Curaçao Snorkeling and Dive Spots: Your Ultimate Off-Shore Guide.

Written By Genevieve Brown


Snorkeling and Diving in Curaçao

When it comes to exploring the beauty of the Caribbean Sea, Curaçao is one of the best islands to visit. From the abundance of fish to the crystal clear water and vibrant coral gardens, Curacao's offshore environment is a snorkeler and diver's paradise. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned underwater explorer, the island of Curaçao has something for everyone.

This guide will take you through some of the best snorkeling and dive spots in Curaçao. From shallow reefs to deeper dives, our insider tips will make sure you make the most of your time in the ABC islands.

There are a number of PADI-certified dive shops throughout Curaçao that offer reasonably priced equipment rentals, and dive packages. If you want to take an advanced dive course or get your diver certification while visiting Curaçao we recommend talking to the team at the Blue Bay Dive shop.

Grote Knip beach in Curacao

Getting To Curaçao

The Caribbean island of Curacao is a picturesque destination with its stunning white sand beaches, diverse culture, and idyllic climate. Nestled between the other Dutch Caribbean Islands of Aruba and Bonaire, it boasts translucent aquamarine waters, postcard-worthy sunsets, and iconic pastel-colored colonial buildings. It’s a haven to explore and get lost in the Island’s wild coastlines.

Getting to paradise is easy by plane. Curacao’s International Airport, Hato International Airport, is serviced by numerous major carriers, including United Airways, KLM, American Airlines, and JetBlue. Direct flights to Curacao are available from the United States, Canada, Europe, and South America.

blue bay beach in curacao

Where To Stay in Curacao

When visiting Curacao, it is best to stay on the island's west side, because this is where most of the dive sites are located.

For a truly unforgettable experience, we recommend staying at Blue Bay. This stunning spot has a great off-shore dive site, a laid-back beach club, restaurants, and a golf course. After a day spent diving, you can relax in the beach club and enjoy the spectacular sunsets, or explore the golf course and practice your swing. We really enjoyed the atmosphere at the beach club, with regular events and live bands on Friday nights.

There is a wide variety of Air Bnb's available at Blue Bay from large luxury villas to small apartments, as well as the Blue Bay Boutique Hotel.

We found the location of Blue Bay was handy as we largely focused on diving throughout our stay on the island, and it is closer to the Northern end of Curaçao. If you plan on spending more time in Willemstad or heading out to nightclubs you will want to stay in the Jan Thiel area.

Brass Boer restaurant in blue bay curacao 





Our top picks for diving and snorkeling in Curaçao
Snorkelers at Playa kalki beach in Curacao

Playa Kalki

For a truly unique underwater experience, you must see Playa Kalki, also known as Alice In Wonderland. Located on the Northernmost tip of Curaçao, this beach is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves to explore coral gardens.

Its crystal-clear waters provide you with an almost surreal experience, allowing you to observe the vibrant colors of marine life beneath the surface. From colorful coral reefs to majestic sea turtles, you'll be amazed at the underwater terrain here.

Not only will you be able to get up close and personal with some of the most beautiful sea creatures, but you will also be able to see unique coral formations and layers of elkhorn.

Go West dive shop can be found on the left-hand side of the beach and has gear for scuba divers to rent as well as lockers, bathrooms and cleaning facilities. Go West can also arrange boat tours or dive package deals, we highly recommend checking them out. 

Playa Kalki is our pick for the best off-shore snorkeling spot. If you want a more detailed guide for planning your trip check out our guide to planning a Playa Kalki day trip. 

woman snorkeling in curacao

Klein Knip/ Kenepa Klein 

Klein Knip is an absolute paradise, rated by Tripadvisor as the top beach in Curacao. With its crystal clear waters and powder white sand, this secluded beach is the perfect place to spend a day. The beautiful off-shore snorkeling provides excellent visibility, and visitors are sure to spot colorful reef fish, turtles, and even the occasional squid. The beach is nestled between the cliffs, and the views of the Caribbean Sea from the cliffs are breathtaking. Spend your day here soaking up the sun, exploring the reefs, and enjoying a picnic lunch on the beach

 

Grote knip beach curacao

Grote Knip / Kenepa Grande

Though hard to believe, Grote Knip is even more beautiful than Klein Knip,  with its azure waters and fine white sand. Considered to be one of Curacao's most famous beaches, we expected it to be very busy, but we were pleasantly surprised.  Grote Knip is a perfect spot for a beach picnic, with some light off-shore snorkeling.

Its flourishing marine life is home to a multitude of species, such as trumpet fish, crayfish, and the distinctive cowfish. The trumpet fish is an impressive sight with its bright yellow pattern and long snout. The cowfish were also stunning with their iconic cow-like appearance, and vibrant blue patterns, it was quite a sight watching them move through the water. Every type of fish offers a unique visual spectacle and a chance to encounter a different kind of creature in its natural environment.

We were lucky enough to see a turtle as soon as we entered from the shore.

We also found it very easy to find a park and set up for the day at Grote Knip. The parking is well maintained with plenty of on-site security in the parking lot. Beach umbrellas and chairs were available to rent for $ 8 USD.




Casa Abao

Casa Abao is the perfect spot for an underwater adventure. The turquoise waters are clear, framed by large tropical cliffsides. To get the best experience, we suggest following the cliffside out about 20 meters to explore the deepest parts of the reef and the creatures that lie within. Casa Abao is better for divers than snorkelers, but snorkelers can still see an array of coral and an abundance of marine creatures if they are willing to swim out far enough. Swim out and explore the vibrant ecosystem below; you'll be greeted by a swirling array of beautiful fish and a fascinating landscape of large, brain corals. For some inspiration watch this video of the Casa Abao reef by Dive Curacao.

After a long day in the water, you'll be pleased to know that Casa Abao has a beach club with refreshing drinks and a snack bar. We recommend trying the satay chicken and washing it down with a nice cold beer.




Blue Bay 

Blue bay is an absolute highlight of Curacao. A stunning strip of sandy beach, lined with swaying palm trees, it's the perfect spot for a relaxing day in the sun. With restaurants and a dive shop, you can easily spend the day lounging on one of the many beach chairs, sipping a cocktail, and soaking up the sunshine. But no trip to Blue Bay is complete without taking the time to explore what lies beneath the surface of the turquoise waters. Dive in and discover a fascinating underwater world of vibrant sea life, and explore the captivating coral gardens and colorful marine life. Whether you're looking for a day of rest and relaxation or an adventure beneath the waves - Blue Bay will not disappoint. 

After your dive, head up to Coast Restaurant or Brass Boer for some delicious dinner and soak up the sunset.

If you are a snorkeler who doesn't have their diver certification, head to the Blue Bay dive shop on the beach to get certified. It will only take 3 days, and some shallow shore includes dives of the reef wall in Blue Bay.

Playa Piskado / Playa Grande


Playa Piskado, more commonly known as Playa Grandi, is a magical spot for snorkelers, attracting a diverse range of aquatic life. The beach is home to a large population of sea turtles, who have called this place home since local fishermen began throwing their scraps off their boats. 

As word of the plentiful food source spread, more and more turtles congregated here, and the number has continued to grow ever since. The view of hundreds of graceful turtles swimming in the clear turquoise waters is an unforgettable experience. For those looking to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures, Playa Piskado is a must-visit destination. With its warm sun-soaked waters and gorgeous cliffside views, this beach is another worthwhile stop during a stay in Curacao. 

Playa Lagun 



Explore the hidden gem of Playa Lagun, an idyllic seaside beach set within a sheltered cove. Playa Lagun has all the conveniences you need for a day of diving at the beach. You’ll find a parking lot with security, areas to set up your dive gear, and the Bahia dive shop. Whether you're a first-time diver or a seasoned veteran, the Bahia Dive Shop has all the gear you need for your journey and you can book your own locker area to securely hold your gear during your stay.

Bahia Dive Shop has a locked area that allows you to come and grab your gear for out-of-office hours too, handy for early morning dives or night dives.


To snorkel here you’ll want to head out past the cliffs and you’ll find an array of fascinating underwater creatures, like lionfish or the ever-elusive squid. Divers can even discover hidden caves, which can make for exciting exploration. Make sure to bring your camera, so you can capture the stunning beauty of Playa Lagun.


Finish your dive off with a stop at the clifftop restaurant Bahia Beach Bar. A quaint seaside restaurant with sprawling views of the bay below. 




Klein Curacao 

Klein Curacao is an island like no other. Located just off the coast of Curacao, this uninhabited island is the perfect place for a day trip. Surrounded by a barrier reef, Klein Curacao offers a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else in Curacao. To get to this special island, you can take an hour-long boat trip with a local tour operator. Once there, you can explore the island's untouched beauty and discover its hidden secrets. From the white sands and crystal-clear waters to the magnificent coral reefs and exotic sea life, Klein Curacao is sure to take your breath away.

Underwater you’ll find a small shipwreck, organ pipe corals, lionfish, and large schools of tropical fish. We also saw lots of soft coral here and large brain corals. 

Tugboat Beach 

We saved the best for last. Tugboat beach has to be one of the most spectacular sites in curacao, and maybe even the whole Caribbean. Boasting a deep drop-off, a flourishing anemone population, and a thriving shipwreck bustling with life, it truly is a magnificent sight.

Tugboat beach is located on the east side of Curacao, off the side of a functioning boat dock. Walk past the colorful beach shack to enter via shipwreck beach.  You'll find octopuses, parrot fish, sharptail eels, squid, and trunkfish. It’s worth planning to do one or two dives here as there is so much to see. 

The pristine waters, the colorful coral reefs, and the abundance of sea life make it a unique and unforgettable experience. The underwater scenery and seascape will take your breath away, and it is easy to see why this place has been a favorite among divers and snorkelers alike.

Looking for more Caribbean travel inspiration? See our other guides.

Genevieve Brown
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