What is the best tour to go to Klein Curacao?
WHICH BOAT SHOULD YOU BOOK TO VISIT KLEIN CURACAO?
There is basically only one way to get to Klein Curacao: By boat. On the island of Curacao, you will find that there are many tour operators offering boat trips to this small island.
Almost all operators offer an excursion of approximately 7 or 8 hours in total. This is due to the fact that the sailing time is approximately 1 hour and 30/45 minutes, both outbound and return.
It is important to say that all operators offering this tour are licensed and completely reliable. The point is to choose according to your needs.
Going on a boat ride can be the perfect plan to get out of the hotel for a day and enjoy a unique and fun experience, either by yourself, with your partner or with your family. This plan can go perfectly, or on the contrary very badly, if it does not take into account your particular needs and what the operator/boat offers.
It is important, therefore, to clarify what is essential before making the reservation: What does it include? Is there a bathroom on board? Is it a stable boat despite the swell? Is breakfast / lunch included? Are there beverages included to stay hydrated? Are you allowed to bring your own food? Do you offer menus for people with food allergies? Is it possible to dive or snorkel? etc.
Here are my tips according to the needs of the trip:
FOR AN ALL-INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE AND TOTAL COMFORT:
On a personal note, if you want to safely book an excellent experience and know that you will enjoy all the comfort in Klein Curacao, my top recommendation is the all-inclusive tour from Mermaid Boattrips. This operator has an impeccable infrastructure in Klein Curacao that will allow you to have your own beach chair, shade, dining room, buffet, restrooms, shower and even a lookout for spectacular photos of the island of Klein Curacao.
In my experience, being a large and super stable ship, it has been the only one in which I have not suffered seasickness during the trip.
The food is plentiful, practically an “all you can eat” lunch, as there is enough food for all visitors. You can book this option directly here: Tour to Klein Curacao (All inclusive) with Mermaid Boattrips.
For a Luxury Catamaran experience:
There are several operators on the island that offer the excursion on a catamaran. Some are larger than others, and each boat has its own advantages. One of them is Bluefinn Charters, an operator has 2 catamarans with an unmistakable design: Black and White Catamaran, and Apache Catamaran. Both offer an excellent experience. Like the other operators, they offer a BBQ package for lunch, use of snorkeling equipment, non-alcoholic beverages and then Premium bar from 12:30 pm (beer, wine, rum and whiskey). You can book this Catamaran experience here: Trip to Klein Curacao by Catamaran – Black and White
Other operators in the same category are: Irie Tours’ Catamaran, also with two catamarans; Breeze Adventures Curacao’s TopCat, Caribbean Sea Sports, and perhaps others less popular because they specialize in either private tours or diving experiences.
I have compiled some frequently asked questions about the Klein Curacao experience. Check out the section below and write me if you have more questions.
Wanna arrive at Klein Curacao a bit faster?
The idea of going to Klein Curacao is fascinating to many until they learn that before getting there you have to be on a boat for about 1.5 hours. Whether it is because they do not like the motion of the boats, or because they suffer from seasickness, this can be a determining factor.
If you do not suffer from spinal problems, or are not pregnant, an alternative to get to Klein Curacao faster is by speedboat or RIB. This unique operator offers the possibility to reach Klein Curacao in less time, that is to say in only 45 minutes. The operator is Powerboat Caribbean, and you can book it here: Klein Curacao speedboat
Tip #1: Reserve in advance, as each boat accepts a maximum of 10 people.
Tip # 2: Don’t plan to carry too much stuff because the boat accepts a maximum weight, so a small backpack with the essentials will be enough.
TO BOOK A PRIVATE (AND ALL-INCLUSIVE) CHARTER TO KLEIN CURACAO
You may come to Curacao with a family or business group and wish to go to Klein Curacao as a group, without having to share the boat with strangers, so you can enjoy the ride freely during the trip.
This is not always the most desirable for operators, as it is actually more profitable to fill the vessel with the maximum amount allowed per trip. Therefore, the cost of a private charter will be high at first glance, but that is because it must cover operational expenses. Gasoline costs for a ship must be covered on a daily basis, in addition to personnel and maintenance costs after each trip.
If price is not an issue, there is a possibility anyway. The Topcat Catamaran can be booked here for a private charter: TopCat Catamaran
You must keep in mind that even if it is a private charter, you must follow the instructions of the captain of the boat. Being knowledgeable about the sea and Klein Curacao, you will know the best time to go out and what activities are allowed on board and on the beach.
When booking a private charter, be sure to check with the operator if food is included. Sometimes it is necessary to pay an additional price for it depending on the number of passengers and the client’s preferences (it is private, after all).
frequently asked questions – Klein Curacao
What days can I go to Klein Curacao?
Considering the offer of excursions to Klein Curacao, you will see that it is possible to go any day of the week. Determining which day is better would be a different matter. Here is a summary of departures and schedules according to each operator:
The Mermaid: every day except Thursdays and Saturdays. You can board at Caracasbaai, at 6:45 a.m.
Black & White and Apache Catamaran: 5 days a week at 8:30 AM from Zanzibar
TopCat Catamaran: Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at 7:45 AM from Caracasbaai.
Cool Runnings Catamaran by Irie Tours: 7 days a week, at 7:30 AM. from the Pirates’ Nest restaurant (Caracasbaai).
Powerboat: Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. from Zanzibar.
What can you do at Klein Curacao?
The attraction of Klein Curacao is definitely the beach. It is one of the most beautiful in the world. There you can snorkel, dive and swim.
1. In Klein Curacao you can also visit the iconic pink Klein Curacao lighthouse, which is located right in the center of the island. The distance from the beach to the lighthouse is not that long and is worth it to learn a little more about the history of the site, as well as Instagram-worthy photos. You can enter the lighthouse, but be careful, as the structures are very old. The government of Curacao started renovating the Klein Curacao lighthouse since 2017, but it is still not completely safe as not all structures are remodeled yet.
2. In Klein Curacao you will also see ships that have been wrecked due to the northeasterly winds and strong currents that surround the island. One of the most famous was an oil tanker called “Maria Bianca Guidesman”, which was wrecked in the 1960s, in the 20th century. It is gradually disappearing, but it is interesting to contemplate the phenomenon. Another recent shipwreck occurred in 2007, to a French yacht called “Tchao”. It is known that the people on board were saved, but the wreckage is still there. It is strangely beautiful and they are now an attraction for photographs.
3. In Klein Curacao you can dive. It is enough to coordinate this activity with the operator of your choice, and that you are certified for diving.
4. You can practice Kiresurfing. Coordinate with the operator that you will bring your equipment so that they can carry it in a suitable place on the boat.
5. Snorkeling: All operators will normally offer free use of snorkeling equipment.
6. Relax: If you are not a water sports lover and simply want a relaxing day, it will also be possible. The beach is sufficiently large and each boat keeps its distance from groups of other boats. So you can lie down and rest when you are not enjoying the crystal clear sea.
How long does it take to get to Klein Curacao?
Except for the Powerboat, which arrives in 45 minutes, almost all boats and catamarans take approximately 1 hour and a half to 1 hour and 45 minutes to arrive.
The return trip is faster as the boat is pushed by the waves. Therefore, the departure time will be approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
How to go to Klein Curacao?
For those who have never been to Curaçao, this is a normal question. Some people have asked in the forums if it is possible to go by car, or on your own. The truth is that, unless you are the coast guard, you can only go for a boat ride.
Can I go on my own to Klein Curacao?
To go on your own you would need to own your own boat and have permission to sail there. Even many boat operators do not have these permits. Therefore, it would be more advisable to go with a tour operator.
Can I bring my own food to Klein Curacao?
All operators allow you to bring your own food or drinks.
Although all excursions to Klein Curacao include a BBQ-style lunch, with drinks, it is understandable that some people will have particular preferences and not everything you might want will be included in this tour.
If you are vegan, allergic to gluten or have a preference for beverages, please consult before booking to avoid disappointment and to enjoy the tour to your heart’s content.
Are there restrooms in Klein Curacao?
Although most boats will tell you that they have restrooms on board, it is important to remember that the boats are anchored some distance from the beach and to go to the boat’s restroom you will have to swim a bit.
In Klein Curacao there are a couple of makeshift public restrooms that will serve the basic need. However, if you think that you or your companions may need a more adequate bathroom, it is better to book with an operator that has a private bathroom. There are only two with private infrastructure in Klein Curacao: The Mermaid and Miss Ann.
Can I camp or spend the night at Klein Curacao?
Overnight stays in Klein Curacao require special permits and planning between certified operators and coast guard authorities. Due to the logistics involved, it is not a highly promoted activity on the island nor is it often offered by operators. It can be not only costly, but it does not bring profitability to the ship operators, as they may well come again the next morning with a new group.
If you think this would be a plan with a group, contact an operator directly and check the possibilities well in advance.
What should I bring to Klein Curacao?
As in any boat trip, it is essential to bring towels, sun protection, clothes to change, swimsuit, flotation device (if you want), etc.
However, as the vast majority of ships do not have beach houses for shade, it is possible that heat stroke may be an issue to consider before the voyage. Therefore, some additional recommendations:
– Sunscreen (minimum SPF 50)
– Refreshing after-sun skin cream.
– Motion sickness pills before boarding.
For any special needs, it is best to take precautions, because ship captains, although they have first aid kits, cannot foresee all situations or health problems that travelers may experience during the voyage.
Can I dive in Klein Curacao?
Most operators will allow you to dive in Klein Curacao. They may even offer oxygen cylinders in the price. However, they will only allow you to do this if you are a certified diver and in some cases they may recommend that you bring your own buddy to do the dive with you.
Check this plan before booking. Or contact me for more recommendations.
Do you have any further questions? Send me your question here:
