The Tugboat wreck: snorkel a shipwreck at Caracasbaai
Beaches & nature · 2 min read · Checked November 8, 2026
Short answer
The Tugboat is a small sunken tugboat just off the shore of Caracasbaai, on the south coast of Curaçao east of Willemstad. It lies only about 5 metres deep, so snorkelers can see the whole wreck from the surface. Covered in coral and full of fish, it is one of the island’s most popular snorkel and dive sites.
Where it is
The wreck lies off Tugboat Beach in Caracasbaai (Caracas Bay), on the south coast east of Willemstad, close to Jan Thiel and Spanish Water. It is a short swim out from the beach.
What you see
- The wreck: a small tugboat lying upright on the sand about 5 metres down, covered in colourful coral.
- Fish: the wreck has become an artificial reef with parrotfish, angelfish and barracudas.
- If you look closely: seahorses, octopus, lobsters and moray eels hide in and around the wreck.
- Deeper down: beyond the wreck the reef slopes away into deeper water, for divers.
How to get there
- From the shore: drive to Tugboat Beach in Caracasbaai and snorkel straight from the beach. You will need a car or taxi. See car rental on Curaçao.
- By boat: several boat trips stop at the wreck. You can book one below.
- Diving: the wreck is shallow, so it suits beginners. Open Water divers can dive it.
Tips for your visit
- The shore is rock and coral stone, so wear water shoes.
- Boats come and go in the bay. Stay near the wreck and the beach and keep an eye out.
- Bring a mask, snorkel and fins, and an underwater camera if you have one.
- Don’t touch or stand on the coral, and don’t feed the fish.
Want more snorkelling? Read about the Blue Room sea cave.
Sources: Curaçao Tourist Board, Tugboat, Curaçao Tourist Board, shore diving and Dive Curaçao beach guide.
Photos: the Tugboat wreck from below and from the air, by dronepicr (1, 2), CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Plan it
- Tugboat Snorkel, Spanish Water and Willemstad by Speedboat · Spanish Water, Willemstad and the Tugboat · USD 99 per adult, USD 88 per child (6 to 11)
- Private Tugboat Sea Scooter Snorkel Tour · Caracas Bay · USD 100 per person
- Private Beach Hopping by Boat: Tugboat Beach, St. Anna Bay and Kokomo Beach · Tugboat Beach, St. Anna Bay and Kokomo Beach · From USD 1,300 for up to 2 guests
Frequently asked questions
How deep is the Tugboat wreck on Curaçao?
About 5 metres. That is shallow enough for snorkelers to see the whole wreck from the surface.
Can you snorkel the Tugboat from the shore?
Yes. Enter the water at Tugboat Beach in Caracasbaai and swim a short way out. The shore is rocky, so wear water shoes.
Where is Tugboat Beach?
In Caracasbaai, on the south coast of Curaçao east of Willemstad, close to Jan Thiel and Spanish Water.
What can you see at the Tugboat wreck?
Coral on the wreck, parrotfish, angelfish and barracudas, and if you look closely seahorses, octopus, lobsters and moray eels.
Can beginners dive the Tugboat?
Yes. The wreck is shallow, so Open Water divers can dive it, and snorkelers can see it from the surface.
More about Curaçao
- Can you drink the tap water in Curaçao?
- The bridges of Willemstad: which to walk, drive and photograph
- What does the flag of Curaçao mean?
- Traffic signs on Curaçao: what they mean and who has priority
- Best time to visit Curaçao: weather and events month by month
- Klein Curaçao boat trips compared: five day trips side by side