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

Curaçao’s best boat days are often the ones with room to change plans. On this private 21-foot boat, Bettina and Marc let you shape the outing around snorkeling, swimming, sightseeing, or board sports instead of following a fixed group schedule. You might spend time at the Tugboat Wreck, cruise through Spanish Waters, or linger in the water until everyone is ready to move.

I like the small-group format, which keeps the outing personal for up to five people. I also like that snorkeling gear, water, and a multi-functional board are included, while wakeboarding can be arranged in advance. The main consideration is physical ability: you need to swim, climb a small ladder back onto the boat, and manage a moderate level of activity. Rough seas can also shorten the day.

Key points to know before booking

• Start with Spanish Waters: Your trip begins with sightseeing among impressive homes, mangroves, and calm coastal scenery.
• Snorkel at the Tugboat Wreck: The shallow wreck is a major attraction, with fish and coral close to the surface.
• Choose your pace: You can divide the time between swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, sightseeing, and board sports.
• Expect hands-on help: Bettina and Marc provide instruction for first-time boarders and can give extra help to children learning to snorkel.
• Bring practical extras: Pack snacks, lunch, and any soft drinks or alcohol you want, since these are not included.
• Plan for a ladder and open water: Non-swimmers are not advised, and the maximum boarding weight is 300 pounds, or 136 kilograms.

A private boat day built around your group

The biggest appeal here is control. You are not tied to a large group’s timetable or waiting for everyone else to finish snorkeling. You can tell Bettina and Marc what your group wants from the outing, then adjust the balance as the day goes on.

For one group, that may mean several snorkeling sites and little else. Another might prefer sightseeing through Spanish Waters, a swim, and repeated attempts at wakeboarding. Families can split the time between easy water activities and more energetic board sports. The boat is small enough to feel personal, but large enough for a family or group of up to five.

The crew, Bettina and Marc, are a central part of the experience. They give practical instruction, share information about the island, and help people who are trying snorkeling or wakeboarding for the first time. Bettina has also helped young children get comfortable in the water, while Marc handles the boat and offers information about Curaçao.

This is not a luxury yacht outing. The boat is a 21-foot, or 7-meter, craft, so you should expect an active day close to the water rather than a spacious cruise with lots of room to spread out. For a family of four or a group of friends, the size works well when the goal is to swim, snorkel, and try water sports.

Spanish Waters provides a calm opening

All trips begin with sightseeing through Spanish Waters. This area is known for impressive homes and natural surroundings, including mangrove growth and sheltered water. It gives you an easy start before the boat heads toward more open water.

I see real value in beginning here. You get a look at a more residential side of Curaçao, and the protected setting can be more comfortable for anyone who needs time to settle into the boat. It also gives the crew a chance to learn what your group wants to do before the more active parts begin.

The exact route is flexible. You may spend more time sightseeing, or you may move on quickly if everyone is eager to snorkel. The boat can also be used for general coastal sightseeing, so mention your priorities at the start rather than assuming every listed stop will receive equal time.

The Tugboat Wreck is the main snorkeling draw

The Tugboat Wreck is a shallow sunken boat and one of the most appealing stops on this outing. Because it rests in relatively shallow water, you can see the wreck without needing advanced snorkeling skills or a long underwater session. Fish and coral add life around the structure, and sea turtles may also be among the marine life you encounter in Curaçao’s waters.

The standard itinerary allows about 30 minutes here. That is enough for a focused swim and snorkel, though a group with strong interest in underwater viewing may want to ask if more time can be given to this stop. The private format helps because you are not forced to leave simply because a large excursion group is ready to go.

Snorkeling equipment is included. You should still bring your own mask if you have one that fits especially well, but there is no need to arrange basic gear separately. The crew can also help beginners, which matters more than fancy equipment when someone is nervous about putting on a mask for the first time.

Conditions matter. Water can become rough, as happened on one outing, and the crew may shorten the trip or adjust the plan when the sea is uncomfortable. That is a sensible safety choice, but it means you should not treat the Tugboat Wreck, or any other stop, as guaranteed in all weather.

Fort Beekenburg adds a short land visit

Fort Beekenburg was built by the Dutch and offers broad views from its position near the water. If you want a change from swimming, you can go ashore and climb the stairs to look around. The listed stop lasts about 15 minutes, so this is a brief visit rather than a long historical tour.

You can swim from the boat to shore, making the approach part of the adventure. Bring water shoes for the walk. The fort’s surfaces and stairs are not a place for bare feet, especially after your feet have been softened by time in the water.

This stop works best for groups that like a little history and a chance to stretch their legs. It may be less appealing if your priority is maximizing snorkeling or board time. Since the tour is flexible, ask the crew to weigh the fort against your other interests before setting off.

Santa Barbara Beach offers a simple water break

The boat can dock at the Santa Barbara pier, where you can enjoy beach time and jump into the water. The planned stop is about 30 minutes. This is a good choice for a group that wants an uncomplicated swim, a little sun, or a break from wearing snorkeling gear.

Santa Barbara Beach also shows why this trip is useful for mixed-age groups. Not everyone has to snorkel or try wakeboarding. One person can swim while another relaxes, and the group can reunite without splitting across separate tours.

Keep your expectations practical. This is not a dedicated beach day with a full shore program. It is one part of a moving boat trip, and the exact time spent there depends on your chosen plan, sea conditions, and how much time you use at other stops.

Board sports turn the outing into an active lesson

The included multi-functional board can be used lying down, kneeling, or standing. That gives beginners a sensible progression. You can start low to the water, find your balance, and try standing only if you feel ready.

Wakeboarding is available if requested in advance. The experience can also include knee boarding or similar board activities, depending on the arrangements you make with the crew. Several outings have combined snorkeling with board sports, which makes good use of the private format: active people get their turn, while others can swim or relax.

Do not assume you need prior experience. Bettina and Marc provide instruction, and the practical tone of the trip suits first-timers. Still, wakeboarding takes effort and can be tiring. If your group includes children, older adults, or anyone unsure about the water, be clear about comfort levels before choosing the most active plan.

This is also where the physical requirements matter most. You need enough agility to get back onto the boat using a small ladder. The tour is not recommended for non-swimmers, and it is not designed for people affected by obesity. The maximum boarding weight is 300 pounds, or 136 kilograms.

Food and drink require a little planning

Bottled water is included, but soda, alcohol, snacks, and lunch are not. Pack what you need if you want to stay on the water without an interruption. Soft-sided bags are the sensible choice for a small boat.

Some outings have included a restaurant stop, and Boca 19 was used by one group for lunch and drinks. That is part of the flexible nature of the trip, not something you should treat as included or guaranteed. If a meal matters to your plan, ask Bettina and Marc about it before departure.

A few groups have also arranged help with a taxi afterward or made special drop-off arrangements. These details are not standard inclusions, so you should organize your own transport to and from the marina unless the operator confirms something different.

The price makes sense for a full private group

The listed price is $365 per group of up to five people. That is a strong value if you fill the boat, especially compared with paying individual rates for five people on a commercial excursion. It works out to $73 per person for a full group, before any optional food or extra arrangements.

The value comes from more than the boat ride. You receive the crew, snorkeling gear, bottled water, and board equipment, plus the ability to shape the route and pace. A family that wants both snorkeling and water sports may get more from this than from a fixed sightseeing cruise.

The calculation is less favorable for a couple or solo pair if you compare it strictly with low-cost group boats. You are paying for privacy, flexibility, and direct attention. That is worthwhile when your group has different interests, includes a beginner who needs help, or simply does not want to spend the day following a crowded schedule.

The title offers three-hour or four-hour options, while the main details describe an outing of about three hours. Confirm the exact duration and selected option when booking. Four hours gives you far more room to combine Spanish Waters, a wreck snorkel, a beach stop, and board sports without rushing.

Meeting at Kima Kalki Marina

You meet at Kima Kalki Marina N.V., Brakkeput Ariba 62, Willemstad. Transportation to the starting pier is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there. The trip ends back at the same meeting point.

Plan to arrive with swimwear, sun protection, a towel, water shoes for Fort Beekenburg, and snacks if you want them. A waterproof phone pouch is also sensible, although it is not listed as part of the equipment. Keep valuables to a minimum on a small open boat.

The activity requires a moderate level of fitness. You should be comfortable in open water, able to swim, and able to climb the reboarding ladder. If anyone in your group has concerns about mobility, weight limits, or water confidence, raise them before booking rather than hoping the issue can be solved at the marina.

When this trip is the right choice

I would choose this boat trip for a family or group of friends with mixed interests. It works especially well when one person wants snorkeling, another wants to try wakeboarding, and someone else mainly wants to swim and enjoy the coast.

It is also a good match for first-time snorkelers. The crew’s hands-on help can make the difference between a tense first attempt and a pleasant one. Parents should still supervise children and be honest about swimming ability, since this is an active boat outing rather than a shallow-water lesson.

You may prefer a different tour if you want a large, fully scheduled excursion, included meals, hotel transportation, or a long historical presentation. This trip is about time on the water and personal choices. Its strengths are flexibility, direct service, and the chance to combine several activities in one outing.

Should you book this Curaçao boat trip?

Book it if you want a private day where you can choose the balance of snorkeling, swimming, sightseeing, and board sports. The shallow Tugboat Wreck, Spanish Waters, Fort Beekenburg, and Santa Barbara Beach give you a useful mix of underwater, coastal, and shore time, while Bettina and Marc provide instruction and local context.

Think twice if anyone in your group cannot swim, has difficulty climbing a small ladder, or wants a quiet cruise with no physical effort. Also confirm the three-hour or four-hour option, request wakeboarding in advance, and ask about any restaurant stop before you go. For an active group of up to five, the price and flexibility make this one of Curaçao’s more personal ways to get out on the Caribbean Sea.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start and end?

The trip starts at Kima Kalki Marina N.V., Brakkeput Ariba 62, Willemstad, Curaçao. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private activity accommodates your group only, with up to five people.

Is the boat trip three hours or four hours?

The experience is offered as a three-hour or four-hour option. The main trip details describe approximately three hours, so confirm the duration you are booking.

What activities can I do?

You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, sightsee, and use the included multi-functional board. Wakeboarding is available when requested in advance.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is food or alcohol included?

No. Soda, alcohol, snacks, and lunch are not included. Bottled water is provided.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The activity is not recommended for non-swimmers. You also need enough physical agility to climb a small ladder to reboard the boat.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.