Willemstad Snorkeling Tour: West Side Beach & Sea Turtles

Swim with sea turtles at a local fishing beach, then explore four stops along Curaçao's turquoise west side.

This half-day snorkeling tour from Willemstad visits four beaches and natural sites on Curaçao's west coast, with a guide in English or Spanish. You snorkel at Piskado Beach where local fishermen feed sea turtles, swim at Kenepa Beach's white sand and turquoise water, walk around Jan Kok salt lake to spot flamingos and cacti, and stop at a lookout point over Santa Martha Bay. Hotel or cruise terminal pickup is included, along with snorkeling mask, bottled water, soft drink and snacks.

Step-by-step itinerary

West side beach hopping and nature tour

• Visit Piskado beach and swim with turtles
• Rent snorkel gear or have brunch at Piskado
• Stop at Knip beach for cliff jumping and views
• Walk around Jan Kok salt lake and spot flamingos
• Enjoy panoramic views at Lookout Point

The experience

The tour starts with pickup from your hotel or cruise terminal and heads to Piskado Beach, where fishermen gather to feed sea turtles. You'll swim alongside them in calm water. The beach has a tent where you can rent additional snorkel gear or grab coffee before moving on. After time in the water, the group moves to Kenepa Beach, known locally as the most beautiful spot on the island, with white sand, swaying palms and steep cliffs that frame turquoise seawater. This is where cliff jumping happens, though you're free to swim and snorkel at your own pace.

The final two stops shift from water to landscape. Jan Kok salt lake is a walk-around stop where the guide points out native cacti, natural trees and, if you're lucky, flamingos in their natural habitat, good for photos. The last pause is at a lookout point over Santa Martha Bay, where the view sweeps across calm turquoise water framed by rolling hills and coastal cliffs. The whole outing runs about five hours from start to finish.

Snorkeling mask, bottled water, a soft drink and snacks come with the booking. You'll need at least moderate fitness to manage the beach walks and water time. The guide speaks English or Spanish and stays with the group throughout. If you're staying at Westpunt, Jhantiel or Sandals Hotel, confirm pickup availability when you book, as those pickups are optional add-ons.

What’s included

• Snorkeling mask.
• bottled water and soft drink.
• snacks.
• hotel or cruise terminal pickup and drop-off.
• guide in English or Spanish.
• beach entrance.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday and FridayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 38 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 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Aida Travel Services

Is this one for you?Small groups work well here since the guide stays with everyone throughout the day and the beaches are less crowded in the morning. If you want to snorkel with sea turtles and see multiple beaches without renting a car, this half-day tour covers the west coast's main stops in one outing.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4).

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.

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Yes. Piskado Beach where you snorkel with sea turtles is calm and shallow, and a snorkeling mask is included. The guide is with the group the whole time. If you want extra gear or practice, the beach tent rents additional equipment.

What is Piskado Beach like for swimming with sea turtles?

Piskado Beach is a working fishing beach where local fishermen feed sea turtles daily, so encounters are common. The water is calm and the beach has a tent with refreshments and rental gear on-site.

How long do we spend in the water at each beach?

The itinerary includes snorkeling time at Piskado Beach and swimming time at Kenepa Beach, though the exact duration at each stop depends on the group's pace and conditions on the day. The whole tour is about five hours.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

No, lunch is not part of this booking. Snacks and drinks are included, and the beach tent at Piskado has food and coffee available for purchase.

What do I need to bring or wear?

Wear swimwear and bring a towel, sunscreen and a change of clothes. The snorkeling mask is provided. Moderate fitness is needed for beach walks and water time.

Does the tour visit Flamingo Sanctuary?

The tour stops at Jan Kok salt lake, where flamingos may be spotted in their natural habitat if conditions are right. It is not a dedicated sanctuary visit, but a walk-around stop with the guide.