Guide to the best Snorkeling in Curacao!

Are you looking to explore Curacao underwater, perhaps even go swimming with turtles Curacao style? Then you will want to check out our Guide to the Best Snorkeling in Curacao!

Whether you are a experienced snorkeler or trying it for the first time, Curacao has plenty of amazing underwater scenery to discover.

So grab your gear and let's go take a look at some of the best places to snorkel in Curacao!

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Why Snorkeling in Curacao is a beautiful adventure

Snorkeling has always been one of my favorite vacation activities. So much so, that when I am planning a getaway, one of my top priorities is that snorkeling is an option! 

Growing up in Miami, I think I was snorkeling among the marine life in the clear waters of the Keys before I was doing multiplication...

Being out in the water has always just been a way of life.

During my first trip to Curacao, I took a small group tour that brought us to Knip Beach Curacao and I subsequently fell in love with the island!

The best snorkeling spots in Curacao

The first place we went for a reef snorkel was in the Blue Room Cave, formerly referred to as Boka Fluit (whistle mouth).

The Blue Room Cave is near Playa Santa Cruz, and is only accessible by the water.

You will find that the Blue Room Cave in Curacao is frequently at the top of snorkeling in curacao tripadvisor reviews - and for good reason!

You can not really tell that there is a cave from the water, as it is really almost an underwater cave. With so many coral reefs in the area, this part of the island looks like it is just ragged cliffs and rocks.

However, there is a slight opening where the water hits the rocks at low tide, and you will be able to see where to enter.

Once you dive down into Curacao's Blue Room, you will pop up on the other side to find that it is perfectly named: it is a blue room. The waters are perfectly turquoise and the light reflecting beneath the waters make the walls appear blue as well. The water is crystal clear, and the bottom is covered in perfectly white sand, which lends to optimum visibility.

Blue Room is one of the best snorkeling tours in Curacao

Snorkeling in Curacao's Blue Room is one of the best snorkeling tours in Curacao. From the surface looking in, you can't even tell that there's an underwater cave. But once you dive down, you're welcomed by a magical sight: a beautiful blue room with turquoise waters, crystal clear visibility and white sand on the floor.

It's no wonder then that it has such an artsy name! Snorkeling in Curacao's Blue Room is always a fun time - be sure to check it out!

Snorkeling in the Blue Room Cave is an experience unlike any other. You feel completely isolated and disconnected from reality, but of course, in a good way. It is just you, the fish and the surreal blue enveloping you... 

Book your next unforgettable experience on Tripadvisor, with flexible bookings and free cancellations

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Check out all of these inspiring travel stories similar to our curacao snorkeling guide that I have shared over the years that are just perfect for your next vacation.

I have traveled quite a bit throughout the Caribbean Islands and I have my favorite beaches and excursions that I love to recommend!

You Can Even Go Cliff Diving After You go Snorkeling in Curacao!

After you have exited the Blue Room and experienced some of the best snorkeling Curacao has to offer, climb up on the coral rock and dive into the beautiful blue bay! 

The heights are not high enough to present much of a danger, and you will still get the experience of cliff diving without the big risk!

What is the average temperature of the water in Curacao?

If you are looking for an amazing place to experience coral reefs, marine life and clear waters, Curacao really deserves to be at the top of your list. The natural beauty found beyond its shores is made even better by the inviting warm water that is always ready for swimming and snorkeling.

The best time to visit curaçao for snorkeling is Mid-December to Mid-April because it is peak season for the small island. However, no matter what time of year you visit, you can expect to find temperatures in the 80s, allowing for comfortable and enjoyable snorkeling tours in curacao any time of year.

This means that Curacao is one of those Caribbean islands that are perfect for visiting not just during the summer, but during the fall and winter too! If you are looking for a few options for where to stay in Curacao for snorkeling, I highly recommend checking out Tripadvisor. 

Are there sharks in Curacao?

You do not have to worry about sharks while exploring the best snorkeling beaches in Curacao!

I love snorkeling back home in Florida, but let's face it, sharks are a real danger. While we haven't had a shark attack in Miami for as long as I can remember, we know that they are out there...and they sometimes strike as close as Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood Beach.

Shark attacks are one of the top reasons people fear going snorkeling, so a lot of people wonder if there were sharks among the marine life in the coral reefs in Curacao.

The answer is an emphatic NO! There are not really any sharks in Curacao, so you can be completely relaxed when swimming, snorkeling and diving.

This is backed up by local knowledge - there has not been a recorded shark attack in the area going back to records I could find, and the locals told me the only shark they occasionally see is the nurse shark - which everyone knows is not dangerous.

After all this stress-free swimming, I can firmly say that the absence of dangerous and aggressive sharks makes all of your beach holiday experiences much more enjoyable!

What do you see on the Best Snorkeling Tours in Curacao?

Growing up in South Florida, I developed a deep love for marine life of all kinds at a young age. Whether it be fish, dolphin, eels, or sea turtles, just I love going under the water's surface and submerging myself into their world.

If you stay still long enough, they seem to forget you are there and swim right around you!

If you are looking to discover a new world of creatures and aquatic life, Curacao is the perfect place. This stunning Caribbean island offers an incredible selection of tropical fish, ranging from sea horses to clownfish, spiny lobsters to angelfish.

With the best snorkeling tours in Curacao, you will go to spots like Playa Porto Mari, Knip beach, Playa Lagun, Playa Piskado, and places along the northwestern coast full of marine life!

Everywhere you go in Curacao, you are sure to spot something bright and show stopping come into view. The array of vibrant colors that are present in the clear waters of the Caribbean Sea can truly take your breath away!

Even if you do not consider yourself a marine biologist or marine enthusiast, the sight of these colorful beauties will take your breath away!

Where can you snorkel with turtles in Curacao?

I have always been fascinated with sea turtles. While we have quite a few different species here in Miami, and I do see them while fishing in the Florida Keys, I have never seen one while snorkeling!

As we began making our way back to the boat to end our snorkeling experience with Go West Diving, there was a sea turtle swimming around the marina and he swam right near me!

I was so excited...and SO HAPPY that I'd brought along my Waterproof Case for the trip!

My Recommendations for the best snorkeling tours in Curacao through TripAdvisor:

Grote Knip Curacao snorkeling tours - Be amazed by the sea turtles on this swimming and snorkeling tour from Curacao's Grote Knip Beach. After a 45-minute A/C bus ride to what is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, you'll enjoy an hour of snorkeling time. The turtles come right up to the beach so you'll be swimming and snorkeling in low water. You can book this tour through TripAdvisor.

Boat trips to Klein Curacao - Make the most of Klein Curacao’s seas and sands without any logistical planning on this Klein Curacao tour from Caracas Bay. Settle aboard, savor breakfast, and enjoy the scenery and unlimited drinks as you sail to the uninhabited isle. Once ashore, get free time to sunbathe, visit the lighthouse, swim and snorkel among sea turtles; or to go diving (equipment rental at extra cost). A barbecue lunch and snacks are included. You can book this tour with TripAdvisor here.

Snorkel with Sea Turtles at Playa Grandi - Suit up and snorkel alongside sea turtles on this half-day guided tour in Curaçao. Experience sea turtles up close in the waters at Playa Grandi, or simply relax on the beach and watch the turtles swim from the pier. Then, head to the Flamingo Sanctuary, where you can see the pink birds in their natural habitat. Book this Playa Grandi tour here.

Hato Caves, Turtles & Porto Mari Beach - Venture to the northern part of Curaçao, where it’s more rural, and discover several natural attractions on this full-day adventure from Jan Thiel. Start out at the Hato Caves, known for its unique limestone formations and ancient paintings. Then, swim and snorkel with sea turtles at the small fishing beach of Piskado. End your day with more swimming and relaxing at Porto Mari Beach. You can book this Curacao excursion through TripAdvisor here.

For a full list of day trips and excursions in Curacao available through TripAdvisor, click here!

The Best Beaches in Curacao for Snorkeling

No matter where you go on the curacao snorkeling map, the waters of Curacao are crystal clear and teaming with marine life. However, if you are heading to Curacao and do not have the funds to book a snorkeling excursion, that is no problem!

You can also enjoy the best snorkeling from beach - literally almost ANY beach in Curacao! 

My favorite beach in Curacao is Kleine Knip, also known as Little Knip beach or Playa Kenepa Chiki. Klein Curacao Snorkeling is actually my favorite, because the beach itself is absolutely breathtaking! Curacao beaches snorkeling puts snorkeling in the Florida Keys to shame!

Where to stay in Curacao for snorkeling

While I did do a snorkeling excursion via a boat tour while on this trip, you do not need to book a tour to go snorkeling in Curacao! Bring a snorkeling mask and fins from home - or even just a mask if you're tight on funds or space in your luggage - and go snorkeling at any beach you wind up on.

Your best bet for the ultimate Curacao vacation experience is to book a beach resort. While there are many beaches in Curacao, the island sits on the edge of the Continental Shelf of South America, and does not have a lot of naturally sandy beaches. Mostly you will find rocky cliffs leading to the sea.

So, while you can book a stay ANYWHERE in Curacao and either book a snorkeling tour, or beach day, or even rent a car to spend time discovering the island, I think it is best to rent a hotel right on the beach.

Best Beach Hotels for Snorkeling in Curacao Tripadvisor approved!

A few of my personal recommendations for hotels with the best beaches in Curacao for snorkeling include:

Avila Beach Hotel - The resort counts Two private beaches, a beautiful House Reef, an Infinity Pool, Spa, Luxury Gym and Five high quality Restaurants & Bars onsite. Family run boutique hotel comprises the islands original governor's mansion dating from 1780 and organizes an array of Cultural and Culinary events. The hotel is just a few minute walk away from downtown Willemstad and is located in the lively Pietermaai District with numerous trendy restaurants and bars within walking distance.

LionsDive Beach Resort - LionsDive Beach Resort is located at the longest white sandy beach of Curaçao and next to Mambo Beach Boulevard, the well-known strip of Curaçao. LionsDive is the perfect starting point for a wonderful vacation! Relax on their private beach with ample shade and go to one of their 4 restaurants to enjoy a refreshing drink or have lunch or dinner.

Baoase Luxury Resort - The ultra-exclusive resort promises to provide an unforgettable experience to guests seeking a peaceful retreat in comfort and style. With 23 extravagant rooms, suites and villas, the resort is the ultimate getaway for luxury seeker. In line with the love of Balinese style, something unique and highly luxurious was created. Different elements were incorporated in the design of the resort such as cool, dark woods and vases, antiques, and other elegant artefacts scattered throughout the property to set off the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Papagayo Beach Resort - Perched at the top of Curaçao's Jan Thiel Village, Papagayo Beach Resort's recently restyled detached villas have a modern feel and a splash of tropical elegance. Papagayo Beach Resort prides itself on being able to offer you the benefits of spacious villas in combination with the service level of an upscale hotel. Whether you want to spend your time soaking in sunrays from your wraparound veranda or making new friends during happy hour on a bustling beach, Papagayo can cater to the needs of every type of visitor!

Bayside Boutique Hotel - A brand new boutique hotel on Curacao with 36 guest rooms, located on the most beautiful tropical beach of Curacao. Bayside Boutique Hotel is located on the gated Blue Bay Resort and offers a great discount on the 18 holes golf course, free entrance to Blue Bay Beach and play tennis for free.

Blue Bay Curacao Beach, also known as Blauwbaai Beach Curacao, is one of Curaçao's most popular beaches, located close to the fishermen's village of Sint-Michiel to the northwestern coast of Willemstad. The beach is named after a plantation "Blaauw" that was located nearby. There are several restaurants located along the beach and a golf course too!

Van der Valk Kontiki Beach Resort - The resort has an extraordinary set up and is built with natural materials. Complex and vegetation, architecture and nature, all combined harmoniously into a relaxing atmosphere.

These are just a few options, but TripAdvisor has a plethora of hotel and luxury beach resorts recommendations available!

Why you should plan a side trip to Aruba!

If you are going to be vacationing in Curacao, I highly recommending taking a trip to the neighboring island of Aruba! The ABC islands consist of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, which are all part of the Dutch Antilles. Aruba is also a very family friendly vacation destination and boasts their own Aruba snorkeling beaches! Check out this post I wrote about the Top 5 Things to Do With Kids In Aruba!

Some of the best beaches in Aruba for snorkeling are very similar to Curacao, so if you like one of these islands, you will like the other just as much! My girlfriends and I went to Aruba for my best friend's bachelorette party in 2019 and we absolutely loved Baby Beach!

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Are You Looking for more Caribbean Island Travel Tips?

Are you looking for other Caribbean islands to visit? Lucky for you, I have been all over the Caribbean Islands and the West Indies and I have quite a few recommendations!

Living in Miami affords me the luxury of visiting the Caribbean islands often, whether it by by a cruise or by a plane. For instance, it's only a 40 minute plane ride to the Bahamas for me!

• Exploring the Other Side of the Caribbean 
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• Holiday Inn Sunspree in Montego, Jamaica
• My Stay at the Grand Paladium Resort and Spa in Jamaica
• Touring the Haunted Rose Hall Great House in Jamaica
• Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Jamaica 
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• Kamalame Kay in Andros Islands, Bahamas 

These are just a few of the posts I’ve written about the Caribbean over the years. If you’d like to see a more comprehensive listing, just go to TheRebelChick.com and click the TRAVEL category!