Curaçao West Island Safari: 4x4 Bandabou, Caves & Beach Swim

Summary

Bandabou’s wild trails, cave stories and Curaçao’s blue water

You’ll ride off-road through Bandabou in a 4x4 jeep with a local guide, explore Curaçao’s ancient caves by touch and torchlight, hear stories at Savonet Museum inside Christoffel Park, then cool off swimming in crystal-clear water—plus picnic lunch and snorkel gear included. There’s something raw and real about this day that sticks with you.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what Curaçao smells like when you leave the city behind? I didn’t really think about it until we bumped off the main road and dust started swirling in through the open jeep windows. Our guide, Jairo, grinned and said something about “Bandabou perfume” — honestly, it was more like sun-baked earth and salt. We bounced across San Pedro’s sandy plains, passing goats that barely glanced up. It felt like being let in on a secret part of the island.

The cave stop — Kueba di Brua — was darker and cooler than I expected. There was this faint echo when Jairo told us how people used to shelter here ages ago. I ran my hand along the wall (probably not supposed to), rough and cold, while someone’s phone flashlight caught tiny bats overhead. The air tasted mineral-y, if that makes sense. Afterward we headed to Savonet Museum inside Christoffel Park; it’s new but tells old stories. Jairo talked about the first inhabitants and how everything — people, plants, animals — sort of fits together here. He laughed when I tried to pronounce “Savonet” the local way.

The north coast was loud — waves crashing against these rocky Bocas, wind whipping hair into my mouth (not graceful). At some point I stopped trying to take photos because none of them could catch that feeling anyway. We made it all the way west before finally stopping at a beach for a swim. The water was so clear you could see your feet even after kicking up sand. Sandwiches never taste as good as after a day like that. I still think about floating there with salt on my lips, sunburned but happy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Off-road adventure and cultural exploration

• Drive off-road on San Pedro plains
• Explore Kueba di Brua cave history
• Visit Museum Savonet in Christoffel Park
• Swim in crystal blue water

Top questions

How long is the West Island & Beach Safari tour?

The tour lasts one day with several stops including Bandabou, Kueba di Brua cave, Savonet Museum, and a beach swim.

Is lunch included on this Curaçao safari tour?

Yes, picnic sandwiches and a granola bar are provided for lunch along with bottled water.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included during the beach stop.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

The tour includes pickup service; check your booking confirmation for details.

Are there any health restrictions for this 4x4 safari?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues or mobility difficulties.

What will we see at Savonet Museum?

You’ll learn about Curaçao’s original inhabitants and connections between people, nature, and culture inside Christoffel Park’s Savonet Museum.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or meeting point in Curaçao, all transport by 4x4 jeep through Bandabou’s rough terrain, entry to Savonet Museum inside Christoffel Park with stories from your local guide, plus picnic sandwiches for lunch (with granola bar), bottled water throughout the trip, and use of snorkeling equipment at the final beach stop before heading back in the afternoon.