Aquafari: ride underwater yourself, no diving license needed
Picture this: you glide over Curaçao’s coral reef among tropical fish, with a bit of luck 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. 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 h 15 in total
- WhenDaily 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:45 p.m.
- AgeAges 10+ and at least 4 ft (1.20 m)
- Price€ 125 per person
- PickupFrom your hotel, from US$ 45 round trip per car
At a glance
- An underwater tour of about 45 minutes on an underwater scooter at Boka Sami (Sint Michiel); about 1 hour and 15 minutes including the briefing.
- Your head sits inside a glass air dome: you breathe normally and your head stays dry. No diving or swimming experience needed.
- Down to about 23 ft (7 m) past coral and tropical fish, guided by professional divers.
- Daily at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Ages 10+, at least 4 ft (1.20 m) tall, max. 275 lbs (125 kg).
- € 125 per person; pay only a deposit of € 23 online, the rest at check-in.
- Hotel pickup from US$ 45 round trip per car (max. 4 people), payable at check-in.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Don’t fly within 18 hours after the tour.
Why Aquafari is so special
Dry head, normal breathing
No 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 reef
Coral, schools of tropical fish and often sea turtles too. You see it all up close, at eye level.
Always guided
Professional divers swim alongside you for the whole tour. Beforehand you get a clear briefing in English or Dutch.
On Curaçao since 2013
Since 2013, Aquafari has been the island’s underwater scooter specialist, with several tourism awards to its name.
How the underwater scooter works
Your head sits inside a glass air dome that gets a constant supply of fresh air from a dive tank on the scooter. You simply breathe through your nose and mouth, and your head stays dry.
With a button on the handlebar you cruise gently along the reef, down to about 23 ft (7 m) deep. Professional divers swim with the group the whole time and help wherever needed. You don’t need to know how to dive or swim.
How your Aquafari tour works
- Check in at Boka SamiYou check in at Aquafari on Boka Sami beach, where parking is free (or your driver drops you off). Your belongings go 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 walk into the water to your scooter and put your head under the air dome. Take a moment to get used to it, then head down.
- About 45 minutes underwaterYou ride along the reef in a small group, down to about 23 ft (7 m), with divers all around you. Look out for parrotfish, coral and sea turtles.
- Back on the beachAfterwards, enjoy some time on the relaxed little beach of Boka Sami.
Start times: 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Be on time: the briefing starts at the scheduled time.
Aquafari prices
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Aquafari underwater scooterAges 10+, about 45 min. underwater | € 125 per person |
| Combo Klein Curaçao & AquafariBoat trip and underwater scooter, discounted | € 222 per person |
| Pickup and drop-offPer car, max. 4 people (see rates below) | from US$ 45 |
When you book, you only pay a deposit of € 23 p.p.; you pay the rest at check-in, in cash (guilders or US dollars) or by card. No booking or reservation fees.
Hotel pickup: rates
No car, or rather not deal with directions? A driver picks you up at your accommodation and takes you back afterwards. Rates are round trip and per car (max. 4 people), so a group of four pays the amount only once.
| Pickup from | Round trip, per car |
|---|---|
| Piscadera | US$ 45 |
| Cruise terminal / Otrobanda | US$ 50 |
| Punda / Scharloo | US$ 60 |
| Mambo Beach / Acoya | US$ 65 |
| Kunuku Aqua Resort | US$ 60 |
| Jan Thiel | US$ 90 |
| Coral Estate | US$ 90 |
| Sandals Royal Curaçao | US$ 130 |
| Grote Knip | US$ 130 |
| Other Banda Abou (west side) | from US$ 60 |
Add where you’re staying in the comments when you book and we’ll arrange the driver. You pay for the transfer at check-in at Aquafari. Staying somewhere else? Just ask us.
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 certificate
- want 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
- have claustrophobia, ear problems, heart or breathing conditions or epilepsy (see below)
Included
- About 45 minutes underwater
- Briefing and safety instructions beforehand (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 (optional, from US$ 45 round trip per car, payable at check-in; see rates)
- Towel and swimwear
- Tip for the crew
Location & parking
Aquafari is on Boka Sami beach, Redaweg 8B, in Sint Michiel (about a 15-minute drive from Willemstad). Free parking right outside. See the location on Google Maps.
Good to know
- Minimum age 10 and height 4 ft (1.20 m); under 18 only with an adult. Max. weight 275 lbs (125 kg).
- Not possible with pregnancy, heart conditions, recent neck or back injuries, blood thinners, breathing problems, epilepsy, claustrophobia, ear infections or diabetes.
- No flying within 18 hours after the tour. Underwater you’re under pressure, just like when diving.
- Every participant signs a waiver beforehand.
- Transfer: if you book within 24 hours before departure, pickup isn’t guaranteed. If it can’t be arranged, you get the transfer amount back.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before; after that, charges may apply. Once you’ve paid and signed the waiver there are no refunds, even if you decide not to continue underwater.
What to bring & Mark’s tips
- Wear your swimwear and bring a towel: you’ll be ready in no time.
- Reef-safe sunscreen: whatever you put on 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 (and your transfer, if booked).
- Nervous? First read our explainer on the safety of the underwater scooter.
What guests say
“A really special experience. Good briefing and plenty of divers coming along as guides. We saw beautiful fish, coral and a turtle.”
★★★★★ Flora
“Had a super fun trip at Aquafari today! Friendly, great guidance. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
★★★★★ Merel
“Great experience! They help you well, everything goes nice and calm, and we saw beautiful fish.”
★★★★★ Desiree
Read all 14 reviews »Write a review »
Why book with NaarCuracao?
- Lowest price guarantee and no booking or reservation fees
- Pay only a deposit online; the rest at check-in
- Personal service via WhatsApp, also outside office hours
Book ahead
The number of scooters per tour is limited. Morning tours in particular fill up fast in high season. You pay only € 23 per person now and can cancel for free up to 24 hours before.
Book your Aquafari tour
Choose your date, start time and number of people. Want to be picked up? Add where you’re staying in the comments and we’ll arrange a driver (see the rates).
Aquafari Curaçao FAQ
How much does Aquafari on Curaçao cost?
Aquafari costs € 125 per person. When you book, you pay a deposit of € 23 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 dive tank on the scooter. You breathe normally and your head stays dry. With a button on the handlebar you cruise gently through the water, down to about 23 ft (7 m).
Is Aquafari safe?
Yes. You get a thorough briefing beforehand and professional divers swim with you for the whole tour. Aquafari has been doing this since 2013. Always follow the crew’s instructions and the health rules.
Do I need to be able to swim or dive for Aquafari?
No. You don’t need a diving certificate or diving experience, and you don’t need to be able to swim. You simply breathe inside the air dome.
What is the minimum age for Aquafari?
Ages 10 and up, with a minimum height of 4 ft (1.20 m). Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The maximum weight is 275 lbs (125 kg).
How long does Aquafari take?
You’re underwater for about 45 minutes. Including the briefing, it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. There are daily start times at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.
Where is Aquafari on Curaçao?
Aquafari is on Boka Sami beach, Redaweg 8B, in Sint Michiel, about a 15-minute drive from Willemstad. Parking is free.
Can I be picked up at my hotel for Aquafari?
Yes. We arrange a driver who picks you up and takes you back afterwards. The price is per car (max. 4 people) and depends on where you’re staying: for example US$ 45 from Piscadera, US$ 65 from Mambo Beach and US$ 90 from Jan Thiel. Add it to the comments when you book; you pay for the transfer at check-in at Aquafari.
Can I fly after Aquafari?
No, not within 18 hours after the tour. Underwater you’re under pressure, just like when diving. So don’t plan Aquafari on your last vacation day.
Can I cancel Aquafari for free?
Yes, up to 24 hours before the tour. After that, charges may apply.
Ready to go underwater?
Four start times every day. Dry head, eyes wide open.
