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Tugboat Beach, Caracasbaai

Tugboat Beach, Caracasbaai

A coral-covered tugboat wreck in shallow water, a short swim from a small beach at Caracasbaai.

Photo: dronepicr, CC BY 2.0
  • AreaCaracasbaai, south-east coast
  • DepthAbout 5 m
  • Best forSnorkelling, first wreck dive
  • TipWear water shoes

Tugboat Beach is one of the best-loved shore dives and snorkel spots on Curaçao, and it is only about 20 minutes' drive from Willemstad. A small harbour tug sank here decades ago and now rests upright on the sandy slope in about five metres of water, not far from shore. Over the years it has been completely overgrown with orange cup coral and sponges, and it is surrounded by clouds of reef fish.

Snorkelling the wreck

From the beach, swim out towards the buoys; the wreck lies a short distance beyond the shallows, within easy reach for confident snorkellers. In clear water you can see it from the surface, and free-divers can drop down to the wheelhouse. Just past the wreck, the reef slopes away into a drop-off where you may see moray eels, squid, octopus and, with luck, a turtle.

  • Entry: the beach is pebbly and coral-rubble; water shoes make life much easier.
  • Divers: the shallow wreck and the wall behind it make a relaxed shore dive, often a first wreck dive. Dive shops around Caracasbaai and Jan Thiel run guided trips.
  • Facilities: a small beach bar, toilets and usually snorkel gear rental. Check locally whether an entry or parking fee applies.
Tip: Go early. Snorkel boats and tour groups arrive later in the morning, and the water is often clearest before the wind picks up.

Around Caracasbaai

Caracasbaai is a sheltered bay on the south-east coast, with the old fort on the hill and the Tafelberg (Table Mountain) behind it. Catamaran trips to Klein Curaçao leave from this area, and the beaches and restaurants of Jan Thiel and Spaanse Water are minutes away. For a holiday base nearby, browse Booking.com; or, if you prefer your own pool, our friends at Papaya Chiki rent holiday villas in this part of the island.

Snorkel tours that include the tugboat are listed on GetYourGuide. For more spots, see snorkelling and diving on Curaçao and, for the lesser-known west, the Blue Room.

Tours: Tugboat Beach, Caracasbaai

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Frequently asked questions

How deep is the tugboat?

It rests in about five metres of water, shallow enough to see clearly while snorkelling.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

Reasonably confident: the wreck is a short swim from shore and there can be a light current. Use a snorkel vest if in doubt.

Can beginners dive here?

Yes. It is a popular first wreck dive with a dive centre.

Tugboat Beach, Caracasbaai
Photo: Dronepicr, CC BY 3.0

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