftop he’d set up just for our group.

We stopped by Daaibooi Beach after — less crowded than I thought it would be for midday. There was this salty smell coming off the rocks and a couple of local kids doing cannonballs off the jetty. On the way back we pulled over by Jan Kok to see flamingos standing around in pink clusters; Patrick joked they were waiting for their lunch break too. It wasn’t a long stop but it felt right — like a small pause before heading back to regular life. Still think about that moment sometimes when things get noisy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Swim with sea turtles and beach visit

• Pick up from pier or hotel
• Drive 27 minutes to turtle area
• Swim with sea turtles for 1 hour
• Visit Sea Turtle Beach for 59 minutes
• Photo stop at Flamingo Area Jan Kok for 10 minutes

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Curacao hotels to Turtle Beach?

The drive from most hotels or the cruise pier to Turtle Beach takes about 20–27 minutes by air-conditioned bus.

Is swimming with sea turtles in Curacao safe for kids?

Yes, the tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels; children can join with adults and snorkeling is done in shallow water.

Are photos included during swimming with sea turtles?

Yes, your guide takes GoPro photos while you swim with sea turtles and sends them directly to your phone after the tour.

Do I need my own snorkeling equipment?

No, snorkeling equipment is provided as part of your day trip swimming with sea turtles in Curacao.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and all areas are suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

Will we feed or touch the sea turtles?

No, guests are not allowed to feed or touch the sea turtles; observation only is encouraged for their safety.

What other stops are included besides Turtle Beach?

The tour also includes a stop at Daaibooi Beach and a photo stop near free-living flamingos at Jan Kok plantation area.

Is round-trip hotel pickup included?

Yes, round-trip private transfer from your hotel or cruise ship is included in this day trip swimming with sea turtles in Curacao.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip pickup from your hotel or cruise ship pier in an air-conditioned bus, use of snorkeling equipment at Playa Lagun’s Turtle Beach (with one hour swimming alongside wild sea turtles), free GoPro 13 underwater photos sent directly to your phone afterward, bottled water and soda, access to a private rooftop lounge above Turtle Beach just for your group, plus stops at Daaibooi Beach and a quick visit near Jan Kok’s flamingo area before returning home.