Snorkel Shore Trip with Scubaçao “East Point”

The sunken Curaçao tugboat is the star here, but the real appeal is the contrast between two very different snorkel sites. At Tugboat Beach, you swim over a compact wreck covered with coral, sponges, and schooling fish. At Director’s Bay, you look along a coral-rich shoreline and a steep underwater drop-off.

I like the small groups, capped at 10, and the warm, patient guiding from people such as Ivanna, Emma, Juan, Quincy, and Jillian. I also like the local setting: this former Royal Dutch Shell bunker bay is now a protected recreation area with Beekenburg Fortress, the old Quarantine building, and views over Spanish Water.

The main consideration is comfort between the good parts. The vehicle ride can be bumpy, the shore entries are rocky, and the day can run longer when scuba guests are included. The picnic is light, and its exact contents can vary, so do not book this expecting a full restaurant lunch.

Quick take: what makes this outing worth considering

• A wreck you can reach by swimming from shore: The Tugboat rests underwater near the beach and attracts glassy sweepers, yellowtail snappers, sergeant majors, coral, and sponges.
• Two sites with different underwater scenery: Tugboat Beach is best for fish and the wreck, while Director’s Bay is noted for coral and a sharp drop-off.
• Local guides add more than water supervision: Guides such as Quincy and Ivanna share island stories, help new snorkelers, and adjust the plan when conditions or prior visits call for it.
• Small groups make a real difference: The maximum is 10 people, and several outings have had only a handful of participants.
• A useful package for cruise visitors: Pickup can be arranged, lockers are available at the shop, and several groups returned to the ship with time left for shopping.
• Bring patience for the land portion: Expect a rough vehicle ride, rocky beaches, and possible waiting if the group includes scuba guests.

From Shell’s bunker bay to Curaçao’s underwater sights

Scubaçao takes you to the Caracasbay peninsula on the southeastern side of Willemstad. The area once served as a bunker bay for Royal Dutch Shell. Since the company left Curaçao in 1985, the setting has shifted toward recreation and protected natural space.

That change gives the trip an appealing mix of old industry, military remains, and sea life. From the road, you may see Beekenburg Fortress, built in 1703, the Quarantine building, and Spanish Water. You are not simply being driven to a beach with a mask and fins. The route gives you a quick look at a less polished, more local side of the island.

The meeting point is 41 Nijmegenstraat in Willemstad, and the activity ends there unless another drop-off has been arranged. Pickup is offered, which helps if you are staying elsewhere or arriving from a cruise ship. Still, confirm the exact pickup spot carefully. One cruise guest lost time because the pier meeting point was not clear, with Starbucks used as the practical reference in that case.

The usual outing lasts about five hours. Some groups finished in roughly four and a half hours, while others took closer to five and a half because of waiting for scuba participants. That difference matters if your ship has a tight all-aboard time.

Tugboat Beach: Curaçao’s small wreck with a big fish crowd

The first water stop is usually Tugboat Beach. From shore, you swim out to the wreck, which lies about 100 meters from the beach according to one description. It has been underwater since the 1970s and is now heavily coated with coral and sponges.

The tugboat is not a huge ship, but it is easy to appreciate at snorkel depth. Glassy sweepers gather around it, and yellowtail snappers and sergeant majors often move through the area. Fish are accustomed to people, partly because some snorkelers feed them, so expect close encounters.

This is the strongest stop if you want a clear focal point. A wreck gives you something to orient around, and the fish activity makes it especially appealing for first-time snorkelers or children who need an obvious goal. The water can also feel more exciting here because you are swimming out from shore rather than simply floating along a beach.

The beach itself has a working, slightly unusual setting. A massive drilling rig has been visible near the area, which can seem odd beside a snorkel site. That contrast is part of the character, but you should not expect a secluded postcard cove.

If a ship is occupying the usual area, the crew may switch to swimming under a pier known as the Cathedral. The site is described as having orange cup corals and other colorful marine life. That flexibility is useful, since the exact stop can depend on what is happening on the water that day.

Expect a rocky entry. Several people found boots helpful, and the crew can provide water shoes, fins, pool noodles, and other equipment depending on the group’s needs. If you bring your own mask and snorkel, that is fine, but inspect the supplied gear when you arrive. One unhappy participant felt the company equipment looked worn and preferred personal gear.

Director’s Bay: coral, current, and a sharper underwater edge

The second stop is Director’s Bay, sometimes described by participants as Discovery Cove. The exact name matters less than the character of the site: this is the coral stop, with hard and soft coral and an underwater shelf that drops away more sharply.

The crew may have you enter at Director’s Bay and swim back toward Tugboat Beach, depending on the day’s plan. That longer route lets you see more of the reef rather than circling a single object. Several people found the coral here more impressive than at the wreck, with a broad range of shapes and colors.

Conditions can be less calm. One outing found the water too rough at the second stop, while another described a choppy entry that was still worthwhile once everyone was in. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell your guide before entering. Quincy and other guides have used pool noodles, stayed close to less experienced participants, and helped people return to shore when they became tired.

This is also where the tour’s limits become clear. You cannot control the sea state, and a pleasant first stop does not guarantee a smooth second one. Strong wind or waves may shorten the swim or lead to a change of location. The crew has shown a willingness to adjust, but the quality of the snorkeling will still depend on the day.

The guides make this easier for first-timers

The best part of the land and water service is the personal attention. Ivanna has been praised for checking equipment fit, explaining the sites, and changing the plan when a group had already visited one of the scheduled locations. Emma and Mats have helped people through the water and handled the practical details between stops.

Quincy, also referred to as Quinton in one account, is a local guide who has helped beginners get comfortable in the water while sharing information about Curaçao’s culture and past. Jillian has combined the snorkeling with island stories and arranged an afternoon outing that included hotel transport. Juan has been described as friendly and informative, with a good eye for pointing out different fish and coral.

Names and guides will vary, of course. The useful point is that this is not a self-guided beach rental. You have someone checking masks, fins, and comfort, explaining the route, and watching the group. That matters if you are bringing children or adults who do not swim strongly.

The outing has worked well for families with children around 10 and 13, including young snorkelers with no prior experience. It has also suited experienced participants who wanted two sites without joining a large cruise excursion. You should still be honest about your ability before entering. A guide can assist, but the sea remains the sea.

What the five-hour schedule feels like on the ground

The day normally begins at the shop or an agreed pickup point. You sort out equipment, sign waivers, and place larger belongings in a locker. At least one account specifically noted a free locker, which is useful if you are carrying cruise-ship bags, phones, or shopping purchases.

The vehicle ride to the beaches is part of the outing, not just a quick transfer. Several people described it as bumpy. If you get carsick, consider taking suitable precautions before leaving, as the road ride may be more uncomfortable than the swims.

At the first beach, allow time to get fitted and walk over rough ground before entering the water. The swim to the tugboat may be around 100 meters. After exploring the wreck and fish, you return to shore, gather your gear, and drive to the second site.

The transition between stops can take longer than expected. If scuba participants are sharing transport, snorkelers may wait while their schedule is handled. One family found the total time closer to five and a half hours for this reason. If your ship departs the same day, give yourself a firm buffer and confirm the return plan in advance.

After the second water session, the group generally gets time to sit at a small beach or picnic area. You may receive sandwiches, chips, fruit, and drinks, while another account described sliced pineapple as the main food. Treat it as a light picnic, not lunch at a café. Water and snacks are welcome after swimming, but anyone with a large appetite should bring an additional item if permitted.

Price, equipment, and the value of a small group

The cost is $110 per person. That is not the cheapest way to reach Tugboat Beach, since you could arrange an independent beach visit, but the price includes more than access to the water. You are paying for transport, gear, guide support, two locations, lockers, and a picnic-style food stop.

I think the price makes the most sense if you are coming from a cruise ship, staying without a rental car, or traveling with people who need help in the water. The return transport and local guidance remove several small hassles. A private beach taxi, separate equipment rental, and self-planned route can also add up quickly.

The value is less convincing if you already have a car, your own gear, and plenty of time. In that case, the guided package may feel more structured than necessary. The maximum group size of 10 keeps it personal, but the presence of scuba guests can still create waiting.

The supplied equipment has worked well for many participants, including masks, fins, boots, and flotation aids. Yet one person found the gear unclean and preferred personal equipment. If you care strongly about fit or hygiene, bring your own mask and snorkel while still using the offered boots or fins if needed for the rocky shore.

An underwater photographer may be present at the Tugboat site. Photos and short videos can be purchased or, in some cases, a guide may take GoPro footage and send it later. This can be a nice extra, but it is not essential to the trip, and one participant felt the photographer slowed the outing and added an expense.

Who should book this Curaçao snorkel trip?

I would choose this for a first or second snorkel outing in Curaçao, especially if you want the tugboat and a second coral site in one morning or afternoon. It also suits families because the crew has been patient with children and nervous swimmers.

It works well for cruise passengers who need transport, a small group, and a return to the port with time to spare. Still, do not cut the timing close. Pickup instructions have caused confusion for at least one cruise group, and the schedule may stretch if scuba guests are involved.

This is a good match for people who enjoy local context as much as the water. The fort, Quarantine building, Spanish Water, former Shell facilities, and guide commentary give the day more shape than a simple beach transfer.

I would hesitate if you need soft sand, a smooth road, a large meal, or a fixed finish time. The shore is rocky, the van may be rough, the food is light, and the sea can change the second stop. Those are manageable issues, but they should be part of your decision.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. A cancellation inside that window is not refunded, and the operator may offer another date or a full refund if the minimum number of participants is not reached. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. Service animals are allowed, public transportation is nearby, and most people can participate.

Should you book Scubaçao East Point?

Book it if you want a guided look at Curaçao’s wreck, fish, and coral without organizing transport or equipment yourself. The strongest reasons are the small group, attentive guides, two contrasting sites, and the chance to see a less obvious part of the island.

Before paying, confirm the pickup location, expected return time, equipment condition, and what the picnic includes. Bring reef-safe personal gear if you have it, wear or request sturdy water footwear, and allow extra time for a bumpy ride and possible waiting.

At $110, this is a fair package for cruise visitors, families, and newer snorkelers who value support. It is less compelling for independent beach experts, but for a guided half-day on Curaçao’s southeastern shore, the Tugboat and Director’s Bay combination is a strong choice.

FAQ

How much does the Scubaçao East Point snorkel trip cost?

The listed price is $110 per person.

How long does the experience last?

The planned duration is about five hours. Some outings may take closer to five and a half hours when the group is waiting for scuba participants.

Where does the activity start and end?

The stated meeting point is 41 Nijmegenstraat in Willemstad, Curaçao. The activity ends back at the meeting point, with pickup offered.

What snorkeling sites are included?

The usual stops are Tugboat Beach and Director’s Bay. If the tugboat area is unavailable because a ship is present, the group may swim under the pier known as the Cathedral instead.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The company provides snorkeling equipment, and accounts also mention boots, fins, pool noodles, and lockers for belongings. You may bring your own equipment if you prefer.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Most people can participate, and guides have assisted first-time snorkelers and children. The entries are rocky, and the second site can be choppy, so tell the guide about your swimming ability.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 10 people.

Is food included?

A light picnic-style meal and drinks are provided after snorkeling. The food can include sandwiches, chips, fruit, and drinks, but one account described sliced pineapple, so do not expect a full meal.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.