Snorkel with Turtles & Kenepa Grandi Beach: Nr.1 Island Day Trip

Planning a day on Curaçao and want a taste of its best natural sights? This popular land-based tour combines snorkeling with turtles, visits to some of the island’s most breathtaking beaches, and a glimpse of wild flamingos—all in about four to five hours. While it’s a well-loved adventure, it’s important to look beyond the glossy brochure to see what you’re really signing up for.

What we love about this tour is how it offers a balanced mix of marine encounters and scenic beauty. Snorkeling alongside turtles is a standout, and many guests praise the knowledgeable guides and friendly atmosphere. Plus, the inclusion of free transportation from hotels or cruise ports makes it feel effortless. A potential consideration? The tour involves a fair amount of bus riding—up to 45 minutes each way—and some beaches can be rocky or crowded, so packing water shoes and a sense of flexibility are smart moves.

This trip is ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed yet immersive experience that combines wildlife, stunning beaches, and local wildlife like flamingos. It’s perfect if you want to see Curaçao’s highlights without the need for a boat or strenuous hiking, but still want genuine, memorable moments with its natural beauty.

Key Points

• Marine Wildlife Encounter: Snorkel with sea turtles in their natural habitat, a highlight for most guests.
• Stunning Beaches: Kenepa Grandi (Grote Knip) offers clear waters and white sands, ideal for relaxing or snorkeling.
• Wildlife Viewing: Spot flamingos at Landhuis Jan Kok, adding a unique touch to the trip.
• Guided Experience: Friendly, knowledgeable guides enhance the trip with insights and local stories.
• Value for Money: For around $75, you get multiple stops, transportation, snorkel gear, and bottled water.
• Flexibility & Comfort: Pickup from hotels or cruise terminals, with options for morning or afternoon departure.

When considering a tour like this, value often hinges on the quality of the guide, the scenery, and the authenticity of the experience. From reviews, it’s clear that many guests find this trip rewarding—especially thanks to the guides’ local knowledge and enthusiasm. However, as with any land-based tour, you’ll be spending a good chunk of time on a bus, so patience and an appreciation for scenic drives are helpful.

Itinerary Breakdown

Playa Grandi (also known as Playa Piskado)

This is the star attraction for snorkeling. Many reviewers rave about snorkel time with the friendly sea turtles, describing it as “an amazing and definitely unique experience.” Guests often mention that they can snorkel right beside the turtles or relax on the pier watching them glide through the water, which is a big plus when compared to more commercialized snorkeling trips where you’re just a spectator.

One reviewer, Jennifer_A, praised the guide Naomi as “amazing and quite entertaining,” which indicates that the tour isn’t just about scenery but also about the personal touch guides bring. Naomi’s energy helps make the snorkeling memorable, and many guests note that the turtles are curious, sometimes coming close enough for great photos.

Grote Knip (Kenepa Grandi)

This picturesque beach is another highlight. Known for its crystal-clear waters and fine white sand, it’s a perfect spot to relax or snorkel further. Guests often comment on how beautiful the scenery is, and many consider it the nicest beach they visited on the island.

Some reviews mention that the rocky areas can make swimming tricky or uncomfortable—so packing water shoes is recommended. The time here (about 1 hour 15 minutes) is enough to soak in the views, snap photos, or take a quick snorkel.

Flamingo Sanctuary at Landhuis Jan Kok

Adding a dash of wildlife, the flamingo stop is a picture-worthy moment. While some guests see just a few flamingos from a distance, others report it as a fun and unexpected bonus. It’s a peaceful place to admire these elegant birds in their natural habitat, providing a gentle ending to the tour.

Transportation and Group Size

Transportation is a major plus—pickup from hotels or cruise ports simplifies logistics. The small group size, with a maximum of 84 travelers, ensures you’re not just a number. Many reviews mention the old-school bus with no windows, which adds a bit of charm and adventure, although it can get warm.

Guides like Naomi and Ruth are frequently praised for their knowledge and friendly demeanor, making the bus ride and stops more engaging. Guests appreciate the personal touches and the fact that guides share insights into Curaçao’s culture and history, deepening the experience.

Snorkel Gear and Equipment

Snorkel masks and vests are provided, but a handful of reviews note that the equipment could be improved. If you’re particular about your gear, bringing your own mask or water shoes might enhance your comfort, especially at rocky beaches.

Timing and Duration

This tour is about 4 to 5 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity. The timing options (morning or afternoon) give flexibility, especially useful if you’re on a cruise or want to avoid midday heat.

Cost & Value

At $75 per person, this trip offers solid value. For that price, you get multiple scenic stops, guided commentary, snorkel gear, bottled water, and transportation. Most guests agree that it’s a good deal considering the access to beaches, wildlife, and local insights.

While some reviews mention the bus ride feeling a bit long or beaches being crowded, these are minor compared to the overall experience. The chance to snorkel with turtles, combined with stunning beaches and wildlife sightings, justifies the ticket price for many.

Real Guest Perspectives

Guests consistently praise the knowledge and friendliness of the guides. Whether it’s Naomi’s entertaining storytelling or Ruth’s expert insights, guides help turn a simple sightseeing day into a memorable adventure.

Many reviews highlight how the nature encounters—particularly the turtle snorkeling—are a highlight. One guest even mentioned that seeing the turtles came unexpectedly, emphasizing their wild and unpredictable nature.

On the flip side, a few reviewers express disappointment over the beach conditions or the amount of time spent on the bus, reminding travelers that this is a land route, not a boat trip. Clear communication about the nature of the tour helps set expectations and avoids surprises.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy scenic drives, wildlife, and beaches without the hassle of boat trips. It’s particularly good for families, first-time visitors, or those with limited time but eager to see a broad swath of Curaçao’s natural beauty. If you’re looking for a relaxed, educational, and scenic half-day adventure that combines wildlife encounters with stunning coastal views, this tour fits the bill.

However, if you’re a snorkeler expecting extended underwater time or prefer more secluded beaches, you might want to explore additional options. Also, those sensitive to rocky terrain or bus rides might want to prepare accordingly.

This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Curaçao’s natural wonders, with highlights that include snorkeling with turtles, visiting picture-perfect beaches, and spotting flamingos—all guided by friendly, knowledgeable locals. It’s a great value for the price, especially considering transportation, gear, and multiple stops.

While it’s not a boat-based adventure, the land tour’s flexibility and comfort make it accessible for a wide range of travelers. The guides’ enthusiasm and insights help deepen your appreciation for the island, making this an excellent choice for those eager to experience Curaçao’s natural beauty in a manageable, fun-packed way.

Ideal for families, first-timers, or travelers seeking a stress-free way to explore multiple highlights in one morning or afternoon, this tour offers plenty of authentic moments and photo-worthy sights. Just remember to bring water shoes and a waterproof camera, and you’ll leave with plenty of memories—plus a good dose of Curacao’s charm.

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from your hotel or cruise port is included, making it easy to participate without extra hassle.

How long is the tour?
The total experience lasts about 4 to 5 hours, including travel time, stops, and snorkeling.

Can I snorkel with the sea turtles?
Absolutely. Many guests report snorkeling right beside the turtles, which are curious and approachable in their natural environment.

What should I bring?
It’s recommended to bring water shoes due to rocky areas, a waterproof camera for photos, and possibly a hat or sunscreen for sun protection.

Are there opportunities to relax at the beaches?
Yes. Kenepa Grandi is a gorgeous spot for relaxing, swimming, and taking photos, with plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas.

What if I don’t want to snorkel?
You can opt to relax on the beach and watch the turtles from the pier. The tour is flexible enough to accommodate different preferences.

This guided land adventure in Curaçao combines scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and local culture—all at a fair price and with professional guides. Whether you’re a snorkeler, beach lover, or wildlife enthusiast, it’s a solid, authentic way to experience some of Curaçao’s best natural sites.