Dust in your hair, mud on your legs and a grin you won’t be able to wipe off all day. An off-road tour might just be the best way to discover that Curaçao is so much more than Punda, cocktails and white-sand beaches. You drive yourself, your guide leads the way, and within half an hour you’re in the middle of a landscape you’d never see from a rental car.
In this guide you’ll learn the difference between a buggy, UTV, quad and ATV, which route to pick (west or east) and which tour suits you best. We’ve driven every one of these tours ourselves. Spoiler: no regrets (our clothes might disagree).
Quick summary
- Buggy = UTV = side-by-side. You sit inside the vehicle, next to each other, with a steering wheel and a roll cage over your head.
- ATV = quad. You sit on top of the vehicle and steer with handlebars, like on a motorcycle.
- UTV Tour West Coast: approx. 4 hours, 2-, 3- or 4-seat UTVs, rugged west coast with a cave, Boka Patrick and a swim at Daaibooi → see the UTV Tour West Coast
- Buggy Tour West or East: 3 hours, small groups, 2- or 4-seat buggies → see the Buggy Tour
- ATV Tour West or East: 3 hours, the most affordable way to go off-road yourself → see the ATV Tour
- Traveling with young kids? Go for a Jeep Safari.
The real adventure starts outside the city
If you only shuttle between Willemstad, Jan Thiel and Mambo Beach, you’re missing a huge part of the island. Drive out of town and Curaçao changes in no time. Asphalt turns into red dirt trails, houses give way to towering cacti (kadushi) and kunuku, the island’s traditional countryside. Iguanas dart between the rocks, and the divi-divi trees all lean the same way, bent by the trade winds: the island’s natural compasses.
What makes Curaçao so special is how incredibly diverse it is for such a small island. In a single morning you’ll drive through a mini desert, step into an ancient cave, watch waves crash against limestone cliffs and dive into calm, turquoise water. That’s exactly why an off-road tour is such a great way to get to know the island.
The west side: two completely different coastlines
The western part of Curaçao, also called Banda Abou, is many visitors’ favorite part of the island. And here’s the cool thing: the north and south coasts are sometimes only a few miles apart, yet they feel like they belong to different islands.
The rugged north coast
The north coast takes the full force of the trade winds. Waves pound the jagged limestone rocks, seawater shoots up out of natural inlets (the bokas) and swimming is basically a no-go. The landscape is bare, dry and impressive: coral plateaus that were once underwater, weathered rocks and views all the way to the horizon. Spots like Shete Boka and Boka Patrick show just how powerful nature is out here.
The south coast and its gorgeous beaches
Cross over to the south coast and it’s like someone flipped a switch. The wind drops, the water turns glassy and bright turquoise. This is where you’ll find the bays Curaçao is famous for: Daaibooi, Kokomo, Grote Knip, Cas Abou and Playa Lagun. Perfect for rinsing off after a dusty ride.
In between lies the interior: the Hato plains, also known as Curaçao’s “mini desert,” and the San Pedro plains. This is where buggies and ATVs really shine. Bumps, potholes, sand and (after a rain shower) plenty of mud.
The east side: hidden caves and wide-open nature
The east side gets less attention, and that’s exactly its charm. From Caracasbaai and Jan Thiel you’ll find stunning lookout points over the coast and the Caribbean Sea. A bit further inland there are hidden caves, the massive wind turbines near the north coast and rough trails full of boulders and rock. Around St. Joris Bay you’ll almost always see kitesurfers flying across the water, and Playa Kanoa is pretty much the only accessible beach on the north coast. Off-roading on the east side means less dust and sand, but more rocks, more views and more “wow, where are we?”
Buggy, UTV, quad or ATV: what’s the difference?
Let’s be honest: all those terms can get confusing. The good news? There are really only two types of vehicles.
Buggy, UTV and side-by-side: all the same thing
UTV stands for Utility Task Vehicle (sometimes Utility Terrain Vehicle). In the US you’ll often hear side-by-side or SxS, and in Curaçao everyone simply calls it a buggy. What you get:
- You sit inside the vehicle, just like in a car: side by side, with a steering wheel, gas pedal and brake.
- There’s a sturdy roll cage over your head and you wear a seatbelt.
- They seat 2 to 4 people, depending on the model.
- Feels familiar if you drive a car. Great for couples, groups of friends or families with older kids as passengers.
ATV and quad: also the same thing
ATV stands for All-Terrain Vehicle. In Europe people usually say quad, in North America it’s ATV (or “four-wheeler”). What you get:
- You sit on top of the vehicle, straddling it like a motorcycle.
- You steer with handlebars and control the throttle with your thumb or hand.
- Room for 1 or 2 people (the passenger sits behind you).
- You feel everything: the wind, the bumps, the dust. More raw and sporty, but also a bit more intense.
Side-by-side comparison
| Buggy / UTV | ATV / quad | |
|---|---|---|
| How you sit | Inside, next to each other | On top, one behind the other |
| Seats | 2 to 4 per buggy/UTV | 1 or 2 per ATV |
| Feel | Comfortable and rugged, “a car in the mud” | Sporty, raw, more adrenaline |
| Protection | Roll cage and seatbelt | Helmet, goggles and balaclava |
| Minimum driver age | 21 + valid driver’s license | 18 + valid driver’s license |
| Great for | Couples, groups of friends, families with older kids | Thrill-seekers, couples, solo travelers |
| Price level | Higher, but you share the buggy | Most affordable off-road option |
The 3 best off-road tours in Curaçao
We’ll be upfront: there are more off-road tours on the island. But we’ve tested these three ourselves and they really stand out. Small groups, guides who know the island like the back of their hand, great routes and above all: well-maintained vehicles. No rickety rides that break down halfway across the Hato plains, just reliable machines you can confidently hit the gas in.
1. UTV Tour West Coast: the ultimate west coast expedition
The tour for anyone who wants to see Curaçao’s wild west. You drive your own UTV behind a local guide and spend about 4 hours on the road. UTVs come in 2-, 3- and 4-seat versions, so you can pick exactly what fits your group.
The route:
- Off-road across the San Pedro plains, with dust, mud and potholes.
- A stop at a hidden cave, where your guide shares stories about the island’s history.
- Boka Patrick: the rugged north coast at its best, with waves crashing against the rocks.
- Cool off with a swim at Daaibooi Beach, one of the prettiest beaches on the west coast.
Good to know: daily departures in the morning and afternoon, with hotel pickup available from most hotels. Bandana, UV goggles, water and a snack are included. Drivers must be 21+ with a valid driver’s license, passengers 12+. Reserve with just a deposit.
Perfect for: anyone who wants adventure, views and beach time in one tour.
2. Buggy Tour West or East: small groups, your choice
This buggy tour (UTV) is a real crowd-pleaser and one of our top-rated excursions. You head out with a maximum of five buggies, so the guide has plenty of time for everyone. The tour lasts 3 hours and you choose: West or East. New: 4-seat buggies are now available too, perfect for families and groups of friends.
West Tour (starts at Dreams Resort, Piscadera)
- Tearing across the Hato plains, Curaçao’s mini desert. Dry spell? The dust gets everywhere. Recent rain? Mud flies past your ears.
- A stop at an ancient cave.
- A refreshing dip at Kokomo Beach to rinse off all the dust.
- Flamingo spotting at St. Michiel on the way back.
East Tour (starts at Caracasbaai)
- A beautiful lookout point at Jan Thiel over the coastline.
- Photo op at the famous “I ♥ Curaçao” bench.
- The mysterious Cave of Doom, a natural cave few visitors know about.
- Real off-roading over rocks and boulders, past the giant wind turbines.
- Catch the breeze at Playa Kanoa on the north coast.
Which one should you pick? The West Tour is more dust, sand and fast driving. The East Tour is definitely off-road too, but more over rocks, with more focus on the scenery. Both have about the same amount of off-road driving and end at the ocean.
Perfect for: people who want to choose, groups, or anyone who’s already done a west coast tour.
3. ATV Tour West or East: pure adrenaline
Want to really feel the wind? Then the ATV tour is for you. Ride solo or two-up, with a maximum of seven ATVs per group and a guide who gives you clear instructions in English. The tour lasts 3 hours and is the most affordable way to go off-road yourself in Curaçao. Helmet, dust goggles and a balaclava are provided.
West Tour
- You’re off-road in no time, since the starting point is already on the northwest side of town.
- Across the Hato plains: dust when it’s dry, mud when it’s rained.
- Along the rugged north coast and past the wind turbines, which are enormous up close.
- A stop at a cave, wrapping up at a natural pool to cool off.
East Tour
- To St. Joris Bay, where you’ll almost always see kitesurfers.
- An up-close look at the ostrich farm.
- The rugged beach of Boka Grandi with stunning ocean views.
- Cool off at Playa Kanoa, the only accessible beach on the north coast.
Which one should you pick? West is more about off-roading through dust and mud. East is more about exploring Curaçao, with off-road trails full of big rocks.
Perfect for: thrill-seekers, solo travelers and anyone who wants to get the most out of 3 hours.
Which off-road tour is right for you?
- Want a cave, the rugged north coast and a top beach in one tour? → UTV Tour West Coast
- Traveling as a group of three? → UTV Tour West Coast, with a 3-seat UTV.
- Want to choose between west and east? → Buggy Tour
- Want maximum adrenaline for the lowest price? → ATV Tour
- Want to see lots of the island with less fast driving? → Pick one of the East Tours (buggy or ATV).
- Want as much dust and mud as possible? → Pick a West Tour across the Hato plains.
- Traveling with young kids? → Jeep Safari (see below).
Heads up: not suitable for young children
Off-roading is a blast, but it’s also intense. That’s why all three tours have age and height restrictions for kids, and they’re not suitable for pregnant women or people with back or neck problems. On the UTV Tour West Coast passengers must be at least 12, on the Buggy Tour passengers must be at least 4 ft (1.20 m) tall, and for the ATV Tour we recommend 18+. Always check the requirements on the tour page before you book.
Want to go off-road with young kids anyway? Join one of the Jeep Safaris. You’ll ride in the back of a big XL jeep while the guide drives and tells stories, and you’ll still see caves, the rugged north coast and beautiful beaches. Adventure for the whole family, and nobody has to drive.
7 tips for your off-road tour in Curaçao
- Wear old, dark clothes. Curaçao’s reddish-brown dust doesn’t always wash out. That brand-new white linen shirt? Leave it in your suitcase.
- Closed-toe shoes are a must. Flip-flops, sandals and Crocs won’t cut it (and they’re not allowed on the ATV tour).
- Use plenty of sunscreen. You’ll be in direct sun for hours. Don’t forget your legs, they sneakily get the most sun.
- Wear your swimsuit underneath. That way you can head straight into the water at the swim stop, no changing needed.
- Bring your driver’s license. Without a valid (original) license you can’t drive. Taking turns behind the wheel? Everyone who drives needs a license.
- Contacts instead of glasses. The dust goggles usually don’t fit over regular glasses.
- Rain? Even better! During the rainy season (roughly October through January) the dirt trails turn into awesome mud tracks. Tours still run, and only in extreme weather will the tour operator offer an alternative.
Why book your off-road tour with NaarCuracao?
- Tested by us: we only recommend tours we’ve driven ourselves and fully stand behind.
- Well-maintained vehicles and experienced, enthusiastic guides.
- Multilingual guides: all tour guides speak English, Dutch and Spanish, and some also speak Portuguese.
- Reserve with a deposit: you secure your spot with a small deposit in US$ and pay the balance before the tour.
- Free cancellation or changes up to 48 hours in advance on all off-road tours.
- Lowest price guarantee and personal service from a team that has known Curaçao inside out for over 13 years, also via WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions about off-road tours in Curaçao
What’s the difference between a buggy and an ATV?
In a buggy (UTV or side-by-side) you sit next to each other inside the vehicle, with a steering wheel and a roll cage over your head. On an ATV (quad) you sit on top of the vehicle, like on a motorcycle. A buggy feels more familiar, an ATV is sportier and more raw.
Is a UTV the same as a buggy?
Yes. UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) is the official name, side-by-side is the common term in the US, and buggy is what most people in Curaçao call it. Just like quad and ATV are two names for the same vehicle.
Do I need a driver’s license for a buggy or ATV tour in Curaçao?
Yes. Anyone who drives must show a valid driver’s license at check-in. A regular US or Canadian driver’s license works. For the buggy and UTV tours drivers must be at least 21, for the ATV tour at least 18.
Do I need any experience?
No. Before you head out you’ll get a thorough briefing on how to drive and on safety. Then you follow the guide at a pace that works for the whole group.
What language is the tour in?
All tour guides speak English, Dutch and Spanish, and some also speak Portuguese. So you’ll get the briefing and all the stories along the way in English.
What’s the best off-road tour in Curaçao?
It depends on what you’re looking for. For the complete west coast experience with a cave, Boka Patrick and Daaibooi, go for the UTV Tour West Coast. Want to choose between west and east, then the Buggy Tour is ideal. Looking for pure adrenaline at the lowest price, go for the ATV Tour.
Can kids join an off-road tour?
To a limited extent. On the UTV Tour West Coast passengers must be at least 12, on the Buggy Tour at least 4 ft (1.20 m) tall. We don’t recommend the ATV tour for anyone under 18. With young kids, a Jeep Safari is a better choice.
How long does an off-road tour take?
The Buggy Tour and ATV Tour take about 3 hours. The UTV Tour West Coast takes about 4 hours. All tours run daily, in the morning or afternoon.
How many people fit in a buggy or UTV?
On the UTV Tour West Coast you can choose 2-, 3- or 4-seat UTVs. On the Buggy Tour (West or East) there are 2- and 4-seat buggies. On an ATV you ride solo or two-up.
Do I have to pay in full when I book?
No. You reserve with a deposit in US$ and pay the balance before the tour. The exact amounts are on each tour page.
Can I cancel my off-road tour for free?
Yes. All off-road tours booked through NaarCuracao can be canceled or changed free of charge up to 48 hours in advance.
Will I get dirty on an off-road tour?
Guaranteed! Depending on the weather, you’ll come back covered in dust or mud. So wear clothes that can get dirty. Luckily, every tour stops at the ocean or a natural pool so you can rinse off.
Does the tour still run if it rains?
Yes, tours run in the rain and it only gets more fun (read: muddier). Only in dangerous weather, like thunderstorms or storms, will the tour operator contact you about an alternative.
Can I film while driving?
Filming or taking photos while driving is not allowed, for your own safety. The guide stops at the best spots along the way for photos and videos.
Ready to eat some dust?
Whether you pick the UTV, the buggy or the ATV: after an off-road tour you’ll look at Curaçao differently. You’ll have seen the island the way most tourists never do, with dust in your hair and a story you’ll be telling for a long time. Pick your tour, grab your oldest T-shirt and hit the gas!