Aquafari: drive your own scooter underwater, no diving certification needed
Picture this: you glide over Curaçao’s coral reef among tropical fish, and with a little luck there’s a sea turtle right beside you. And you don’t need to know how to dive. On the Aquafari underwater scooter, your head stays dry inside a glass air dome and you simply breathe normally. It’s an experience you can have in only a few places in the world.
- WhatUnderwater scooter with air dome
- WhereBoka Sami (Sint Michiel)
- Duration± 45 min. underwater, 1 hr 15 min total
- WhenDaily at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:45 p.m.
- Age10 and up, minimum height 1.20 m (4 ft)
- PriceUS$ 139 pp
At a glance
Aquafari is an underwater tour of about 45 minutes on an underwater scooter at Boka Sami (Sint Michiel) in Curaçao. Your head sits inside a glass air dome supplied with air from a scuba tank on the scooter, so you breathe normally and your head stays dry. You ride along coral and tropical fish down to about 7 m (23 ft), accompanied by professional divers. No diving or swimming experience is needed. Including the briefing beforehand, the whole experience takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. There are four start times every day: 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Participants must be at least 10 years old and 1.20 m (4 ft) tall, and weigh no more than 125 kg (275 lbs). A ticket costs US$ 139 per person; online you pay a deposit of US$ 28, and the rest at check-in. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Do not fly within 18 hours after the tour.
Why Aquafari is so special
Head dry, breathe normally
No dive mask or mouthpiece: you breathe normally inside the air dome. Ideal if you want to see the underwater world but don’t want to dive.
Right in the middle of the reef
Coral, schools of tropical fish and often sea turtles too. You see it all up close, at eye level.
Always accompanied
Professional divers swim with you for the entire tour. Beforehand, you get a clear briefing in English or Dutch.
In Curaçao since 2013
Since 2013, Aquafari has been the island’s go-to specialist for underwater scooters, and it has won several tourism awards.
How the underwater scooter works
Your head goes into a glass air dome that gets a constant supply of fresh air from a scuba tank on the scooter. So you just breathe through your nose and mouth, and your head stays dry.
Using a button on the handlebar, you cruise calmly along the reef, down to about 7 m (23 ft) deep. Professional divers swim with the group for the entire tour and help you wherever needed. You don’t need to know how to dive, and you don’t need to swim.
How your Aquafari tour works
- Check in at Boka SamiYou check in with Aquafari on the beach at Boka Sami, where parking is free. You can store your belongings in a free locker.
- Briefing and safety instructionsAbout half an hour of briefing in English or Dutch: how the scooter works, how to equalize your ears and which hand signals to use underwater.
- Into the waterYou go into the water to your scooter and put your head under the air dome. Take a moment to get used to it, and then down you go.
- About 45 minutes underwaterYou ride along the reef in a small group, down to about 7 m (23 ft), with divers all around you. Keep an eye out for parrotfish, coral and sea turtles.
- Back on the beachAfterward, you can relax for a while on the laid-back little beach at Boka Sami.
Start times: 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Please be on time: the briefing starts at the scheduled time.
Aquafari prices
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Aquafari underwater scooterAges 10 and up, ± 45 min. underwater | US$ 139 pp |
| Hotel pickupArranged separately with a driver | On request |
When you book, you only pay a deposit of US$ 28 pp; you pay the rest at check-in, in cash (Caribbean guilders or US dollars) or by card. No booking or reservation fees.
Is Aquafari right for you?
Perfect if you…
- want to see the underwater world without diving
- aren’t a strong swimmer or don’t have a diving certification
- are looking for an adventure with kids aged 10 and up
- want to try something completely different from snorkeling
Less suitable if you…
- are pregnant
- are flying within 18 hours after the tour, so don’t plan Aquafari on your last day
- suffer from claustrophobia, ear problems, heart or breathing conditions, or epilepsy (see below)
Included
- Tour of about 45 minutes underwater
- Briefing and safety instructions beforehand (in English or Dutch)
- Guidance by professional divers
- Use of the underwater scooter with air dome
- Free locker for your belongings
- Free parking
Not included
- Hotel pickup (arranged separately)
- Towel and swimwear
- Tip for the crew
Location & parking
Aquafari is located on the beach at Boka Sami, Redaweg 8B, in Sint Michiel (about a 15-minute drive from Willemstad). Free parking right out front. View the location on Google Maps.
Good to know
- Minimum age 10 and minimum height 1.20 m (4 ft); under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Maximum weight 125 kg (275 lbs).
- Not possible if you are pregnant or have heart problems, a recent neck or back injury, take blood thinners, or have breathing problems, epilepsy, claustrophobia, an ear infection or diabetes.
- Do not fly within 18 hours after the tour. Underwater you are under pressure, just like when diving.
- Every participant signs a waiver beforehand.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance; after that, charges may apply. Once you have paid and signed the waiver, no refunds are given, not even if you decide underwater that you don’t want to continue.
What to bring & Mark’s tips
- Wear your swimsuit and bring a towel: then you’ll be ready in no time.
- Reef-safe sunscreen: whatever lotion you use ends up on the reef.
- Book a morning tour (9:30 or 11:00 a.m.): the water is often clearest then.
- Not on your last day: you can’t fly for 18 hours after the tour.
- Bring your card or cash for the balance at check-in.
- Feeling nervous? First read our guide to underwater scooter safety.
What guests say
“A really special experience. Good briefing and plenty of divers coming along as guides. Saw beautiful fish, coral and a sea turtle.”
★★★★★ Flora
“Had a super fun trip at Aquafari today! Friendly, great guidance. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
★★★★★ Merel
“Such a fun experience! They help you really well, everything goes nice and calmly, and we saw beautiful fish.”
★★★★★ Desiree
Reviews translated from our Dutch website.
Why book with NaarCuracao?
- Lowest price guarantee and no booking or reservation fees
- Online you only pay a deposit; you pay the rest at check-in
- Personal service via WhatsApp, also outside office hours
Book early
The number of scooters per tour is limited. The morning tours in particular fill up fast in high season. You only pay US$ 28 per person now, and you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance.
Book your Aquafari tour
Choose your date, start time and number of people. Need a hotel pickup? Add it in the comments and we’ll arrange a driver.
Aquafari Curaçao FAQ
How much does Aquafari cost in Curaçao?
Aquafari costs US$ 139 per person. When you book, you pay a deposit of US$ 28 per person; you pay the rest at check-in, in cash or by card.
How does an underwater scooter work?
Your head sits inside a glass air dome that gets air from a scuba tank on the scooter. So you breathe normally and your head stays dry. Using a button on the handlebar, you cruise calmly through the water, down to about 7 m (23 ft).
Is Aquafari safe?
Yes. You get a thorough briefing beforehand, and professional divers swim with you for the entire tour. Aquafari has been doing this since 2013. Always follow the crew’s instructions and stick to the health requirements.
Do I need to know how to swim or dive for Aquafari?
No. You don’t need a diving certification or diving experience, and you don’t need to know how to swim either. You simply breathe inside the air dome.
What is the minimum age for Aquafari?
Ages 10 and up, with a minimum height of 1.20 m (4 ft). Children and teens under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The maximum weight is 125 kg (275 lbs).
How long does Aquafari take?
You’re underwater for about 45 minutes. Including the briefing beforehand, the whole experience takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. There are start times every day at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.
Where is Aquafari in Curaçao?
Aquafari is located on the beach at Boka Sami, Redaweg 8B, in Sint Michiel, about a 15-minute drive from Willemstad. Parking is free.
Can I fly after Aquafari?
No, not within 18 hours after the tour. Underwater you are under pressure, just like when diving. So don’t plan Aquafari on the last day of your vacation.
Can I cancel Aquafari for free?
Yes, up to 24 hours before the tour. After that, charges may apply.
Can I do Aquafari during a cruise stop in Curaçao?
Yes, if you plan well. Aquafari is at Boka Sami, about 15 to 20 minutes by car from the cruise piers in Willemstad. For cruise passengers we recommend the 11:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. tour. We can arrange a transfer from the cruise terminal for US$ 50 round trip, for up to 4 people. Always check your ship’s all-aboard time.
Ready to go underwater?
Four start times every day. Head dry, eyes wide open.
