Snorkeling at Playa Grandi: Sea turtles and two beaches

Snorkel beside sea turtles in the shallows, then explore a second beach in the same morning

Snorkel at Playa Grandi and Grote Knip Beach near Willemstad, Curaçao, with a local guide, hotel pickup and provided snorkel gear. The activity runs 4 to 5 hours and includes two swimming and snorkeling stops plus a photo stop at Landhuis Jan Kok to see wild flamingos. Bottled water is provided. Bring water shoes because the beaches have rocky entry points.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel and beach visit with wildlife stop

• Snorkel with sea turtles at Playa Grandi
• Swim and snorkel at Playa Kenepa Grandi
• Photo stop to see wild flamingos at Landhuis Jan Kok

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel or cruise ship and a drive to Playa Grandi, where you enter the water with a provided snorkel mask and vest to look for sea turtles in the shallows. The guide stays with you throughout. After time in the water, you move on to Grote Knip Beach on the western side of the island: the most photographed beach in Curaçao, with clear turquoise water and white sand backed by cliffs. You can swim or snorkel again here, or rest on the beach.

On the way back, the bus stops at Landhuis Jan Kok so you can photograph the wild flamingos that live freely in the area. The guide and driver then return you to your hotel or ship on time. The activity runs 4 to 5 hours total. Slight currents and waves can occur, and the beaches have rocky areas where entering the water takes care: water shoes are recommended. An underwater camera is useful if you want to capture the turtles.

What’s included

• Hotel or cruise ship pickup and drop-off.
• snorkel mask and vest.
• bottled water.
• local guide in English accompanying the group.
• transportation to Playa Grandi, Grote Knip Beach and the flamingo photo stop at Landhuis Jan Kok.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 84

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 32 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Samurai Curaçao

Is this one for you?The 4 to 5 hour timeframe fits a morning or early afternoon slot without consuming your whole day, leaving time for lunch or other activities afterward. If you're staying on a cruise ship, the guide times the return to the port so you don't miss departure.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Will I actually see sea turtles at Playa Grandi?

Sea turtles inhabit the shallows at Playa Grandi and you snorkel right beside them, which is what makes this stop distinctive. The guide will help you spot them, though sightings depend on the day and the turtles' movement.

What's included in the snorkeling gear?

Snorkel masks and snorkeling vests are provided. Bring your own underwater camera if you want photos. The operator recommends one for capturing the turtles and the reef.

How much time do I spend in the water?

You snorkel at Playa Grandi first, then have more time to swim or snorkel at Grote Knip Beach. The total activity is 4 to 5 hours from pickup to drop-off, which includes the drive, both water stops and the photo stop at Landhuis Jan Kok.

What should I bring besides the provided gear?

Water shoes are strongly recommended because the beaches have rocky areas that make entering the sea more difficult barefoot. Bring an underwater camera if you want to photograph the turtles and the reef. Bottled water is provided, but you may want to bring additional sun protection and a towel.