The best Day Trips on Curaçao: My favorite tours (thus far) all in one place

You’re on Curaçao. The sun’s out, the sea’s calling, and the island’s bursting with things to do beyond your hotel pool. So let me help you out: I’ve tested a whole bunch of local tours—from lazy beach days to muddy off-road adventures—and I’ve bundled my absolute favorites below. All of them are bookable via a trusted partner (Viator), and yes—I’ve done (almost) every single one myself. These truly are some of the best day trips on Curaçao you can take.

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What are the best local tours to book on Curaçao?

The best tours on Curaçao include beach hopping, private boat trips, snorkeling with turtles, cooking classes, ATV rides, and off-road buggy adventures—all led by local guides.

Each tour I mention here links to a full story (with affiliate links), so if something sparks your curiosity, dive deeper.

Or, you know, just click and book it. Your future self in a swimsuit will thank you. Whether you want nature, culture, or just a sunny escape, these are the best day trips on Curaçao to get you started.

For Beach Lovers: Go where the sand is

If you want a chill day with turquoise water and a breeze in your hair, book the Private Beach Hopping Tour in Curaçao: Four Beaches, Four People, Zero Stress. I took my in-laws on this one and we floated around like amateur marine biologists spotting fish at Playa Lagun.

Bonus: We saw the beach pigs at Porto Mari. Worth it.

Looking for something with more of a storyline? The East to West Private Tour of Curaçao is ideal for first-timers. It’s like a highlights reel of the whole island—Willemstad, flamingos, Grote Knip, and even sea turtles at Playa Grandi. A full day, but it flies by.

Don’t underestimate the beauty of doing something familiar in a new way. Even if you’ve rented a car before, having a private guide means no parking stress, no wrong turns, and no Google Maps debates with your travel partner.

Is there a local tour with caves, flamingos, and beach time?

Yes, the Private Shore Excursion in Curaçao combines Hato Caves, flamingo spotting, and Kokomo Beach snorkeling into one smooth ride.

This one’s great if you want a bit of everything—nature, culture, and chill time. Plus, Kokomo’s got calm waters and a dive center right on the beach. I floated around like a human jellyfish and called it exercise. No regrets. Honestly, it’s one of the best day trips on Curaçao if you're looking to keep things relaxed but memorable.

For Adrenaline Seekers: Let’s get dirty

Confession: I’m not usually a mud-splattered-thrill-chaser. But these tours totally won me over.

Start with the Go West Buggy Tour in Curaçao. My brother drove. I laughed (and inhaled a lot of dust). You’ll see clay deserts, caves, flamingo salt flats, and then cool off at Kokomo Beach. Highly recommend if you’re into off-roading and sibling chaos.

If you want a slightly more James Bond, less Mad Max version, the 3-Hour Can-Am ATV Tour in Curaçao is your jam. It includes a coconut stop, a swim with turtles, and just enough speed to feel badass—without scaring your mom.

And if water is more your thing: the First Time on a Jetski in Curaçao blog is proof that even scaredy-cats (ahem, me) can handle it. The private guide makes it beginner-friendly and the coastal views are chef’s kiss.

Is it safe to join an ATV or buggy tour on Curaçao if you’re not super sporty?

Yes! Most tours offer a test drive, safety briefing, and plenty of breaks. You don’t need to be an athlete—just wear clothes you don’t mind getting covered in Curaçao dust.

Even as a semi-couch potato, I survived them all with enthusiasm (and sunscreen). And honestly? I felt like an action hero by the end.

For sea turtles and dramatic coastlines

This one’s actually a guest review—but it’s so detailed (and enthusiastic) that I had to include it. The 7-Hour Turtle & Outback Tour in Curaçao sounds like one of the best all-around experiences you can book. According to our guest blogger, you get Shete Boka’s wild waves, cave views, a mini desert, lunch with a view, and the grand finale: snorkeling with sea turtles at Playa Piskado. No staged stuff—just you and wild turtles doing their thing.

What really stood out was how blown away they were by the contrast between Curaçao’s north and south sides. The wild north is all crashing waves and lunar landscapes; the south feels like the laid-back cousin who hands you a coconut and says, "relax, dushi."

So while I haven’t personally done this one (yet), I trust their instincts. It really does sound like one of the best day trips on Curaçao if you want to experience two totally different vibes in just one outing.

For slow days and sailing vibes

Sometimes, you just want peace. Enter the Private Boat Tour in Curaçao. This one’s all about floating past the Spanish Waters, snorkeling in Fuik Bay, and letting someone else handle the sails while you sip a cold drink. It’s super chill, personal, and totally customizable. Great for couples or small groups.

If you’re celebrating something (a birthday, honeymoon, or Tuesday), this trip adds a sprinkle of luxury without the stuffiness. The couple who runs the boat makes it feel like you’re with friends who happen to own a yacht.

What should I pack for a boat tour?

A swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and something to throw over your shoulders. Most boats provide drinks, lunch, and snorkel gear—but always check the booking info. This is easily one of the best day trips on Curaçao if you want to escape the crowds and unwind at sea.

For Foodies: Cook it yourself

Skip the truk’i pan for a day and join the Curaçao Cooking Class. Chef Helmi is a legend, and she’ll show you how to handle lionfish, make funchi fries, and whip up a Caribbean feast. You’ll laugh, chop, and eat under the island sun.

The whole experience felt like a Netflix cooking show minus the pressure and with way better vibes. You bond with strangers over hot sauce and sweet potato while getting hands-on with ingredients you won’t find back home.

Is the Curaçao Cooking Class suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. It’s hands-on but relaxed, and you’ll walk away with new skills (and a full belly). Bonus: you can show off your new recipes back home. Your dinner guests won’t know what hit them.

And if you're a foodie on the hunt for the best day trips on Curaçao with a twist, this one delivers flavor and fun in equal measure.

Final Thoughts: Pick your perfect day

There’s no one-size-fits-all tour on this island. Whether you want to snorkel, sail, drive through red clay, cook with Caribbean spices, or just sit under a palm tree and let it all sink in—Curaçao delivers.

I’ve done these tours, and I’d do most of them again in a heartbeat. If you’re already on the island and looking to turn one of your vacation days into a memory, scroll back up and start clicking.

No matter what you choose, one thing is certain: you’ll come back with sand in your shoes, a phone full of pictures, and at least one story you’ll be telling over dinner for years.

I had the best time—if you’re looking to experience Curaçao beyond the resort, I’d definitely recommend checking out one of these trips. These truly are some of the best day trips on Curaçao you can find.

FAQ

Are these tours suitable for kids? Most of them are! Private tours and boat trips tend to be very family-friendly. Double-check age requirements for ATV and jetski options.

Do I need to bring my own gear? Usually not—most snorkeling tours provide gear or have rentals on-site. It’s always listed in the booking info.

How do I book? Click through to any of the individual blog posts linked above. Each one contains a direct affiliate link to book the tour securely via Viator.

What if I want to do more than one tour? Go for it! Several of these tours are half-day trips, so you can mix and match across your stay. Just leave some time for a nap and a batido.

Do you earn commission? Yes, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the site running.

Enjoy the island!