Visiting Curaçao on a cruise ship? Make the most of your time in port with a Powerboat Caribbean shore excursion. Whether you have 4 hours or a full day, we have a tour that fits your schedule and gets you back to your ship with time to spare. Our small-group boat tours (maximum 18 people per boat) offer something the big cruise line excursions cannot: a personal, adrenaline-filled experience with a local crew that knows every hidden gem on the island.
Most cruise ships dock at the Mega Pier in Willemstad, right in the heart of the capital. From the cruise terminal, our boarding locations at Mambo Beach (Mood Beach) and Marichi Pier are just a short taxi ride or walk away. Contact us via WhatsApp at +5999 683 5626 with your ship name and port schedule and we will confirm the best tour and timing for you.
BEST FOR SHORT PORT CALLS (4–6 hours in port):
Tugboat & Spanish Water Tour - 2.5 hours, $99 per person. This is our number one recommendation for cruise visitors. Board at Marichi Pier at 10:00, just 10 minutes by taxi from the Mega Pier. In 2.5 hours you snorkel at the famous Tugboat shipwreck (Curaçao’s number one snorkel spot), cruise through the scenic Spanish Water area past luxury villas and mega-yachts, and see the colorful Willemstad waterfront and Pontoon Bridge from the water. Back at Marichi Pier by approximately 12:30, giving you the entire afternoon to explore Willemstad, grab lunch, or shop before returning to your ship. Unlimited drinks and snorkel equipment included.
BEST FOR LONGER PORT CALLS (7+ hours in port):
West Coast Snorkel Adventure — 6 hours, $185 per person. Board at Marichi Pier at 10:00 am. This action-packed full-day tour takes you to swim with wild sea turtles at Playa Piskado (100% turtle guarantee), explore the Blue Room cave with its mesmerizing blue glow, and snorkel at multiple spots along Curaçao’s stunning west coast. Includes freshly prepared BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks all day. Back by approximately 15:45–16:00.
Private Boat Charter — 2–6 hours, from $300 per hour. Perfect for cruise groups who want a completely customized experience. We pick you up at Marichi Pier and create a tailor-made itinerary that fits your exact port time. Captain, crew, and unlimited drinks included. Up to 18 people per boat, up to 30 with two boats going out together.
The Willemstad cruise terminal (Mega Pier) is located on the Otrobanda side of the city, within walking distance of the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge and the colorful Handelskade waterfront. From the terminal to our departure points:
To Marichi Pier: approximately 20 minutes walking, 15 minutes bij taxi, $15-25. This is the closest departure point from the cruise pier. After you cross the Pontoon bridge, you keep on walking past the ‘Dushi’ and the ‘Curacao’ sign. On the right you see a yellow church-like building. That is where you will find the Marichi Pier.
To Jan Thiel Beach (Zanzibar): approximately 15–20 minutes by taxi, $15–25. Required only if you are joining the Klein Curaçao day trip (departs 09:45) or prefer Jan Thiel as your departure beach. We do not recommend the Klein Curaçao day trip for cruise ship visitors.
Taxis are readily available at the cruise port exit. We can also arrange transport for you — send a WhatsApp message to +5999 683 5626 with your ship name and we will coordinate everything.
Cruise lines sell shore excursions at a significant markup, often for large-group bus tours or crowded catamaran trips with 50–80 people. Here is why booking directly with Powerboat Caribbean is a better choice:
Small groups: Maximum 18 people per boat versus 50–80 on a catamaran. Personal attention from crew and a much more intimate, fun experience.
Fastest boats on the island: Our RIB boats reach speeds that catamarans cannot match. Less time in transit means more time at the actual attractions - snorkeling, sightseeing, and enjoying the Caribbean water.
Local expertise: Our captains and crew are Curaçao locals who know every hidden bay, snorkel spot, and shortcut. They share insider tips, restaurant recommendations, and local knowledge throughout the tour.
Better value: Our tours include BBQ lunch (full-day tours), unlimited drinks (beer, wine, water, soft drinks, seltzers), snorkel equipment, and experienced crew - often at a lower price than the equivalent cruise line excursion.
Flexible scheduling: We work with your specific port times. Tell us your ship arrival and departure time and we will recommend the tour that fits perfectly, guaranteed to get you back on time.
Curaçao’s Mega Pier regularly welcomes ships from Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, AIDA, TUI, and many others. Most ships dock between 07:00 and 08:00 and depart between 17:00 and 23:00, giving you 6–9 hours in port. We have hosted guests from all major cruise lines and know how to work with each schedule. Send us your ship name via WhatsApp and we will confirm everything.
Q: Will I get back to my ship on time?
Yes! We always confirm your ship’s departure time before the tour and plan accordingly. Our Tugboat tour (2.5 hours) has you back at Marichi Pier by 12:30 hours before any ship departs. Our West Coast tour returns by 15:45–16:00. We have never caused a guest to miss their ship.
Q: How do I get from the cruise port to your boat?
Walk from the cruise pier towards the city center. Cross the Pontoon Bridge. If the bridge is open there are ferries to take you to the other side. Follow the main shopping street. You will find the ‘Dushi’ and ‘Curacao’ signs on your right. Keep on walking until you see a yellow church like building. Go there and follow the ocean to see the beach and the Marichi Pier.
Or
Take a taxi from the Mega Pier terminal to Marichi Pier, approximately 10 minutes, $10–15. Taxis are available right at the port exit. We can also arrange pickup via WhatsApp at +5999 683 5626.
Q: Can I book a private charter for my cruise group?
Absolutely! Private charters from $300 per hour are perfect for cruise groups. We customize the route to fit your exact port time. Maximum 18 people per boat, up to 36 with two boats.
Q: Is the Klein Curaçao tour possible on a cruise day?
The Klein Curaçao day trip (6 hours, departs 09:45 from Jan Thiel) works if your ship stays in port until at least 18:00. You would need a taxi to Jan Thiel Beach (15–20 minutes from the port). We do not recommend the Klein Curaçao day trip to cruise ship passengers because of the distance between the main island and Klein Curaçao .Contact us with your schedule and we will confirm if it fits.
Q: What if my cruise ship schedule changes?
We understand cruise itineraries can change. We offer flexible rebooking if your port time is modified. Contact us as soon as possible and we will accommodate you.
Q: Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, we strongly recommend booking in advance. Our boats carry only 18 passengers, so tours fill up quickly, especially during cruise ship season (November through April). Book via our website or WhatsApp to secure your spot.
