Tugboat Beach – Caracasbaai

About

Tugboat Beach is a small, calm beach at Caracasbaai on Curaçao's southeastern coast, overlooking the famous Tugboat wreck — one of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean. This quiet and scenic beach is barely visited by tourists, offering a perfect escape from the more crowded beach destinations. The beach itself is small and rocky, with clear, calm water that is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Just a short swim from shore, the famous tugboat wreck sits in only 5 meters of water, completely covered in coral and surrounded by abundant marine life including moray eels, angelfish, and barracuda. The wreck is marked by a buoy and is accessible even to beginner snorkelers. The beach is popular with local divers in the late afternoon, and the calm, protected water makes it safe for families. There are no beach clubs or food vendors on-site, but the tranquility and world-class snorkeling more than compensate. Tugboat Beach is about a 20-minute drive east of Willemstad, and access is free. Combining a snorkel at the wreck with a sunset at the beach creates a perfect Curaçao afternoon.

Caracasbaai, Willemstad

Tips

• Swim out to the tugboat wreck – one of the best snorkel spots on the island
• Very calm and protected water
• Popular with local divers in the late afternoon
• Combine with a sunset here for a perfect day
• The wreck is so shallow you can almost touch it while snorkeling
• Go in the morning when the fish are most active
• Free to visit – no fees

Hours

Mon-Sun Sunrise to sunset

How to get there

Drive east from Willemstad toward Caracasbaai, about 20 min. Turn at the Caracasbaai sign.

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