Curaçao is the largest island within the ABC chain, which additionally consists of Aruba and Bonaire, alongside the southwestern coast of the Caribbean Sea. On this Dutch island, you’ll uncover some superb seashores which might be residence to wealthy marine life and thriving coral reefs, which makes it the right snorkeling vacation spot. Curaçao is known for the wonders of its thrilling marine world.
On this article, you’ll study extra about a number of the greatest snorkeling spots in Curaçao and Klein Curaçao (an uninhabited island located six miles south of Curaçao).
Insider tip: Curaçao has steadily elevated in recognition through the years with worldwide vacationers. A lot in order that the island turned Sandals’ latest destination with the all-inclusive Sandals Royal Curaçao resort!
Image: On the all-inclusive Sandals Royal Curaçao, spend as a lot time in and across the water as you please. On this island, you’ll discover inspiration to dive in at each flip.
The most effective snorkelling spots in Curaçao
Curaçao has greater than 30 seashores in complete, however the best beaches in Curaçao could be discovered within the sheltered bays alongside the island’s west coast. To the west of the nation’s capital, Willemstad, you will discover a number of the greatest places for swimming and snorkeling. We’ve listed a few of our favorites under:
1. Playa Lagun
A brief drive from the city of Sabana Westpunt will take you to Playa Lagun, a seashore discovered nestled in a cove alongside the west coast of the island. When you’re nonetheless a bit new to snorkeling, the calm waters of this seashore are the right place to have your first large snorkeling journey. Early morning journeys might yield particular rewards! There’s a higher likelihood that you simply’ll get to swim with the inexperienced turtles at the moment of day.
Snorkelers will benefit from the turquoise waters and the array of snapper, parrotfish, moray eels, and different sea creatures which have made this seashore their residence. Visibility can also be respectable at this location, simply one more reason you gained’t wish to miss out on visiting this seashore whereas in Curaçao.
2. Little Knip Seaside (Kleine Knip or Playa Kenepa Chiki)
Alongside the north coast of Curaçao lies Little Knip Seaside, also referred to as Kleine Knip or Playa Kenepa Chiki. On this beautiful seashore, you’ll respect the facilities and companies supplied, such because the parking zone made in your comfort and a rental service that provides umbrellas, snorkeling gear, and even seashore chairs.
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When you get to the seashore, you possibly can hop into the water and head to the left facet of the bay, which is the most effective place to snorkel. Beneath the waves, you’ll discover many sorts of coral, barracuda, angelfish, octopus, pufferfish, and extra. Be careful for rocks alongside the best way and exhausting coral buried beneath the sand.
3. Playa Piskado (Playa Grandi)
Playa Piskado, also referred to as the “Fisherman’s Seaside”, is a well-liked snorkeling spot the place vibrant coral reefs could be discovered under the floor. Due to the big variety of fish on this seashore, it’s a favourite for fishermen on the lookout for the catch of the day. You’ll get to be part of the expertise as you dive beneath the waters and swim among the many fishes and the pleasant sea turtles of Playa Piskado.
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After exploring the ocean, you possibly can lounge below the shady manchineel timber and, on weekends, bask in some treats from the snack bar. For a small price, you possibly can hire seashore chairs and entry the restrooms on-site. General, this can be a nice seashore spot to spend a few hours snorkeling, swimming, and lounging on the seashore.
4. Playa Forti (Candy Alice)
Playa Forti is a pebbly seashore that’s solely a swim away from Playa Piskado. Not like Piskado, it’s often not very crowded, which supplies you loads of room to swim amongst the moray eels, squid, sea turtles, and noticed drums.
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The coral reef could be discovered about 30 toes under the floor. It’s primarily made up of cup corals joined by tube and elephant ear sponges. Cliff leaping is in style on this space because the seashore has cliffs starting from 40-75 toes tall. You’ll be able to watch the cliff jumpers whenever you’re executed snorkeling, otherwise you may give it a strive your self in the event you discover someplace secure to take action.
5. Director’s Bay
Director’s Bay is a fantastic seashore within the southern a part of Curaçao. Director’s Bay was privately owned till the Eighties when it turned public property. Now, Director’s Bay is likely one of the greatest places for snorkelers, divers, and beachgoers to get pleasure from.
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This seashore is positioned between the Tugboat Wreck and one other dive website known as Small Wall. Its distinctive location makes it a comfy residence for all kinds of marine animals resembling barracudas, frogfish, pufferfish, seahorses, angelfish, and lots of extra. Snorkelers and scuba divers alike will definitely benefit from the perks of this coral stone seashore.
6. Tugboat
Tugboat is a transport wreck that sank greater than 30 years in the past in Curaçao. Since then, vibrant corals and tube sponges have made its floor their residence. Since Tugboat lies solely about 5 meters under the floor, it could actually simply be explored by snorkelers and scuba divers.
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You will notice a number of shrimp, yellowtail, octopus, seahorses, and scorpionfish swimming in and round this shipwreck. Excursions resembling reef snorkel excursions are thrilling adventures led by enjoyable, skilled tour guides that may inform you all in regards to the island and Tugboat.
7. The Blue Bay
This quiet, white sand seashore on the west coast of Curaçao is a good place to unwind, calm down and benefit from the day. For a small entrance price, you possibly can lounge on the seashore or go snorkeling and catch a glimpse of sea animals resembling blue tangs, squid, crabs, wrasses, groupers, and sea turtles.
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When you’re an skilled snorkeler, you would possibly wish to try the drop-off at Blue Bay the place you can find some fantastic coral formations and much more colourful fishes. This seashore is provided with a restaurant and restroom amenities.
8. The Blue Room
The Blue Room is a collapse western Curaçao that will get its title from the results of the daylight because it refracts off the water’s floor. The impact makes you are feeling like you might be diving in a sea of the bluest water. It’s greatest to go to this cave within the late afternoon, at about 4-5 p.m., to catch the complete vibrance of the solar’s rays on the water.
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You’ll benefit from the wonders of this picturesque cave and are available nose to nose with fishes such because the Glassy Sweepers. You’ll be able to take a ship journey to the Blue Room, swim there, and even hike to the situation.
9. Playa Kalki (Alice In Wonderland)
Playa Kalki is an excellent snorkelling website in Westpunt, Curaçao. It ought to take you lower than an hour to get to this seashore from Curaçao’s capital of Willemstad. Playa Kalki is a perfect location for a fun-filled and enjoyable day of snorkeling and scuba diving.
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Parking is free and this seashore homes a snack bar and a dive store. You should definitely put on some strong sneakers for the steep path to the seashore. About 30 toes into the ocean lies a reef that you would be able to discover and discover fishes and different sea life together with stingrays, frogfish, parrotfish, and barracuda.
10. Klein Curaçao
Klein Curaçao is a small, tropical island about six miles off the coast of the principle island of Curaçao. When you’re on the lookout for good snorkeling in Curaçao, this can be a excellent place to go. It solely takes about two hours to and from the mainland and boat excursions are often offered from the close by Caracas Bay and Spanish Waters.
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This island stays uninhabited and untouched, which provides to its genuine nature. Snorkelers can benefit from the clear waters at this snorkeling spot in addition to the sights of butterflyfish, flounders, bonefish, sea turtles, coral reefs, and lots of different facets of marine life.
Bonus: What else must you strive in Curaçao
Although snorkeling is likely one of the superb issues Curaçao is thought for, there’s much more you possibly can rise up to whereas vacationing on this Dutch Caribbean isle. Listed here are a number of the attention-grabbing issues you are able to do whenever you’re not busy exploring the ocean:
Discover Willemstad
Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, is a giant, bustling metropolis that’s break up into 4 quarters: Otrobanda, Punda, Scharloo, and Pietermaai. Punda to the east and Otrobanda to the west are joined by the Queen Emma Bridge, and lots of Curacao’s most enjoyable points of interest could be present in these areas.
The preservation of the Dutch structure and the colonial constructions of Willemstad has been acknowledged by UNESCO. In December 1997, this capital metropolis was formally listed as a World Heritage website. You’ll be able to get pleasure from Willemstad by taking sundown crusing journeys, doing Aquafair excursions, and even swimming with the dolphins. Day excursions across the metropolis will show to be each enjoyable and academic. When you’re feeling adventurous, a half-day tour to the Sheta Boca Nationwide Park might supply simply the form of pleasure you might be on the lookout for.
Swim with dolphins on the Dolphin Academy
Did the thought of swimming with dolphins pique your curiosity? Properly, this enjoyable exercise is a really actual chance in Curaçao. Throughout your Curaçao trip, you’ll have the ability to arrange a tour the place you possibly can work together with these calm, pleasant sea creatures that love people simply as a lot as we love them. The Dolphin Academy in Willemstad can take you out for a enjoyable, secure swim within the ocean with dolphins. Folks of all ages, together with youngsters and the aged, can take part on this exercise.
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At Dolphin Academy, a guided dolphin swim can final about two hours. The price of this expertise varies because it is determined by the kind of tour that’s chosen. No matter which bundle you choose; you might be assured to have a enjoyable time with the dolphins.
Take a look at Shete Boka Nationwide Park
Alongside the north coast of Curaçao lies the rocky terrain of the Shete Boka Nationwide Park. This park covers about ten kilometers of land and is a good location for many who love journey. The park options limestone cliffs that line the north coast of the island and has an underground cavern the place crashing waves flip into large splashes on the land close by.
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The Shete Boka Nationwide Park is often used as a nesting floor throughout turtle nesting season. The park is protected to permit these turtles to nest safely. For a small price, guests can enter the park and study extra about its historical past via guided excursions.
Hike Christoffel Nationwide Park
Christoffel Nationwide Park is a big, luscious, inexperienced park in Curaçao, which is sort of the distinction to the smaller and rockier Shete Boka Nationwide Park close by. In actual fact, Christoffel is the biggest park on the island and has a wealthy biodiversity.
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There’s a lot to do and see at this park! You’ll discover a variety of natural world right here, together with the nationwide white-tailed deer. The Savonet Museum can also be housed within the park, and there are at the least seven mountain climbing trails so that you can discover. Plus, there are weekly actions, occasions, and guided excursions that you would be able to take part in whenever you go to.
Skilled tip: When you love the outside, spending time on the Christoffel Nationwide Park is unquestionably one of many things to do in Curacao that you simply gained’t wish to miss out on.
The most effective time to snorkel in Curaçao (plus the place to remain!)
The best time to visit Curacao is usually between mid-December and mid-April, when the island’s peak season brings additional vitality and exercise—good in the event you love a livelier vibe whilst you’re away.
If snorkeling is on the high of your record, January via April is the best window. Curaçao stays pretty dry in comparison with different Caribbean islands, and early within the yr sees even fewer rain interruptions. The temperatures are additionally milder, with commerce winds from the east bringing a mild breeze—good for spending hours within the water or on the seashore.
That mentioned, Curaçao’s tropical local weather makes snorkeling a year-round deal with. With air temperatures hardly ever dipping under 79°F and persistently heat waters, you’ll discover it simple to dip in at any time when the temper strikes.
The place to remain in Curaçao: All-inclusive days by the water
For a keep that matches the fantastic thing about Curaçao’s underwater world, head to Sandals Royal Curaçao. Set on the island’s southern coast, this all-inclusive resort places you near high snorkeling spots and provides scenic views, themed eating, and loads of methods to calm down between adventures.
Snorkeling in Curaçao is an unforgettable journey!
With stunning seashores, pleasant natives, superb climate, and wealthy natural world, you merely can’t go fallacious with a go to to Curaçao. The island provides a number of the most unusual snorkeling experiences within the area. You’ll really feel such as you’re floating inside a stained-glass window in the event you go to the Blue Room, and the majestic turtles you’ll encounter whereas snorkeling in Curaçao will make the journey greater than value it. Plus, you possibly can observe up your underwater adventures by exploring a number of the historic websites in Willemstad and even mountain climbing on the Christoffel Nationwide Park. Adventures abound in Curaçao!
When visiting this island for a snorkeling journey or a trip generally, make it a degree to remain at an all-inclusive resort in Curaçao, which could be an expertise by itself! All-inclusive resorts usually supply professional-quality snorkeling gear at no extra value, so you possibly can pack quite a bit lighter! Workers on the resort will probably be completely happy to information you on the most effective snorkeling spots and the right use of the gear. On high of that, you’ll get pleasure from inclusions that reach past snorkeling, the whole lot from lodging and eating, to leisure, land and water sports activities, and extra.
The mixture of snorkeling in Curaçao with the worry-free atmosphere of an all-inclusive resort makes for an unforgettable keep in vacation spot that you will ceaselessly cherish!
Image: At Sandals Royal Curaçao, slow-it-down serenity and vigorous island vitality come collectively in a single place. Whether or not you are right here to recharge or discover, all of it flows simple.
