Stand-up paddleboarding through the mangroves of Spanish Water
Glide across mirror-smooth water through green mangrove tunnels, with Tafelberg (Table Mountain) in the background. On this SUP tour by SUP Curaçao you discover Spanish Water the best way possible: standing on a board, with a guide who knows the way. Never been paddleboarding? No problem: you get a briefing first, and the water there is wonderfully calm. Fun for all ages, and kids ages 6 to 11 ride along free on your board.
- WhatGuided SUP tour through the mangroves
- WhereSpanish Water, Caracasbaai side
- Duration2 hours
- WhenDaily at 10:00 a.m.
- Who it’s forBeginners and experienced paddlers, ages 6 and up
- PriceUS$ 74 pp (12+)
At a glance
The SUP tour by SUP Curaçao is a 2-hour guided stand-up paddleboarding tour through the mangroves of Spanish Water, the large lagoon on the east side of Curaçao. The tour starts every day at 10:00 a.m. on the Caracasbaai side, where parking is free. First you get a briefing, then you paddle for about an hour through the calm water and the mangroves while the guide tells you about the nature and history of the lagoon. Water, a snack and digital photos are included. A ticket costs US$ 74 per person ages 12 and up; kids ages 6 to 11 ride along free on a parent’s board (with a basic swimming certificate (such as the Dutch diploma A), maximum one child per board). Online you pay a deposit of US$ 15 per person. Pickup is available: in town for US$ 18 per person, free from Jan Thiel. Changes or cancellation are free up to 24 hours in advance.
Why you’ll love this SUP tour
Through the mangroves
You paddle through narrow passages between the mangroves, where big boats can’t go. Peaceful, green and full of life.
Calm water, great for beginners
Spanish Water is sheltered and calm. Ideal if it’s your first time on a board. The route follows the wind as much as possible.
For all ages
Kids ages 6 to 11 ride along free on your board. From age 12, everyone gets their own board.
Free photos
After the tour you get free digital photos. So your phone can stay safely on shore.
Stand-up paddleboarding through the mangroves of Spanish Water
Spanish Water is a large, sheltered lagoon on the east side of Curaçao. The water is calm and shallow, and along the edges grow mangroves: trees that stand with their roots in the salt water and serve as a nursery for fish and birds.
On a SUP board you can reach places bigger boats can’t: through narrow passages between the mangroves, past small islands, with views of the villas and Tafelberg (Table Mountain). With a little luck, you’ll spot flying fish or a sea turtle along the way.
How your SUP tour works
- 10:00 a.m. Check in at Spanish WaterOn the Caracasbaai side (past the Vissershaven (fishing harbor), then turn left). Free parking right out front.
- Briefing (approx. 15 minutes)How to get on, stand, paddle and steer. It’s fine to start on your knees to get used to it.
- Paddling through the mangroves (approx. 1 hour)With the guide across the calm water of the lagoon, past small islands and through the mangroves.
- Stories about the lagoon (approx. 20 minutes)The guide tells you about the plants, the animals and the history of Spanish Water.
- Break with water and a snackTake a breather on the water or on a small island, then head back to shore.
Times are approximate; the guide adjusts the route to the wind and the group.
SUP tour prices
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| SUP tour, ages 12 and up2 hours, your own board, photos included | US$ 74 pp |
| Child ages 6–11On a parent’s board, with a basic swimming certificate (max. 1 child per board) | Free |
| Pickup in townAll accommodations in Willemstad | US$ 18 pp |
| Pickup from Jan ThielJan Thiel and farther east | Free |
When you book, you only pay a deposit of US$ 15 pp; you pay the rest at check-in. No booking or reservation fees.
Is paddleboarding right for you?
Perfect if you…
- want a relaxed, active morning on the water
- have never tried paddleboarding and want to give it a go
- are traveling with kids (ages 6 and up ride along on your board)
- love nature and want to see Curaçao from the water
Less suitable if you…
- can’t swim: you’ll probably fall in now and then, and that’s part of the fun
- would rather see what’s underwater: then choose Aquafari or snorkeling with dolphins
- have back or balance issues and don’t want to kneel or sit on the board
Included
- 2-hour guided SUP tour through Spanish Water
- SUP board, paddle and briefing beforehand
- Guide who tells you about the nature and the lagoon
- Water and a snack
- Free digital photos afterward
- Free parking
Not included
- Pickup in town (US$ 18 pp; free from Jan Thiel)
- Towel and swimwear
- Tip for the guide
Meeting point & parking
Spanish Water, on the Caracasbaai side: drive past the Vissershaven (fishing harbor) and turn left. Free parking. View the location on Google Maps.
Good to know
- From age 12 you get your own board. Kids ages 6 to 11 ride along free on a parent’s board, provided they have at least a basic swimming certificate (such as the Dutch diploma A). Maximum one child per board.
- You need to be able to swim: falling in is part of it, and the water is warm.
- The briefing is in Dutch; in a mixed group the guide also speaks English.
- Free changes or cancellation up to 24 hours in advance; after that, fees may apply.
What to bring & Mark’s tips
- Wear your swimsuit, and bring a towel and dry clothes.
- Put on plenty of sunscreen and wear a cap or UV shirt: the sun is strong on the water.
- Leave your phone on shore: you get free photos.
- Start on your knees if you’re nervous, and only stand up when you feel confident.
- Bring some cash for the balance and a tip for the guide.
- Not sure if paddleboarding is for you? Read our beginner’s guide.
What guests say
“It was my first time paddleboarding. Great instructions, beautiful surroundings and friendly guides.”
★★★★★ Mariele
“We loved the fun SUP tour! Got the photos from the crew right away.”
★★★★★ Marieke
“What a fantastic trip! Super relaxed, with a fun crew guiding it.”
★★★★★ Femmy
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
There’s only one tour a day, at 10:00 a.m. Especially in high season and during school vacations, it can fill up. You only pay US$ 15 per person now, and you can change or cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance.
Book your SUP tour
Choose your date and the number of people ages 12 and up. Bringing kids ages 6 to 11 along for free? Add it in the comments, along with your pickup address.
Paddleboarding in Curaçao: frequently asked questions
How much does paddleboarding in Curaçao cost?
The SUP tour through the mangroves of Spanish Water costs US$ 74 per person ages 12 and up. Kids ages 6 to 11 ride along free on a parent’s board. When you book, you pay a deposit of US$ 15 per person.
Is stand-up paddleboarding hard?
No. You get a briefing beforehand, and the water at Spanish Water is calm and sheltered. Most beginners are standing within a few minutes. If you’re nervous, you start on your knees.
Can kids join the SUP tour?
Yes. From age 12, everyone gets their own board. Kids ages 6 to 11 ride along free on a parent’s board, provided they have at least a basic swimming certificate (such as the Dutch diploma A). Maximum one child per board.
What time does the SUP tour start and how long is it?
The tour starts every day at 10:00 a.m. and lasts 2 hours, including the briefing, about an hour of paddling, stories about the lagoon and a break.
Where does the SUP tour start?
At Spanish Water, on the Caracasbaai side: drive past the Vissershaven (fishing harbor) and turn left. Parking is free.
Can I be picked up at my hotel?
Yes. Pickup from accommodations in town costs US$ 18 per person; from Jan Thiel and farther east it’s free.
What can you see while paddleboarding on Spanish Water?
You paddle through the mangroves and past small islands, with views of the villas and Tafelberg (Table Mountain). With a little luck, you’ll spot flying fish or a sea turtle.
Can I cancel the SUP tour for free?
Yes, changes or cancellation are free up to 24 hours before the tour.
Ready to get out on the water?
Every day at 10:00 a.m. Kids 6–11 ride free.
