Klein Curacao Day Trip: Catamaran, BBQ Lunch & Snorkeling

Summary

Swim with sea turtles walk to the lighthouse relax on Klein Curacao

You’ll ride a fast catamaran from Curacao to Klein Curacao with a local guide, swim in clear water (maybe spot sea turtles), wander past shipwrecks and an old lighthouse, and share laughs over BBQ lunch and cold drinks before heading back—leaving you with that soft ache only good travel gives.

What’s the experience like?

Someone handed me a mug of coffee before sunrise — I remember the breeze stinging my eyes as we shuffled barefoot onto the catamaran in Willemstad. Our guide, Marlon, grinned and said it’d be about an hour and a half to Klein Curacao. I kept looking at the horizon, trying to spot that thin line where the island would appear. The boat cut through the water so fast I had to grip my cup with both hands. There was this moment when dolphins showed up alongside us — not for long, but enough that everyone forgot their phones for once.

The island itself is just… quiet. Like you’re walking into a postcard someone left out in the sun too long. White sand squeaked underfoot and there was this salty tang in the air — sunscreen mixed with grilled meat from our BBQ lunch setup. Marlon tossed me a snorkel mask (“Don’t lose it!”) and pointed out where sea turtles usually hang around. I floated above them for what felt like ages; they move so slowly it’s almost hypnotic. My friend tried to say “turtle” in Papiamentu and got it totally wrong — even Marlon laughed.

I wandered off after lunch, past these rusted shipwrecks that look like they’ve been there forever, and up to the old lighthouse (peeling paint, wind whistling through broken windows). Didn’t expect how strong the sun would feel bouncing off all that white sand — bring extra water if you go. Some folks just stayed under the umbrellas by our chairs, sipping cold drinks from the open bar and watching little crabs scuttle around. The boat ride back felt quieter somehow; maybe everyone was just tired or maybe nobody wanted to leave yet. I still think about that stretch of blue water when things get noisy at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Klein Curacao island

• Travel by catamaran to island
• Walk along white sandy beach
• Swim in crystal-clear water
• Snorkel with sea turtles
• Optionally visit lighthouse and shipwreck
• Relax in the shade
• Enjoy breakfast and open bar
• Have delicious BBQ lunch
• Return to main island

Top questions

How long does it take to get to Klein Curacao from Curacao?

About 1.5 hours by catamaran from Willemstad.

Is breakfast included on this day trip?

Yes, breakfast is served onboard during the trip.

Can I snorkel with sea turtles at Klein Curacao?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided and you may see sea turtles near the beach.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

Pickup is offered at selected hotels for USD 15 per person roundtrip.

Are drinks included during the day trip?

An open bar is included throughout your time on Klein Curacao.

What food is served for lunch?

A BBQ lunch is provided on the island as part of your tour.

Is this day trip suitable for young children?

The trip isn’t recommended for children under 6 years old.

Are restrooms available during the tour?

There are restrooms onboard the catamaran.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup (for an extra fee), fast catamaran transfer from Curacao to Klein Curacao with a local guide, breakfast served onboard, use of snorkel gear, beach chairs and shade on arrival, an open bar throughout your stay, a BBQ lunch right by the sand, plus restroom access on board before heading back late afternoon.