The 11 Best Snorkeling and Diving Sites 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 share my 11 absolute favorites: from turtles and colorful corals to mysterious wrecks.

Below I also share useful tips and must-haves for your snorkeling trip, with links to my favorite gear.

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.

Bring your own snorkel mask and reef-safe sunscreen.

Cas Abou is one of our 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 – a bit exciting, but above all impressive. After snorkeling we enjoyed a fresh juice on the beach.

The Tugboat is a small sunken tugboat that has served as a home base for countless fish, sponges and corals for years. You literally snorkel among the remains of a wreck, which feels a bit like an underwater movie set. I have been here several times, both for snorkeling and diving, and every time you discover something new.

Use an action cam to film here – it’s magical.

Playa Lagun feels a bit like a secret cove. 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 – a wonderful experience. Popular for diving, but the snorkeling is just as magical.

Diving is possible here with Bahia Diving Lagun.

Kokomo may be better known for its cozy beach bar and the iconic swing in the sea, but don’t underestimate the snorkeling here. After a snorkeling session, you can enjoy the sunset with a cocktail in your hand.

Diving is possible here at Trunkdivers.

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. Keep your distance and never touch them – but you can look endlessly here. Combine with a walk to Playa Forti for a nice view.

Best time: early morning.

Director’s Bay is not a typical tourist spot, and that is why it is so special. Steep rocks, deep blue water and a reef that descends quickly. We came there regularly and were almost always all alone. You can sometimes spot schools of squid and barracuda here.

This spot is known as “Alice in Wonderland”, and for good reason. The reef is spectacular: large coral structures, lots of depth and a huge number of fish species. Playa Kalki is a bit further in Westpunt, but the drive is totally worth it. Ideal for advanced snorkelers or those who want to take a dive.

Diving school on site: Go West Diving, located directly on the beach.

Blue Bay is part of a resort, but the beach is accessible to day visitors for a small fee. 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.

Can be combined with a day at the swimming pool and restaurant at the resort.

Porto Mari 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 the chance of bigger fish. We once saw a whole school of large parrotfish here. And on the beach there are sometimes pigs walking around – a wonderful contrast to the serene silence under water.

This place is literally a hidden gem. The Blue Room is a cave on the coast at Playa Santa Cruz, where you can only swim during low tide. The sunlight that shines in through the water colors everything an intense blue.

We always walked on foot to just above the cave, and then just jumped into the water – no long swim needed, and not difficult at all. Some online resources recommend swimming quite a bit yourself from the nearest bay, but this route (on foot to right at the entrance) makes it a lot easier and more accessible. If you are in doubt, you can always book a tour by boat or kayak, for example via Get Your Guide.

Don’t forget your waterproof camera , the light here is really photo-worthy.

Whether you’re an experienced diver or setting up a snorkel for the first time – Curaçao has a magical place for everyone. Get inspired, plan your route, and above all, don’t forget to enjoy the moment underwater. When do you book your ticket via TUI?