Snorkel with a wreck in Curaçao. This East Point shore trip takes you to Caracas Bay’s old bunker coastline where snorkeling stops mix coral, a famous sunken tugboat, and breezy local history from guides who actually live here. I like the small group size (max 10) and how the day includes both underwater time and land viewpoints like Fortress Beekenburg. One thing to consider: the schedule can stretch a bit if conditions are choppy or if the group has to wait for other scuba participants.

If you’re the type who likes seeing different kinds of marine life in one outing, this works well. You get a tugboat wreck stop at Tugboat Beach, a second bay stop near Directors Bay, and even a chance to swim near the pier when it’s quiet. A possible drawback is that lunch is a light picnic-style meal, and one guest expected something heavier.

Key reasons to go

• Sunken tugboat at Tugboat Beach: coral-covered wreck with lots of fish activity
• Two different snorkeling vibes: wreck-and-fish first, then coral and drop-offs near Directors Bay
• Local guide storytelling: Curaçao history and place names as you travel
• Small group energy: max 10 people, with extra attention for gear fitting
• Beach picnic + cold drinks: a true break, not just a quick snack
• Scubaçao equipment support: gear is provided, and basics like water shoes help with rocky entries

Why this “East Point” route feels different than a typical snorkel day

Curacao’s south-eastern side of Willemstad is not just postcard scenery. The Caracas Bay peninsula used to be a bunker bay for Royal Dutch Shell, and after the company left in 1985, the area was turned into a national park. That matters because the snorkeling is tied to a real protected coastal zone—so instead of bouncing between random patches, you’re spending your time in a place with a long marine legacy.

The trip also leans into local storytelling. Guides explain what you’re looking at above water and below it, and the stops are arranged so you’re not only swimming—you’re also getting context for why this coastline is special.

Nijmegenstraat start: how pickup and timing really work

The meeting point is at 41 Nijmegenstraat, Willemstad, and the activity ends back there. Pickup is offered, and you’ll get a mobile ticket. In plain terms: you’re not hunting the van all day, and you’re not waiting around forever to get gear.

Group size is small—maximum 10 travelers. That translates into more time getting fitted properly. Many guests highlight guides who take the time to make sure snorkel gear fits comfortably, which is a big deal on a 5-hour outing.

One practical note: the ride can feel bumpy. If you get motion sick, I’d plan for it (one guest specifically mentioned how Dramamine could help). Also, the overall day is listed at about 5 hours, but a few people report it running closer to about 5.5 hours depending on how long the group needs to wait.

Tugboat Beach: the wreck that’s basically a fish magnet

Your first true snorkeling hit is Tugboat Beach, where the star is the Curaçao tugboat wreck. This wreck has been on the bottom since the 1970s, and it’s become a living structure—fully covered in coral and sponges. When you swim near it, you’re not just looking for fish. You’re watching a whole habitat in motion.

What you’re likely to see includes:

• glassy sweepers and other reef fish
• yellowtail snappers and sergeant majors
• coral and sponge growth wrapped around the wreck

One funny reality: fish activity can be tied to what other snorkelers are doing. Some fish gather when people are feeding them, so if you want maximum fish time, you’ll benefit from being calm, staying close to the structure, and letting the scene happen instead of constantly chasing.

The pier swim option (the Cathedral)

When there’s no ship presence, the trip may include swimming “under the pier,” nicknamed the Cathedral. This is where the orange cup corals show up in a very concentrated way. It’s also a nice change of pace from the wreck—more like gliding through a coral wall and letting the current and your breathing do the work.

Footwear matters here

The shore entries can be rocky. Multiple guests recommend wearing water shoes or bringing fins that work with boots, so you’re not limping to the waterline. This is the kind of small detail that changes the whole vibe of the first 20 minutes.

Directors Bay: coral, drop-offs, and a story with context

The second snorkeling stop is Director’s Bay. The bay gets described as an “amazing” spot with a strong story behind it, and the setting complements what you saw at Tugboat Beach. If Tugboat Beach is your fish habitat moment, Directors Bay is the coral and structure moment.

Here’s what stands out: you’re swimming over areas where the seafloor drops off, and the coral growth can be very lush. Guests mention seeing both hard and soft coral, which makes Directors Bay feel like a different underwater world even though you’re still on the same general coastline.

A realistic heads-up: conditions can affect how good the swim feels. One guest noted rougher water at the second stop, and that can slow things down or reduce time in the water. If you’re sensitive to choppy water, you’ll still likely enjoy the first stop, and you can treat the second swim as “go with the flow.”

On-water picnic + cold drinks: simple, and honestly useful

Between swim time and the drive back, you’ll get a break with refreshments. Many guests describe it as a picnic-style meal on the beach area. The lunch is often described as light, and that’s where expectations can clash.

One guest expected something closer to sandwiches after asking about food allergies and instead received sliced pineapple. Another report mentions sandwiches, chips, oranges, and drinks like iced tea, cola, and water. My take: plan for a quick meal, not a full resort buffet, and if you have allergy needs, communicate clearly ahead of time so the team can match what you need.

You also get a chance to relax—especially after returning from the swim between spots. Cold drinks break the salt-and-sun rhythm and make the day feel more like a planned outing and less like a quick grab-and-go excursion.

Fortress Beekenburg and Spanish Water: the land part is not an afterthought

This is one of the reasons I like this trip format. It doesn’t treat the views as optional window dressing.

Toward the end, you’ll get a look from Fortress Beekenburg, dating back to 1703, plus time to see the Quarantine building and take in the view over the Spanish Water. Even if you’re mainly here for snorkeling, the land stops give your brain a breather. You’re also learning why Willemstad’s waterfront looks the way it does—place names and history become easier to remember when you see the coast from the right angle.

Equipment, lockers, and the small comfort wins

Scubaçao provides snorkeling gear, and guests consistently report that the equipment works well. Guides also help with fitting, which matters more than people expect. If you’ve struggled with snorkels slipping or masks pinching before, you’ll appreciate having someone adjust things on the spot.

A couple of extra comfort details show up in feedback:

• lockers are available for belongings
• water shoes are recommended for rocky entry areas
• pool noodles may be provided for people who need extra float support

There’s also mention of photography. In some cases, an underwater photographer is present at the wreck site, and you can purchase photos or videos afterward. If you don’t want that extra cost, you can simply ignore it and focus on your own breathing and fish-spotting.

And yes, some days can include odd local scenery too. One guest mentioned snorkeling near industrial structures (like a drilling rig). That doesn’t mean the water is ruined—it just means you’re snorkeling in a real working coastal zone as well as a protected area.

Price and time: is $110 a smart value?

At $110 per person for about 5 hours with two snorkeling areas, pickup options, equipment support, a light picnic-style meal, and local guide context, this is priced in a way that makes sense for Curaçao. You’re not just buying access to water—you’re buying time structure and help getting in comfortably.

The value gets even better if you prefer small groups over long cruise-style lines. With a cap of 10 travelers, the experience tends to move at a human pace. You also spend more time in the water you actually care about (wreck + coral), rather than constantly shuffling between locations.

The main time trade-off: your outing might run longer than the headline 5 hours. One guest said their trip ran around 5.5 hours due to waiting for other scuba participants. If your schedule is tight after the tour, build in a cushion.

Who should book this snorkel shore trip, and who might hesitate

This tour fits best if you:

• want two different snorkeling experiences in one day
• like local history and place names as you travel (Fortress Beekenburg, Quarantine building, Spanish Water)
• want a small-group feel and someone to help with gear fit
• are snorkeling for the first time and want encouragement (guides like Quincy and Juan get mentioned for being patient and supportive)

It may be less ideal if you:

• need a big, heavy lunch and hate surprise expectations
• are extremely time-sensitive and can’t handle small delays
• strongly dislike photo packages or any extra upsell moments (you can choose not to buy, but it may be offered)
• have zero tolerance for choppy water at a second stop

Should you book Scubaçao East Point?

I’d book it if you want a well-paced, small-group day that mixes a real wreck-and-fish moment at Tugboat Beach with coral and drop-offs near Directors Bay, then rounds it out with views from Fortress Beekenburg. The guides—people like Evanna, Emma, Jillian, Juan, Quincy, and others—show up repeatedly in feedback as friendly, patient, and hands-on with comfort and gear.

If your idea of value is a relaxed schedule, strong underwater variety, and a guide who connects Curaçao’s history to what you’re seeing, this is a solid pick.

If you’re picky about meal size or you want a strictly predictable timeline to the minute, plan conservatively and bring your own expectations for a light picnic-style lunch.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling trip?

It runs about 5 hours (approx.).

How much does it cost?

The price is $110.00 per person.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at 41 Nijmegenstraat in Willemstad, Curaçao, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What snorkeling stops are included?

You’ll visit Tugboat Beach and Director’s Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The team provides snorkeling equipment and helps with fitting.

Is there food included?

There is a light picnic-style lunch, plus drinks during the break after snorkeling.