Do you like a local and relaxed atmosphere? Then Tugboat Beach is the perfect beach for you.
Tugboat Beach
The beach owes its name to the small tugboat wreck (Tugboat) located a few meters offshore. This wreck is now covered with coral and a popular spot for snorkelers and divers. With a snorkel or diving equipment you will discover colorful fish, sea turtles and one of the most famous snorkeling spots of Curaçao.
Tugboat Beach is a small and local beach known primarily for its laid-back atmosphere and special underwater world. The beach is located near Jan Thiel, past Spanish Water and Caracas Bay, tucked away in a quiet corner.
Facilities on TugBoat
Tugboat Beach is a public beach and admission is free. However, keep in mind that it is a pebble beach. So, water shoes are not a luxury. For those who want to lie comfortably, beach beds are available for rent for 10 Cg each. You can sit under a wooden shelter, on one of the sunbeds or on the large jetty under the canopy.
In terms of facilities, Tugboat is simple. There is a restroom and a small beach bar where you can get drinks and snacks such as ice cream, chips and hot dogs. There are hardly any natural shade spots, but you can sit under the wooden shelters or the large canopy.
Drilling Island
A short swim from the beach is an abandoned oil rig, which has now been taken over by nature. The steel is overgrown with coral and sponges, creating an artificial reef. This attracts numerous fish and other sea creatures, making the oil rig one of Curaçao’s most impressive dive spots.
Snorkelers can also admire the oil rig, although the distance and depth make it more suitable for experienced swimmers or guided tours. For divers, however, this is a real must-see: it is a unique and almost surreal piece of underwater world that you won’t soon forget.
Snorkeling and diving
The main attraction of Tugboat Beach is, of course, the famous wreck. Just a few meters from the shore lies the sunken tugboat, which thanks to its shallow depth is ideal to explore while snorkeling. The water is calm and clear, so even novice snorkelers will have a great time here. Want to do a snorkel tour that takes you past Tugboat? Then click here for more info.
For divers, Tugboat Beach offers more. Located on the beach, Tug Divers provides diving experiences in a relaxed and personal setting. They work in small groups, so everyone gets plenty of attention. You can start with a guided introductory dive, or choose a guided 1-tank dive at the house reef (≈$65 USD) or a 2-tank dive, including Director’s Bay (≈$110 USD). There are also full dive packages, training (PADI courses) and all necessary dive equipment for rent at Tug Divers. Convenient and worry-free diving, in other words.
Water sports activities
Besides snorkeling and diving, you can also take to the water, by clear water canoe, or in, by underwater scooter. Clear Water Canoe tours start daily at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. and last 90 minutes. You can also rent a canoe independently to explore the bay.
The underwater scooter tour takes 75 minutes (including 15 min explanation). You can do the tour on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and can book from 2 persons. Want to know more about the tour or book now? Then read on here.
There is a minimum age of 12 for both activities. If you book a tour you get a bottle of water and may use a beach bed all day so you can enjoy Tugboat Beach all day.
Creative painting
What makes Tugboat Beach extra special is the creative touch. Everywhere on the island you can buy beautifully painted wooden signs, but at Tugboat Beach you can paint your own driftwood sign every day between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. You’ll be able to make your own. Under the guidance of a local artist, you will create a unique souvenir. For children this is already possible from 10 USD, for adults from 15 USD (excluding the price of the plate, from 10 USD). Prefer not to paint yourself? You can buy all kinds of handmade souvenirs in the gift shop.
Whether you come to snorkel at the iconic wreck, take a dive with Tug Divers, join a canoe or scooter tour, or prefer to express your creativity in a painting workshop, at Tugboat Beach you can do it. With its relaxed atmosphere, simple facilities and unique mix of activities, this is a place where it’s easy to forget about time. Nothing must and everything goes, and that is exactly the charm of Tugboat Beach.
Curious about all the other beaches in Curacao? Check them out here: Beaches of Curacao .
