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

Curaçao’s best moments often happen away from the beach, and this private boat trip lets you set the pace. You can snorkel over the shallow Tugboat Wreck, swim near the coast, or try the multi-functional board and wakeboard with help from Bettina and Marc. The freedom to change plans is the main attraction.

I especially like the small-group setup for up to five people and the mix of sea time with Spanish Waters sightseeing. Bettina is praised for helping first-time snorkelers and board riders, while Marc handles the boat and shares island background. The main drawback is simple: this is an active trip, and you need to climb a small ladder from the water back into the boat.

Key points

• Private boat for up to five: Your group gets the boat and crew without strangers sharing your time.
• Tugboat Wreck snorkeling: The wreck sits in shallow water, making it a manageable and memorable stop.
• Choose your own rhythm: Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, sightsee, or spend more time on board sports.
• Spanish Waters first: The outing begins with views of large homes, mangroves, and the sheltered waterway.
• Water equipment included: Snorkel gear, bottled water, and a multi-functional board are supplied. Request the wakeboard ahead of time.
• Plan for an active outing: Non-swimmers, people with limited agility, and anyone over 300 pounds may not be a good fit.

A Private Way to See Curaçao From the Water

This is not a fixed sightseeing cruise where everyone follows the same clock. You meet Bettina and Marc at Kima Kalki Marina, board their 21-foot, 7-meter boat, and discuss what you want from the day.

That flexibility matters. A family with young children may want calm swimming and easy snorkeling. A group of friends may prefer board sports and longer time in the water. You can also combine activities instead of choosing only one.

The listed price is $365 per group of up to five people. That makes the value strongest when you fill the boat. For five people, the cost works out to $73 each before any food, drinks, or transport. For two people, the per-person cost is much higher, but you are paying for privacy and control rather than a seat on a larger shared boat.

The trip is offered in approximately three-hour and four-hour versions. The four-hour option gives you more room for several stops, lunch away from the boat, or repeated attempts at wakeboarding. If you want only a swim and a short snorkel session, three hours may be enough.

Starting Through Spanish Waters

The outing begins with sightseeing through Spanish Waters. This sheltered area is known for impressive homes and natural scenery, including mangrove areas.

This opening section gives you time to settle in before the active part begins. It is also a good match for anyone who wants more than a basic snorkeling excursion. You are not simply being taken from one swim stop to another. You get a look at the coastline and waterways around Willemstad while Marc provides island background.

The exact route can change because the trip is private. That is useful if your group has mixed interests. Someone can enjoy the scenery while others prepare for snorkeling or board sports.

The marina location is at Kima Kalki Marina N.V., Brakkeput Ariba 62, Willemstad. You must arrange your own way there and back. There is no transportation from hotels or cruise terminals included, so check your route before booking.

Snorkeling at the Shallow Tugboat Wreck

The Tugboat Wreck is the signature stop. The small wreck rests in shallow water, where you can snorkel above it and look for fish and other marine life.

A shallow wreck works well for a first introduction to underwater sightseeing. You do not need to descend far to see the structure, and the stop can be enjoyed by people with different comfort levels in the water. You may see fish, coral, and possibly other sea life in the area, though marine sightings are never guaranteed.

About 30 minutes is suggested for this stop. That is enough for a focused snorkel, but you may want more time if your group includes beginners who need help with masks and fins. Bettina has helped children and first-time snorkelers get comfortable in the water, which can make a real difference for a nervous swimmer.

The boat carries snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to pack your own gear. Still, bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a cover-up. The boat includes bottled water, but snacks and meals are your responsibility.

Fort Beekenburg and a Short Shore Excursion

Fort Beekenburg adds a bit of land time to the sea trip. The Dutch-built fort sits above the coast and offers views from its elevated position.

You can swim ashore from the boat and climb the stairs if conditions allow. The listed stop is about 15 minutes, so think of it as a quick look and a chance to stretch your legs rather than a long fort visit.

Wear water shoes for this part. They are specifically recommended for the walk, and they will be more useful than bare feet on the approach and stairs. The shore swim also makes this stop less suitable for anyone who is not comfortable in open water.

The fort is a good choice for groups that want a little history and scenery between swims. If everyone in your group is focused on snorkeling or wakeboarding, you can ask to spend the time elsewhere. That is one of the advantages of having a private captain.

Santa Barbara Beach for Swimming and Beach Time

Santa Barbara Beach is another possible stop. The boat can dock at the pier, giving you a place to swim, jump into the water, or spend some time on the beach.

This is the most relaxed portion of the route. It gives you a break from wearing a mask or trying to stand on a board. Families may appreciate having a calmer stop, while active groups can use it for another swim.

The planned stop is about 30 minutes. Keep in mind that the schedule is flexible, so actual time at Santa Barbara depends on your choices, weather, and the other activities you select. The boat may not visit every listed stop during a shorter trip.

Board Sports With Patient Instruction

The water sports are a major reason to book this trip instead of a standard sightseeing cruise. The included multi-functional board can be used lying down, kneeling, or standing. That lets you start at a comfortable level instead of being expected to stand immediately.

Wakeboarding is available if requested in advance. The equipment is included, but do not assume you can add it at the last minute. Ask for it when you book.

The experience can work for beginners because Bettina and Marc provide instruction and encouragement. Several families used the board sports as a shared activity, with children and adults trying different positions. You might fall often at first, but that is part of the fun, and the private setting removes the pressure of performing in front of a large group.

You should still be realistic about the physical demands. You need to swim, balance, hold on, and climb back into the boat. The activity is not recommended for non-swimmers or people affected by obesity, and the maximum boarding weight is 300 pounds, or 136 kilograms.

Why the Private Format Matters

The boat holds only your group, up to five people. That changes the whole feel of the outing.

On a shared cruise, you may have to leave a snorkeling site when the schedule says so. Here, you can ask to stay longer, move on sooner, or replace an activity with another stop. The crew can also adjust the day for a mixed-age family, as long as the plan remains safe and practical.

The private format is especially useful for families with children. Bettina has helped young children learn to snorkel, and the crew can give one-on-one guidance with the boards. Couples and friend groups may value the privacy for a birthday, a relaxed swim, or a more active afternoon.

There are limits. A 21-foot boat is a small craft, not a spacious party boat. Five people plus crew can fit, but space will feel more comfortable for a smaller group, especially if everyone brings bags and towels. Pack lightly and keep personal items to a minimum.

Food, Drinks, and Timing

Bottled water is included. Soda, alcohol, snacks, and lunch are not.

You can bring food and drinks for the boat, or ask about stopping somewhere to eat if your route and timing allow. Past outings have included a restaurant stop, but this should be treated as a possible custom addition rather than a guaranteed part of every trip.

For a four-hour trip, pack something substantial if you expect to be hungry after snorkeling and board sports. Bring drinks other than water if you want them, but do not count on the tour providing them.

The timing also depends on the sea. One outing had to end early because the water became rough, with a refund provided for unused time. That is a good reminder that a private boat does not control the weather. If conditions are poor, the operator may offer another date or a full refund.

What I Would Pack

Keep your packing list short and practical:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Water shoes for Fort Beekenburg
• Hat and sunglasses
• Snacks or lunch
• Extra drinks
• A dry bag or sealed pouch for valuables

You will want both sun protection and something warm or dry for the ride back. The boat is exposed to the sun, and time on the water can feel longer than expected.

Bring only what you need. A small boat has limited room, and wet towels, food containers, and personal bags can quickly crowd the seating area.

Who Should Book This Trip

I would choose this tour for a family or friend group that wants control over the day. It is a strong fit if your group includes people who want different things, such as snorkeling, sightseeing, swimming, and board sports.

It also suits first-time snorkelers who want personal help rather than a large group lesson. Bettina’s hands-on support with children and beginners is one of the most useful features of the experience.

The trip may not suit you if you do not swim, dislike small boats, or want a fully planned cultural tour on land. It is also not the right choice if you need hotel pickup, an included meal, or a large shaded vessel.

People with limited physical agility should think carefully before booking. You must be able to get in and out of the water using a small ladder, and swimming ashore at the fort is optional but still demanding.

Booking Value at $365 Per Group

At $365 for up to five people, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water, but it can be good value for a full private outing.

The price includes the boat, crew, snorkeling gear, bottled water, and the multi-functional board. Wakeboard use is included when requested in advance. You are not paying extra each time you change from snorkeling to swimming or sightseeing.

The cost makes the most sense for a full group. Five people can share the fee, making the private experience reasonably priced compared with several individual activities. With one or two people, the price is harder to justify unless privacy and flexibility are your top priorities.

You also avoid the lost time that can come with a large shared boat. If your group wants to leave a stop early or stay longer, you can discuss it with the crew rather than waiting for strangers.

Simple Booking Details to Know

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the activity returns to Kima Kalki Marina at the end. You need to arrange transportation to the marina yourself.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. Since the trip depends on good weather, a weather cancellation brings the choice of another date or a full refund.

Ask for the four-hour version if you want several snorkel stops plus board sports. Request the wakeboard in advance, and tell Bettina and Marc about your preferred activities before leaving the marina.

Should You Book the Curaçao Private Boat Trip?

Book it if you want a flexible day on the water, especially if your group enjoys both snorkeling and active water sports. The Tugboat Wreck, Spanish Waters, Fort Beekenburg, and Santa Barbara Beach give you a varied route, while the private boat lets you adjust the balance.

I would be most likely to recommend it to families and small groups of friends. You get personal instruction, room to set the pace, and a chance to try board sports without joining a crowded excursion.

Skip it if you are a non-swimmer, need transport and meals included, or prefer a large boat with more space. For everyone else, the combination of a shallow wreck, clear-water swimming, and patient hosts makes this a practical way to spend three or four hours around Curaçao.

FAQ

How long is the private boat trip?

The experience is offered as a 3-hour or 4-hour trip, with the duration depending on the option you book.

How many people can join?

The private boat can accommodate a group of up to five people.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is Kima Kalki Marina N.V., Brakkeput Ariba 62, Willemstad, Curaçao.

Is transportation to the marina included?

No. You are responsible for transportation to and from the starting marina.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Is wakeboarding included?

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

Can non-swimmers join?

The trip is not recommended for non-swimmers. You need basic swimming ability and enough agility to climb a small ladder back into the boat.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered another date or a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather.