Buggy Tours in Curacao

Experience the Best of Curaçao with a Private Buggy Tour

Imagine cruising through Curaçao’s vibrant landscape in a comfortable, open-air buggy. For around $162 per person, this 3 to 4-hour adventure offers a chance to craft your own island experience, guided by knowledgeable locals who love sharing their home. Whether you’re drawn to pristine beaches, secret caves, or rugged off-road terrain, this tour delivers a flexible, personalized day tailored to your interests.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its customizability—you tell Vernon (your guide) what excites you most, and he makes it happen. We also love how the trip combines amazing natural sights like flamingos, sea turtles, and sea caves with relaxed, friendly service. The inclusion of snorkeling gear and bottled water shows a thoughtful touch for comfort and safety.

A potential consideration? Since the tour is highly personalized, it might be slower-paced if you’re eager to hit many spots quickly, or if you prefer more structured itineraries. But if you’re after genuine, off-the-beaten-path discovery—and not just the usual tourist stops—this setup suits adventurous, flexible travelers best.

This adventure is ideal for those who want to see Curaçao’s diverse landscapes with a private guide. Families, couples, or groups of friends who enjoy a mix of beach, nature, and off-road fun will find this tour meets all those needs and more—plus, the free pickup from Otrabanda makes it especially convenient for cruise-ship visitors.

Key Points

• Highly customizable experience tailored to your preferences.
• Private, guide-led trip ensuring personalized attention and insider knowledge.
• Combines beach visits, caves, snorkeling, and off-road adventures.
• Includes snorkeling gear and bottled water, emphasizing comfort.
• Free pickup in Otrabanda simplifies logistics for cruise passengers.
• Plenty of positive reviews highlight friendly guides, stunning sights, and good value.

An In-Depth Look at the Buggy Tours in Curaçao

When considering a tour that mixes adventure with authentic sights, a private buggy tour in Curaçao checks many boxes. For roughly $162, you get a flexible itinerary, driven by your preferences, whether that’s beaches, caves, or off-road terrain. Guided by Vernon, an enthusiast praised for his knowledgeable, personable approach, this experience offers a rare chance to see parts of the island most travelers miss.

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off at Kokomo Beach—a glorious stretch of sand with crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and relaxing after a day of adventure. The meeting point is conveniently located in Willemstad, with free pickup in Otrabanda for those staying in that area, including cruise visitors. The tour begins promptly at 10:00 am, with flexible options for pickup depending on your location (additional fees apply for crossing the bridge or taxi services).

The Itinerary Breakdown

Kokomo Beach

Your adventure begins here, with a focus on natural beauty and calm waters. Vernon mentions it as “the most beautiful beaches,” highlighting the untouched, natural feel. You’ll have time for snorkeling, with gear provided, to swim among colorful fish or even spot a sea turtle if you’re lucky. The beach is also a good spot to relax, soak up the sun, or enjoy the scenery of bright pink flamingos in the distance, a favorite stop noted by many travelers.

Reviewers rave about the lack of crowds here, with one describing it as “a very cool little island that has some really diverse landscapes.” The admission fee is included, so no surprises there.

Daaibooi Beach and Porto Mari

After the initial swim, the tour moves to Daaibooi Beach, described as “untouched” and perfect for quiet walks or more snorkeling. The Blue Room Cave and sea caves are within reach if you’re keen on exploring sea caves, with snorkeling gear available to make the most of these natural formations. Vernon is praised for his local knowledge of caves and reefs, ensuring you get the best experience.

This stop usually lasts around 15 minutes, giving enough time for photos and a quick swim, but not so long as to feel rushed. Entry to Porto Mari Beach is minimal ($3), but often this is an optional add-on or part of custom plans.

Off-Road and Cave Exploration

Beyond beaches, the thrill lies in off-road driving over rugged terrain, exploring caves, and even visiting a geyser or a blowhole—some of the highlights noted in multiple reviews. Vernon’s ability to tailor stops means you might see secret caves, the flamingo habitat, or scenic cliff views, depending on your preferences.

Travelers mention the exciting aspect of driving through diverse landscapes, with one describing it as “relaxing and exhilarating,” a good combination for outdoor enthusiasts. The breeze from the open-air buggy keeps you comfortable, even on hotter days, and the small group size (up to 18 but often fewer) ensures a personalized experience.

The Food and Local Flavor

Many reviews highlight lunch at Marfa’s, a local spot Vernon recommends, which offers delicious goat burgers and traditional island fare. Travelers love this part for its authentic taste and relaxed atmosphere away from tourist traps. Vernon often stops here, making the meal part of the fun rather than an afterthought.

Snorkeling and Sea Caves

The inclusion of snorkeling gear adds significant value. Many guests enjoy the chance to swim among reefs and explore sea caves, some noting the Blue Room Cave as a unique highlight. Since the caves are often secluded, visitors love that they’re not crowded, and the gear makes it easy to enjoy underwater sights.

Authenticity and Personal Touches

The reviews repeatedly praise Vernon for his friendly demeanor, local insights, and flexibility. As one reviewer said, “Vernon is very knowledgeable and personable,” making the trip feel less like a tour and more like exploring with a friend. The ability to customize stops—whether that’s more snorkeling, cave exploring, or beach time—means you’re not stuck with a rigid schedule.

Travel Comfort and Additional Costs

The tour’s price includes snorkeling gear, water, and the initial stops, but travelers should budget extra for pickup outside Otrabanda (starting at $40), taxi fees for transport, and beach entrance fees as applicable. This transparency helps you plan ahead, and many reviewers find the additional costs reasonable given the personalized experience.

What Travelers Say

Most reviews are stellar, with an average rating of 4.8/5. Guests rave about Vernon’s expertise, the beautiful, secluded sights, and the value for money. Several mention that the trip was “the highlight of their trip,” with families and couples alike praising the relaxed, fun atmosphere.

A common theme is the non-touristy feel—visiting caves and beaches where few others go—that makes this tour special. Many mention how the guide stops for coconuts or takes the time to share local stories, creating a genuine connection to the island.

Potential Drawbacks

Since this is a private, customizable tour, it may not appeal if you prefer a strictly scheduled, large-group experience. Also, if you’re not comfortable with off-road driving or bumpy roads, the terrain could be a challenge. It’s worth noting that weather can impact the tour’s outdoor activities, but the tour provider offers full refunds or rescheduling if weather cancels the trip.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This buggy adventure is perfect for travelers who want to see a wide variety of Curaçao’s natural beauty without feeling rushed. It’s especially suited for families, couples, or small groups seeking a personalized experience with local guides who know the hidden spots. If you’re interested in snorkeling, caves, beaches, and off-road fun, and appreciate authentic, un-touristy sights, this tour offers serious bang for your buck.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Pickup is offered in Otrabanda free of charge. For locations further outside this area, additional fees start at $40 depending on distance.

How long does the tour last?
The tour typically lasts 3 to 4 hours, giving ample time for multiple stops, snorkeling, and exploring.

What is included in the price?
Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and the initial stops at beaches and caves are included. Entrance fees for beaches like Porto Mari are optional extra.

Can I customize my itinerary?
Yes. Vernon, the guide, designs each trip based on your interests—be it beaches, caves, snorkeling, or off-road fun.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is suitable for most travelers, with reviews mentioning a 2.5-year-old enjoying the trip, but it’s best for those comfortable in a buggy and in good health.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or full refund.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and your swimsuit for snorkeling. The guide can stop for coconuts or snacks if you ask.

Is the tour suitable for large groups?
While it can accommodate up to 18 people, most reviews reflect smaller, more intimate groups, which tend to enhance the experience.

What makes Vernon a great guide?
Guests rave about his knowledge, friendliness, and flexibility—he’s known for making the trip feel personalized and fun.

How do I book?
Booking is straightforward online, with options to cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance.

Final Thoughts

A private buggy tour in Curaçao offers an excellent way to discover the island’s natural and cultural highlights in a relaxed, authentic manner. It’s best suited for those craving a personalized adventure, with the flexibility to focus on beaches, caves, or off-road terrain—whichever sparks your interest most. The expert guidance, combined with the island’s stunning scenery, makes it a worthwhile choice.

Whether you’re a family seeking a memorable day, a couple wanting a romantic exploration, or a group of friends eager for a fun ride, this tour provides a great value—especially given the positive reviews and the opportunity to see secluded spots few travelers reach. Just plan for a bit of extra budgeting for transport and beach fees, and you’re set for a fantastic day in Curaçao.