Curacao’s pristine coastline and abundant marine life make it an unparalleled destination for nature enthusiasts. The Sea Turtle Swim and West Side Natural Highlights tour offers a chance to take in this tropical paradise. Guests can swim alongside gentle sea turtles and explore the dramatic limestone caves and rocky shores of Shete Boka Park. With snorkeling gear provided, they’ll discover vibrant underwater ecosystems teeming with diverse species. After the adventure, a delicious lunch at Playa Forti Bar provides the perfect opportunity to savor the flavors of the region. This intimate experience, limited to just 100 travelers, promises an unforgettable blend of relaxation and excitement.
Key Points
- The tour offered by Aida Travel Services provides opportunities to swim with sea turtles and explore the natural beauty of Curacao’s west side at Shete Boka Park.
- Highlights of the tour include snorkeling, cliff jumping, and observing the dramatic limestone caves, coves, and natural rock formations along the coastline.
- Visitors can enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood and tropical refreshments at the Playa Forti Bar, located within Shete Boka Park.
- The tour has an average rating of 5.0 from 7 reviews, and offers convenient hotel or cruise ship pickup and drop-off.
- While some reviews note mixed experiences with the turtle interaction, the tour is praised for its small group size and overall showcasing of Curacao’s natural wonders.
Tour Overview
The Curacao Sea Turtle Swim and West Side Natural Highlights tour, operated by Aida Travel Services, offers visitors an opportunity to explore the island’s remarkable natural wonders.
This highly-rated tour, with an average 5.0 rating from 7 reviews, takes guests on a journey to discover Curacao’s stunning coastline and wildlife.
Priced from $98.00, the tour includes highlights such as the Shete Boka Park, snorkeling, beach relaxation, and a delicious lunch.
With a maximum capacity of 100 travelers, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience.
Whether you’re seeking to swim with sea turtles or simply learn about Curacao’s natural beauty, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.
Included Experiences
Visitors on the Curacao Sea Turtle Swim and West Side Natural Highlights tour can expect a comprehensive package of included experiences that showcase the island’s natural wonders.
The tour includes entry to the stunning Shete Boka Park, where travelers can explore dramatic rocky coastlines and catch a glimpse of sea turtles in their natural habitat.
Snorkeling equipment and beach chairs are provided, allowing guests to fully enjoy the beauty of Playa Forti.
A delicious lunch at the Playa Forti Bar refuels visitors, while convenient hotel or cruise ship pickup and drop-off ensure a seamless start and end to the day’s adventure.
Pickup and Arrival
Conveniently, the local representative greets visitors at their designated pickup locations, easily identifiable by the Aida Travel Services sign and branded attire.
Hotel guests need only to meet in the lobby 15 minutes before the tour’s start time.
Cruise ship passengers have clear instructions based on their pier – those arriving at Mega Pier 1 have a 5-minute walk to the white tents, while those at Mega Pier 2 Tula take a 10-minute walk to Mega Pier 1. Passengers docking at Mathey Wharf need only a 2-minute walk to the information stand.
With these straightforward pickup arrangements, travelers can effortlessly join the tour and embark on their adventure to explore Curacao’s natural wonders.
Tour Schedule and Accessibility
The tour commences promptly at 9:00 am, accommodating a maximum capacity of 100 travelers.
While not suitable for wheelchair users, the experience does require a moderate level of physical fitness. Infants are required to sit on laps during the journey.
The tour offers several key highlights:
- Explore the breathtaking Shete Boka Park and its stunning natural landscapes.
- Enjoy the opportunity to witness and potentially swim with sea turtles in their natural habitat.
- Relax on the beach and indulge in a delicious lunch at the Playa Forti Bar.
With a flexible cancellation policy allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, this excursion provides an unforgettable way to take in Curacao’s natural wonders.
Customer Ratings and Feedback
Reviewers have offered varied perspectives on the Curacao Sea Turtle Swim and West Side Natural Highlights tour, with some praising the experience while others expressing reservations about the turtle interaction.
Matthew_Z, for instance, enjoyed the caves, cliff jumping, and turtles, and praised the guide Leo.
Jennifer_O appreciated the small group tour, the beauty of Shete Boka, and the snorkeling experience.
In contrast, Jaqueline_G criticized the turtle interaction, preferring to observe the creatures in their natural habitat.
Exploring Shete Boka Park
Shete Boka Park, a natural wonder located along Curacao’s rugged western coastline, offers visitors the opportunity to explore a series of dramatic limestone caves and coves. The park’s main attractions include:
- The Boka Tabla, a magnificent natural rock formation where crashing waves create a powerful, thunderous display.
- Boka Pistol, a cave where seawater is forcefully ejected through an opening in the rock, creating a spectacular water plume.
- Boka Wandomi, a scenic cove sheltered by towering limestone cliffs, providing a serene setting for observing the park’s diverse marine life.
Visitors can hike along the park’s trails, taking in the stunning vistas and seeing Curacao’s captivating natural beauty.
Snorkeling and Cliff Jumping
After exploring Shete Boka’s dramatic landscapes, visitors can dive into the park’s crystal-clear waters for a snorkeling adventure and even test their nerve with some exhilarating cliff jumping.
The snorkeling offers a chance to spot vibrant marine life, from schools of tropical fish to the occasional sea turtle.
For the more daring, the park’s towering cliffs provide the perfect spot to take the plunge. Though the jump may seem intimidating, the adrenaline rush and stunning ocean views make it well worth the effort.
Whether snorkeling or cliff jumping, travelers are sure to leave Shete Boka with memories of an unforgettable aquatic experience.
Lunch at Playa Forti Bar
The Playa Forti Bar, located within the scenic Shete Boka Park, offers a delightful lunch option for tour participants, providing a chance to refuel and take in the park’s natural splendor.
After exploring the caves and cliffs, guests can enjoy a well-deserved break at this beachside hotel.
The menu features:
- Fresh seafood dishes, including grilled fish and ceviche, showcasing the local bounty of the Caribbean Sea.
- Hearty sandwiches and salads, catering to a variety of dietary preferences.
- Refreshing tropical cocktails and mocktails, perfect for quenching the thirst after an adventurous morning.
The relaxed atmosphere and stunning views make the Playa Forti Bar an ideal spot to savor the local cuisine and recharge before embarking on the next leg of the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Appropriate for Families With Young Children?
The tour may not be suitable for families with young children, as it requires moderate physical fitness and does not allow infants to be in strollers. However, the tour does provide child-friendly activities like snorkeling and beach time.
Can I Request Any Dietary Accommodations for the Lunch?
The tour operator is generally accommodating of dietary requests for the included lunch. Guests can likely request vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary modifications by communicating their needs in advance. However, specific options may be limited.
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement to Participate?
The tour doesn’t specify a minimum age requirement. However, parents should consider their child’s ability to participate safely, as the tour involves moderate physical activity and swimming. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.
Is There an Option to Upgrade the Snorkeling Experience?
The tour operator doesn’t offer an explicit snorkeling upgrade, but travelers can inquire about options to enhance their snorkeling experience, such as visiting additional sites or using higher-quality equipment, for an additional fee.
Can I Combine This Tour With Other Activities in Curacao?
While the ‘Curacao Sea Turtle Swim and West Side Natural Highlights’ tour focuses on specific activities, visitors can indeed combine it with other excursions to maximize their Curacao experience. Many tour operators offer packages that allow travelers to mix and match different activities.
Recap
The Curacao Sea Turtle Swim and West Side Natural Highlights tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the island’s captivating natural wonders.
From swimming with sea turtles to exploring dramatic limestone caves, this intimate experience promises an unforgettable blend of adventure and relaxation.
Participants are sure to leave with cherished memories of Curacao’s stunning coastline and vibrant marine life.
