Snorkel Shore Trip with Scubaçao “East Point”

The best part of this Curaçao outing is the chance to reach two very different underwater sites in one half-day. At Tugboat Beach, you swim out to a coral-covered wreck surrounded by fish. At Director’s Bay, the focus shifts to coral, a steep underwater drop, and open water views.

I like the small groups, which make it easier for guides such as Quincy, Jillian, Emma, and Juan to help new snorkelers. I also like the mix of sea life and island culture, with views of Fort Beekenburg, the old Quarantine building, and Spanish Water along the way. The main consideration is that the ride can be bumpy, and the outing may run longer if you are sharing transport with scuba participants.

Key points

• Tugboat Beach wreck: Swim roughly 100 meters from shore to a 1970s tugboat covered in coral and sponges.
• Two different snorkel sites: See large schools of fish at Tugboat Beach, then coral and a drop-off at Director’s Bay.
• Patient local guides: Quincy, Jillian, Emma, Juan, and others help with equipment, swimming confidence, and island background.
• Light picnic included: Expect beach food and drinks, but not a full restaurant-style lunch.
• Small-group setting: The maximum group size is 10, though the number of snorkelers can vary when scuba participants share the vehicle.
• Useful shore gear: Water shoes, fins, lockers, and flotation aids may be available through the shop.

Two very different snorkeling stops near Willemstad

This is not a boat trip that carries you far offshore. Scubaçao takes you by vehicle to the Caracasbay peninsula, on Curaçao’s southeastern side, then guides you into the water from shore.

That location has an unusual past. The bay once served as a bunker area for Royal Dutch Shell. After Shell left Curaçao in 1985, the area became a national park with beaches and protected coastal sites. The setting feels more industrial than a postcard beach at first, especially with the large drilling rig visible near one snorkeling area, but that contrast is part of the experience.

You will usually visit Tugboat Beach first, then Director’s Bay. The order or exact second site can change with conditions and the needs of the group. One guide, for example, adjusted the plan when a guest had already visited one of the scheduled locations. That flexibility is useful on an island where wind and waves can change the feel of a shore entry.

Tugboat Beach and the coral-covered wreck

Tugboat Beach is the star of the trip. The wreck sits in relatively shallow water, about 100 meters from shore according to the tour details, so you reach it by swimming rather than boarding a boat.

The tug sank in the 1970s and has had decades to become part of the reef. Coral and sponges cover the metal, and the wreck provides shelter for glassy sweepers, yellowtail snappers, sergeant majors, and other fish. The fish are accustomed to snorkelers, and the area can feel busy with marine life even when the water itself is calm.

This is a strong site for first-time snorkelers because the main attraction is easy to understand. You do not need to identify tiny reef creatures to enjoy it. You can float above the wreck, watch fish move in and out of the structure, and follow your guide’s pointing hand when something interesting appears.

The shore is rocky, so water shoes are a smart choice. Several people found boots and fins more comfortable than bare feet or flimsy beach footwear. If your fins require boots, bring that style or use the equipment supplied by Scubaçao.

The wreck area can attract an underwater photographer. Photos and short videos may be offered for purchase, but you should not feel obliged to buy them. If you want pictures, ask clearly how and when they will be delivered. One practical complaint involved delays in receiving media, so it is wise to settle expectations before leaving the site.

Director’s Bay for coral and a sudden drop-off

Director’s Bay offers a different view of Curaçao’s underwater life. Instead of focusing on one wreck, you swim along coral and toward a steep drop where the bottom falls away into darker blue water.

The coral is the reason to look closely here. You might see hard and soft coral, small reef fish, and sections of healthy-looking reef growth. Several guests considered this the most lush coral they had seen while snorkeling, though conditions vary.

The entry can be choppy. That matters more here than at a sheltered beach, especially if you are not a confident swimmer or if you are bringing children. Guides such as Quincy and Emma have been praised for helping beginners, keeping an eye on the group, and escorting tired swimmers back toward shore.

Do not assume the two stops will feel identical. Tugboat Beach is usually about the wreck and larger fish. Director’s Bay rewards you for looking around the reef and watching the bottom change. If waves make the second site uncomfortable, the guide may adjust the plan, but you should be ready for an active shore entry rather than a floating pool.

Guides who make the difference

The guide can shape this outing more than the scenery does. Names connected with this experience include Quincy, Jillian, Emma, Juan, Evanna, Ivanna, Carolina, Anthony, Mats, and others. Their roles vary, but the strongest pattern is hands-on help with equipment, water confidence, and local information.

Quincy has helped first-time swimmers stay calm, pointed out fish and coral, and shared stories about Curaçao’s past and culture during the drives. Jillian has been praised for adapting the day to the group and for adding information about the island. Emma has helped guests through rougher water and made sure everyone was comfortable.

That kind of support matters if your party has mixed ability. One family brought two children with little snorkeling experience. One child swallowed salt water, another struggled with the ride, and the guide patiently helped both return to the beach. You should still supervise children closely, but the staff appears prepared to assist rather than simply hand you a mask and send you into the water.

The guides also provide context on the drive. You may pass Fort Beekenburg, built in 1703, the old Quarantine building, and views across Spanish Water. These details give the outing more substance than a simple swim between two beaches.

What the five-hour schedule feels like

The advertised duration is about five hours. A typical morning can begin around 8:30 and return you to a cruise ship near 1:00, though timing depends on pickup, group size, traffic, and time spent waiting for scuba participants.

You may first go to the Scubaçao shop to sign waivers, select gear, and place valuables in a locker. From there, the vehicle ride to the shore sites can be bumpy. If anyone in your party gets carsick, plan ahead with whatever remedy you normally use.

At the first beach, you receive instructions and enter the water with your guide. The snorkeling itself may last around 30 minutes at Tugboat Beach, though the exact time depends on the group. Afterward, you ride to the second site for another swim.

The final part is usually a break with food and drinks before returning to the shop and pickup point. Some outings finish in about four and a half hours. Others approach five and a half because the vehicle is shared or because the group waits for scuba participants. If you have a ship departure, leave a generous buffer and confirm the return plan before you set out.

The picnic is useful, but keep expectations modest

Food is included, but you should think of it as a light beach picnic, not lunch at a café. Depending on the day, food may include sandwiches, chips, fruit such as pineapple or oranges, and drinks such as water, iced tea, or cola.

The description of the food has caused confusion for some people. One person expected a sandwich and received sliced pineapple instead, while others received a more substantial picnic. The safest approach is to bring a small backup snack if you have dietary needs or expect a large meal after several hours outdoors.

Scubaçao asks about food allergies, which is helpful, but you should still explain your needs clearly before the trip. If you require a specific meal, confirm exactly what will be provided rather than relying on the word lunch.

The picnic does add value. After two shore swims, a place to sit, fruit, and a cold drink are welcome. It also gives you time to dry off and talk with the guide about the island before heading back.

Equipment, comfort, and shore conditions

Snorkel gear is provided, and the equipment has worked well for many participants. The shop may also provide water shoes, fins, pool noodles, and lockers. A flotation aid can make a real difference if you are nervous in open water or simply want to conserve energy.

Equipment condition has not been perfect for everyone. One person found the company gear worn and preferred personal equipment. If you own a comfortable mask and snorkel, bring them. A familiar mask that does not leak can save time and prevent frustration.

The rocky shore entries are the bigger comfort issue. Wear sturdy water shoes or use the supplied boots. Bare feet are a poor match for the entry points described here.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. Still, this is a water activity with swimming from shore, current, and possible chop. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the guide at the start and use the available flotation support. The staff can help, but you should not treat the outing as a passive beach visit.

How the $110 price compares with the experience

At $110 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see a Curaçao beach. You are paying for transport, a guide, equipment, access to two sites, a picnic, and the convenience of a small organized outing.

The value improves if you are arriving by cruise ship or staying away from the Caracasbay peninsula. You do not need to arrange your own transport, find the wreck, judge the best entry point, or work out how to combine Tugboat Beach and Director’s Bay. The guide also adds local context and helps less experienced swimmers.

The value is weaker if you already have a rental car, your own gear, and plenty of time to visit the beaches independently. It is also less appealing if you want a fast snorkel with no waiting. Shared transport can add time, especially when scuba participants are using the same vehicle.

The current score is 4.8 out of 5, with 94 percent recommending the experience. That matches the main strengths: friendly staff, strong snorkeling, small groups, and thoughtful help in the water. The lower marks point to practical issues rather than a lack of marine life, especially vehicle cleanliness, gear condition, food expectations, and delays.

Who should book this Curaçao shore trip

I would choose this for a cruise stop, a family with mixed snorkeling ability, or anyone who wants two different sites without arranging transportation. The guides have shown patience with children, hesitant swimmers, and people who need help choosing or adjusting gear.

It also suits you if local stories matter. The old Shell bunker area, Fort Beekenburg, the Quarantine building, and Spanish Water add a sense of place between the swims.

Strong swimmers who want nonstop water time may find the five-hour format too slow. The ride, gear fitting, picnic, and possible waiting are part of the package. If your only goal is to snorkel for an hour and leave, this is more organized time than you need.

Book it if you value support and island interpretation as much as the fish. Bring water shoes, consider your own mask, pack a backup snack, and allow extra time after the scheduled return. With those expectations, Scubaçao’s East Point outing offers a well-rounded way to see Curaçao above and below the surface.

FAQ

How long does the Scubaçao East Point snorkel trip last?

The experience lasts about five hours. Some outings may run closer to five and a half hours, especially when the group shares transport with scuba participants.

Where does the tour start and end?

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

Which snorkeling sites are included?

The planned stops are Tugboat Beach and Director’s Bay. Tugboat Beach features a sunken tugboat, fish, coral, and sponges. Director’s Bay features coral and a steep underwater drop-off.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Scubaçao provides snorkeling equipment, and the shop may also have water shoes, fins, pool noodles, and lockers. You may bring personal equipment if you prefer.

Is food included?

A light picnic and drinks are included. Food can vary, but may include sandwiches, chips, fruit, water, iced tea, or cola. It is best not to expect a large restaurant-style 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 experience are not accepted for a refund. The minimum number of participants must also be met.