Klein Curacao Day Trip: Catamaran, BBQ Lunch & Open Bar

Summary

Swim to shore, wander shipwrecks and share BBQ under Caribbean sun

You’ll board a catamaran for Klein Curacao with local crew, swim or snorkel ashore among turtles and bright fish, wander by shipwrecks and an old lighthouse, then share a BBQ lunch with an open bar before sailing back—sun-tired and happy.

What’s the experience like?

I thought I’d be nervous about the boat ride out to Klein Curacao — it’s about 1.5 hours from Jan Thiel — but the sea was calmer than I expected. There was this hush over everyone at first, just the slap of water and some reggae from the crew’s little speaker. Someone handed me pineapple (super sweet, sticky fingers) and I realized how far we’d already left Curacao behind. The island looked tiny ahead, that faded pink lighthouse poking up like it was waiting for us.

Our guide, Jeroen, joked about “the dry way” to get ashore but honestly, swimming felt right after all that sun. Water so clear you could see your toes — and then suddenly a turtle just gliding past like it owned the place. I’m not much of a snorkeler but I didn’t want to get out. When we finally did drag ourselves onto the sand (it’s finer than flour), there was this weird silence except for wind rattling through dry grass and someone laughing near the old shipwrecks. The lighthouse looks even more haunted up close.

The BBQ lunch hit different after all that swimming — ribs, chicken, salads, bread with peanut sauce (I ate too much). People drifted between shade and sun; nobody seemed in a rush. The open bar meant cold Polar beers or rosé if you wanted it — someone tried every cocktail on offer just because they could. I still think about that easy feeling: salt in my hair, nowhere to be until the crew started calling us back for the sail home. If you’re thinking about a Klein Curacao day trip from Curacao… well, it’s one of those days that lingers oddly soft in your memory.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Klein Curacao island day trip

• Depart from Curacao by catamaran
• Swim or take dinghy to shore
• Snorkel among colorful fish and turtles
• Explore island and visit lighthouse
• Visit shipwrecks and ruins
• Sunbathe on the island
• Enjoy BBQ buffet lunch
• Drink from premium open bar
• Set sail back to Curacao

Top questions

How long is the boat ride to Klein Curacao?

The boat ride from Jan Thiel to Klein Curacao takes about 1.5 hours each way.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in your day trip package.

What food is served for lunch?

The BBQ lunch includes ribs, chicken, steak, three salads (like pasta pesto), bread and homemade peanut sauce.

Are drinks included during the trip?

Yes, there’s a premium open bar with alcoholic drinks (rum, vodka, whisky), wine, beer and soft drinks available throughout.

Can cruise passengers join this Klein Curacao day trip?

No; cruise ships usually dock too late for check-in at Jan Thiel by 8:00 AM.

How do you get from the catamaran to shore?

You can take a dinghy or swim/snorkel directly from the catamaran to shore.

Is there shade on Klein Curacao?

There are shaded areas set up near where you land for relaxing between swims or after exploring.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip catamaran transport from Jan Thiel with local crew guiding you along; use of snorkeling gear; fresh fruit snacks; a BBQ buffet lunch featuring meats and salads; unlimited drinks from a premium open bar; plus time to explore Klein Curacao’s lighthouse and shipwrecks before heading back in the afternoon.