Hato Caves, Turtles, and Porto Mari Beach

Discover three different sides of Curaçao in a single day

This seven-hour tour combines one of the island’s top historical and geological attractions with two famous west coast beaches.

Walk among limestone formations in the Hato Caves, visit the fishing atmosphere of Playa Piskado, and end the experience swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing at Porto Mari. On the way back, you’ll also pass the Sint Willibrordus salt lake, where flamingos can sometimes be spotted.

Highlights

• Explore the Hato Caves with a guide
• See stalactites, stalagmites, and natural pools inside the cave
• Learn the history of one of Curaçao’s most unique sites
• Visit Playa Piskado, frequented by sea turtles
• Enjoy free time at Porto Mari
• Take in the scenery of the Sint Willibrordus salt lake
• Travel with hotel pickup included

Turtles and flamingos are wild animals. They are frequent in these areas, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Tour itinerary

Pickup and Departure

The tour begins at approximately 9:00 a.m. Free pickup is available at selected hotels. If you aren’t staying at a hotel, you can select the Irie Tours office in Caracasbaai or the nearest hotel as a meeting point, subject to confirmation.

Hato Caves

The first stop is the Hato Caves. Inside, you’ll discover limestone formations, natural pools, stalactites, and stalagmites that are still forming.

The cave entrance is located after climbing 49 steps. The visit requires walking and climbing stairs, so keep this in mind if traveling with small children or people with reduced mobility.

The caves are also home to a colony of long-nosed fruit bats. Always follow the guide’s instructions and avoid using flash when not permitted.

Piskado Beach

The next stop is Playa Piskado, a small fishing bay known for the presence of sea turtles. You’ll have time to get in the water and snorkel.

Always observe the turtles from a safe distance. Do not touch, chase, or feed them.

Porto Mari

Afterward, you’ll visit Porto Mari, where you can swim, snorkel, or simply relax by the sea. Lunch and beach chairs are not included, but you can purchase food and other services during the stop, subject to availability.

Sint Willibrordus

On the return trip, the bus passes the Sint Willibrordus salt lake. Depending on the season and natural conditions, you may spot flamingos in the distance.

What does it include?

• Guided bus tour
• Free pickup at selected hotels
• Entrance to Hato Caves and other paid stops
• Bottled water on the bus

Does not include

• Lunch
• Beach chairs
• Additional drinks
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Snorkeling gear, unless expressly confirmed in the booking

Some distributor pages indicate that a mask and snorkel are provided, but the current official Irie Tours page does not include them in their service list. Confirm this before publishing or ask the client to bring their own gear.

Practical information

• Adult price: US$90
• Child price (4 to 12 years): US$70
• Infants (0-3 years): free
• Days: Tuesday and Thursday
• Starting time: 9:00 a.m.
• Duration: approximately 7 hours
• Pickup: included at selected hotels
• Operator: Irie Tours
• Transportation: open-air bus; no air conditioning

Schedules may change based on pickup location, traffic, and operational conditions.

Accessibility and Physical Effort

To access the Hato Caves, it is necessary to climb 49 steps. The tour inside the cave is on foot and can feel warm and humid.

Before booking, people with reduced mobility, physical conditions, or difficulty climbing stairs should check if the tour is suitable for them.

What should you bring?

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Water shoes
• Comfortable shoes for Hato Caves
• Long-sleeved shirt or rash guard
• Camera
• Cash or card for food, chairs, and personal expenses
• Snorkeling gear if not confirmed as included

Alternate between sun and shade, stay hydrated, and use sunscreen during beach stops.