Anyone searching for Playa Piskado turtles will quickly discover one of Curaçao’s most famous snorkeling spots. Playa Piskado, also known as Playa Grandi, is located on the western side of the island and is widely known as the place where you can see sea turtles up close.

And it truly is magical.

But why are there so many turtles here? Is it safe? And how can we make sure this special experience will still be possible ten years from now? In this blog, we take you underwater and show why respecting nature here is just as important as bringing your snorkel mask.

Why Are There So Many Turtles Here?

The large number of turtles at Playa Piskado is no coincidence. Next to the beach, there is a small fishermen’s pier where local fishermen clean their daily catch. Fish scraps end up in the water, creating an easy food source for sea turtles.

For snorkelers, this means a high chance of encountering these impressive animals. You’ll often see green sea turtles calmly feeding or swimming up to the surface for air. Occasionally, you might even spot a hawksbill turtle.

What makes it special? This is not a staged attraction. It’s a natural situation that developed over time. And precisely because of that, it requires conscious and respectful behavior from visitors.

Snorkeling with Turtles in Curaçao: An Unforgettable Experience

Snorkeling with turtles in Curaçao is high on many travelers’ bucket lists. The moment a turtle slowly glides past you in complete calm is unforgettable. No rush, no panic, just pure nature.

And yet, it’s important to remember: these are wild animals.

Sea turtles are protected species. When they are touched, chased, or surrounded for photos, they experience stress. Stress affects their health, feeding behavior, and even their chances of survival. When you snorkel at Playa Piskado, you’re not just there for your own experience, you also carry responsibility.

How Do You Snorkel Responsibly at Playa Piskado?

The good news is that responsible snorkeling isn’t complicated. A few simple guidelines can make a huge difference.

Always keep at least two meters (six feet) distance. Never touch turtles, not even “just for a second.” Make sure you don’t block their path to the surface when they need to breathe. Use reef-safe sunscreen whenever possible and avoid crowding around a single animal for the perfect photo.

It sounds obvious, but in practice, it doesn’t always happen. That’s exactly why awareness is so important. Curaçao’s marine life is fragile, not only turtles, but corals and fish are affected by human behavior as well.

Is Playa Piskado the Best Place to See Turtles?

Playa Piskado is easy to access, you can simply walk straight into the water from the beach. That makes it accessible and therefore popular. On busy days, the water can feel quite lively.

What many visitors don’t realize is that there are several snorkeling spots around Curaçao where you also have a chance to see turtles, often in calmer surroundings and with fewer people.

At BlueFinn Charters, experiencing nature responsibly is at the heart of every trip. During the Snorkel Safari Tour, you sail to carefully selected locations where respect for the ecosystem comes first. You’ll learn about Curaçao’s marine life and what to look for, so you don’t just see more but also understand more.

That makes the experience not only more beautiful, but also more meaningful.

Why Protection Matters

Sea turtles are facing serious challenges worldwide. Plastic pollution, habitat loss, and disturbance caused by human activity all play a role.

In Curaçao, efforts are being made to protect the turtle population. But ultimately, every visitor makes a difference. One single touch may seem harmless, but multiply that by hundreds of people per day, and the impact becomes visible.

By choosing responsible snorkeling, you help protect these animals, ensuring that future travelers can also enjoy swimming among turtles in their natural habitat.

Conclusion: Enjoy with Respect

Playa Piskado is special because it allows you to get so close to wild nature. Swimming face to face with a sea turtle is an experience that stays with you.

But with that opportunity comes responsibility.

If you want to snorkel with turtles in Curaçao, enter the water prepared. Choose distance. Choose respect. Choose conservation.

And if you’d like to discover the island’s most beautiful snorkeling spots under the guidance of professionals who know the island and its marine life, a snorkeling trip with BlueFinn Charters is a wonderful way to experience Curaçao at its most impressive, from the water.