Most visitors see Willemstad's colourful waterfront, a resort beach and not much else. Ask anyone who grew up here where the island is at its most beautiful and they'll point west, to Banda Abou: limestone cliffs, quiet fishing villages, coves of turquoise water and salt flats where flamingos feed. The Curaçao Nature Lovers Tour is five hours out there with a local guide, with the driving, the snorkel gear and the timing taken care of.
Stop 1: Shete Boka National Park
We start where the island meets the open ocean. Shete Boka means "seven inlets", and the coves along this stretch of the north coast are protected as nesting grounds for sea turtles. The waves here hit the coast with real force: at Boka Tabla you can walk down into a cave in the rock and watch the ocean surge in a few metres from you, and further along, the water shoots up through the rock like a blowhole. Park admission is included.
Stop 2: Playa Piskado, swimming with sea turtles
This is the stop people write home about. Playa Piskado (also called Playa Grandi) is a small fishermen's beach, and the sea turtles come in close to shore to feed. Put on a mask, float in the clear water and they swim right past you. The snorkel equipment is included, and so is a picture with the turtles, so all you need to bring is a swimsuit and a towel.
A tip from the guides: give the turtles space and never touch or feed them. They come back to this beach every day because it's calm and safe for them, and that's what makes the experience possible.
Stop 3: Grote Knip (Kenepa Beach)
Next is the beach on every Curaçao postcard: Grote Knip, also known as Kenepa Beach. White sand, water that shifts from turquoise to deep blue, and a viewpoint above the bay that's worth the short walk for the photo alone. You have about an hour to swim, relax in the sun or, if you're brave enough, jump off the rocks like the locals do.
Stop 4: The flamingos of Sint Willibrordus
On the way back we stop at the salt flats of Jan Kok near Sint Willibrordus, where wild flamingos wade and feed in the shallow pink-tinted water. It's a short stop, about fifteen minutes, and one of the best places on the island to see them up close.
Good to know before you go
- Duration and start: about 5 hours, starting at 9:00 AM.
- Pickup: at the cruise terminal (look for the big white tent or a guide with your name or our logo) or at your hotel.
- Included: all fees and taxes, Shete Boka admission, snorkel equipment, water and soft drinks, a picture with the turtles and a small gift per adult.
- Not included: food, beach chairs and tips.
- Bring: swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, extra water and a snack for the way.
- Languages: guided in English, Spanish and Dutch.
- Fitness: easy, but not suitable for wheelchairs or travellers who have difficulty walking.
It's our most-reviewed tour, rated 4.9 out of 5 by travellers on TripAdvisor. Book directly with us below for instant confirmation and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
