The 11 Best Snorkeling and Diving Spots in Curaçao (Including Locals' Tips!)

Did you know that Curaçao is one of the best snorkeling and diving destinations in the Caribbean?
As an ex-islander (I lived there from 2012 to 2019 and still come back regularly), I have discovered dozens of places. In this blog, I’ll share my 11 absolute favorites — from turtles and colorful corals to mysterious wrecks.

🌴 Bonus: below I also share useful tips and must-haves for your snorkeling trip (with links to my favorite gear!).

1. Klein Curaçao – the dream spot for snorkelers

Klein Curaçao is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. A snow-white beach, crystal clear water and a peace and quiet that you will hardly find anywhere else on the island. We have already made several day trips by boat and I remember how enchanting it felt to float in that azure water, with turtles gliding right below you. The reef is near the shore, and there’s even a shipwreck that you can snorkel around. Truly a magical experience that you don’t want to miss!

👉 Tip: bring your own snorkel mask and reef-safe sunscreen.

2. Cas Abao – colorful corals and… a moray eel!

Cas Abao is one of my favorite beaches in Curaçao – not only for relaxing, but also for snorkeling. The reef is close to the beach, so you don’t have to swim far. The fish are curious and the coral looks healthy and lively. Here we saw a moray eel, hidden between the rocks. That moment – a bit exciting, but above all impressive – will always stay with me. After snorkeling we enjoyed a fresh juice on the beach. Dream place!

Aerial,View,Of,Coast,Of,Curaçao,In,The,Caribbean,Sea

3. Tugboat – snorkeling at a shipwreck

The Tugboat is a small sunken tugboat that has served as a home base for countless fish, sponges and corals for years. The atmosphere here is special: you literally snorkel between the remains of a wreck, which feels a bit like an underwater film set. I have been here several times, both for snorkeling and diving, and every time you discover something new. The colors are beautiful, especially with the sunlight filtering through the water. Ideal for those who like to take pictures!

📸 Tip: use an action cam to film here — it’s magical!

4. Playa Lagun – diving between the rocks

Playa Lagun feels a bit like a secret cove. It is narrow, surrounded by rock walls, and therefore wonderfully sheltered. The seabed slopes gently and you soon have a view of schools of fish and colorful reef. I went diving there for the first time in my life, what a wonderful experience that was! So it is definitely popular for diving, but snorkeling is also just as magical. The atmosphere is quiet, the locals friendly. You feel completely away from it all here.

🤿 Diving is possible here with BáhiaDiving Lagun

5. Kokomo Beach – chilling and snorkeling

Kokomo may be better known for its cozy beach bar and the iconic “relax” swing in the sea, but don’t underestimate the snorkeling here. I love places where you can combine beach comfort with adventure in the water. After a snorkeling session, you can enjoy the sunset with a cocktail in your hand. And believe me: you won’t forget that sunset here.

🍹 Fun fact: here hangs the famous relax swing in the sea!

6. Playa Grandi / Piskado – swimming with turtles

If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming with turtles, this is the place. Because of the fishermen who throw their leftovers overboard here, the turtles often come very close. It is a special experience, although I really want to emphasize: stay at a distance and never touch them. Here I felt for the first time how powerful and at the same time serene these animals are. You can just keep watching. Combine with a walk to Playa Forti for a beautiful view!

🐢 Best moment: early morning

7. Director’s Bay – peace, depth and freedom

Director’s Bay is not a typical tourist spot – and that’s exactly why it’s so special. There is a kind of mystical atmosphere: steep rocks, deep blue water and a reef that descends quickly. Here you come to really be in the moment. We came there regularly and were almost always all alone. The feeling of freedom, combined with the rich underwater world (squid, barracudas, fish in all colors), made it a place I often think back to later.

👀 You can sometimes spot schools of squid and barracuda here!

8. Playa Kalki – Alice in Wonderland

This spot is known as “Alice in Wonderland”, and for good reason. The reef here is really spectacular: large coral structures, lots of depth and a lot of fish species. Playa Kalki is a bit further in Westpunt, but it is totally worth the drive. I remember how quiet it was here – no music, no crowds – just us, the water and nature. Ideal for advanced snorkelers or those who want to take a dive.

🧜‍♀️ Diving school tip: Go West Diving

9. Blue Bay – ideal with children

Blue Bay is part of a resort, but the beach is accessible to day visitors (with a small fee). What I like here: you have all the facilities and a nice snorkeling spot. This is a great choice, especially with children. The water is shallow, calm and there are many fish to be seen between the rocks on the side of the bay. You can also regularly spot mantas here! We often went here on Sundays – great to relax!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Can be combined with a day at the swimming pool and restaurant at the resort.

10. Double Reef at Porto Mari – snorkel between two reefs

Porto Mari is beautifully situated and offers something unique: two reefs right next to each other. You can choose whether to stay between the first reef, or swim a little further to the second – with a chance of bigger fish. The underwater visibility here is often phenomenal. We once saw a whole school of large parrotfish here. And bonus: pigs sometimes walk around on the beach. A wonderful contrast to the serene silence under water. Really worth a day trip!

11. The Blue Room – a magical underwater cave

This place is literally a hidden gem. The Blue Room is a cave on the coast near Playa Santa Cruz, where you can only swim during low tide. As soon as you are in it, you immediately understand where the name comes from: the sunlight that shines in through the water colors everything an intense blue. It’s not a place where you snorkel for hours, but rather an experience you won’t soon forget. I felt like I was in another world here for a moment – almost otherworldly beautiful.

👉 You can swim there independently from the bay (about 10 minutes), or you can book a tour by boat or kayak, which I definitely recommend for safety and experience.
📸 Don’t forget your waterproof camera , the light here is really photo-worthy!