Curaçao West Coast: UTV Buggy Tour, Cave & DaaiBooi Beach Swim

Summary

UTV adventure across Curaçao’s wild side with cave stops and a beach swim

You’ll ride a UTV buggy across Curaçao’s rugged west coast with a local guide, exploring hidden caves and watching wild waves at Boca Patrick before cooling off with a swim at DaaiBooi beach. Expect dust, laughter, new friends—and maybe a little sand stuck in your shoes when you head back.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll get dust everywhere—embrace it!” That’s what our guide, Franklin, grinned as he handed us these UV goggles and bright bandanas. I laughed because I’d already managed to smear sunscreen on mine before we even started. The air out by San Pedro plains felt thick with sun and that dry, salty smell you only get near the sea. The UTV buggy rumbled under my hands—kind of noisy but in a good way, like you’re about to do something fun (or slightly reckless). Franklin led the way, waving us along with this big easy gesture locals seem to have here.

Driving across the west coast of Curaçao is nothing like the postcards. It’s rougher—scrubby brush, rocks everywhere, goats popping up where you don’t expect them. We stopped at this cave tucked into the hillside. Inside was cool and echoey; our guide pointed out old markings on the wall (I tried to take a photo but it just looked black). There was this faint mineral smell mixed with earth and salt—the kind that sticks in your nose for a while after you leave. I didn’t expect to feel so small in there.

Boca Patrick was next—hard to explain unless you’ve seen those waves crash right against the rocks. It’s loud and messy and kind of hypnotic; we just stood there for a bit not saying much. Franklin told us stories about fishermen who used to come here before sunrise. Then we got back in the buggies (my shirt was already half brown from dust), headed down some more bumpy trails, and finally reached DaaiBooi beach. The water really is that clear blue—cold at first but perfect after all that heat and noise. I floated for ages, not thinking about anything except how good it felt to just be there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — UTV tour and west coast exploration

• Attend safety briefing
• Learn vehicle operation
• Drive across San Pedro plains
• Explore a hidden cave
• Visit Boca Patrick waves
• Swim at DaaiBooi beach
• Return to starting point

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this UTV buggy tour?

Yes, transfer from most hotels is included in your booking.

How many people fit in each UTV vehicle?

Each vehicle seats 2 people; price covers both seats.

What age do you need to be to drive?

The minimum age for drivers is 21 years old; passengers must be at least 12.

Does the tour visit DaaiBooi beach?

Yes, you’ll finish with a swim at DaaiBooi beach before returning.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the trip?

You’ll get bottled water and a granola bar as part of your day.

Is this tour suitable for people with back problems?

No, it’s not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Do I need experience driving off-road vehicles?

No prior experience needed—a safety briefing and demo are provided before departure.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from most hotels on Curaçao, use of a UTV buggy (shared by two), UV safety goggles and a bandana for all that dust, bottled water and a granola bar snack along the way, plus guidance from a licensed local expert throughout your adventure—and time to swim at DaaiBooi beach before heading back.