{"id":80402,"date":"2026-10-06T16:47:33","date_gmt":"2026-10-06T14:47:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.naarcuracao.com\/aquafari-on-curacao-how-an-underwater-scooter-works-and-is-it-safe\/"},"modified":"2026-10-06T17:17:51","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T15:17:51","slug":"aquafari-underwater-scooter-curacao","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.naarcuracao.com\/en\/aquafari-underwater-scooter-curacao\/","title":{"rendered":"Aquafari on Cura\u00e7ao: How an Underwater Scooter Works (and Is It Safe?)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
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Updated: October 6, 2026 · By Nienke, NaarCuracao editorial team in Cura\u00e7ao<\/p>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n

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Cruising underwater among the fish, with no diving certification and your head dry. It sounds like science fiction, but in Cura\u00e7ao you can actually do it: on the Aquafari underwater scooter. How does a scooter like that work, is it safe, and why is this island such a great place for it? Here’s everything you need to know.<\/p>\n

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At a glance<\/h3>\n

An Aquafari underwater scooter is a small, self-propelled scooter with a glass air dome. Your head sits inside the dome, which gets air from a scuba tank on the scooter, so you breathe normally and your head stays dry. You ride along the reef down to about 7 m (23 ft), accompanied by professional divers. It\u2019s safe as long as you follow the instructions and meet the health requirements: ages 10 and up, not pregnant, and no flying within 18 hours. No diving or swimming experience is needed. Aquafari has been doing this at Boka Sami in Cura\u00e7ao since 2013; a tour costs US$ 139 per person.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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What is an underwater scooter?<\/h2>\n

When they hear \u201cunderwater scooter,\u201d many people picture one of those handy little gadgets you hold with both hands while snorkeling. This is something else. The Aquafari scooter is a small vehicle with a glass dome<\/strong>: you go into the water and put your head inside the dome.<\/p>\n

The dome is full of air, just like an upside-down glass you push underwater in the dishwater. A scuba tank on the scooter continuously blows fresh air into it. That’s why you simply breathe through your nose and mouth, without a mouthpiece or mask, and your head stays dry.<\/p>\n

\"Aquafari
The glass air dome: your head stays dry and you breathe normally.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
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How does it work underwater?<\/h2>\n

A button on the handlebar sets the scooter in motion, and you steer it yourself. You cruise calmly along the coral in a small group. You go down to about 7 m (23 ft) deep<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Because you\u2019re underwater, the pressure increases. You feel it mostly in your ears. During the briefing beforehand, you learn how to equalize your ears, just like on a plane. You also agree on hand signals so you can let the crew know how you\u2019re doing underwater.<\/p>\n

Beforehand, you get about half an hour of briefing in English or Dutch. Then you spend about 45 minutes underwater. All in all, it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.<\/p>\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Is an underwater scooter safe?<\/h2>\n

Yes, as long as you follow the instructions. Aquafari has been operating these scooters in Cura\u00e7ao since 2013. You get a thorough safety briefing, and professional divers swim with the group for the entire tour<\/strong>. If you don\u2019t feel comfortable, you give the agreed signal and someone is with you right away.<\/p>\n

There are clear rules, though, because you are under pressure, just like when diving:<\/p>\n