Spanish Water by Boat: Your Private Excursion in Curaçao (2026)
By exploring Spanish Water (Spaanse Water) by boat, you’ll discover far more than just a lagoon. It is the beating heart of Curaçao’s maritime life. Its intricate shoreline, small islands, and sheltered waters create a boating experience unlike anywhere else on the island. Whether you’re seeking tranquility, fascinating historical stories, or simply breathtaking scenery, this guide provides everything you need to make the most of your exploration of the lagoon by boat.
Why Choose Our Boat Tour to Explore Spanish Water?
If you are staying on the southwest coast of the island, you cannot miss Spanish Water Lagoon. Far more than just a marina, this historic bay is one of the most fascinating places in Curaçao. Blending wild nature with luxury waterfront architecture, the lagoon hides secrets that cannot be seen from the shore, but that become visible on our boat excursions, or nearby during our beginner-friendly diving sessions, as well as for certified divers on more advanced dives.
Here are 5 highlights you should not miss when visiting this exclusive area.
What you will see:
Tafelberg: a geological icon
Proudly overlooking the lagoon, Tafelberg (the Table Mountain) is the landmark of the area. Its flat silhouette is unique in Curaçao. Did you know this mountain has been mined for phosphate for decades? It represents an entire chapter of the island’s industrial history, rising above the crystal-clear waters. The best view to admire it unobstructed is from a boat’s deck.
2. The mangroves: the lagoon’s green lungs
Along the shores of Spanish Water, nature takes over. The mangrove forests form an ecological maze essential to local biodiversity. This is where many fish species grow before moving on to the coral reefs. It’s a place of absolute tranquility, perfect for observing nature up close.
3. Luxury villas and private islets to discover by boat on Spanish Water
The lagoon is also the island’s most upscale getaway. As you cruise, you’ll spot incredible architect-designed villas and lush tropical gardens, often inaccessible by road. Between the luxury residences lie small uninhabited islets, giving the lagoon the feel of a private little paradise.
4. Protected marine wildlife (and closely monitored!)
Beneath the surface, life is abundant. The lagoon’s seagrass beds regularly attract sea turtles. To respect this fragile environment, we take a scientific approach: using our hydrophone, we listen to underwater sounds during our private cruises to monitor marine life without disturbing it. This is an immersive experience that turns a simple boat trip into a genuine lesson in nature.
5. The gateway to the open sea: the exit channel
One of the most spectacular moments is passing through the channel that connects the lagoon’s calm waters to the vast Caribbean Sea. Here, the landscape suddenly opens up to the horizon. It’s the essential passage for those looking to leave the bay and experience the grandeur of the open sea.
How to Discover All the Hidden Gems of Spanish Water by Boat?
Most of these sites are invisible from the road or public beaches. To truly explore every corner of this iconic bay, nothing compares to an intimate boat trip away from the crowds.
Whether you are passionate about history, a nature lover, or simply looking for an exceptional experience, we offer a different approach focused on cultural discovery and the serenity of the lagoon. Learn more about our philosophy and who we are to understand our passion for Curaçao and our vision of responsible boating.
Ready to explore the secrets of Spanish Water with us?
Our time slots are limited to ensure a tailored experience (5 adults maximum, or up to 6 people including children). Contact us directly to plan your private trip and discover the very best of Curaçao from the water.
Spanish Water Boat Tour FAQ
Why explore Spanish Water by boat rather than from the shore?
The lagoon features a unique geography with numerous coves and mangrove areas that are inaccessible by road. Exploring Spanish Water by boat allows you to discover these hidden corners
Is it possible to dive inside Spanish Water?
The lagoon is teeming with life, and sea turtles are often seen there alongside essential seagrass beds, but visibility can sometimes be limited for an optimal recreational diving experience. For a more memorable dive, we prefer to take you nearby instead. For example, we offer introductory dives on a small wreck close to the lagoon, and for certified divers we organize trips to the coral nurseries of the “Coral Guardian” program, or excursions to observe a “colony” of turtles at Caracasbaai.
Night dives at Tugboat Beach are also fantastic.
What impact does your excursion have on the lagoon’s ecosystem?
Operating a combustion engine does have an environmental impact, and we are committed to being fully transparent about it. For us, preservation starts with awareness: during our tours, we share a great deal of information about the lagoon’s fragile balance, seagrass management, and local marine life. Educating our guests is the first step in protecting this ecosystem we care so deeply about.
How to book your private trip aboard The Little Green Boat?
Our time slots are limited to ensure a fully tailored experience. If you would like to book your boat trip on Spanish Water or have any logistical questions, please check our general FAQ or contact us directly to arrange a meeting at our anchoring point.