Guest Review: 7-Hour Turtle & Outback Tour on Curaçao

When I told someone on the beach I was here to explore the real Curaçao, not just sip cocktails on Mambo, they pointed me toward this 7-Hour Turtle, Outback & Caves Tour.Small group, good guide, snorkeling with turtles—sounded like a solid day out. And let me tell you, it was one of the most surprising and wildest parts of my trip!

I’m not usually a full-day-tour kind of traveler (I like my naps), but this one hit differently.

What do you see on the Turtle & Outback Tour on Curaçao?

The tour includes Shete Boka National Park, the mini desert of Tera Kora, the Watamula Hole, and snorkeling with wild sea turtles at Playa Piskado—plus a local lunch stop.

We kicked things off at Shete Boka National Park, where waves crash into cliff walls with serious drama. It’s raw, rugged and oddly hypnotic. Our guide knew the area well and gave just enough info without turning it into a lecture.

We stopped at the famous Boka Tabla cave—half cave, half ocean explosion. You can go in if the sea isn’t too wild (ours was borderline, but we got a peek). There’s something humbling about watching nature smash into rock with that much force.

Then we crossed the island to the southwest—completely different vibe. Dry red clay and cactus turned into green hills and picture-perfect beaches. That contrast alone was worth the trip.

Snorkeling with turtles? Yes, please.

We ended up at Playa Piskado, where turtles swim around like they own the place (which they kinda do). They’re not staged or lured in—they’re just there, gliding between snorkelers like it’s no big deal. We had plenty of time in the water, and our guide made sure everyone felt safe, even the first-timers.

Lunch was at Forti, and while it wasn’t included in the price, the view alone made it worth it. Eating grilled fish while staring at a turquoise bay = 10/10 would recommend.

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Final thoughts

If you want to see both sides of the island—wild north and chill south—without having to rent a car or figure out where to go, this outback tour on Curaçao nails it. You’ll get blown around by sea spray, hike a mini desert, float next to turtles, and eat with a view. Not bad for one day.

Had I known about it earlier in the trip, I might’ve done it again just for the turtles...

FAQ

How long is the turtle and outback tour on Curaçao?

It lasts about 7 hours, covering multiple stops across both the north and south coast of the island.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included in the price, but there is a stop at Restaurant Forti where you can order à la carte.