Underwater & Snorkeling Tours in Curacao
Curacao’s magic doesn’t stop at the shoreline - beneath the surface lies a vibrant underwater world waiting to be explored. From colorful coral reefs and tropical fish to dramatic drop-offs and sunken wrecks, every snorkel or dive spot in Curacao tells its own story. Whether you love snorkeling, prefer staying dry while still discovering the underwater world, or want a one-of-a-kind deep-sea adventure, there is something unforgettable for every traveler.
What to expect from underwater experiences in Curacao
- Warm, clear Caribbean waters with excellent visibility
- Colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and iconic underwater sites
- Snorkeling for all levels - from beginners to experienced swimmers
- Options to explore by SNUBA, SeaTrek, semi-submarine, or scientific submarine
- Family-friendly activities available both in and out of the water
- Easy access from beaches, marinas, and the Curacao Sea Aquarium
How to choose your underwater adventure
- Comfort level: walking underwater, snorkeling, SNUBA, or staying dry
- Depth: shallow reefs vs. deep-sea exploration
- Experience: beginner-friendly vs. more adventurous
- Travel group: families, couples, solo travelers, kids
- Activity type: relaxed sightseeing vs. high-energy underwater exploration
Ready to explore beneath the surface?
We have compared the most popular snorkeling and underwater experiences in Curacao - including SeaTrek Curacao, Substation Curacao, SeaWorld Explorer, Sublue Ocean Fun, and guided snorkel tours with BlueFinn Charters and Irie Tours - so you can find the adventure that matches your comfort level and travel style. Curacao offers underwater experiences for everyone - whether you stay at the surface, dive deeper, or stay dry and observe from a window.
Browse all underwater experiences below and choose the one that fits your perfect day on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Turtles are common at Playa Piskado; sightings are never guaranteed. Dolphins may appear during boat rides.
Not for all tours. For Helmet Diving (SeaTREK) and Ocean Lens, basic swimming skills are required. For Seabob and snorkeling tours, you must feel reasonably comfortable in the water.
Tugboat & Director’s Bay (wreck + wall), Playa Piskado (turtles), and select Bandabou beaches (west coast).
Some boat tours on Curacao offer hotel pick-up for an extra fee. Check the details of each tour.
A cancellation up to 24 hours prior to departure of the tour entitles the guest to a 100% refund. Less than 24 hours prior to departure, the guest receives no refund unless due to illness accompanied by a valid doctor's statement. In case of illness, only the person who is ill will receive a 100% refund. Other participants within the same booking that cancel the tour will not receive a refund unless otherwise decided by the supplier depending on the circumstances. No-shows, or if you miss the tour because you are too late, and cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled activity will be charged the full price. In case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances the tour will be rescheduled, if rescheduling is not possible or the new time is inconvenient for you, a full refund will be issued.
Your checklist should include a towel, dry clothing, sunscreen and a bathing suit. For the Dolphin Snorkel tour you are also allowed to bring an (underwater) camera and a mask or goggles.
Curacao is a snorkeler’s paradise, with countless beaches where you can explore underwater life right from shore. Bring your own snorkel gear or rent equipment directly at several beaches.
Snorkelers will love spots like Playa Lagun, Playa Piskado, Playa Porto Marie, Daaibooi, and the iconic Tugboat Beach. At Tugboat Beach, Sublue Ocean Fun offers power snorkeling with a motorized underwater scooter, allowing you to glide effortlessly over the reef and reach the Tugboat wreck in no time. It is a fun and thrilling way to explore more of the underwater world without getting tired.
If you prefer a guided snorkel experience rather than going on your own, join a catamaran trip with BlueFinn Charters or Irie Tours. These tours combine beautiful sailing, great hospitality, and stops at Curacao’s best snorkel sites - including reefs, bays, and iconic underwater spots.
- Bring reef-friendly sunscreen
- Wear water shoes at rocky beaches
- Use a waterproof pouch for your phone
- Bring your own snorkel mask for the best fit (rentals available at many beaches)
- Swimming experience is recommended for snorkeling, SNUBA, or power snorkeling
- Follow instructions carefully during all guided underwater tours