3H or 4H | Private Boat Trip | Swim, Board or Snorkel

The best part of this Curaçao boat trip is that you help shape the day. Bettina and Marc take you through Spanish Waters, then you can spend your time snorkeling at the shallow Tugboat wreck, swimming, sunbathing, or trying board sports. I especially like the private boat for up to five people and the chance to linger at a favorite spot instead of following a rigid group schedule.

I also like that the trip mixes water time with small doses of Curaçao sightseeing. You might climb to Fort Beekenburg, cruise past grand homes in Spanish Waters, or stop at Santa Barbara Beach. The main consideration is that this is an active outing: you need to swim, climb a small ladder back aboard, and handle changing sea conditions. The boat is compact, not a floating lounge.

Key points at a glance

• Private 21-foot boat: Your group of up to five people has the boat to itself, with Bettina and Marc as hosts and crew.
• Shallow Tugboat wreck: Snorkel above a sunken tugboat where fish and other sea life gather.
• Choose your pace: Use the time for snorkeling, swimming, sightseeing, sunbathing, or water sports.
• Board sports included: A multi-functional board is provided, and wakeboarding is available when requested ahead of time.
• Spanish Waters first: The trip begins among mangroves, coves, and impressive waterfront homes.
• Strong value for a small group: At $365 per group, the cost becomes attractive when five people share it.

A private start through Spanish Waters

Your outing begins at Kima Kalki Marina, at Brakkeput Ariba 62 near Willemstad. Transportation to the marina is not included, so plan your own way there and allow enough time to find the pier.

The first part takes you through Spanish Waters. This gives the trip a gentler opening than racing straight out to open water. You can look across the sheltered area at mangroves, nature, coves, and impressive homes along the shore. Marc also shares information about the island as you go, adding a bit of local context to the scenery.

This opening is especially useful if your group has mixed interests. One person can enjoy the views, another can settle into the boat, and the more active members of your party can look forward to snorkeling or boarding later. It also gives Bettina and Marc time to learn what kind of day you want.

The private format matters here. You do not have to wait for a large group to finish taking photos or listen to a fixed script at every stop. If your group wants more sightseeing and less sport, say so. If everyone is eager to get in the water, the schedule can lean that way instead.

The Tugboat wreck, Curaçao’s easiest headline stop

The Tugboat wreck is the main underwater attraction on this route. It lies in shallow water, making it easier to see than a wreck in a deeper offshore location. Snorkeling gear is included, and the area is known for fish, coral, and other marine life.

You can expect roughly 30 minutes here when following the suggested itinerary, though the private setup may allow the timing to shift. The wreck itself gives you something clear to look for, while the surrounding water adds the usual pleasures of Caribbean snorkeling. Eels and many kinds of fish have been spotted in this area, though marine life is never guaranteed on a particular visit.

This is a good stop for first-time snorkelers because you are not being sent into deep water simply to find something interesting. Still, you need basic swimming ability. The tour is not recommended for non-swimmers, and you must be able to climb the boat’s small ladder when it is time to get back aboard.

Bettina has helped children and nervous adults get comfortable in the water, according to the experience details. That personal instruction can make a real difference, especially for a child trying snorkeling for the first time. It does not turn the activity into a formal swimming lesson, so keep your expectations sensible.

Sea conditions can change the plan. One group had to shorten its outing because the water became rough, with time refunded for the portion that could not be used. That is a fair reminder that a private boat gives you flexibility, not control over the weather.

Fort Beekenburg adds a short land break

Fort Beekenburg was built by the Dutch and sits where it offers broad views over the surrounding water. The stop is listed at about 15 minutes, but its appeal depends on how much your group wants to climb and walk.

You may swim ashore from the boat, then climb stairs to the fort. Water shoes are recommended because the route can be awkward underfoot. This is not a long historical visit with a guide and museum displays. Think of it as a quick shore break, a viewpoint, and a chance to stretch your legs.

I like this stop because it breaks up the water activities. Three or four hours of swimming and snorkeling can feel like a lot, especially for children or anyone who is not used to a small boat. Fort Beekenburg gives you a different view of Curaçao and a brief change of pace.

The limitation is simple: the stop requires physical effort. If you have trouble climbing stairs, walking over uneven surfaces, or swimming from the boat to shore, you may prefer to skip it. The crew can adjust the outing around your group’s comfort.

Santa Barbara Beach for a relaxed pause

The boat can dock at the Santa Barbara pier, making it possible to spend time at the beach or jump into the water. The suggested itinerary allows around 30 minutes here.

This stop suits people who want less structure. You can swim, sit in the sun, or simply enjoy a calm pause before returning to the boat. It also gives families a spot where not every minute needs to be spent learning a new sport or spotting fish.

Santa Barbara Beach is not presented as a full beach day. You are making a short stop within a private boat outing, so pack your expectations accordingly. If your group would rather keep snorkeling or boarding, this is one of the places you may shorten or skip.

Board sports make the trip more than a snorkel cruise

The included multi-functional board can be used lying down, kneeling, or standing. Depending on your confidence, you may try different positions and work your way toward standing. Wakeboarding is also available if requested in advance.

The experience has been particularly well suited to families and groups with teenagers. Bettina and Marc provide instruction and encouragement, and beginners have been able to try wakeboarding and knee boarding without needing prior experience. The goal is not a competitive water-sports session. It is more about giving you a fun challenge with help close by.

Ask for wakeboarding when you book. It is specifically listed as available by advance request, so do not assume it will be ready if you decide at the marina. The board options make the outing more flexible, since a group can mix easy swimming with more energetic activities.

Your physical condition matters. The experience requires a moderate level of fitness, and the maximum boarding weight is 300 pounds, or 136 kilograms. It is not recommended for people affected by obesity, mainly because getting back onto the boat requires basic agility and ladder climbing.

What the three or four hours can feel like

The experience is sold as a three-hour trip, with a four-hour option also available. The supplied details describe the shorter outing as approximately three hours, while several itineraries have used four hours for a fuller mix of stops and activities.

A shorter trip works well if you want one main focus, such as snorkeling at the Tugboat wreck plus a little sightseeing. A longer outing gives your group more breathing room for Spanish Waters, multiple snorkeling locations, a beach or fort stop, lunch, and board sports, depending on the plan agreed with the crew.

The exact balance is yours to discuss. Some groups have stopped at more than one snorkeling site, including areas near Director’s Bay, while others have spent more time wakeboarding or swimming. A restaurant stop has also been possible during longer outings, but food and drinks are not included, so treat that as a plan to arrange with the crew rather than a guaranteed meal.

Pack snacks and lunch if you choose the longer option. Bottled water is included, but soda, alcohol, snacks, and lunch are not. One group brought its own food for a four-hour trip, while another stopped at a restaurant. Clear communication before departure will prevent disappointment.

The boat, crew, and group size

The boat is a 21-foot, or 7-meter, vessel. It is clean and comfortable for the purpose, but compact enough that space will feel limited when five people bring towels, bags, and personal items.

That size is part of the appeal. You are not sharing the outing with a large crowd, and Bettina and Marc can keep an eye on each person in the water. They have been praised for helping children, older family members, and nervous first-time boarders. Marc handles the boat, while Bettina often provides hands-on help in the water and with the activities.

The hosts also share island tips, including restaurant suggestions. One longer outing included a meal stop, and another group received help arranging a return taxi. These are useful touches, but they should be viewed as personal assistance rather than fixed inclusions.

The private format is strongest for families, couples traveling with friends, or a group that does not agree on one activity. You can snorkel while someone else prefers swimming, and you can change the plan without negotiating with strangers.

Price and practical value for five people

The price is $365 per group of up to five people. At the full group size, that works out to $73 per person before any food, drinks, or transportation costs. For five people wanting a private boat, included snorkeling equipment, bottled water, crew, and board equipment, that is a solid value.

For two people, the per-person cost is much higher. You are paying for privacy and control, not for the cheapest way to reach the water. A shared excursion may cost less if you do not care about choosing the schedule or staying with your own group.

The value improves if you use the boat actively. Snorkeling alone may not justify the private rate for every budget, but adding Spanish Waters sightseeing, the Tugboat wreck, a fort or beach stop, and board sports makes better use of the time. The four-hour option can be especially worthwhile for a family that wants several activities.

Transportation to Kima Kalki Marina is extra, as are food, soda, and alcohol. Bring what you need for the boat, but confirm any planned meal stop with Bettina and Marc.

Who should book this Curaçao boat trip?

I would choose this outing if you value personal attention over a polished, large-scale cruise. It works well for families, couples, and small groups that want to decide how much time to spend snorkeling, swimming, sightseeing, or boarding.

It is also a good pick for beginners. The hosts have experience helping children and first-time snorkelers, and the board sports can be taught step by step. Older family members can join too, provided they can manage the ladder and the physical demands of the boat.

I would think twice if you do not swim, dislike climbing from the water, or want a quiet cruise with no physical activity. You should also allow for changes if the sea becomes rough. The captain may need to shorten or alter the route for safety.

Book at least 24 hours ahead if you need to cancel without losing the fare. Poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund, but last-minute changes are not accepted under the stated policy.

Should you book it?

Book this private Curaçao boat trip if your ideal day includes clear water, a shallow wreck, a little island sightseeing, and the freedom to change plans. Bettina and Marc are a strong match for families and first-time participants because the experience combines instruction with a friendly, personal approach.

The main tradeoff is the small boat and the physical nature of the outing. You will not get a luxury yacht, a guaranteed restaurant meal, or a completely fixed schedule. You will get something more useful for the right group: your own boat, included water equipment, and a flexible day built around what you actually want to do.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The tour starts at Kima Kalki Marina N.V., Brakkeput Ariba 62, Willemstad, Curaçao.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the starting meeting point.

How long is the boat trip?

The experience is offered as a three-hour or four-hour trip. The three-hour duration is approximate.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers a private group of up to five people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the experience.

Is wakeboarding included?

Wakeboarding is available if requested in advance. A multi-functional board for lying, kneeling, and standing is included.

Is bottled water provided?

Yes. Bottled water is included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Soda, alcoholic drinks, snacks, and lunch are not included.

Can I visit the Tugboat wreck?

Yes. Snorkeling at the shallow Tugboat wreck is part of the suggested route, with about 30 minutes listed for the stop.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The experience is not recommended for non-swimmers. You also need enough agility to climb a small ladder to re-board the boat from the water.