3H or 4H | Private Boat Trip with Snorkeling and Swimming

Curaçao’s Tugboat wreck is the star here: a shallow, easy-to-reach snorkeling site where you can see the sunken boat without committing to a full day at sea. The trip also gives you a private boat, a flexible route, and room for up to eight people.

I like two things right away. Bettina and Marc shape the outing around your group, and the boat gives you a pleasant mix of Spanish Waters sightseeing, snorkeling, and swimming. I also like the practical extras: gear, bottled water, and soda are included, and past guests have arranged requested beer and brought their own food and drinks.

The main consideration is water access. You need to swim and climb a small ladder to get back aboard, so this is not a good choice for non-swimmers or anyone with limited physical agility. Wind can also affect the route and comfort on the day.

Key points to know before booking

• Private 30-foot boat: Your group has the boat to itself, with space for up to eight people.
• Shallow Tugboat snorkeling: This famous wreck is the main underwater stop, with Director’s Bay also available.
• Flexible three-hour plan: You can give more time to snorkeling, sightseeing, or a beach stop instead of following a rigid schedule.
• Four hours means more water time: The longer option allows extra time at the snorkeling sites or Fuik Beach.
• Experienced hosts: Bettina and Marc handle the boat, comfort, route, and local information.
• Bring food and alcohol if desired: Snacks, lunch, and alcoholic drinks are not included, though you can bring your own provisions.

Why this private Curaçao trip works well

This is a good fit if you want time on the water without joining a large group. The boat is reserved for your party, so you do not have to match someone else’s pace. If one person wants to snorkel longer while another prefers a quiet ride and a look at the coast, the plan can adapt.

That flexibility matters in Curaçao. A private charter lets you respond to wind, sea conditions, and your group’s energy. The crew has adjusted routes during windy weather, and the experience can be more relaxed than a fixed excursion with several scheduled stops.

The price is $550 per group of up to eight, not $550 per person. With eight people, that works out to $68.75 each before any food, drinks, or transportation to the marina. For a smaller group, the per-person cost rises, but you are paying for exclusive use of the boat and a more personal pace.

I would compare this directly with a shared snorkeling cruise. If you have six to eight people, the private price can be quite reasonable. If you are a couple or a small family, a shared boat may cost less, but it will not give you the same control over stops and timing.

Leaving from Kima Kalki Marina

The trip begins at Trip and Treat VIP Boat Tours, Brakkeput Ariba 62, at Kima Kalki Marina. You arrange your own transportation to the starting pier, and the boat returns to the same meeting point at the end.

That return-to-base setup makes planning simple, especially if you are staying on Curaçao and have other plans later. Still, allow enough time to reach the marina. Transportation is not included, so confirm your route and arrival time before the morning of the trip.

Once aboard, Bettina and Marc ask what your group wants to see and do. You can make sightseeing the main focus, spend more time snorkeling, or include a beach stop. The crew provides snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and soda, but you should bring sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and any snacks or drinks you want.

Alcohol is not included. Some groups have requested beer in advance, so it is worth asking the operator what can be arranged rather than assuming it will be on board.

Spanish Waters gives you a calm start

Spanish Waters is on Curaçao’s east side and is home to marinas and waterfront scenery. This first part of the outing is useful if you want to settle into the boat before getting in the water.

You can simply ride and look around, or use this time for sightseeing. It is also a good choice for a mixed group. Some people want to swim at once, while others prefer a dry start and a chance to get comfortable on the boat.

The route is not presented as a strict one-hour appointment. The suggested plan allows about an hour for this area, but the point of a private trip is that the timing can change. If the group is eager to snorkel, you can move on. If you enjoy the coast and marinas, you can give Spanish Waters more attention.

The Tugboat is the main snorkeling stop

The Tugboat wreck is the clearest reason to book this excursion. The boat lies in shallow water, making it accessible for a snorkeling stop rather than something reserved for experienced divers.

You can expect to use the supplied equipment and enter the water from the boat. After snorkeling, you climb a small ladder to re-board. That sounds minor, but it is an important practical detail. You should be comfortable in the water and able to pull yourself up the ladder with basic agility.

The wreck is a strong choice for a short tour because you do not spend the whole outing traveling to a far-off site. You get a recognizable underwater subject, time to look around, and the chance to return to the boat without turning the trip into an exhausting expedition.

Director’s Bay is another snorkeling option on the east side. The exact balance between the Tugboat and Director’s Bay depends on your time and preferences. On the three-hour outing, you may need to choose between a longer swim and a longer beach stop. The four-hour option gives the crew more room to let you enjoy both snorkeling locations.

I would not book this trip if your group includes someone who cannot swim. The operator specifically says it is not recommended for non-swimmers, and the ladder makes boarding from the water part of the experience.

Fuik Beach adds a quieter change of pace

If you want more than snorkeling, the boat can continue to Fuik Bay for a longer beach stop. During the week, this bay is described as quiet and calm, which may appeal to anyone who wants to float, sit on the beach, or simply take a break from the boat.

The ride toward Fuik Beach also gives you views of Curaçao’s coastline and clear turquoise water. Since the route is on the island’s east side, this stop fits naturally with Spanish Waters and the Caracasbaai area rather than requiring a trip across the island.

Fuik Beach is not the best use of time for every group. If snorkeling is your priority, you may prefer to remain near the Tugboat or Director’s Bay. If your group includes people who want a beach hour, it gives the trip a more varied rhythm.

The suggested itinerary divides three hours into roughly one hour at Spanish Waters, one hour at the Tugboat, and one hour at Fuik Beach. Treat that as a useful framework, not a fixed promise. You decide how much time goes to each part.

Three hours or four?

The three-hour trip is offered Tuesday through Sunday. It is enough time for a focused outing with one main snorkeling stop, some sightseeing, and perhaps a short beach visit.

I would choose three hours if your group has a busy Curaçao schedule, is visiting from a cruise ship, or wants a compact water excursion. It also suits people who know they will be happiest with one strong snorkeling stop instead of a full day on the water.

The four-hour trip offers more time at each snorkeling stop and at the beach. It is available only on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, so check the day carefully before making plans.

I prefer the four-hour option for a full group with mixed interests. Four hours gives you more breathing room if the sea is choppy, if the group takes time getting in and out of the water, or if you want both snorkeling and Fuik Beach without rushing.

Do not assume the extra hour means a completely different route. Its main value is more time at the same kinds of stops. You are buying a slower pace, not necessarily a longer list of attractions.

What the crew adds to the experience

Bettina and Marc are the hosts and crew. Their role goes beyond steering the boat. They ask about your interests, help tailor the route, share information about Curaçao, and pay attention to comfort on board.

That personal contact is especially useful on a private trip. You can ask for recommendations about the island, discuss the best use of the remaining time, or change the plan when conditions shift. Marc has handled windy, choppy water, while Bettina has focused on keeping people comfortable and explaining local history and current happenings.

The tone appears relaxed rather than formal. One group described the trip as very laid back, and that is the right expectation. This is not a scripted sightseeing cruise with a loud running commentary. It is a small charter where the crew works with your group.

The private format also helps families and friends. You can bring your own food and drinks, and you do not have to worry about disturbing strangers if your group wants to talk, listen to music, or sit quietly. Keep in mind that the supplied refreshments are limited to soda and bottled water.

What is included, and what should you bring?

The boat is a 30-foot, or 9.1-meter, vessel with crew and a guide. Snorkeling equipment is included, as are soda and bottled water.

You need to arrange your own ride to Kima Kalki Marina. Snacks, lunch, and alcoholic beverages are not included. Since the trip can cover several hours, I would bring food if you expect to be hungry, especially on the four-hour option.

Pack lightly but sensibly:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sun protection
• Food or snacks
• Any preferred drinks
• Alcohol, if wanted and permitted by the operator
• A dry bag or another way to protect phones and valuables

The physical side deserves more attention than the relaxed name might suggest. You should have a moderate fitness level, be comfortable swimming, and be able to climb the small boarding ladder. The operator does not recommend the trip for people affected by obesity or anyone who may struggle with that movement.

Weather, cancellation, and timing

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows Curaçao local time, so do not leave this decision until the last minute if your plans are uncertain.

Wind is worth considering even when the day looks sunny. The crew can adapt the route, but rougher conditions may affect swimming comfort and how long you want to remain in open water. If your group includes people who get seasick, ask about expected conditions before departure and keep the schedule flexible.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Families or friend groups of up to eight
• Confident swimmers who want a private outing
• People who value flexible timing over a fixed tour
• Snorkelers interested in the Tugboat wreck
• Groups that want both water time and a quiet beach stop
• Visitors who appreciate local conversation and practical island advice

I would look elsewhere if you want transportation from your hotel, a meal included, a nightlife cruise, or a fully structured sightseeing program. This experience is also a poor match for non-swimmers and anyone unable to climb back onto the boat.

Is the $550 private charter worth it?

For a full group, yes. Eight people can split the cost, and the private boat gives you control that a shared outing cannot. You can spend less time on stops that do not interest you and more time snorkeling or swimming.

For two people, the price is harder to justify unless privacy and flexibility are your main priorities. In that case, compare the cost with shared excursions before booking.

My best value tip is to gather a group of six to eight and choose the four-hour option if your schedule allows. You will have enough time for Spanish Waters, the Tugboat, Director’s Bay, and Fuik Beach without forcing every stop into a tight timetable.

Should you book it?

Book this private Curaçao boat trip if you want a relaxed, personal day on the east side of the island, with the Tugboat wreck as your main underwater stop and the freedom to change the pace. Bettina and Marc offer the kind of hands-on hosting that makes a private charter useful, not merely private.

Choose three hours for a compact outing. Choose four hours for a slower plan with more snorkeling and beach time. Before booking, make sure everyone can swim, climb the ladder, and get to Kima Kalki Marina on their own. If those details fit your group, the $550 price can be a solid deal, especially when divided among eight people.

FAQ

How many people can join the private boat trip?

The boat can take groups of up to eight people, and only your group participates in the activity.

What is the difference between the three-hour and four-hour trips?

The four-hour option gives you more time at the snorkeling stops and/or the beach. The three-hour option is available Tuesday through Sunday, while the four-hour option is available Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is Trip and Treat VIP Boat Tours at Brakkeput Ariba 62, Kima Kalki Marina, Willemstad, Curaçao. The trip ends back at the same meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and soda are included.

Can non-swimmers join?

The activity is not recommended for non-swimmers. Participants need a moderate fitness level and must be able to climb a small ladder to re-board the boat from the water.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.