What’s the best way to experience Curacao in a single, unforgettable day?

When your cruise ship docks in Curaçao, you have a limited amount of time to explore the island  - which means choosing the right excursion is essential. Curaçao offers a wide range of attractions, from colorful Willemstad to beaches, snorkel spots, caves, and national parks.

But with so many options, cruise travelers often wonder: What’s the best way to experience Curaçao in a single, unforgettable day? The answer for many experienced travelers is simple: a private sailing tour.

A private sailboat charter with Maxie Sailing Curacao offers the perfect blend of relaxation, beauty, adventure, and efficiency - making it the ideal shore excursion for cruise visitors who want a one-of-a-kind experience without stress, crowds, or rigid schedules

1. You Avoid the Crowds From the Cruise Ship

When several cruise ships dock on the same day, Curaçao’s popular attractions can get crowded fast. Beaches, tour buses, snorkel sites, and historic areas fill up within hours. A private boat tour lets you:

• Escape the crowds
• Avoid packed beaches
• Enjoy quiet, uncrowded snorkeling
• Relax in peace on the open sea

While most cruise passengers are fighting for shady beach spots, you’re enjoying a quiet, exclusive experience on your own boat.

2. It Fits Perfectly Into Your Cruise Schedule

One of the biggest concerns for cruise travelers is timing — but private sailing offers maximum flexibility.

Unlike large group tours that operate on fixed schedules, private sailing allows you to:

• Choose your departure time
• Keep the tour length matched to your port hours
• Return to the port with plenty of buffer time
• Customize the itinerary to match your ship’s schedule

The owners and certified crew - Norbert and Hilde, are experienced in handling cruise guests, so they ensure everything runs smoothly and safely.

3. A Stress-Free Experience From Start to Finish

Cruise days can be hectic when you’re worrying about transportation, meeting points, crowds, and timing. Book your shore excursion with Maxie Sailing to remove all that stress. You’ll enjoy:

• A relaxed boarding process
• Direct communication with your captain
• A comfortable, private space
• No lines, waiting, or rush

Your only job is to enjoy the experience - everything else is handled for you.

4. Visit the Best Anchoring Spots Without the Chaos

Cruise excursions often take guests to busy beaches, which fill up fast and offer limited visibility once the water becomes disturbed.

Our Morning or afternoon tours will take you to:

• Clear, calm waters of Fuik Bay
• Exclusive snorkeling sites
• Locations chosen based on daily conditions

Your captain selects the best spots that day, ensuring you always get the best conditions.

5. Personal Attention and Local Expertise

On crowded excursions, guides can only offer limited assistance. On a Maxie Sailing Boat Tour, however, the owners are your experienced and dedicated crew and so their full attention is yours.

That means:

• Local stories and history
• Insider tips about Curaçao
• Excellent service throughout the day
• Home-made culinary food
• Personalized snorkel guidance

You’re not just another face in a group - you are the VIP guest!

6. More Comfort, More Space, More Fun

Cruise passengers often tell us that private sailing was the most relaxing moment of their entire trip. Why? Because you get:

• Space to stretch out
• Shade or sun, whenever you want
• Comfortable seating
• Quiet surroundings
• Spotless clean boat
• Bathroom and towels on board
• Freedom to move, nap, swim, or explore

There’s no fighting for a seat or sharing limited equipment - everything on board is just for you.

7. Customizable Itineraries for Every Traveler

Cruise travelers, just like you, all have different priorities:

• Want a relaxing day?
• Want to see as much as possible?
• Want to snorkel?
• Want a romantic sail with your partner?
• Traveling with kids?

We have many tours to adapt to your style - You’re in full control.



8. Ideal for Families and Groups of Friends

Private sailing is one of the best cruise-friendly excursions for families because:

• It’s safer and more comfortable
• There’s no rush
• Small groups up to 9 people
• All guidance is personalized
• All-Inclusive concept; You don't have to bring much
• Parents can relax

For groups of friends, it's perfect for celebrating a relaxing  birthday, reunion, or once-in-a-lifetime vacation moment.

9. Incredible Views You Can Only See From the Water

While many cruise travelers enjoy Willemstad and nearby beaches, they miss the incredible beauty of Curacao’s waters and coastline.

From our sailboat, you’ll get exclusive views of:

• Spanish Waters and  St. Barbara Beach
• Rugged east-coastline
• Secluded Fuik Bay with calm waters
• Pure Caribbean Sea colors
• Stunning beginning of sunset

It’s a perspective only possible from the sea. 

10. A Unique, Unforgettable Experience

Cruise guests often have limited time in each port, so choosing a memorable activity matters. Private sailing consistently becomes the highlight of the entire cruise for many travelers. Maxie Sailing 5-star reviewers frequently say:

• “This was the best excursion of our whole cruise.”
• “We wish we had done this on every island.”
• “It felt like a luxury experience for a great price.”
• It’s peaceful, gorgeous, adventurous and relaxing — all at the same time.
• Simply Outstanding - from transfer to best charcuterie board ever



Why Cruise Travelers Choose Maxie Sailing Curacao

Norbert and Hilde understand how precious cruise hours are - and make every minute count. They are well known for;

• Excellent timing for cruise schedules
• Personalized service
• A peaceful, boutique-style experience
• Comfortable and well-maintained boat
• Knowledge of history and the best calm bay to visit
• A friendly, professional crew who make you feel like old friends
• A focus on small, private groups
• 5-star rating on Tripadvisor and Google

Final Thought: For Cruise Travelers, Private Sailing Is the Best Way to Experience Curaçao

Between the freedom, comfort, privacy and stunning ocean views, private sailing offers everything cruise travelers want from a shore excursion - and more. So if you're visiting Curaçao on a cruise, just choose the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation and unforgettable beauty.