Swim and Snorkel with Sea Turtles

An Authentic and Rewarding Snorkeling Adventure in Curacao

If you’re visiting Willemstad and looking for a truly memorable way to experience the island’s marine life, the Swim and Snorkel with Sea Turtles tour offers an excellent blend of natural beauty, expert guidance, and authentic encounters. Priced at just $99 per person for around four hours, this tour is highly recommended—booked more than five times just last week alone! The experience is straightforward: a friendly local guide picks you up from your hotel or cruise port and takes you to a tranquil beach where turtles swim freely—no boats involved, just you and the ocean.

What makes this trip stand out? First, the personalized attention from guides like Patrick and Eddy, who are celebrated for their knowledge and friendliness. Second, the free high-quality photos taken during the snorkel, which many guests rave about. However, a word of caution: timing can be a little tricky, especially with the pickup schedule, and some reviews mention the beaches can get crowded. Still, this tour suits those who want a hands-on, close-up experience with sea turtles in a relaxed setting—ideal for families, first-time snorkelers, or anyone eager for a genuine connection with Curacao’s marine environment.

Key Points

• Authentic marine encounter: Swim directly with sea turtles, no boat rides involved.
• Expert guides: Patrick and Eddy earn praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and care.
• Photos included: High-quality pictures are emailed after the tour at no extra cost.
• Well-organized logistics: Hotel and port pickup simplify your day.
• Limited group size: Max 15 travelers for a more personalized experience.
• Additional stops: Flamingos and scenic beaches add variety to the trip.

A Detailed Look at the Curacao Turtle Snorkeling Tour

When researching a snorkeling tour in Curacao, what draws many of us is the chance to see sea turtles in their natural habitat—not in captivity, but swimming freely in shallow waters. This tour hits just that mark, with a half-day excursion that combines marine life with island sightseeing, making it a well-rounded way to spend a few hours exploring the best of what Curacao has to offer.

What’s Included and What’s Not

At $99, the tour provides round-trip private transfer, snorkel gear, life jackets, bottled water, soda, and free photos taken with a GoPro 11. The photos are a major plus—guests love the way guides like Patrick capture those unforgettable moments of turtles swimming close by. Not included is lunch, so if you’re hungry afterward, plan accordingly.

The Itinerary: From Land to Sea and Beyond

The adventure starts with hotel or port pickup—a real convenience, especially for cruise travelers. Expect to be on the road for about an hour, during which guides share stories about Curacao’s history and culture. Guests frequently mention how much they appreciate getting a local perspective from guides like Patrick and Eddy, who bring enthusiasm and knowledge.

Once at the beach, the activity is simple: slip into your snorkeling gear, adjust your mask and fins, and head into shallow waters where sea turtles glide effortlessly. The hour-long snorkeling session is in calm, clear water, about 8 feet deep, making it accessible for beginners and enjoyable for experienced snorkelers alike. You might see several turtles, along with a variety of fish, coral, and other marine creatures.

The Turtle Encounter: Personal and Close

Many reviews emphasize how Patrick becomes the “Turtle Whisperer”—he’s known for swimming out and bringing turtles closer to snorkelers, especially those who might be less confident in the water. Guests describe the experience as breathtaking: a turtle swimming right beside you, sometimes touching your hand or swimming close to your face. This is a respectful, non-touching encounter, but the proximity is truly special.

Additional Highlights: Flamingos and Scenic Beaches

After snorkeling, the tour often includes a 15-minute visit to see flamingos—a delightful surprise and contrast to the ocean adventure. The flamingos are wild, and their pink plumage makes for some memorable photos. The tour then continues to a beautiful beach, where guests enjoy some downtime, sunbathing or exploring the shoreline.

The Guides and Their Role in Making the Experience Special

Guests universally praise guides like Patrick and Eddy for their friendly demeanor, local insights, and attention to safety. Patrick, in particular, is lauded for taking high-quality photos and videos—often more than 200—and sending them promptly. Many reviews mention how guides go above and beyond to ensure everyone gets a personalized experience, often taking time to answer questions about the island, marine life, or snorkeling tips.

The Value of Free Photos and the Overall Experience

Considering the price and what’s included, many reviewers agree this is excellent value. The free photos alone are worth the price for many, capturing candid moments that are more meaningful than typical tourist snapshots. One guest described the photos as “fantastic,” noting that the guides took plenty of pictures of each person with the turtles.

Potential Drawbacks or Considerations

While the overall experience is highly positive, some reviews point out possible challenges. A few mention that timing can be awkward—pickup times can involve multiple stops, making the day longer than expected, sometimes around 5.5 hours instead of four. Plus, beach crowds can be an issue, especially during peak times, which might make spotting turtles slightly more difficult or result in photos with lots of other people.

Another point raised involves sea conditions—the water is generally calm, but if the weather turns rough, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled. Thankfully, the policy allows full refunds if canceled due to weather.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families, first-time snorkelers, or travelers wanting a relaxing, personalized encounter with marine life. The guides’ knowledge and friendliness make it suitable even for those a bit nervous about snorkeling. It’s also a good choice for photography enthusiasts—the free, high-quality images are a major perk.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Tour for You?

If you’re seeking a relaxed, authentic encounter with Curacao’s sea turtles in shallow, calm waters, this tour offers remarkable value. The personal attention of guides like Patrick and Eddy, combined with the beautiful beaches and wild flamingos, create a well-rounded day that balances nature, culture, and easy adventure.

While timing and crowds may be minor inconveniences, the overall quality and authenticity of the experience make it a standout choice. This tour is ideal for those who want to connect with the sea in a respectful way, enjoy beautiful scenery, and capture unforgettable photos without breaking the bank.

FAQs

Do I need prior snorkeling experience? No, the tour is suitable for most travelers, including beginners, since the water is shallow and guides are attentive.

Will I see real sea turtles? Yes, the guides actively take you to areas where multiple turtles are often present, and they swim close enough for excellent photos.

Are the photos really free? Absolutely. The guides take plenty of pictures and videos with a GoPro and email them afterward at no extra charge.

How long is the snorkeling portion? About one hour in calm, shallow water, which is enough time to see turtles and other marine life comfortably.

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour offers hotel or port pickup and drop-off, making logistics simple.

What should I bring? Bring your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof camera if you want to capture your own photos.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size? The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

In all, this tour combines value, authentic encounters, and friendly guidance to deliver a truly memorable day in Curacao. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or just eager to see sea turtles in the wild, you’ll find this adventure well worth your time and money.