Private Westcoast Beachhop Tour. Turtle beach, grote knip & More

Introduction:

If you’re looking for a laid-back yet adventurous way to see Curaçao’s west coast, the Private Westcoast Beachhop Tour offers an excellent option. This customizable, private experience promises to hit all the highlights, from gorgeous beaches to unique sea caves, with the comfort of your own schedule. Whether you want to relax on the sand or snorkel alongside sea turtles, this tour aims to deliver a full day of natural beauty and local flavor.

Two things we really like about this tour are its flexibility—you can tailor the stops to your interests—and the knowledgeable guide who makes the experience both fun and informative. The downside? The tour runs around 5 to 6 hours, so if you’re short on time or prefer a more structured itinerary, you might find the pace a bit slow or want to plan your day more tightly.

This experience suits travelers who value personalized attention, love beaches, and want a taste of authentic Curaçao life without crowds. It’s perfect for families, couples, or groups who want to explore at their own rhythm and enjoy a mix of sightseeing, snorkeling, and relaxing.

Key Points

• Flexible, customized itinerary: You choose what to see and how long to stay at each spot.
• Expert local guide: Sihen’s knowledge and friendly attitude make the day more enjoyable.
• Stunning natural sights: Beaches, caves, and wildlife like turtles and flamingos.
• Good value for money: Private, all-inclusive with snacks, water, and snorkeling gear.
• Comfortable transportation: Air-conditioned vehicle keeps you cool on the road.
• Long, immersive experience: Around 5-6 hours, offering plenty of time for photos and fun.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Shete Boka National Park
Your day kicks off with a visit to Shete Boka, a rugged stretch of coast that’s famous for its blowholes and dramatic rock formations. The water crashes into caves and splashes high into the air—a spectacle that makes for fantastic photos. This stop gives you an authentic taste of Curaçao’s wild northern shoreline without feeling rushed, even if the admission isn’t included. As one review notes, the scenery here is “spectacular” and “nice to see the northern side of the island.”

Playa Piskado (Fisherman’s Bay)
Next, the tour takes you to Playa Piskado, a local favorite where fishermen bring in their catches. This is where you’ll probably get into the water for a snorkel, because the clear waters attract a wealth of colorful fish and, importantly, sea turtles. Several reviews highlight the turtle snorkeling here as a major highlight—”swimming with turtles” is often mentioned as a “must-do” and a truly memorable part of the trip. The best part? It’s free, and the relaxed vibe makes it perfect for families or first-time snorkelers.

Playa Forti
Then, it’s time for some spectacular views at Playa Forti, perched atop a cliff with panoramic vistas of the ocean. Besides offering stunning scenery, it’s also famed for its cliff jumping spots—though whether you jump or just enjoy the view, this spot is picture-perfect. You might also find local restaurants here, making it a good opportunity for a casual lunch with a view, as one reviewer mentions, “best pictures with seaview and blue water.”

Grote Knip (Kenepa Grandi)
Arguably the most famous beach on Curaçao, Grote Knip is your next stop. Known for its crystal-clear waters and soft white sand, it’s a classic Caribbean postcard shot. Many visitors rave about how inviting the water looks, and it’s easy to see why—it’s perfect for a relaxing swim. Reviewers often mention how “the water makes you want to jump in,” and many appreciate the tranquility away from the busier tourist spots.

Playa Lagun
A smaller, more intimate beach, Playa Lagun offers a relaxed environment with great views and iguanas wandering around. Here, you can sip a cocktail or smoothie, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. It’s a favorite for those wanting a quiet moment, with one review noting the charming sight of iguanas and “a great view.” It’s a perfect spot to unwind before heading to the blue cave.

Blue Room Cave (optional boat trip)
The tour’s highlight is the Blue Room, a sea cave accessible only by boat. The 1-hour round trip includes snorkeling into the cave, where the shimmering blue light creates a surreal experience. Many reviews describe it as “a once-in-a-lifetime” sight that elevates the day beyond typical beach hopping. The boat ride only takes about 7 minutes, making the cave visit manageable even with limited time. Keep in mind, the cave admission isn’t included, but the experience is widely praised as a major highlight.

Sint Willibrordus Flamingos
The final stop is a quick visit to see flamingos in their natural habitat. It’s a short but memorable encounter with these elegant birds, and a lovely way to wrap up the day, especially if you’ve never seen flamingos in the wild before.

The Experience You’ll Get

The tour includes bottled water, snacks, and snorkeling gear, which adds to the value, especially considering it’s a private, tailored experience. The use of a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle means you stay cool on the drive between sites, and the private nature ensures you won’t be stuck with strangers or rushing from place to place.

Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guide, Sihen, for his friendliness and flexibility. As many reviews mention, he’s great at customizing the day to fit your interests, whether it’s more snorkeling, lounging, or sightseeing. His local insights add depth to the experience, making every stop feel authentic rather than touristy.

The tour lasts roughly 5 to 6 hours, which offers enough time to enjoy each location without feeling hurried. You can relax at the beaches, take plenty of photos, or spend extra time snorkeling with turtles—whatever suits your mood.

What Travelers Are Saying

Reviewers commonly mention how the tour felt like having a “friend drive us,” emphasizing the personalized and relaxed atmosphere. Many say that the snorkeling with turtles at Piskado and the visit to the Blue Room cave are the standout moments. Others appreciate the local flavor, with stops at beaches that aren’t overwhelmed with crowds, and the chance to see flamingos in the wild.

One reviewer sums it up well: “This was by far the best day of our trip and the best way to experience the island. I knew I wanted to go beach hopping after realizing Sandals had only a sorry excuse for a beach, and Sihen made it happen.”

On the flip side, a less positive review points out that communication or timing issues can happen—particularly if the guide isn’t aware of your expectations or if logistical hiccups occur at the gates. Still, most agree that the value and flexibility outweigh these minor inconveniences.

Pricing and Value

At $114.75 per person, this private tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. You get a tailor-made experience, private transportation, snorkeling gear, snacks, and water—all in one package. When compared to larger group tours or cruise excursions, the personalized attention and ability to choose your stops make this a better value for travelers who want a relaxed, custom day.

Many reviews describe it as well worth the cost. With the ability to skip busy spots or spend extra time at favorites, you’re investing in an experience that suits your pace rather than a rigid schedule.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who love beaches, wildlife, and scenic views. It’s ideal if you prefer a customized, private experience over large group excursions, especially if you’re traveling with family, friends, or a small group who want to explore at their own pace. It’s also perfect for those who value local knowledge and want to see authentic Curaçao sites without the crowds.

If you’re a snorkeler eager to swim with turtles or someone enchanted by caves and wildlife, this tour hits those marks. Conversely, if you’re pressed for time or prefer a strict schedule, you might want to consider a more structured option.

The Sum Up

The Private Westcoast Beachhop Tour offers a flexible, intimate way to enjoy some of Curaçao’s most beautiful sights. With stunning beaches, wildlife encounters, and a knowledgeable guide, it provides a personalized adventure that’s hard to match with larger group tours. The combination of scenic drives, snorkel options, and casual stops makes it a great choice for those wanting a laid-back, authentic day on the island.

The value is evident in the all-inclusive approach—snacks, water, snorkeling gear—and the chance to set your own pace. It’s clear from rave reviews that many travelers leave feeling they’ve experienced a true highlight of their trip, thanks to the guide’s friendliness and local insights.

This tour works best for those who enjoy a flexible itinerary, love nature, and prefer private experiences over crowded excursions. If you want to see Curaçao through the eyes of a knowledgeable local, with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, photography, and relaxing, this trip likely won’t disappoint.

FAQ

Is the tour private or shared?
This is a private tour, meaning only your group participates, providing a more personalized experience.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 5 to 6 hours, giving you ample time for each stop and some flexibility.

What’s included in the price?
The fee includes bottled water, snacks, use of snorkeling equipment, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, admission fees for Shete Boka National Park and the Blue Room cave are not included. You should budget accordingly if you want to visit these sites.

Can I customize the stops?
Absolutely. Many reviews highlight how flexible and accommodating the guide is—he can adjust the itinerary based on your preferences.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included and ready for use at the designated snorkeling spots.

What about the Blue Room cave?
It’s accessible by boat, with snorkeling into the cave, and is considered a not-to-miss highlight. The boat ride is about 7 minutes, and the cave visit lasts around an hour.

Enjoy your time exploring Curaçao’s west coast with this personalized, scenic, and adventurous tour—your perfect introduction to the island’s natural beauty.