One does not simply visit Curacao without seeing the famous sunken tugboat, right? One of the best things about it is that it’s a unique snorkeling adventure that’s easily accessible and doesn’t require advanced skills or scuba diving. Here’s my detailed guide on how snorkel to the tugboat wreck in Curacao with all the tips you need to prepare for an epic adventure. If you have any questions just let me know. Otherwise, have fun!
A Foolproof Guide On How To Snorkel To The Tugboat Wreck In Curacao
Disclaimer
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FAQ for snorkeling at Tugboat Beach in Curacao
Where is it located?
Caracas Bay, Curacao.
What facilities are available?
Free parking, toilets, beach chairs for rent, and the Tugboat Bar for snacks and drinks.
Is it kid friendly?
Yes. Of course you know your kids better than I do though, so use this guide and your best judgment to decide what’s suitable for them.
What is the cost?
Free.
What type of beach is it?
Rocky shore beach.
What should you bring with you?
- Waterproof satchel for your valuables – I use this one
- Snorkel and mask
- Fins – these are my favorite fins and they’re very travel friendly
- Lightweight towel
- Waterproof camera – I swear by this one and use it with this floaty selfie stick for snorkeling
- Water
- Sun protection – reef safe sunscreen because we love nature
Here’s my full list of favorite products for snorkeling if you want it all in one spot.
Where to park for Tugboat Beach
Use ‘Tugboat Beach’ in Google Maps for navigation and here are the coordinates in case the Google tag changes:
12°04’10.6″N 68°51’42.4″W
The road will come to a dead end and there’s a large open area where you can park.
All you need to do is find a spot off the side of the road.
To get to the beach walk toward the end of the road and you will see the beach to your left.
How to snorkel to the tugboat wreck in Curacao
Even though it lies underwater, it’s quite easy to find the tugboat wreck.
It’ll only take about 10 minutes to get there depending on how much you stop to look at wildlife along the way.
Here are some directions.
Stand on the beach with your back to the beach and the Tugboat Bar to your right. Snorkel out a couple of meters to get past the shallows, then head to your left. You’ll go over some reef, past some large chains underwater, and come across the tugboat.
Stay on the inside of the anchor points in case any boats come by as you’re snorkeling.
The tugboat is not too deep and very easy to spot.
If all else fails, you can look for boats and groups of people snorkeling. It’s a popular spot so if you go towards them, you’ll probably be close to the tugboat.
Snorkeling at the tugboat wreck in Curacao
Seeing the tugboat is a really cool experience – there’s a reason it’s one of the most popular snorkeling spots on the island.
Visually, it’s just plain cool to see an underwater shipwreck that still fairly in tact. This one didn’t split in half after hitting an iceberg so you get to see the whole thing.
The water is shallow enough to get a good look at it even from the surface. Keep an eye out for all sorts of cool coral and passing turtles in the area.
If you like to dive down in the water, it’s fun to snorkel all around the boat looking in the windows and gaps to find all sorts of fish hanging out there.
Since it is popular, you can expect to share the experience with others. It can get a little crowded at times but many are visiting on boat tours and don’t stay there too long.
What to expect while snorkeling at Tugboat Beach
As cool as it is, there’s a lot more to see than just the tugboat.
When you enter the water you can snorkel out and to the right (towards the Tugboat Bar). Here you can look for seahorses, look at the huge beams and reef reconstruction, and snorkel over a shallower reef area. We saw lots of cool animals here like a large stingray, eels, fish, and the landscape was quite interesting.
I’d recommend not going under the docked ship or past the beams for safety.
Another area I enjoyed was the reef area closer to the tugboat. You can find a lot of cool animals here and beautiful reef scenery alongside the large steel chains that make for an interesting underwater landscape.
There’s a map at the Tugboat Bar which points out the different snorkeling areas, so check that out before you get in the water.
It was a fairly easy place to snorkel and wasn’t too demanding, however that’s subjective and you know your abilities better than I do. Always stick to your limits and check the weather before you head out.
The Tugboat Bar
After you’re done snorkeling, stop for a drink at the Tugboat Bar. Lounging in the outdoor seating area with a drink at sunset is a lovely way to end the day.
They offer basic drinks and snacks in a cute, artsy setting. It’s fun to check out all of the unique art made from natural products hanging around the beach bar. You might also come across a couple of sleeping cats who love a little head pat.
Best of all, the owners of the bar are super welcoming and friendly.
They also offer driftwood painting if you want to express your artistic side.
How to take a snorkel tour to the tugboat wreck
If you won’t have a car or prefer to take a tour, here are a few providers:
Here’s my guide on how to prepare for a snorkel tour with a bunch of tips to make sure it’s an epic time!
Where to stay in Curacao
I stayed at Coral Estate Luxury Resort and it was wonderful. It was really nice to be in a quiet area by the water away from the hustle and bustle.
They have an awesome breakfast restaurant where you can eat with your feet in the sand, comfortable rooms with amazing sunset views, and plenty of tours on site.
If you enjoy a little more city life or won’t have a car though, I recommend staying in town. Here are a few options:
- PM78 Boutique Apartments
- Brion City Hotel BW Signature Collection
- Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Resort
Either way, I recommend doing a search on Booking.com which is what I use to book accommodation when I’m traveling. There’s always a good deal to be found there!
Planning tips for Curacao
If you’d like more travel tips, check out my detailed planning guide with the best things to see, do, and eat in Curacao.
Coral Estate Luxury Resort
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