A sunken tugboat is the star of the day.

This Curacao snorkel shore trip with Scubaçao East Point centers on the Caracas Bay peninsula, where you glide over a coral-covered tugboat wreck and then swim the color-stuffed waters near the pier area often called the Cathedral. I also love how the crew keeps things easy and personal, with a small group size and guides like Ivanna and Quincy sharing local details as you go. One possible drawback: the included meal is a light picnic-style lunch, so don’t plan on it being a full sit-down lunch.

You’ll spend your time split between two main snorkeling stops, plus a bit of shoreline sightseeing at fortress Beekenburg and viewpoints over the Spanish Water. If you’re joining from a cruise port, you’ll also appreciate that the day is built to get you back without burning the whole afternoon.

Key highlights to look for

• Tugboat Beach wreck snorkeling: A long-sunken tugboat carpeted with coral and sponges, with plenty of fish activity.
• Cathedral pier swim: When conditions allow, you can snorkel under/near the pier structure for orange cup corals and colorful reef life.
• Director’s Bay coral scenery: A second snorkeling area with a different look and lots of coral variety.
• Local history stops on land: Fortress Beekenburg (dating back to 1703) plus the Quarantine building and Spanish Water views.
• Small group attention (max 10): Easier gear help, calmer pacing, and more back-and-forth with the guide.
• Beach picnic lunch: A simple, light snack-and-lunch setup after snorkeling.

Caracas Bay: a former Shell bunker turned snorkel zone

Curacao has a way of making industrial history feel oddly beautiful, and this area is the perfect example. You head to the Caracas Bay peninsula on the south-eastern side of Willemstad, where the coastline used to function as a Royal Dutch Shell bunker bay. After the company left the island in 1985, the area was turned into a national park, with beaches and snorkeling that feel both wild and easy to access.

What makes this setup worth your time is that you’re not just chasing random “pretty water.” You’re snorkeling a protected environment with a wreck that has had decades to turn into habitat. That matters because the best snorkeling often isn’t about speed or hype. It’s about time and stability, and this wreck has had both.

Tugboat Beach and the Cathedral pier swim

This is where the day really grabs you. Your first stop is Tugboat Beach, where you can see the sunken Curaçao tugboat. The wreck has been on the bottom since the 1970s and is described as fully covered in coral and sponges. In other words, you’re not looking at a bare metal frame—you’re snorkeling through a mini ecosystem that fish treat like an address.

Expect fish life around the structure, especially yellowtail snappers and sergeant majors. There’s also mention of glassy sweepers hanging around the wreck area. The experience is helped by the fact that you’re usually right where the action happens, not having to fight currents or search for the “right spot.”

The pier swim when the boat isn’t present

A second highlight at Tugboat Beach is the swim near the pier, often referred to as the Cathedral. When there isn’t a ship present, the guide brings you in for snorkeling under/near the pier structure. One of the most repeated details here is the coral color—orange cup corals show up prominently, along with other reef colors that look great even if you’re only an average snorkeler.

Practical drawback to factor in

This first stop is a shore-to-water situation, so conditions can matter. If you’re prone to rough-water nausea, it’s worth knowing the day isn’t always glass-calm. A few reviews point out choppier water at later stops, and you may feel that in your ride and entry.

Director’s Bay: another bay, a different coral look

After Tugboat Beach, you’ll head to Director’s Bay. This stop is described as an amazing bay with a great story, and it’s the place where you get a totally different underwater view from your first stop.

The vibe here is “coral variety.” Reviews mention hard and soft coral and a steep drop-off, which is a big reason the snorkeling looks different from site to site. If you’ve snorkeled before and wondered why some places look flat while others feel layered, this second bay tends to do the layered look better.

A heads-up about water conditions

If the water is rough, you might find the second stop is less comfortable than planned. One review notes the second stop had rougher water than expected. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad stop, but it does mean you should come with a flexible mindset. The guide can sometimes adjust your timing based on conditions.

Beekenburg Fortress, Quarantine building, and Spanish Water viewpoints

Even though this is a snorkeling-focused day, it’s not all water time. You also get a viewpoint break at fortress Beekenburg, dating back to 1703, and you’ll take a good look at the Quarantine building. From there, you get views over the Spanish Water.

This land time is valuable because it gives context to what you’re swimming next to. Curacao’s coast isn’t random. It’s shaped by trade, shipping, and the island’s changing uses over time. If you like connecting the underwater scenes to the island’s story, this part helps tie it together.

How the small-group day works in real life

Scubaçao East Point keeps the group size small, with a stated maximum of 10 travelers. That matters more than it sounds. With fewer people, it’s easier for staff to help fit gear, explain what to do, and adjust pacing if someone needs extra time.

You’ll also see the day run like a coached routine:

• gear setup and orientation at the shop area
• transport out to the first snorkeling spot
• water time at Tugboat Beach
• transport to Director’s Bay
• return for lunch/picnic time
• back to the meeting point area after the experience

Guides make a difference

Names that come up again and again include Ivanna, Evanna, Jillian, Juan, Emma, Quincy, and Vivie. The common thread in the feedback is not just that the guides point out fish. They tend to manage comfort: making sure equipment fits, encouraging first-timers, and staying patient when snorkeling takes a bit to click.

If you’re bringing kids or a family member who’s new to snorkeling, this “slow it down and make it work” style can be the difference between a fun day and a stressful one.

Pickup and where the day starts

The tour offers pickup, and it runs from a meeting point at 41 Nijmegenstraat, Willemstad, Curacao. The day ends back at the meeting point. If you’re doing this from a cruise, double-check the specific pickup instructions you receive so you don’t lose time matching up with the crew.

Gear, rocky shores, and what to bring

The crew provides snorkeling equipment, and you may also see items like pool noodles mentioned for comfort. There are also lockers available at the shop area so you can store your stuff while you’re in the water.

Shoes matter here

Tugboat Beach and the other shoreline areas can be rocky. More than one review recommends wearing boots or using water-friendly footwear (and one traveler specifically says bring boots and fins, or fins that work with boots). If your feet are sensitive, don’t treat this as a barefoot situation.

Bumpy rides and motion

A few people mention that the transport can be bumpy. If you’re carsick-prone, take that seriously. It’s not a dramatic emergency. It’s just one of those Curacao realities where a little preparation helps you enjoy the snorkeling instead of thinking about your stomach.

Lunch and snacks: the part you should plan around

After the water time, you’ll enjoy a picnic-style lunch on or near a beach area. This is included, but it’s described as light.

One review complained that lunch wasn’t what they expected, specifically around pineapple being served and the idea that they thought it would be a sandwich. Translation: if you’re the type who needs a hearty meal to feel human after snorkeling, consider bringing a small extra snack you like. That way you’re covered either way.

Price and value: is $110 a fair deal?

$110 per person can sound steep until you add up what the day actually gives you: two snorkeling areas, local-guided narration, gear support, transport to the water sites, plus the picnic-style lunch.

The best value shows up when:

• you want both the tugboat wreck and a second coral stop
• you like guided local context, not just “here’s the water, good luck”
• you can take advantage of the small-group format

The one value trade-off is lunch expectations. It’s included, but it’s not a giant spread for everyone. If you know going in that it’s light, it feels more fair.

Also consider timing. This tour is often booked about 44 days in advance on average, which is a hint that it’s a popular shore option. Booking earlier can help you lock in the slot you want.

Who should book this snorkel shore trip

I think this tour is a strong fit for:

• first-time snorkelers who want coaching and patient support
• people who love a wreck-habitat experience (the tugboat is the big draw)
• families who want a structured day with two water stops and simple food
• travelers who like combining underwater time with quick cultural/architectural viewpoints

It might be less ideal if you:

• hate rocky shore entries and don’t want to wear water shoes/boots
• want a heavy, sit-down-style meal included in the price
• expect the second stop to be perfectly calm every time (conditions can change)

Should you book Scubaçao East Point for your Curacao snorkeling day?

If you want one of the best-known snorkel setups in Curacao without the chaos of a giant group, I’d book this. The tugboat wreck is the headline for a reason: it’s wreck-as-reef, and it’s the kind of underwater scene that rewards you whether you’re a beginner or an old hand.

Just go in prepared. Wear the right footwear for rocky shore entries. Don’t treat the included lunch as a full lunch buffet. And if you’re sensitive to motion, take motion seriously for the ride.

Do those things, and you’ll likely come away with exactly what this trip promises: a memorable day of Curaçao’s underwater life plus island context that makes the coast feel more than just scenery.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling shore trip?

It runs about 5 hours (approx.).

Where does the tour start and end?

The activity starts at 41 Nijmegenstraat in Willemstad and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What snorkeling stops will I visit?

You’ll snorkel at Tugboat Beach and Director’s Bay.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You’ll have a light picnic-style lunch on the beach area after snorkeling.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, and staff can help with fit.

Can I bring a service animal?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.

What if I need to cancel?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.

You Might Also Enjoy

From Morro Jable: Dolphin and Whale Watching and SnorkellingCurieuse Guided Tour, St Pierre, BBQ & 2 Snorkel StopsPrivate Half-Day Guided Snorkeling Charter in St. ThomasRockingham: 3 Island Wildlife Snorkeling Cruise with Lunch