West Coast Full-Day Tour with Beaches, BBQ and Blue Room

A Full-Day Ocean Adventure Along Curacao’s West Coast

This review explores the West Coast Full-Day Tour with Beaches, BBQ, and the Blue Room — a popular option for travelers eager for a mix of snorkeling, scenic coastlines, and laid-back island vibes. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, based on hundreds of reviews, it’s clear that many visitors find it offers a well-balanced glimpse of Curacao’s stunning coastal beauty.

What makes this tour particularly attractive? First, the variety of stops — from snorkeling at Kokomo Beach to exploring the Blue Room Cave — promises a full spectrum of oceanic sights. Second, the included meals and drinks make for a stress-free day, without needing to worry about additional costs. However, it’s worth noting that the bus ride back can be lengthy and bumpy, which might be a consideration for those with limited patience or mobility.

This tour suits those who enjoy group outings, and are looking for a combination of adventure, comfort, and excellent value. It’s perfect for first-timers wanting to see several top spots along the coast, or travelers who simply prefer a guided experience that handles the logistics.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Snorkeling, beaches, cave exploration, and island scenery in one day.
• Food and drinks: Breakfast, BBQ lunch, and unlimited beverages — good value for the price.
• Comfortable group size: Up to 50 people, ensuring social but not overcrowded conditions.
• Inclusion of equipment: Snorkel gear and masks are provided, so no need to bring your own.
• Timing flexibility: Around 9 hours, with many stops designed for swimming, relaxing, and sightseeing.
• Potential drawbacks: Long bus ride after the day’s activities might be tiring.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Starting at the Irie Tours marina in Jan Thiel, this tour kicks off early at 8:30am with an easy meet-up. The day is structured to maximize your time on the water and on land, with a focus on experiencing Curacao’s west coast.

First, a quick view of Jan Thiel Beach and Blue Bay Beach—you’ll get scenic sights from the boat as it cruises past these iconic spots, no stops here but perfect for setting the scene. Then, the real adventure begins.

Kokomo Beach — Snorkeling at its Best

After about an hour-long cruise, you’ll anchor at Kokomo Beach for a 45-minute snorkeling session. Reviewers have described the snorkeling here as “extraordinary,” with many noting vibrant marine life and clear waters. While some mention that the snorkel gear is provided, a few reviews indicate that masks might sometimes be sandy or less than pristine, so bring your own if you’re picky. Expect to swim around the boat, rather than dock on the beach itself, which means you’ll be swimming in the water directly from the boat — a refreshing way to start.

Cas Abao Beach — Lunch and Leisure

The next stop is Cas Abao Beach, a two-hour break for a BBQ lunch buffet and swimming. The food has garnered praise, with many reviews calling it “delicious,” featuring skewers, grilled chicken, pork chorizos, pasta salad, greens, and garlic bread. This is a relaxing pause, perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying a hearty meal. The meal offers a good variety, and the drinks flow freely, with options including rum, vodka, beer, white wine, Rosé, cocktails, sodas, and fruit punch.

The Blue Room Cave — Exploring an Underwater Wonder

After lunch, the boat takes you to the Blue Room Cave — a highlight for many travelers. The review quotes describe it as “magnificent,” with some noting that entering the cave can be a little challenging but manageable with crew assistance. You’ll snorkel into the cavern, marveling at the blue hues and underwater formations — a photo opportunity that’s hard to beat. Some mention that the Blue Room Cave can be “a bit messy to get through,” but the crew is attentive to safety and helps everyone navigate the entry.

Scenic Coastline Views and Final Stops

Following the Blue Room, the boat cruises past several more scenic spots—Klein Knip, Groot Knip, and Playa Forti—offering panoramic views without stops, just photo opportunities. Then, disembarking at Playa Kalki, you’ll hop onto a colorful open-air bus for a short, lively ride back to the city, ending around 5-6 pm.

Return Journey

The bus ride back is often described as long — over an hour and bumpy, especially if you are staying in Willemstad or further east. Reviewers recommend pre-arranged hotel pickups to save time and energy, though a few reported that the ride was a bit exhausting after a full day on the water.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included are breakfast ham and cheese sandwiches, coffee/tea, a BBQ lunch buffet, snacks, and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Snorkel gear and masks are also provided, making it convenient for guests who prefer not to carry their own equipment.

On the downside, optional hotel pick-up costs $15, and it’s not included in the base price. Some reviews mention that the drinks during the boat trip could be more varied — but overall, the drinks provided are generous and well-received.

Value for Money

At $140 per person, the tour offers a good deal considering the length, food, drinks, equipment, and multiple stops. Reviewers have noted that the food is tasty and plentiful, and the snorkeling spots are beautiful. The itinerary is well-paced for a full day, and the included gear makes it manageable for beginners.

The Verdict: Who Will Love This Tour?

This full-day adventure is perfect for relaxed travelers who want a taste of multiple sights without the hassle of planning each stop. If you love snorkeling, beach hopping, and scenic boat rides, and don’t mind a bus ride at the beginning or end of the day, this tour is a solid choice.

The group setting fosters a lively atmosphere, and the crew’s hospitality gets many positive mentions. However, if you prioritize luxurious meals or private experiences, or if long bus rides and crowded boats aren’t your thing, you might want to consider other options.

In summary, the tour delivers great value with stunning scenery, good food, plenty of drinks, and memorable underwater moments. It’s best suited for those who are happy to go with the flow, love the ocean, and enjoy meeting fellow travelers in a friendly, informal environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour begins at Irie Tours in Caracasbaai, Jan Thiel, Willemstad, Curaçao, with a start time of 8:30am.

Is transportation included?
You can opt for a $15 hotel pick-up, but it’s not included in the base price. The meeting point at Irie Tours is straightforward and easy to find.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, from the morning meet-up to the return around late afternoon or early evening.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection (sunscreen, hats), a towel, and possibly your own snorkel gear if preferred. The boat provides snorkel masks, but some guests have noted masks can be sandy or less clean.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
The BBQ lunch is generally buffet-style, and dietary restrictions can be accommodated with prior notice (24 hours).

Is there an age limit for participation?
Most travelers of all ages can participate, as long as they’re comfortable with snorkeling and boat activities. Service animals are allowed.

What’s the snorkeling like?
The snorkeling spots are praised for their clarity and marine life, especially at Kokomo Beach. Some reviews suggest the Blue Room Cave is a highlight, though entering requires swimming and some agility.

Are drinks and food included?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks are included — with a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

What do reviews say about the overall experience?
Most reviews are highly positive, praising the crew, the food, the scenic stops, and the Blue Room Cave. A few mention the bus ride back being long or the snorkeling gear sometimes being less than perfect.

This tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and sightseeing — a great way to see the Curacao coast without stress. Whether you’re in it for the underwater sights or the scenic boat ride, it promises a full day of Caribbean charm, good food, and memorable moments.