Willemstad Boat Tour Review: Snorkeling & Swimming

Looking for a chill way to experience Curaçao? That private boat tour, the one with snorkeling and swimming close to Willemstad, could be just the thing. I want to share my take on it, hopefully it can steer you the right way, if it is a trip you are considering.

Setting Sail: What to anticipate?

So, typically when you book a private boat tour, well, that usually means you get the whole boat, and just for your crew! That also means it’s more adaptable to whatever it is that your group might actually fancy doing. Often, these tours, generally they start somewhere near Willemstad, right, often a handy spot to reach from various hotels and also vacation rentals. The boats are normally a decent size for small to medium groups and usually they come ready with things such as snorkeling gear, drinks, plus perhaps a snack or two. Often the real win with a private tour could be the captain: people that know the area super well and can take you places those giant, packed tours could never manage to get. I figured I’d spend some cash and bring a little Go-Pro to document this event to show all of you, now here we are.

Snorkeling Spots: See The sea Life

A really big highlight of any boat tour near Curaçao, if you can imagine, is absolutely the snorkeling. This island, you see, it sits on a beautiful reef system, alright, which means it is crammed with pretty sea life. Some boat tours are going to take you toward popular spots like Tugboat Beach. Now this particular spot, I should mention, it gets the name from, would you believe it, an actual tugboat wreck, which is now absolutely covered in corals and colorful fish. Sheesh, even if you’re something of a snorkeling novice, no sweat at all, right? The water usually is very calm, is very clear, but it could be deep. Still, having that kit available, that’s going to mean everyone has got an opportunity to have a peek down under the waves, too it’s almost something special. Always listen to your captain’s advice about where exactly is good for seeing underwater critters and just generally what places to be wary of. Be sure not to touch those corals though, that stuff is incredibly important for them to thrive! We will probably not know if there’s specific rare reefs that would be the case if that’s what we do, or, where currents are going to pick up, as it varies daily with the tide coming in. A great idea would be an underwater camera of sorts for grabbing the best angles.

Swimming and Relaxation: Lounging in the Sun

Beyond the snorkeling, well there is ample time during these tours to just kick back. Many tours make a stop at secluded beaches or even tranquil bays where that you get to have a refreshing swim. If you are on a private tour, then the itinerary is frequently a little bendable, it is often just a question of letting your captain know just where it is you really want to go, and how long it is you’d like to stay put at each location. So, just imagine yourself basking in sunshine on the boat’s deck, likely, sipping on something frosty as the boat rocks just a bit on the gentle waves – seriously, could life actually get much better than that? These calmer moments really let you drink in all the scenery surrounding Willemstad, is that it, a gorgeous mixture of the azure water and the land that’s also dotted with vividly colored buildings.

Food and Drink: Having Curaçao Flavors

Almost any boat tour I went on provided food and drink. Usually that’s included as a standard part of your booking deal, this stuff keeps everyone happy, comfy during your time out on that water. Count on finding things like soda, water, then possibly even a couple of local beers that are stocked onboard. If you’ve gone the private tour route, alright, then it doesn’t hurt, well, it could really pay to talk with that tour operator in advance when it comes to what refreshments are stocked, too it’s almost vital. Is there a picky eater? Just give the operator notice! Many are definitely ready and willing to handle specific dietary needs if you only let them know beforehand. As far as the food part goes, well, that really varies, but expect the simple things that might be something similar to sandwiches, fruit, snacks to keep everyone topped up as they enjoy this sun. Anyway, be sure you use a trash bin for wrappers etc, but this is basic stuff.

What to bring with you?

Getting set for your boat adventure? Let’s double-check, shall we, you pack all you will need to have an awesome, comfy time. That sun in Curaçao, as it turns out, is very intense, arguably so, remember sunscreen. This also, should go without actually needing to be said, but make sure it is reef safe stuff, so, to help protect that marine life. Shades are pretty important too, also, bring a hat for added protection, and of course bring light clothing that can keep you feeling cool. A beach towel, for certain, is going to be essential for drying yourself following your swim. I can speak from experience. If it is that you plan to take loads of photos underwater, consider, or even get a waterproof camera or at the very least a decent phone case that can handle moisture; no one likes an bricked smartphone at sea. In addition, very few ships give their passengers things that might make your tummy turn around. And lastly, perhaps think of getting one of those waterproof dry bag for putting everything from phones, money or wallets so things don’t get sopping wet.

Booking and Pricing: How to Land the Best Deal

Booking any kind of boat tour, well it usually goes easy, particularly with all of those tour operators in Curaçao carrying a web presence. So, that allows comparing prices and reviews simple. Pro tip; I would recommend you to book things in advance, right, specifically during high season, so to ensure that it is that you get the day, and time you actually want. That said, do have a careful peek at those cancellation policies before fully booking – some trips might be a tad flexible compared against others. When it comes down to that price thing, alright, this can really fluctuate based on things like the size of your vessel, what food they bring on that tour and how darn long that thing lasts. Those group tours usually come cheaper by far, than choosing the option of that private tour, yet the private one allows for that bit of personalized pizzazz that really makes your outing something to tell everyone about. Also do check sites providing deals such as Groupon, or other sites, too it’s something that’s sometimes the case.

Last thoughts: Is it Worth It?

So, in sum, spending your hard-earned dollars and time doing a private boat tour right from Willemstad, Curaçao, can be an ace way of checking that destination out coming at it from another angle, it is something unique. Those snorkeling opportunities? I think that you might be stunned how fantastic, and great the visibility. Are those private tours pricy? Yes of course they are, it goes without actually needing to be said, however the flexibility, really it helps get to some seriously spectacular spots, and also have everything adapted how you like, well that really can make the outlay well worth it. So, regardless of if it is that you are a couple who love chilling and quiet times together, is that it, a family doing vacations together, or that collection of close-knit amigos looking just for something truly memorable. Then, getting that private boat tour may absolutely be the absolute star that you talk about the most while you recall this incredible little island vacation to Curaçao, like your trip to Italy or Iceland that you might have taken a few years ago. Be smart and remember sun block or that it will cost you on day two, if you forget! Also do remember to respect your hosts wishes and instructions so you aren’t stuck sitting inside for 48 hours sick.