best beaches near cruise port in curacao

10 Best Curaçao Beaches Near The Cruise Port

Visiting one of the Curaçao beaches near the Cruise Port is a popular shore excursion. The island has many beautiful beaches to discover, but which one suits your needs and preferences?

In this blog, we would like to introduce you to 10 amazing Curaçao beaches that are popular amongst cruise passengers. which one will be your favorite?

Best beaches near the Curaçao Cruise Port

The Curaçao Cruise Port is situated in the heart of the capital Willemstad. You will experience the convenience of the city next to the cruise port, which is perfect if you want to spend your day close to the ship. A lot of sights, restaurants, and bars are within walking distance.

The beaches of Curaçao are not located in the city and that is why many cruise passengers book a tour or shore excursion to the beaches. One can also take a taxi to some nice beaches near the Cruise Port. The 10 beaches in this post are a maximum of 50 minutes’ drive from the Cruise Port.

At each beach, we indicate the time it takes to travel by car from the Cruise Port to the beach.

Blue Bay Beach

The sandy beach of Blue Bay can be found at the Blue Bay Curaçao Golf & Beach Resort. This is a large private community where Curaçao residents and tourists are housed among several facilities and amenities.

The beach of Blue Bay is accessible to people who would like to spend their day at the private beach. The entrance fee is USD 12,00 or 20 NAFL for adults. Children pay USD 6,00 or 10 NAFL. This fee includes the use of beach chairs, showers, and restrooms.

At Blue Bay beach you can find a bear bar, beach restaurant coast, and bistro Lemongrass.

Blue Bay Beach is a 15-minute drive from the Curaçao Cruise Port.

Kokomo Beach

Kokomo beach is a popular beach among cruise passengers as it is not far from the Cruise Port. But if I can be honest, this is not the first beach I would choose on a one-day visit to Curacao.

The beach and facilities are fine, but there are much nicer beaches to choose from when visiting the island.

A plus is that you don’t have to pay an entrance fee to access the beach. For lunch and drinks, you can go to the beach restaurant.

At the Kokomo Beach swing, you can take nice Instagram photos.

Kokomo Beach is a 15-minute drive from the Mega Pier Cruise Terminal.

Mambo Beach

Mambo Beach is a commercial beach with many facilities. This beach is close to the cruise port and is therefore the ideal place to visit for the day.

The fee to enter Mambo Beach is USD 3,50 or 6,00 NAFL. This does not include the price for the rental of beach chairs. These can be rented at the beach clubs.

You can spend your day in one of the beach clubs or shop and dine at the nearby boulevard.

Madero Ocean Club offers a full day of relaxing at their pool or the beach. Bonita Beach Club is a cozy laidback beach where you can get a taste of the real Caribbean lifestyle.

Read: Mambo Beach: The Best Boulevard in Curaçao

Best dining places at Mambo beach include Pizza Mare, The Green House, Bocas Restaurant, and El Grill & El Mexicano.

Mambo Beach is a 15-minute drive from the Curaçao Cruise Port.

Cabana Beach

At Cabana Beach, you have all facilities under one roof . The beach club is situated next to Mambo Beach and offers everything you need for a relaxed day under the Curaçao sun. There is a large restaurant, sports bar, and fashion boutique and you can rent beach chairs close to the waterside.

Next to Cabana Beach, you can find MOOD beach . This beach club gives me bohemian vibes all the way and is the epitome of luxury and comfort. Besides that, the ambiance is just really nice and cozy.

A regular beach chair at both beach clubs costs USD 11,50 or 20,00 NAFL. This includes the entrance fee to the beach.

Cabana Beach is also a 15-minute drive from the Cruise Terminal.

Jan Thiel Beach

yet another beach with lots of facilities is Jan Thiel Beach . This beach can be found on the east side of Curaçao. The family-friendly Jan Thiel Beach is the home of several hotels, restaurants, and beach bars.

Order a cocktail at Zest and go shopping in one of the boutiques next to Papagayo. Zanzibar is the place to go for lunch.

Note : In walking distance, you can find Van den Tweel Supermarket. I always enjoy visiting foreign supermarkets and at this place, you can find a large range of Dutch products!

Touristic hotspot Jan Thiel offers something for everyone, but it can be crowded at times, especially during the high season.

The entrance fee is USD 3,00 or 6,00 NAFL. The use of a beach chair is not included in this price.

Jan Thiel Beach is a 25-minute drive from the Cruise Port in Otrobanda .

Tug Boat Beach

Tugboat beach is the place you need to be for a unique underwater experience . In front of the coast, there is a sunken tugboat where you can snorkel. It lies in shallow waters surrounded by tropical fishes and colorful corals. You can also meet a lot of ocean life around the dock on the right side of the bay.

This is not a commercial beach and therefore there are not that many amenities. You also don’t need to pay a fee to get access to the bay.

Read: Tugboat Wreck: The Best Snorkeling Spot Near the Beach

There is a beach bar and a place where you can paint your souvenir. The decoration of the beach hut and surroundings is a remarkable visual experience. This place makes you think of a laidback surf hangout. This is a rocky beach so don’t forget to bring water shoes.

Tug Boat Beach is a 25-minute drive from the Curaçao Cruise Port.

Playa Porto Mari

Sipping a cold drink while gazing at the horizon is a Caribbean dream come true. The view over the ocean from the cliff at Porto Mari is amazing. This is the beach where you can spot two famous residents: Pigs Willy and Woody!

The facilities at Porto Mari beach include a beach bar, restaurant, a beach store, toilets, showers, lockers, and even a diving school. Bottomline: everything you need for a comfortable day at the shore.

Visitors who want to combine a day at the beach with an outdoor activity have come to the right place at this beach. You can choose from 3 different hiking tours that start from Porto Mari.

Read: Playa Porto Mari: 10 Reasons Tourists Love It

The entrance fee for Porto Mari is USD 3,00 or 5 NAFL. Beach chairs are not included in this price.

Playa Porto Marie is a 30-minute drive from the Curaçao Mega Pier Cruise Port.

Welcome to Cas Abao : When you’re not barefoot then you’re overdressed! This is one of my favorite beaches near the cruise port since it has everything you imagine when visiting a Caribbean beach. Waving palm trees, soft white sand, and a mesmerizing turquoise ocean.

There are a few facilities that will make your day at Cas Abao more comfortable. There is a beach bar and snack hut where they serve French fries and Dutch snacks. You can go diving, snorkeling, or book a relaxing massage at the Sensi Spa beach hut.

Read: Cas Abao Beach: Everything You Need to Know

Most cruise passengers arrive at Cas Abao on a shore excursion. The entrance fee might be included in this price, but you have to check with your tour operator. Beach chairs cost USD 3 of NAFL 5, – and this is including a complementary shower coin.

Cas Abao Beach is a 40-minute drive from the Curaçao Cruise Port.

Many people say that Grote Knip is the most popular beach in Curaçao. Does the bay look familiar to you? Chances are big that you have seen this beach before in Curaçao guides and travel magazines.

The view is stunning and I think that Grote Knip deserves a top 3 spot when it comes to the most beautiful beaches in Curaçao.

Grote Knip is a public beach. You don’t have to pay an entrance fee, but there are also few facilities. You can get cool drinks and snacks and rent beach chairs.

Read: Why Grote Knip is the Best Beach in Curaçao

A visit to Grote Knip is a popular Shore Excursion. This beach is often offered in a beach hopping tour.

Grote Knip is a 50-minute drive from the Curaçao Mega Pier Cruise Terminal

Playa Piskado

Playa Piskado is the beach where you can swim with sea turtles. The water is crystal clear and you can find several sea turtles right next to the pier. It’s quite an experience to be able to swim alongside these gorgeous animals.

Warning: Do not touch or interfere with them. You will harm the turtles by doing so.

Read: Swimming with Sea Turtles in Curaçao

You can bring your snorkel, but there are also snorkels for rent. A visit to Playa Piskado is a popular excursion that can be easily combined with a beach day at Grote Knip. Viator offers several tours that combine these two activities.

Playa Piskado is also a 50-minute drive from the Curaçao Cruise Port.

A variety of beaches near the Cruise Port

A large number of cruise passengers choose to visit a beach during their one-day stay in Curaçao.

Popular shore excursions are the Beach Hopping Tours , Swimming with Turtles & Grote Knip combination, or a visit to Cas Abao.

Snorkeling at the Tug Boat is also on the bucket list for many. A visit to commercial beaches such as Jan Thiel and Mambo Beach is always a good idea if you’re aiming for comfort near the Cruise Port.

Shore Excursions to Curaçao Beaches

Are you planning to visit the island and take a trip to one of the beaches? Book your Curaçao Shore Excursion here .

By booking your shore excursion through Viator using our links and widgets, you will support this blog at no cost to you.

When booking you must indicate the Mega Pier Cruise Terminal as your departure location.

With less than a one-hour drive, all the beaches in Curaçao are near the cruise port

Enjoy your stay on the island and we hope that Curacao is everything you wished for in a Caribbean cruise destination.

Roxanne Verheesen

Hi there! My name is Roxanne , 30 years old and born in the Netherlands, I've visited Curaçao for the first time in 2011 and moved to the island one year later. Love to write, snorkel and watch pinky-orangish sunsets at the beach.

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Exploring Curaçao's beaches near the cruise port is a common choice for shore excursions. The island offers a variety of stunning beaches, and you might be wondering which one aligns with your preferences. Here are some fantastic Curaçao beaches favored by cruise passengers. Discover which one resonates with your taste!

The Curaçao Cruise Port sits at the heart of Willemstad, the capital city. You'll find the city's convenience right next to the cruise port, making it an ideal choice if you prefer staying close to your ship. Numerous attractions, eateries, and bars are within walking distance.

While the city offers much, Curaçao's beaches are a bit farther away. As a result, many cruise passengers opt for guided tours or shore excursions to visit these beaches. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to reach some beautiful beaches near the Cruise Port. In this post, we've compiled a list of 10 beaches, all reachable within a maximum of 50 minutes by car from the Cruise Port. We've also included travel times to each beach for your convenience.

Welcome to Cas Abao, where the rule is simple: if you're not going barefoot, you're overdressed! This beach, one of our top picks near the cruise port, encapsulates everything you envision in a Caribbean beach: swaying palm trees, soft white sands, and a mesmerizing turquoise ocean.

Cas Abao provides several amenities to enhance your beach day. You'll find a beach bar and snack hut offering French fries and Dutch snacks. Whether you're up for diving, snorkeling, or a soothing massage at the Sensi Spa beach hut, we have you covered.

Many cruise passengers opt for a shore excursion to Cas Abao, and it's possible the entrance fee is included in your tour package. For beach chairs, the cost is a reasonable USD 3 or NAFL 5, which includes a complimentary shower token.

Getting to Cas Abao Beach is a straightforward 40-minute drive from the Curaçao Cruise Port.

Many consider Grote Knip to be Curaçao's most renowned beach. Does the bay look familiar to you? It's highly likely you've come across this beach in Curaçao guides and travel magazines.

The scenic beauty here is truly exceptional, and we firmly believe that Grote Knip deserves a spot among the top three most stunning beaches in Curaçao.

Grote Knip is a public beach, which means there's no entrance fee, but it also implies limited facilities. You can purchase refreshing drinks and snacks and rent beach chairs for your comfort.

Visiting Grote Knip is a popular choice for a Shore Excursion, often featured in beach-hopping tours.

To reach Grote Knip, you'll embark on a straightforward 50-minute drive from the Curaçao Mega Pier Cruise Terminal.

Playa Piskado

At Playa Piskado, you have the unique opportunity to swim alongside sea turtles. The water here boasts crystal clarity, and you'll find several of these magnificent creatures right by the pier. It's a truly remarkable experience.

However, a crucial note of caution: please refrain from touching or disturbing the turtles, as any interference can harm them.

Feel free to bring your snorkel gear, or you can rent snorkels on-site. Many visitors opt for a popular excursion that seamlessly combines a visit to Playa Piskado with a beach day at Grote Knip, and you can find such tours available through Viator.

If you're coming from the Curaçao Cruise Port, expect a straightforward 50-minute drive to reach Playa Piskado.

Blue Bay Beach

You'll discover the sandy shores of Blue Bay at the expansive Blue Bay Curaçao Golf & Beach Resort, a substantial private community catering to both locals and tourists.

For those seeking a day by the private beach, access is available for a fee: $12.00 or 20 NAFL for adults and $6.00 or 10 NAFL for children. This fee grants you access to amenities like beach chairs, showers, and restroom facilities.

Blue Bay Beach also offers a variety of dining options, including a beach bar, Coast Beach Restaurant, and Bistro Lemongrass.

If you're arriving from the Curaçao Cruise Port, Blue Bay Beach is just a convenient 15-minute drive away.

Kokomo Beach

Kokomo Beach is often favored by cruise passengers due to its proximity to the Cruise Port. However, if we're being straightforward, there are more appealing beach options for a one-day visit to Curacao.

While the beach and its amenities are acceptable, the island boasts even more picturesque options to explore.

On the plus side, there's no entrance fee to access Kokomo Beach. You can grab lunch and drinks at the beach restaurant.

Don't miss the opportunity to capture some Instagram-worthy shots at the Kokomo Beach swing.

You can reach Kokomo Beach with a convenient 15-minute drive from the Mega Pier Cruise Terminal.

Mambo Beach

Mambo Beach is a bustling commercial beach, teeming with amenities, and its proximity to the cruise port makes it an ideal destination for your day trip.

To access Mambo Beach, there's a fee of USD 3.50 or 6.00 NAFL, which doesn't cover the cost of beach chair rentals – you can rent those at the beach clubs.

Your day here can be spent at one of the beach clubs, or you can explore the nearby boulevard, where shopping and dining options abound.

Madero Ocean Club offers a full day of relaxation by their pool or on the beach, while Bonita Beach Club provides a laid back atmosphere where you can savor the true Caribbean lifestyle.

When it's time to dine, you'll find excellent options at Mambo Beach, including Pizza Mare, The Green House, Bocas Restaurant, and El Grill & El Mexicano.

Mambo Beach is conveniently located just a 15-minute drive away from the Curaçao Cruise Port.

Cabana Beach

At Cabana Beach, we've got all your needs covered in one place. Our beach club, situated adjacent to Mambo Beach, offers you a complete package for a laid-back day in the Curaçao sunshine. You'll find a spacious restaurant, a sports bar, and a stylish fashion boutique, along with the option to rent beach chairs right by the water.

Just next to Cabana Beach, there's Mood beach, a beach club with a distinctly bohemian vibe that exudes luxury and comfort. The atmosphere here is warm and inviting.

For your convenience, the standard beach chair rental fee at both beach clubs is $11.50 or 20.00 NAFL, which includes access to the beach.

You'll be pleased to know that Cabana Beach is also a short 15-minute drive from the Cruise Terminal.

Jan Thiel Beach

Jan Thiel Beach is yet another fantastic destination, loaded with amenities and located on the eastern side of Curaçao. This family-friendly beach is surrounded by various hotels, restaurants, and beach bars.

You can indulge in a delightful cocktail at Zest or explore the boutiques adjacent to Papagayo. For a satisfying lunch, Zanzibar is the go-to spot.

Just a short walk away, you'll find Van den Tweel Supermarket, which is a delightful stop if you enjoy exploring foreign supermarkets. They offer an extensive selection of Dutch products!

Jan Thiel, a popular tourist hub, offers something for everyone, although it can get quite busy, especially during the high season.

To access the beach, there's a nominal fee of USD 3.00 or 6.00 NAFL, but please note that beach chair rental is not included in this price.

Jan Thiel Beach is conveniently located 25 minutes away by car from the Otrobanda Cruise Port.

Tugboat Beach

Tugboat Beach promises a distinctive underwater adventure. Right off the coast, you'll find a submerged tugboat perfect for snorkeling. It rests in shallow waters, teeming with tropical fish and vibrant corals. Keep an eye out for marine life near the dock on the bay's right side.

This beach isn't your typical commercial hotspot, so amenities are limited. The best part? No entrance fee is required for bay access.

While here, you can visit the beach bar and even create your own souvenir. The beach hut and its surroundings offer a visually striking experience, reminiscent of a relaxed surf hangout. Do keep in mind that this is a rocky beach, so water shoes are a must.

For your convenience, Tugboat Beach is a straightforward 25-minute drive from the Curaçao Cruise Port.

Playa Porto Mari

Imagine savoring a refreshing beverage as you gaze out at the Caribbean horizon; it's the quintessential tropical dream. The ocean view from the cliffs at Porto Mari is truly breathtaking. Notably, this is the beach where you might spot two famous residents: Pigs Willy and Woody!

At Porto Mari Beach, we've got you covered with an array of facilities, including a beach bar, restaurant, beach store, restrooms, showers, lockers, and even a diving school. In other words, everything you need for a comfortable beach day.

For those looking to combine beach time with outdoor adventures, you're in luck! Porto Mari offers three distinct hiking trails that kick off right from the beach.

To access Porto Mari, there's a nominal fee of USD 3.00 or 5 NAFL, but please note that beach chair rental is not included in this price.

Getting to Playa Porto Mari is a straightforward 30-minute drive from the Curaçao Mega Pier Cruise Port.

The best Curaçao beaches near the cruise port offer a captivating blend of natural beauty and Caribbean charm, making them ideal destinations for a memorable shore excursion. Whether you're swimming with turtles at Playa Piskado, exploring underwater wonders at Tug Boat Beach, or savoring the serene shores of Cas Abao, each beach has its unique allure. And while you're planning your visit to these pristine paradises, don't forget to check out Cruisebound , the easiest platform for booking cruises online and discovering the best cruise deals. 

Travel Blog

15 Best Beaches in Curacao Near the Cruise Port (With Distances & Map)

Looking for the best beaches in Curacao near the cruise port? Then I got you covered!

The beaches in Curacao are somewhat next level. Not only is the water crystal clear, but you can also spot the most beautiful fish or be amazed by the high cliffs surrounding the bays.

Curacao beaches belong to the finest ones in the entire Caribbean. According to Curacao officials, the island has 38 (!) different beaches.

Being your first time on the island, it can be a pretty tough choice which ones to visit. Especially if you only have one day in Curacao on your Caribbean cruise, you might wonder about the best beaches in Curacao from a cruise ship – and of course how to reach them.

Therefore I have created an ultimate guide with the ins and outs of all the important beaches in Curacao – and how to reach them from the cruise port.

Let’s get to it!

Table of Contents

Best beaches from curacao cruise port – at a glance, curacao’s best beaches – in detail, conclusion: best beaches in curacao from cruise ship, faq: curacao beach in curacao from cruise ship, about the author.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my  disclaimer  for further information.

🏖️ Closest Beach: Mambo Beach (10 min driving) – Fully Serviced

🏖️ Closest Artificial Beach: Renaissance Windcreek Hotel (2 min walking) – Fully Serviced, Expensive

🏖️ Best Snorkel Beach: Playa Porto Mari (30 min driving) – Fully Serviced

🏖️ Most Beautiful Beach: Cas Abao Beach (40 min driving) – Fully Serviced

🏖️ Most Authentic Beach: Daaibooibay (30 min driving), Playa Gipy (50 min driving)

🏖️ Best Diving Beach: Tugboat Beach (30 min driving) or Playa Lagun (30 min driving)

Can You Walk to a Beach from Curacao Cruise Port?

Sadly, there are not that many beaches in Curacao super close to the cruise port.

If you are looking for a beach near the Curacao cruise port within walking distance, your only option is to buy a day pass at one of the resorts in the area.

The Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Resort is located right next to the cruise port. They do have an artificial infinity beach that can be a great option for your day in Curacao (see picture below).

Apart from that, the closest public beach to the cruise port is Mambo Beach . You can reach it with a cab, but it is too far to walk. Keep in mind that most cruise passengers flock to Mambo Beach, so it is quite crowded.

If you have the chance, grab a rental car and explore some of the other beaches near the cruise port (not farther than the 45-minute drive) I have listed below.

Secret Insider Tip: Make a reservation at the restaurant Nultwintig for Lunch – you’ll get free access to their exclusive beach club in Willemstad.

Curacao Cruise Port Map

As you can see on this Curacao Cruise Port Map, the three terminals are in the middle of the city of Willemstad. This means, there are no beaches in walking distance of the cruise port in Curacao.

The Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Hotel is located right by the pier, and they do have an artificial beach. This is your best option if you don’t want to take transportation.

Check out my favorite things to do from the cruise port.

1. Mambo Beach

Amenities: restaurants, beach clubs, toilets, beach chairs for rent

Distance to Cruise Port: 10 minutes

Entrance: free

Notes : you may not bring your own food or drink in most of the beach clubs

Mambo Beach is one of the most lively beaches in Curacao mixing stunning blue waters with cute little shops, nice restaurants, and plenty of fancy beach clubs.

It is located right next to the sea aquarium and is on the beach near the Curacao cruise port. The beach is very nice and clean and the water is very easy to enter and nice for swimming.

Mambo Beach is our beach of choice if we want to spend a relaxed day, being pampered and comfy.

Head over to our favorite beach club, Cabana Beach , where you can rent super comfy beds with umbrellas and be served delicious meals and cocktails right to your bed.

2. Blue Bay Beach

Amenities: restaurant, dive shop, showers, massages, beach chairs

Distance from Cruise Port: 15 minutes

Opening times: 08:00 to 20:00

Entrance : 7,20 EUR pp

Notes : popular among families

This magnificent bay is definitely one of my favorite beaches in Curacao. Blue Bay Beach is located near the fishermen’s village Sint Michiel North West of Willemstad.

The beach is part of the famous Blue Bay Resort, named after the plantation “ Blaauw ” nearby.

Even when you are not staying at the resort, you can get a cheap day pass to Blue Bay Beach . The beach has all the amenities you could possibly need, such as water sports, a restaurant, and a toilet/shower.

You can treat yourself to a nice massage or order a cocktail right to your beach chair.

3. Kokomo Beach

Entrance : free, 3,50 USD for a beach bed

Distance from Cruise Port: 20 minutes

Open : daily from 09:00 to 18:30 and Sundays from 09:00 to 22:00

Amenities : Restaurant, Showers, Dive Shop, Beach Chairs

Note : Live Music on Sundays, Great picture spot

Kokomo is a small natural beach located in the Vaersenbaai, roughly 15 minutes outside of Willemstad. The beach is only roughly 200 meters long, but you can find all the amenities there that you might need.

Kokomo is one of the most famous spots on the island, because of the water swings with the Komomo sign on top. Therefore, is definitely one of the most instagrammable places on the island.

Sundays on Kokomo are family days. Above all, this means nice music throughout the day and great live music with cocktails and happy hour in the evening. Make sure to stop by!

4. Jan Thiel Beach

Entrance : depends on Beach Club

Open : daily, depending on Beach Club

Jan Thiel is a very famous party beach among Dutchies. However, it is still nicely in the vicinity of the cruise port.

If you book a nice bed at Zest Beach Club or Papagayo Beach, you can have a very relaxed experience there. I have enjoyed this a whole lot. They have super comfy beach chairs and lounge chairs at Jan Thiel Beach.

For many Dutch visitors, Jan Thiel is the best Curacao beach. However, the public Jan Thiel Beach is quite crowded and loud. Keep this in mind before you go.

5. Playa Porto Mari

Opening times: the beach is open from 09:30 am to 06:30 pm. Make sure to hang around till the evening, to see a stunning sunset.

Distance to Cruise Port: 30 min

Entrance fee: 3 $ p.p.

Beach chairs and umbrellas: These can be rented at the beach for a small fee, umbrellas are pretty scarce so coming early is key.

This beach is my favorite beach and one of the best Curacao beaches. Playa Porto Mari is a very large, natural beach.

The amenities around the beach are great. There is a cute restaurant serving delicious meals, cocktails, and ice cream.

My by far favorite thing about the beach, however, are the two pigs Willy and Woody that roam the sand and entertain the visitors.

There are also some colorful fishing boats on the beach – perfect for some pictures.

6. Daaibooibay

Amenities: small restaurant and toilet

Distance from Cruise Port: 30 min

Beach chairs and tanning beds: available for a small fee

Note: great for snorkeling, quiet

This beautiful bay is one of my favorite beaches in Curacao for many reasons.

Daaibooibay is nestled in between two huge limestone cliffs, which not only make for a stunning view but also great snorkeling spots. It is one of the best beaches in Curacao for swimming.

For the adventurous people among you, make sure to hike up a small trail on the left side of the bay. You will have an amazing view of the bay and the ocean.

7. Tugboat Beach

Distance from Cruise Port: 30 minutes

Beach chairs: available to rent

Amenities: restaurant and toilets

Notes: Rocky Beach!

Tugboat Beach is one of the must-visit places for snorkelers and divers, and one of the top beaches in Curacao.

The beach is named after a 30-year-old tugboat shipwreck, that is lying there on the ground. Tugboat Beach is also a good beach for swimming.

The beach itself is (one of the only on the island) a rocky one. Make sure to bring water shoes if you are sensitive.

If you don’t feel like driving, many Curacao Snorkel Tours lead you to Tugboat Beach.

8. Cas Abao Beach

Entrance: 6-7 USD (per car)

Beach chairs : 3 USD

Distance from Cruise Port: 35 minutes

Amenities: restaurants, toilets, showers (paid), massages, dive shop

Notes: going early is key for a good spot

This beautiful beach is truly a gem on the southwest coast of the island and for many the best beach in Curacao.

Cas Abao Beach was recently voted one of the 21 best beaches in the world by National Geographic

The beach is fully serviced, therefore you really don’t need to worry about bringing a thing.

Cas Abao is definitely one of my favorite beaches for snorkeling. The water is super shallow around the cliffs on both sides of the bay and it is easily accessible.

9. Playa Lagun

Entrance: none

Distance from Cruise Port: 45 minutes

Amenities: toilets, there are some beach chairs around for rental but we never actually managed to find out from whom

Note: amazing for snorkeling and diving

This beautiful bay will always have a special place in my heart because it was the first place where I casually swam with sea turtles.

Playa Lagun is a small, non-touristic beach on the west of the island.

Also, it is very famous among snorkelers and divers because the marine life there is simply stunning.

Make sure to stop by the cool restaurant Bahia.

10. Kleine Knip Beach

Beach chairs : for rent

Amenities: none

Note: Great place to meet locals

Kleine Knip is one of my favorite non-touristy beaches in Curacao.

This beach is located far west on the island and is mostly visited by locals. There is no entrance fee to the beach.

Beach beds can be rented there, and they actually always come with an umbrella (which is not usual at Curacao’s beaches).

Sadly, there are no other amenities there, so you do need to bring your own food and drinks or only stop by for a few hours.

11. Playa Gipy

Note: bring good shoes

Playa Gipy is what I would call paradise on earth . A super small secluded bay, nestled right in between huge cliffs and completely hidden away from the tourists.

Playa Gipy is located on the northern tip of the island, close to the village of Westpunt. You can find it by heading on the dirt road leading towards the Watamula hole.

I have written an intense guide on how to reach Playa Gipy.

12. Grote Knip (Kenepa Grande)

Grote Knip Beach is, just like Kleine Knip Beach located in the western part of the island and very popular among locals.

The entrance is free and you can rent beach chairs on the beach.

The shallow waters are amazing for snorkeling. Experienced swimmers like the openness of the beach, since you can easily swim far out.

13. Piscadera Bay

Distance from Cruise Port: 5 minutes

Amenities: beach chairs, umbrellas, restaurant

Note: relatively small beach

Piscadera Bay is super close to the cruise port and a great beach in Curacao.

It is relatively small, so you’ll need to hurry a bit to find a good spot. The restaurants there serve great food and there is a good vibe going on.

14. Playa Forti

Amenities: snack bar, restaurant, umbrellas for rent

Notes: cliff jumping point, sea turtles

Playa Forti is a mixed sand-pebble beach close to the village of Westpunt. The beach is quite big and the view is super picturesque.

You can see the endless blue ocean with small fisherboats floating away.

There are several snack bars and one really great restaurant close by the beach (called Playa Forti also and is right upstairs).

Right next to the restaurant, there is a cliff-jumping point, where you can (safely) jump down 10 meters right into the sea.

15. Playa Grandi/ Playa Piskado

Notes: sea turtles

Playa Grandi is a small beach that is famous for its frequent visitors the sea turtles. It is a small fisherman’s beach.

The fishermen clean the fish on the shore and throw the trash right back in, therefore attracting the sea turtles .

In my opinion, the beach is not worth the hype. The fish trash attracts the turtles and they devour the bloody meat right next to you in the water. Not the kind of wholesome experience you want to have with the turtles.

Do you need travel insurance in Curacao? Yes, travel insurance in Curacao is highly recommended.  Unsafe roads, water sports accidents, and food poisoning are only a few examples of when travel insurance could come in handy.   EKTA offers worldwide travel insurance  with 24/7 service and no hidden fees or restrictions.

In this post, we have closely examined the best Curacao beaches near the cruise port.

Sadly, there are no beaches super close to the port, so you will always need to rely on a cab, a shore excursion, or a rental car for your beach day in Curacao.

While Mambo Beach is the closest beach to the cruise port, I suggest also checking out some other beaches farther out west. Mambo gets quite crowded when cruise ships are in town.

Curacaos beaches are next level – so it can totally pay off to rent a car and explore a bit off the beaten tracks.

If you are interested in snorkeling, check out my favorite Curacao beaches for snorkeling .

Klein Beach on Klein Curacao is sadly too hard to reach unless your cruise ship stays overnight.

Read about the best time to vacation in Curacao to plan the perfect vacation.

Cas Abao Beach, Playa Porto Mari, Mambo Beach, Playa Lagun, and Daaibooibay are the nicest beaches in Curacao.

Klein Beach in Klein Curacao is the clearest beach in Curacao. The water quality there is stunning, and the nature is totally untouched. You can reach Klein Curacao with a boat from the main island.

Yes, the beaches in Curacao are swimmable. Most beaches are located in nice little bays, which makes the water very calm and the current super soft. The beaches in Curacao are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Yes, Curacao beaches are extremely good. Most beaches have cliffs on both sides of the bay protecting the water from strong waves. The water quality is great and the beaches in Curacao are amazing for snorkeling and swimming.

Cas Abao Beach is the number 1 beach in Curacao. It has been ranked among the top 21 beaches in the world. The water is crystal clear and shallow and there are lots of tropical fish for snorkeling.

No, you can’t walk to a beach in Curacao from Cruise Port. The closest beach to the Curacao Cruise port is Mambo Beach. It is about 10 minutes away from the car. Other beaches in the area are Blue Bay Beach, Pirate Bay, and Kokomo Beach.

The closest beach to the Curacao Cruise port is Mambo Beach. It is about 10 minutes away from the car. Other beaches in the area are Blue Bay Beach, Pirate Bay, and Kokomo Beach. There is no beach in Curacao within walking distance of the Curacao Cruise Port.

You can either grab a cab at the cruise port in Curacao to go to the beach or get a rental car. Of course, you can also book a shore excursion. There are no beaches within walking distance of the Curacao Cruise Port.

Playa Porto Mari is the Beach with Pigs in Curacao. The pigs are called Willy and Woody and they freely roam the beach.

Willemstad itself does not have any natural beaches in the city center. Mambo Beach, Sea Aquarium Beach, and Piscadera Bay are close by and can be reached with a short car ride. The Renaissance Hotel in Willemstad does have an artificial beach.

Yes, Curaçao has beautiful beaches with turquoise waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. While not known for long, sandy shores, its rocky coves and coral reefs create unique coastal landscapes. Popular spots like Mambo Beach and Jan Thiel offer a blend of relaxation and water activities, making Curaçao a beach lover’s paradise.

Mambo Beach is relatively close to the cruise port in Willemstad, Curaçao. It’s approximately a 10-minute drive from the cruise port to Mambo Beach, depending on traffic conditions. Many cruise lines offer shuttle services or taxis are readily available to take passengers from the port to popular destinations like Mambo Beach.

Sabrina is a passionate travel blogger and content creator, based in New Mexico. She spends about half the year traveling to various destinations with her husband.

She provides slow-paced itineraries that focus on quality over quantity. Sabrina wants to help her readers to get more out of their travel experiences – while doing less. Read more.

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Best Beaches in Curaçao Near Cruise Port

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I’m a writer and former teacher from Sheffield, UK. I speak three languages and enjoy running and hiking. I have three sons and a dog called Chaos.

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If your cruise is due to land in Curaçao and you fancy a beach day, you have a few options.

Lots of tourists choose to book an excursion or hop in a taxi to a popular beach, but this isn’t your only option for a beach day in Curaçaos: you can walk!

Table of Contents

Walking to a beach near Curaçao cruise port

Though walking to a beach is entirely possible, Curaçao’s warm temperatures and poor infrastructure mean that it can be a challenge.

Often, there isn’t a sidewalk and cars aren’t the most considerate towards pedestrians.

If you still want to walk, there are four good options that are around one hour’s walk away or three miles. This might seem too far for many, but you’ll be able to hop in a taxi it is!

The best beaches in Curaçao near cruise port

Here are the four closest beaches that we recommend.

Pirate Bay is near Piscadera but is a substantial walk from the cruise terminal.

To get there:

• You’ll need to walk to Baden Powell Weg roundabout then turn left and walk alongside Pater Euwensweg.
• Follow this road for a few miles until you come across Corendon Mangrove Resort.
• You need to turn left to head to the coast at the Aqualectra building then turn to the right to follow the sea path, which is called John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
• You’ll end up in Piscadera. Pirate Bay is located on the third exist to your left.

What to do in Pirate Bay

Pirate Bay is a sandy beach that’s loved both by locals and tourists.

Zoetry Resort Curacao Willemstad

There are many resorts here, including:

• Marriott Beach

The beach has a bar, toilets, and showers, and beach beds are a reasonable $5 per day.

If you want to eat, the Beach Club and Restaurant, which used to be called ‘Hook’s Hut’ provides breakfasts as well as lunch and dinner. They also have a happy hour with exceptionally good prices.

If you love pizza, you must visit Tomatoes. This is one of Curaçao’s most renowned pizza restaurants.

Another favorite is De Visserij, which has no menu at all! This is because you’ll be served whatever the fishermen have caught that day.

For activities other than sunbathing and swimming, you can try diving.

There are packages for beginners through to more advanced divers. If you don’t fancy diving, you could try snorkelling instead or looking for sea glass.

• 7 Best Dry Snorkels

Parasasa Beach

This is a quiet public beach that you’ll pass ten minutes before you reach Pirate Bay.

It’s a tranquil spot and has no facilities besides parasols and beds. The World Trade Center is close by, however, as is the Curaçao Marriott Beach Hotel.

There are good waves here on one side of the beach, which is great for surfing. The waters are calmer on the other side, which makes it ideal for relaxing.

Mambo Beach

This is the largest and most famous of Curaçao’s beaches.

There is a huge range of different restaurants as well as shops and beach clubs. You can also hire beach beds.

To access pirate bay from Curaçao’s cruise port, you’ll head in the opposite direct to Pirate Bay. It’s a much nicer route and passes some good sights along the way.

From the cruise ship, head into Otrobanda and then head over the pontoon bridge in the direction of Punda.

Pass through Breedestraat to Wilheminaplein. You’ll know you’re in the right place by the ‘Dushi Curaçao’ sign in the square. From here, head into the district of Pietermaai.

You’ll pass some wonderful houses that are full of color.

When you get to ‘Botika Juliana’, take the Penstraat, and then you’ll head straight for a long time. You’ll pass Playa Marie Pampoen and continue for a further 15 minutes to get to Mambo Beach.

What to do at Mambo Beach

This 160-meter-wide beach has so many activities to choose from. It’s a child-friendly beach with calm waters.

There are restaurants, stores, and a wide range of activities to choose from, which makes this place have a great atmosphere.

If you fancy seeing marine creatures up close, the Curaçao Sea Aquarium is home to:

• nurse sharks
• and turtles

As for water sports, you’ve got tugboats, snorkels and catamaran trips among others.

If you prefer to relax, there’s everything from a towel on the sand, a luxury beach bed, or a cabana for hire.

Playa Marie Pampoen

Before arriving at Mambo Beach, you’ll pass through Playa Marie Pampoen.

This is a public beach in a Willemstad suburb called the Marie Pampoen district.

It is an area that’s still in development, but you can lay down a towel and relax here.

Though it’s a small beach, you won’t have to pay to access it and though there are no parasols or beds, the palm trees provide great shade.

There are picnic tables too as well as a couple of restaurants towards the beach end.

The best way to get to the beaches

Though you can walk to all four of these beaches, it really isn’t recommended for most people.

This is because the lack of sidewalks and consideration for pedestrians makes this a dangerous activity. Not only this but with Curaçao’s high temperatures, a 5km walk really isn’t recommended.

Finally, you won’t gain an awful lot by walking. If your time on the island is limited by your cruise ship, it also might not be a good idea to waste time by walking.

As such, we recommend getting a taxi. Alternatively, you could head to something like the Saint Tropez Ocean Club.

Though not a beach experience, you can rent a cabana or sunbed and swim in the infinity pool. This is only a 15-minute walk from the port.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, four of the best beaches in Curaçao near cruise port.

We’ve shown you the calm, quiet and relaxing locations as well as the famous and busiest of Curaçaos beaches, so we’ve catered for everyone.

One thing we’ll recommend to all, though, is not to walk. Save your precious time by taking a taxi and you’ll be there in minutes.

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15 Most Beautiful & Best Beaches in Curacao

Whether you’re looking for the best beaches in Curacao for beach hopping or looking for the beaches of Curacao offering exactly what you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered!

Visiting for a day by a ship? We will cover the best beaches in Curacao near the cruise port in Willemstad for any day visitors as well as some of the most beautiful beaches of Curacao for those looking to sunbathe, snorkel, swim, and relax in some of the clearest blue water you’ll find in the world!

It can be overwhelming researching and deciding which Curacao beaches to hit up since there are so many. So we did the research for you! We also break down what each of these Curacao beaches are known for, their facilities, any fees involved, and any other personal beach tips we discovered during our vacation!

And if you decide you don’t want to explore each of these beaches on your own, we recommend a few great beach hopping tours you can try out at the end of this guide that take care of all the transportation and anything else you may need for the day.

So sit back and relax, because our guide to the best Curacao beaches will help you pick which ones to visit and perhaps which ones to skip while planning your vacation and picking out all the best things to do in Curacao for your trip!

Disclaimer: This post contains commissionable links.

Tips for Visiting Curacao Beaches

You’ll want to rent a car to get around to the best beaches in Curacao! There are really not any great options for public transportation, unfortunately. Are you a cruise ship visitor? Don’t sweat it, there are a few great beaches in Curacao near the cruise port in Willemstad you can take a short taxi ride too included in this guide too. Just arrange for them to pick you up at a certain time too as there aren’t taxis at the individual beaches.

But if you’re visiting on a multi-day trip, taking a taxi isn’t ideal as renting a car gives you the most freedom to explore the beaches of Curacao and is definitely more budget-friendly.

Most Curacao beaches have a fee associated with them, for some it’s an entry fee for others it’s a fee to use their beach chairs, and sometimes an additional charge for sitting under an umbrella.

The fees really aren’t bad at all, typically ranging from $3 to $7 per person, I think the most we spent was at Grote Knip for two chairs and an umbrella for both of us it was $15, but honestly it was worth it since we got shade from the sun and a comfortable chair to sit in. I will break down fees associated with each of the best Curacao beaches below to help you prepare for your visit.

Some even charge you a very small fee to use the toilet or shower too.

It’s wise to carry some cash on you, whether you’re paying with the local currency ( Antillean guilder/ANG) or in US Dollars. Almost every beach had a card reader that accept tap payment, although I did see that someone couldn’t use their AMEX, but our VISA credit card worked everywhere.

You’ll want to pack sun protection when visiting Curacao beaches ! That goes for exploring anywhere in Curacao actually as the sun is extra strong here.

Get reef-safe sunscreen to protect the local environment too, during our week-long trip we went through a few bottles and were able to easily find more at grocery stores. But, you’ll definitely want to pack a bottle and be ready to apply it every 60-70 minutes. We were being cautious and still got a little sunburn on days when we spent more time at the beach.

A few of our favorite reef-safe sunscreen products include:

• Kokua Sunscreen – water-resistant zinc sunscreen that applies smoothly without white residue
• Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen – the Mineral line (white bottle with brown text that says ‘mineral’) is a clear, fast absorbing zinc based sunscreen that’s great for sensitive skin and is sweat and water-resistant.
• Thinksport Mineral Sunscreen – We have been using this brand for years and love how easily it applies and is water resistant. They are also a bit more affordable.
• Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen – this sunscreen is not only reef-safe but it’s also super hydrating, this one is a little pricier so we recommend using this on the face and neck area since it falls under more of a skincare product as well.

B.Y.O.S – Bring Your Own Snorkel ! Trust us, you’re going to want to snorkel while you’re visiting the best Curacao beaches as you won’t want to pass up seeing all the vibrant coral reef life like swimming with sea turtles and all the colorful tropical fish there here. 

While some places do have rentals, it will add up and it’s so easy to buy a snorkel set for everyone in your family. We both bought this snorkel set which included a mask, snorkel, ear plugs, flippers, and carrying bags which were perfect for hopping beaches in Curacao! (we both pack carry on only and were able to easily fit it in our bag too!)

It’s also nice to have a pair of water shoes too to wear under your flippers! We also visited Bonaire on this trip and between both destinations, we did a lot of snorkeling! Some beaches have fossilized coral, a rock shelf, or other things that are a bit harder to step on to get in and out of the water. Plus your feet have a little more protection from any sea creatures you might encounter. And they fit in the snorkel set bag we bought!

Don’t forget something to take underwater photos ! For those who are looking for something on a budget, you can get a waterproof pouch for your smartphone to take underwater photos . Just be careful to keep this sealed correctly so no water gets in. This does do the trick but can be a bit tricky to play with to get focus.

Or bring a waterproof camera like the classic waterproof GoPro action camera or the waterproof Insta360 camera which are both great for snorkeling and don’t require the waterproof housing if you’re not diving into deeper water!

Bring your own towel! We also pack our own beach towel on trips with us too, not the bulky traditional beach towel you’re thinking of though.

We both always use a sarong or Turkish towel because they are lightweight, dry quickly, easy to pack, and do the job! There was a breeze at most beaches too so we purchased beach towel clips to secure them plus my beach hat to the chair while we were swimming.

Best Curacao Beaches To Visit

• Cas Abao Beach / Playa Cas Abao

We are going to start off this list of the best beaches in Curacao to visit with one of National Geographic’s picks for the best beaches in the world !

Playa Cas Abao or Cas Abao Beach is located northwest of Willemstad, this picturesque, soft, white sandy beach is the perfect place to lounge, swim, snorkel, and play for hours. You’ll want to pay the few dollars for a chair here, especially if you can snag a spot under one of the palapa umbrellas to post up for a relaxing day at this gorgeous beach.

There’s a restaurant and snack bar that sells basic food and meals like hot dogs, salads, french fries, and a few other fried Dutch-inspired snacks as well as drinks.

If you’re looking to pamper yourself you can even book a massage here right on the beach! They also have kayaks and paddle boards for rent if you want to get on the water as well as a dive shop if you wanted to go scuba diving at the three dive sites here.

The snorkeling here is fantastic too, once you enter the crystal clear turquoise water you’ll find all kinds of tropical colorful fish and marine life. While we didn’t see sea turtles or eagle rays, they are spotted here.

Curacao Beach Recap: 

• white sand, snorkeling, scuba diving
• $6 USD/10 ANG per car weekdays ($7 USD/12.50 ANG on weekends) *max 4 people per car, a small fee for extra people
• $3 USD/5 ANG per person for a beach chair which comes with a complimentary shower token
• Snack Bar & Bar
• Toilets & Showers
• Beach Massages
• Dive Shop and Watersport rentals including SUP and kayaks
• Open daily 8 AM to 6 PM
• Playa Porto Mari

When it comes to the best Curacao beaches, one of our favorites was Playa Porto Mari , which we have our pals Shanna and Gabi of 27 Travels to thank for inspiring us to go here! This incredible beach is located at Porto Marie Bay on the west coast near the village of Sint Willibrordus, which was also around the corner from our resort, Coral Estate Resort .

This beach had it all! There was a cute boutique, full restaurant and bar, palm trees, beach chairs, a floating dock out in the water, a pier, great snorkeling, lookout observation tower for more views, three hiking trails, painting your own souvenir, and apparently two resident pigs (which we sadly didn’t get to see).

Enjoy this white sandy bay with calm, turquoise water. The snorkeling here was especially fun, we liked snorkeling around the cliffs where we spotted tons of colorful fish. There were interesting reef ball clusters we passed which are artificial reefs planted here to help the underwater environment recover from damage in the 1999 Hurricane Lenny.

In fact, this is also a popular scuba diving site because of their unique double reef. They have a dive school here too accommodating all levels of scuba divers.

There is a proper restaurant with a full menu and bar here too, with tons of frozen cocktails and cold beer to enjoy when you need to cool off. This is also one of the prettiest beaches in Curacao to watch the sunset!

If you’re up for a land adventure, you can set off on one of the three hiking trails from the parking area or climb up to the observation tower to check out 360 views.

• white sandy bay, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking trails
• $3 USD/5 ANG per person (children under 4 are free)
• $3.5 USD/6 ANG per person for a beach chair 
• Full Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
• Toilets, showers, and lockers are available
• Beach massages available
• Dive School and Dive Shop for gear rentals
• One of the prettiest beaches in Curacao for sunsets
• Open daily 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM (Closed on New Years Eve and Carnival Sunday)
• Playa Kalki

Located in Westpunt, this was one of Scott’s favorite Curacao beaches! Playa Kalki’s name refers to the limestone cliffs that surround the beach and is one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in Curacao because of the Alice in Wonderland coral reef below the surface, which relates to the unique mushroom-shaped coral formations you’ll find here.

Not to mention there’s an underwater sculpture of a Chichi doll placed in the reef too!

This beach is a little more rocky, so it’s nice to have those water shoes for getting in and out of the water here! Here you can rent beach chairs for a few bucks, we recommend picking a spot under the palapa umbrellas, or upgrading your experience and rent out padded beach beds under the shade for a little more comfortable day at the beach, especially if you’re going to stick around for awhile.

Unlike other beaches in Curacao, there is no fee to visit the beach, just to use their chairs and beach beds. So you are able to visit this beach for free if you want to sit on the sand, but it is a little more pebbly and crushed up coral on the ground here.

There are two floating docks out in the water equipped with chairs you can swim out to and enjoy the sun, a snack bar, and toilets for a small fee.

This is also a great dive and snorkel spot as mentioned before, they also have a dive shop on site for all your scuba diving needs! Don’t be surprised to see sea turtles here either!

Also, if you’re interested in seeing the Blue Room, they offer snorkel trips on Wednesdays and Sundays. I am not sure how to book these in advance, so we recommend booking the Blue Room snorkel tour in advance if this is something you really want to do.

• pretty turquoise bay with good snorkeling and scuba diving with unique coral reef formations at Alice in Wonderland
• $5 USD/1o ANG per person for a beach chair, the padded beds were a little more
• Beach snack bar 
• Toilets for 1 ANG (they took my $1 USD with no change, so you may want to have a few local coins for toilets here)
• Dive Shop for gear rentals
• lockers available to rent at the dive shop
• Klein Curacao

One of the absolute best beaches in Curacao can be found on Klein Curacao, or “Little Curacao.” Unfortunately, this isn’t a Curacao beach that’s easy to get to as you have to take the 2-hour journey on a boat to visit this island offshore of the main island, but it’s definitely worth it!

This means you’ll have to join a Klein Curacao tour. We opted for Miss Ann’s Boat Trips which depart from Sandals Resort (with a few hotel shuttles to the meeting point). This is a more luxurious way of going on a high-speed yacht (that cuts the commute in half only taking 60 minutes) and they also are the only company with private facilities during your day trip to Klein Curacao where you can relax in comfort with beach chairs, palapa huts, and bathrooms. They also provide meals and a guided snorkel safari tour as well as add-ons like scuba diving, massages, and an open bar.

If you want to spend the night on Klein Curacao, they can also arrange overnight camping trips too!

Their facilities are awesome, but they are not located on the main stretch of white sandy beach, although you can easily visit that portion of the island. Their facilities are located on a smaller stretch of white sandy beach with an area that’s easy to enter and exit with awesome snorkeling.

The other tour options include BlueFinn Charters tour and Breeze Boat Trips tour which also include meals and drop you off on the long, beautiful white sandy stretch of beach on Klein Curacao. They have less facilities but still have palapa huts on the beach you can pop your beach towel under to relax in the shade.

This is without a doubt the most beautiful beach in Curacao with crystal clear shades of turquoise water and the softest white sand, supreme snorkeling (we saw sea turtles here, eels, and colorful fish we didn’t see at other Curacao beaches!) and other fun spots to check out on the island like the abandoned lighthouse and shipwrecks found on the windy and more rough side of the island.

Your day trip here goes by really fast and it’s well worth spending an entire day to make the trip to Klein Curacao!

Tip: the boat ride there is rougher than the way back, consider packing non-drowsy Dramamine and ginger chews !

• The most beautiful beach in Curacao located on a remote island with white sand
• You’ll have to book one of the tours in advance to visit from Miss Ann’s Boat Trips, BlueFinn Charters tour , or Breeze Boat Trips tour which include meals and drinks
• Excellent snorkeling and diving is an option via your tour as an add-on
• toilets are available
• other fun things to explore like shipwrecks and a lighthouse
• Grote Knip Beach / Playa Kenepa Grandi

If I had to pick one, this was my favorite for best beaches in Curacao! Grote Knip or Kenepa Grandi is one of the most popular and top Curacao beaches for a reason. Not only do you have pristine turquoise water here but also beautiful white sand and it’s free to visit!

While there are no entry fees to visit this Curacao beach, they do charge to use their chairs. We paid $5 USD per chair and an extra $5 USD for the umbrella rental, which was worth it. Visitors are welcome to snag a spot on the sand though too.

After arriving to the large parking area, there’s a lookout point and a friendly man with his pet iguana offering visitors to take a photo with it. Go down the stairs and you’ll witness one of the most iconic beaches in Curacao. Once you decide if you’re going to snag a chair or spot on the sand you can either head to the snack bar for a drink or hop in the water for incredible swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

My favorite part was that there were random pigs that kept making their rounds to all the beach-goers. Even a mama pig and her piglets made their way to the edge of the water to cool off. Just be sure to keep your food and snacks in a spot they can’t reach as they were scrounging around people’s belongings for food!

Also, the road here also leads to another one of the best beaches in Curacao, Kleine Knip/Playa Kenepa Chiki so you can visit both while you’re here!

• one of the most famous Curacao beaches known for its beautiful sand and water
• Free admission
• $5 USD/1o ANG per person for a beach chair and $5 USD/1o ANG for an umbrella rental
• Beach snack bars 
• Toilets for a small fee
• excellent reef for snorkeling and diving (can’t get gear here, so bring your own)
• Kleine Knip / Playa Kenepa Chiki

Located off the same road as Grote Knip or Playa Kenepa Grandi is Kleine Knip or Playa Kenepa Chiki. The beach here is very similar to Grote Knip, but smaller and without facilities except for the beach chair and umbrella rentals. There’s excellent snorkeling here and scuba divers were also present here as well.

This Curacao beach is also free! And while Grote Knip attracts a larger crowd, Kleine Knip stays much quieter and is a true gem of a beach to check out.

Since there are no facilities or snack bars, make sure to pack your own water and snacks if you plan on sticking around.

• More quiet, beautiful beach next to Grote Knip
• no facilities
• great for snorkeling and diving (can’t get gear here, so bring your own)
• Playa Piskado / Playa Grandi

Is swimming with sea turtles in Curacao on the top of your trip wish list? This is one of the best beaches in Curacao for this very reason as it’s the only Curacao beach you’re pretty much guaranteed to swim with sea turtles located in Westpunt. (Although there are no absolute guarantees, your chances are high).

Playa Piskado also known as Playa Grandi is a working fisherman’s beach is a completely free Curacao beach to visit and there’s even a fun children’s playground you’ll pass as you drive towards the beach. There is a pier and small fishing vessels where the fishermen dump the remains of their catches that attracts many colorful fish you’ll see here including the sea turtles who are always here!

There are chairs at the beach for a small fee if you do want to sit and relax here awhile, or you can easily find a spot on the beach. There’s also a restroom you can use for a small fee, but it’s not open every day (mostly open around the latter half of the week) and a snack bar.

The beach here is pretty small and pebbly, so you will want your water shoes for getting in and out of the water. This isn’t your typical Curacao beach you’ll want to relax at all day, it’s more of a beach you’ll want to visit for the main star, the sea turtles! So don’t forget your snorkel gear!

Just remember, it’s prohibited to touch sea turtles, plus they can bite if your fingers are close to their mouth but are extremely docile and used to seeing swimmers. Please just follow the rules as these are endangered and protected species, please be a responsible visitor.

This is also a popular Curacao beach for divers as well who not only are here to see the vibrant marine life but also the underwater King Neptune sculpture that was here by a Dutch artist and serves as an artificial reef encrusted in sponges. What’s really cool is that there are a few underwater sculptures in Curacao you can hunt down during your trip too, especially if you’re scuba diving.

• A popular beach for swimming with sea turtles in Curacao and a working fisherman’s beach
• pebbly shoreline so water shoes are recommended
• $3 USD/5 ANG per person for a beach chair and $2 USD/4 ANG for an umbrella 
• toilets available for a small fee and a snack bar
• colorful children’s playground near entrance
• popular snorkeling and diving to the King Neptune sculpture
• Playa Lagun

As far as the beaches of Curacao for snorkeling, you’ll probably notice most are great, but if I had to pick my favorite snorkeling beach it was Playa Lagun!

This beach is located in a small bay surrounded by tall cliffs on either side, with a great Bahia Beach Bar perched up on the cliff that offers stellar views accessible to the beach by a steep staircase, drinks, and a full restaurant if you’re hungry open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We highly recommend stopping by for the views and at least a drink after you snorkel or dive here!

This beach is popular among snorkelers and divers and let me tell you, there was alot of action going on underwater here! This is where we swam with a sea turtle, we overheard someone else saying they saw an octopus, and we saw tons of vibrant colorful fish swimming around the cliffs and corals here.

This is a public beach, so it’s completely free to visit! There are umbrellas and beach chairs available for rent and a dive shop here if you need to rent gear. And since this is also a fisherman’s beach, there are small boats pulled up on the sand here too.

• A popular beach for snorkeling and diving
• $4 USD/7 ANG per person for a beach chair
• Bahia Beach Bar is located on the cliffs above for food and drinks (plus amazing views)
• Daaibooi Beach

Located near the village of Sint Willibrordus, Daaibooi Beach is another one of the best beaches in Curacao to enjoy a laid-back day by the cerulean waters of Curacao. This is another great free beach to visit with the option to rent a chair and post up under one of the palapa pergolas available on the beach.

This was one of the more quiet beaches of Curacao (although it gets more popular on the weekends as it’s not so much of a ‘hidden gem’ anymore) that we visited with gorgeous white sand, shallow clear water, and a great spot for both snorkeling and diving. There’s a dive shop here and a snack bar on site and toilets too.

Check out the snorkeling along the rocky ledge to spot all kinds of colorful fish and underwater critters.

• A quiet, more secluded beach with beautiful white sand (gets busier on the weekends though)
• $3 USD/5 ANG per person for a beach chair (pay $6 USD/10 ANG upfront and get half back upon returning the chair)
• has a dive shop for gear
• snack bar, palapa pergolas, and toilets available
• Mambo Beach

If you’re looking for the best beaches in Curacao from cruise ships in Willemstad, you’ll want to visit Mambo Beach! While none of the Curacao beaches near the cruise port are within walking distance, you’ll want to take a taxi if you’re a cruise ship visitor, which is only a 15-minute ride. 

Mambo Beach, sometimes referred to as Seaquarium Beach, is the most commercial beach of Curacao offering several beachfront restaurants with their own spot on the white powdery sand and tons of shops along their boulevard. It’s the perfect spot if you’re wanting to not only enjoy the beach, but eat and drink, and do a little souvenir shopping as well. Plus, Mambo Beach is not only a great sunset spot but a popular spot for nightlife.

While this is a manmade beach, it’s still beautiful nonetheless and a gorgeous spot at sunset. 

There is a fee to enter the beach here during regular beach hours and then you can rent beach chairs from the individual beach clubs/restaurants along the beach. We recommend picking which restaurant/beach club you want to post up at and then pay the rental fee so you can order right on the beach and sit back and relax the rest of the day.

There are several spots like Madero Ocean Club which also has a pool, Bonita Beach Club, and Lion’s Dive Beach Resort has a few waterfront restaurants and beach bars to hang out at.

Ocean Encounters at Lion’s Dive Beach Resort offers gear rentals as well as scuba trip options.

For those looking for nightlife at Mambo Beach, a few of the beach bars that turn into clubs after dark include Wet & Wild Beach Club (on Fridays and Sundays only), and Bonita Beach Bar and Chill Beach Bar & Grill stay open until 10 PM on some nights.

• calm, beautiful manmade beach with multiple beach clubs and restaurants
• good beach in Curacao near the cruise port (15 min taxi away from Willemstad)
• $3.5 USD/6 ANG per person to enter during regular beach hours 8:30 AM – 5 PM
• Beach chair and umbrella rentals available at individual beach clubs and restaurants
• popular nightlife spot
• gear rental available and dive shop for scuba diving excursions
• Jan Thiel Beach

Like Mambo Beach, Jan Thiel Beach is one of the best beaches in Curacao near the cruise ship in Willemstad. Jan Thiel Beach is around a 25-minute taxi ride from Willemstad and also has several restaurants and beach bars to relax at all day.

Jan Thiel Beach is also one of the very family-friendly beaches of Curacao and tends to be on the more crowded side. And like Mambo Beach, this is also a popular nightlife spot after dark.

When we went, we ended up just going to the beach club/bar that had available seating which was Zanzibar Beach & Restaurant, which was on our favorite stretch of sand they served food and drinks to the chairs, which were available to rent for about $3 USD per person.

Jan Thiel Beach had a pretty pink hue in the sand, which was unexpected as we didn’t realize Curacao had pink sand beaches like in Bermuda !

Before deciding which beach club to check out, you do have to pay a fee at the parking area to enter Jan Thiel Beach. Keep in mind there are only two areas you can get into the water, from Papagayo Beach Club and Zanzibar Beach & Restaurant.

• Beautiful beach (some pink in the sand too!) with multiple beach clubs and restaurants
• good beach in Curacao near the cruise port (25 min taxi away from Willemstad)
• $3.5 USD/6 ANG per person to enter 
• Beach chair and umbrella rentals were available at individual beach clubs and restaurants, most were around $4 USD/ 7 ANG
• family-friendly

Playa Santa Cruz 

Another one of the best beaches in Curacao with a large stretch of white sand was Playa Santa Cruz located on the south end of the village of Lagun. This is a great beach for swimming and there are a few picnic tables with palapa umbrellas to relax under if you need a break from the sun set a little further back from the water on the beach.

This is a free Curacao beach to visit that has a watersports shop on one side of the beach where you can grab a bite to eat or drink, rent a kayak, use their water taxi to get to places only accessible by boat, although they do not take reservations their boat tours leave Tuesdays through Sundays at 1 PM & 3 PM.

Unlike most Curacao beaches, this is actually not great for snorkeling because it’s surrounded by mangrove forests which make the water have less visibility, although it’s still very pretty and great for swimming and kayaking. Because of the mangroves, this is a great spot for bird watching.

• A more quiet, larger white sand beach
• toilets and a few picnic tables with palapa umbrellas and shade structures set further back on the sand
• small bar and restaurant
• Watersport Shop offers kayak rentals and water taxi tour to secluded areas (Tuesdays through Sundays)
• great for birdwatching 
• Blauwbaai Beach / Blue Bay Beach

One of the most popular beaches in Curacao to mention is Blauwbaai Beach or Blue Bay Beach located at the Blue Bay Curacao Golf & Beach Resort . This is a private beach, so there is a fee to enter. The fee is a bit higher here but it does include use of the beach chairs and umbrellas, so it evens out to be on par with the cost of some of the other beaches with fees as well. Unless you’re a guest at Blue Bay Curacao Golf & Beach Resort , then your admission is included in your stay.

This is a popular beach because of its soft white sand, although there are some broken coral and rocks in the water so you may want to wear water shoes! Families with children enjoy this spot because of the gentle slope in the beach making it easy for beginner swimmers. Plus there’s a pool.

Enjoy relaxing on the white sand in a lounge chair surrounded by palm trees or under an umbrella. There’s a bar and restaurant here as well as a water sports facility that offers rentals, kayaks, and scuba diving options along with a gift shop.

Other facilities include showers and restrooms and an option to book a massage. Also, this is another great option for day visitors a cruise as this is one of the few beaches in Curacao near cruise port in Willemstad only a 15-minute taxi ride away.

• Beautiful beach popular with families
• $12 USD/20 ANG for adults and $6 USD/10 ANG to enter which includes use of beach chairs (guests of the resort don’t pay any additional fees) 
• watersport rentals for snorkel gear and kayaks plus the option for scuba diving
• open daily 8 AM to 8 PM
• restrooms, showers, changing rooms available as well as booking massages 
• bar and restaurant on site
• Tugboat Beach

Tugboat Beach is not only one of the best beaches in Curacao for snorkeling and diving but it’s also a chill hang out spot to post up for an afternoon enjoying this shabby more industrial area of the island with a boho beach bar and lounge where you can paint your own souvenir by the beach, have a ice cold beer overlooking the water, or enjoy one of their sunbeds by the beach.

Located near the ruins of Fort Beekenburg, Tugboat Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling and diving spots on Curacao because of the tugboat shipwreck located near the shore. There’s also an abundance of marine life here from seahorses to all kinds of colorful reef fish.

The beach here is more rocky, so you’re going to want to have your water shoes here! There are beach chairs along the shore you can rent for a small fee, a bare-bones bar that offers only hot dogs for food, and plenty of places to sit back and relax with a view.

There is no fee to enter the bay or beach here, only if you want to rent a chair. This is also only a 25-minute taxi ride from the cruise port in Willemstad if you are a day visitor looking for a great snorkel spot, Tugboat Beach also arranges transfers from the cruise port to their beach if you want to organize this ahead of time.

• popular snorkel and diving site at a sunken tugboat, more of a rocky beach bring water shoes!
• $3 USD/ 5 ANG to rent a beach chair
• small bar with cool lounging areas with hot dogs and chips
• possible to visit for cruise ship passengers
• paint art on the beach here

Playa Forti

Another one of the best beaches in Curacao in Westpunt is Playa Forti. This is a popular beach among thrill-seekers who want to cliff jump 40 feet down into the water from Restaurant Playa Forti on the cliff above. (at your own risk of course)

This beach has more coarse sand and is more pebbly, so water shoes are recommended. This is one of the best Curacao beaches to visit around lunch time as there are several restaurants nearby including the restaurant you can jump from the cliff and another restaurant on the other side of the beach, both offering stunning views of the blue and turquoise water below!

We ate at Restaurant Playa Forti and highly recommend getting their whole fried red snapper! Also, this restaurant was the site of a historic fortification too! And if you find yourself here in the evening, this is an excellent Curacao beach for sunsets!

Beyond the restaurants, there are no facilities at this beach and there is no fee to visit. 

• popular beach for cliff jumping
• two restaurants located on the cliffs on either side of the beach with incredible views!
• pebbly and broken coral beach, you’ll want water shoes
• great sunset spot

Curacao Beach Tours

Not feeling like you want to hit up the best beaches in Curacao on your own? Or maybe you don’t want to rent a car. Don’t worry, you can join one of these tours.

The west coast of Curacao has the best beaches including the beaches around Westpunt, Lagun, and the village of Sint Willibrordus.

The clearest beach in Curacao is at Klein Curacao located 15 miles from the main island accessible by a day tour. Other clear beaches include Cas Abao, Playa Porto Mari, and Grote Knip.

The beaches in Curacao are swimmable and perfect for snorkeling and popular among scuba divers because of the abundant coral reefs with tropical fish and marine life.

The best beach in Curacao to swim with turtles is Playa Piskado/Playa Grandi as there are always sea turtles here feeding off the fisherman boats.

The closest beaches to Willemstad, Curacao include Mambo Beach, Blue Bay Beach, and Jan Thiel Beach which are easy to visit by taxi from Willemstad if you don’t have a rental car.

The closest Curacao beaches to the cruise terminal in Willemstad are Mambo Beach and Blue Bay Beach which are easy to visit via taxi for cruise ship passengers.

Best Beaches of Curacao Summary:

• Playa Santa Cruz
• Playa Forti 

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10 Best Curacao Beaches

If you’re wondering what the beaches on Curacao are like, they won’t disappoint. A small island tucked away in the southern Caribbean and just 30 miles off the coast of Venezuela, the ‘C’ of the ABC islands may not be the most famous island in the Caribbean for its beaches, but there are still some stunning sandy gems to be found. Find out which the best beach in Curacao is for you in this handy guide! 

Curacao island is long and thin, with the eastern coast regularly battered by trade winds and storms, and a jagged, rocky coastline. Instead it’s on the island’s west coast that you’ll find the best beaches in Curacao with sandy shorelines, secret coves, and turquoise waters. 

• Map of Curacao Beaches

Playa Kenepa Grandi / Grote Knip

Playa kenepa chiki / klein knip, playa lagun.

• P laya Santa Cruz

Playa Cas Abou

Playa porto marie.

• Blue Bay Beach

Mambo Beach

Jan thiel beach.

• Klein Curacao Beach

While some of the best Curacao beaches are private and accessible only to paying visitors, the good news is that there are several public beaches Curacao has, which are open to all – which is handy if you’re staying somewhere that’s not on the beach and are looking for the best free beaches in Curacao to visit. 

Each of the top beaches in Curacao listed here has something different to offer – whether it’s easy access, beautiful clear water, good snorkeling, or a great range of facilities and places to eat, I’ll help you to work out which beaches in Curacao should definitely be on your shortlist. 

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST BEACHES ON CURACAO

When it comes to beaches, Curacao keeps some of its best gems tucked away, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Curacao take a little more travel time to reach them (but are worth the drive). 

The Curacao best beaches found below are spread along the west coast of the island, but it’s worth knowing up front that some of the most beautiful spots are in the north, which is furthest away from the cruise terminal and Willemstad . If you do have some extra time to drive up the coast and explore, you won’t regret it – in my opinion the northern beaches on Curacao are the best. 

However, if you’re looking for the best beaches in Curacao near cruise port, there are still some decent options. Many of the beaches near cruise port in Curacao are man made and are surrounded by rocks to protect the imported sand and create a more calm swimming area, but they are still beautiful. The more southern beaches are also great if you’re looking for entertainment, beach bars and/or a party scene. 

If you’re in search of the best snorkeling beach in Curacao, you’ll have plenty of choice, and you’ll see several of my Curacao island beaches below have good spots for snorkeling – whether it’s the chance to swim with turtles or good reefs off the beach. 

Read More: Best Snorkeling in Curacao

CURACAO BEACHES MAP

Click on the map of Curacao beaches below for more details.

10 BEST BEACHES OF CURACAO

My list of best beaches Curacao runs from North to South along the west coast of the island, so if you’re only looking for the best beaches near Willemstad, Curacao, scroll down. I’ve also included my recommendations for where to stay near each beach, too, if you’re looking for the best beach hotels in Curacao. 

Read More: Best Places to Stay in Curacao

• Amenities: Sunbeds & Umbrellas for rent, Restrooms, Snack bar
• Access: Free parking, Free entry to beach
• Where to Stay:   Oceanfront Townhome near Westpunt

Possibly the best beach in Curacao island, Grote Knip is definitely one of the prettiest, with picture-perfect natural white sand and stunning turquoise waters. 

About a 45 minute – 1 hour drive north from Willemstad, Kenepa beach Curacao (the local name for the beach) is a great place to spend a few hours relaxing and swimming in the beautiful water, and is home to some of the best snorkeling in Curacao under the cliffs at either end of the beach. 

The beach is one of the most popular public beaches in Curacao among locals, so it can get busy on weekends and public holidays – if you prefer to avoid the crowds, come on a weekday for a quieter experience. 

There isn’t much in the way of amenities here, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen with you. There’s a small snack bar which offers refreshments at better prices than many of the other beaches, however it’s not always open so it’s best to come prepared with a few snacks just in case. 

Amenities: Sunbeds & Umbrellas for rent Access: Free parking, Free entry to beach Where to Stay:  Sol Patch at Jeremi

If a small quiet beach is what you’re looking for with clear water and white sand, then Klein Knip is a great option to consider. 

Located just south of Grote Knip beach (above), this is a small cove which gets great sunsets and also has good snorkeling just off the beach – it’s another of the most beautiful beaches in Curacao and is perfect for those who aren’t looking for a beach with lots of facilities and entertainment. 

To a lesser extent than Grote Knip, this beach is also popular with locals, especially on weekends. 

You’ll need to bring what you need for your time here as there are no facilities to speak of – there’s sometimes a food truck, but this may or may not be there during your visit so it’s best to bring plenty of water and snacks. You can usually rent sun loungers and umbrellas for a small fee. 

Amenities: Diving School, Sunbeds & Umbrella rental, Restrooms & Showers (Sundays only) Access: Free parking, Free entry to beach Where to Stay:   Condo overlooking Lagun Beach

Another of the top beaches Curacao has to offer is Playa Lagun –  this small little cove is tucked away at the southern end of Lagun town, further south again from the Kenepa beaches. 

One of the best beaches in Curacao for swimming and snorkeling, if you’re after some great Curacao beach pictures for Instagram, you’ll love it here. Not only are the waters clear and pristine and the sands white, but there are also often turtles in the cove who are happy to swim along with you as you snorkel (a better experience than Playa Piscado). You may also see iguanas on the beach. 

Up the stairs at the top of the beach there’s a nice restaurant with great views out. Facilities on the beach are limited with the shower & WC block open only on Sundays and there’s no snack bar, so as with the other small beaches in this area, it’s best to bring your own snacks and provisions. 

Playa Santa Cruz

Amenities: Restaurant, Restrooms, Sunbeds & Umbrellas for rent, Boat trips Access: Free entry to beach & parking Where to Stay: Oceanfront Villa near Lagun

If you’re looking for a beach in Curacao with more facilities and things to do, but without being completely built up with resorts and bars then Playa Santa Cruz is well worth a visit. This is one of the best beaches in Curacao for snorkeling too, as you can take a boat trip from here to the Blue Room, which is a beautiful underwater cave – but you’ll need to bring your own snorkel gear as it’s not available for rent here. 

Another option is to hike to the Blue Room cave along the top of the cliffs, where a short 10-15 minute hiking trail will take you along the headland to Santu Pretu (black beach) and along to the Blue Room. This way you can see the cave for yourself without taking the boat tour, but you’ll need to jump from the rocks into the water at the Blue Room. 

Coming back, you can either climb out of the water and back up the rocks (requires some athletic strength) and hike back, or snorkel your way back along to Santu Pretu beach and do the short hike back to Playa Santa Cruz from there. 

Amenities: Showers, Restrooms, Snack Bar, Sunbeds & Umbrella rental, SUP rental, Massage Access: Paid entry to beach & parking Where to Stay:  Villa Trupial

Another of the nicest beaches in Curacao is Playa Cas Abou (also called Cas Abao beach – local name). 

Located about halfway up the west coast of the island, this is a bit closer to Willemstad than some of the far north hidden beaches Curacao has, but it still has beautiful clear turquoise ocean – perfect for swimming. 

Since this is a paid beach (the entrance fee is 10 ANG which includes parking), it’s much less crowded than some of the other free public beaches in Curacao, and there are plenty of facilities too. Sunbed and Umbrella rental is in addition to the entrance fee. There’s a snack bar with decent food, and if you want to explore further you can rent a stand up paddle board, or treat yourself to a relaxing massage on the beach. 

Amenities: Snack bar/restaurant, Showers & Restrooms, Massage, Sunbeds & Umbrella rental Access: Paid entry to beach Where to Stay: Coral Estate Luxury Resort or Villa Seashell

When people ask me what are the best beaches in Curacao, another of my favorites I like to recommend is Playa Porto Marie beach. 

This wide sweeping beach has beautiful white sand and clear waters, and is a perfect option for swimming and snorkeling. Since the slope down to the waters edge is gentle and sheltered, this beach makes for a great choice if you’re looking for the best beaches in Curacao for families. 

Another notable feature of this beach is its swimming pigs! You may have seen the famous pigs in the Bahamas, but Curacao has its very own version, too. Pigs walk and swim along the beach, although they do so on their own schedule so they may not always be here. 

The beach has basic facilities including a snack bar / restaurant, showers and restrooms, beach massage, and there’s also a diving school here. There are handy lockers you can rent if you want to go for a longer snorkel. The Seru Mateo hiking trail is located just behind the beach if you feel like some more strenuous activity. 

If you’re looking for the best snorkeling beaches in Curacao, then Playa Porto Marie is well known for its double-reef. 

Blue Bay Beach, Curacao / Blauw Baai

Amenities: Showers & Restrooms, Restaurant, Bar, Massage, Diving School Access: Paid day pass for Blue Bay beach, includes parking Where to Stay: Bayside Boutique Hotel

When looking for the best beaches in Curacao, Blue Bay will often come up top – much loved for its wide arc of beautiful sand and clear water and great selection of facilities, this is one of the most famous Curacao beaches. 

Blue Bay beach is located along the central west coast of Curacao and is just 15 minutes drive north west from Willemstad. 

A private beach managed by Blue Bay beach resort, there’s an $8 (USD) Blue Bay beach Curacao fee to get in, which includes access to sunbeds and restrooms. There are a choice of restaurants and bars on site as well as a diving school – although if you’re coming for snorkeling, there are better places in Curacao. 

The bay is sheltered and calm thanks to the rocky outcrops that have been built to protect it, and there’s a shallow descent to the water’s edge making it another of the best beaches in Curacao for kids. 

If you want to stay close to the beach, you could consider staying at the resort here, which is one of the best beach resort Curacao options around. 

Amenities: Beach bars, Restaurants, Resorts, Restrooms, Sunbeds & Umbrella rental, Diving School  Access: Free beach access, Free Parking (1-2 block walk)  Where to Stay:  Van Der Valk Kontiki Beach Resort

If you’re looking for the best beaches in Willemstad, Curacao then Mambo beach is a popular choice, especially for those looking for the best beach bars in Curacao and plenty of things to do. 

Located just south east of the Pietermaai area of Willemstad, Mambo beach is the place to come for a livelier beach scene and great nightlife. You can stay right on the beach at any one of the resorts or hotels here, and you’ll find that many hotels have areas of the beach closed off for private use by their guests. 

There is public access to the beach, and free access to restrooms, but one of the best things about Mambo beach is hopping from bar to bar for sundowners. 

Like many of southern Curacao’s beaches, Mambo beach is man made, and protected by a rocky wall to provide a sheltered swimming area – you wouldn’t necessarily know it though, and the beach is still attractive. 

Amenities: Beach bars, Restaurants, Resorts, Showers & Restrooms, Diving School, Sunbeds & Umbrellas Access: Paid beach access & parking Where to Stay:  Papagayo Beach Resort

Located just south of Mambo beach and also within easy reach from Willemstad is Jan Thiel beach. This is a great beach if you’re in search of beaches in Curacao near the cruise port or in town. There’s plenty of action going on here with lots of different restaurants, bars and resorts, but it’s more family friendly than Mambo beach (above). 

Also home to some of the best bars in Curacao and some beautiful beach resorts, there is no free beach access to Jan Thiel, with an entry fee of $8 USD per person. If you’re staying at one of the resorts on the beach here then access to the beach is usually included. 

Jan Thiel is perfect for when you want a day of being spoiled at the beach, as you can order food and drinks direct to your sun lounger, take a visit to the spa here, or just enjoy swimming and snorkeling from the beach. 

Klein Curacao

Amenities: Restrooms, Shade Access: By organized boat tour only- most leave from Caracasbaai/Spanish Water/Jan Thiel area Where to Stay:   Sandals Royal Curacao

Last but not least on my list of top Curacao beaches is Klein Curacao . ‘Little Curacao’ is an island located 1.5 hours away by boat to the south west of Curacao and is a popular beach to visit for a day while you vacation in Curacao. 

Access to the island is only available as part of a day tour and it’s not possible to stay overnight on the island. Amenities are basic, with small shelters / beach houses available that belong to tour companies. Food is either provided as part of your tour or you may need to bring your own. 

Klein Curacao is home to sweeping white sand beaches and there is good snorkeling to be found here with many turtles here to swim with. There are also some interesting shipwrecks to explore. It’s often recommended as one of the Curacao best beaches for snorkeling (although there are arguably options that are as good in northern Curacao itself). 

The island itself is abandoned and there are some ruined churches and other buildings that you can go on a short hike to see. 

Looking for more Curacao info to plan your trip? Check out all of our Curacao Guides HERE .

Kristin Young

Snorkeling in san juan, puerto rico | where to snorkel, tips & faqs, caribe hilton review.

The 10 Best Beaches in Curaçao

Curaçao Tourism Board

Curaçao is most well-known for its row of colorful picture-perfect building façades lining the Willemstad waterfront, water that matches the shocking blue hue of the island’s namesake liqueur and a quirky synergy of Dutch and Caribbean culture. But the island nation that sits 40 miles north of Venezuela outside the hurricane belt is actually referred to as “The Island of 35 Beaches,” and to that, we say, “challenge accepted.” Curaçao has a beach for every mood, vibe, and activity—including doing nothing at all. Many of its beaches have lagoons, which make them especially fitting for families with small children, snorkelers hoping to spot colorful schools of fish or anyone who just wants to spend a lazy afternoon afloat under the sun. Here are our picks for 10 to visit during a trip to this stunning island in the Lesser Antilles.

Playa Kenepa

 Curaçao Tourism Board

Also called Grote Knip or Kleine Knip, this acclaimed spot on the west side between the villages of Westpunt and Lagun is made up of a bigger beach (Kenepa Grandi) and a smaller and more private one (Kenepa Chiki). It’s only accessible by one road and tucked in a bay between ragged cliffs with breezy palapas set up on the beach, lending it a locals-in-the-know vibe. A shallow reef just a short swim from the shore is a must-hit spot for snorkelers; bring your own equipment and arrive early enough to snag a spot in the small parking lot.

Klein Curaçao

  Curaçao Tourism Board

Save a day during your trip to take an excursion to this uninhabited island 8 miles off the southeast coast known as "Little Curaçao," where you'll find the region's longest beach. Book a boat trip with Irie Tours ; after a two-hour ride, you'll arrive at a scuba diver's and snorkeler's paradise with underwater caves, stunning coral, and abandoned shipwrecks. Spend the day exploring the oversized volcanic rock that forms the island and visiting the lighthouse; you can even stay for the night and camp out on the beach beneath the stars.

Playa Forti

Curaçao Tourism Board

Adventure seekers can walk along a narrow path that runs along Restaurant Forti and spot the small fishing boats docked at nearby Playa Piskado before plunging forty feet into crystal clear water. Those looking for a tamer experience can descend the steps down and set out a mat or towel on Playa Forti’s sunny beach covered with coarse brown sand and tiny pebbles. Grab a table before sunset at Blue View Sunset Terrace for barbecued iguana and an ice-cold bottle of Amstel Bright.

Playa Piskado

Sure, you can jump in the water and swim with the sea turtles who hang out near the boats on this small quiet beach –especially before noon when the fishermen throw their chum into the water and attract more of these friendly creatures. But much more fun and immersive is to rent a personal underwater propeller from SeaBob Curaçao , hang on and ride alongside. If you don’t want to get wet, walk out on the pier and take that perfect IG photo with the nets and azure water as your backdrop before ordering a cold drink from the open-air beachfront snack bar.

Once a harbor for the small ships harvesting salt, Daaibooi was also used by American soldiers during World War II to protect the island from German attacks. It’s proximity to Willemstad makes it a quick jaunt and shallow calm water allows for easy snorkeling for beginners and children. Pergolas provide respite from the sun, there is a small trail west of the beach and the snack bar is open every day. If you are lucky you may run into Mr. Kees van Dongen, the manager of the restaurant, beach and surrounding area who’s at the ready to give you insider tips on making your visit to Curaçao unforgettable.

Playa Porto Mari

Situated on the west coast on the private estate of Plantages PortoMari, this secluded beach boasts white coral sand, a photo-worthy dock, and a unique double reef leading to a fabulous diving and snorkeling site. Three trails (the Seru Matteo, History, and Bird), which start at the beach’s parking lot, are perfect for hiking and mountain biking, and all activities here are managed sustainably. The boat-shaped bar and restaurant is known for its Indonesian-inspired dishes, including grilled chicken satays and nasi goreng as well as frikandel, a Dutch snack that’s basically a deep-fried minced meat hot dog.

Kokomo Beach

You’ll recognize this beach by its in-water swing set, the focal point of a laid-back spot that has nooks, beach chairs and places to lounge aplenty as well as Trunk Divers , a dive center offering rentals and tours. The area definitely starts to draw a crowd as sunset approaches, as the aptly-named Kokomo Beach restaurant hosts live music and serves up tuna tartare, shrimp and steaks you can wash down with Blue Curaçao-based cocktails.

Jan Thiel Beach

One of the most happening spots on Curaçao, Jan Thiel is home to swanky beach clubs like Papago Beach Club, where attendants cater to your every whim. In the afternoon, step off your towel-draped chaise lounge to partake in activities from beach tennis to flyboarding to sailing and paddleboarding with Bounty Adventures . At night, Zest Mediterranean mixes up a dizzying array of gin and tonics to enjoy with their Mediterranean cuisine, Zanzibar Beach Club is the island’s go-to restaurant for stone oven pizza, and local artists play live acoustic sets on the sand.

Director's Bay Beach

Curaçao Tourism Board 

Known as a top dive site, this area on the southeastern coast also has an amazing under-the-radar beach. One privately-owned by the Royal Dutch Shell Company, it was turned back over to the island in 1985 yet remains relatively remote. Limestone cliffs surround the cozy cove-like enclave—no wonder it’s been dubbed “Lover’s Beach. Swimming to the steep drop off close to shore rewards you with views of sea horses, eels, octopi and sponges as well as Tugboat, a famous sunken ship home to blue parrotfish and yellowtail snapper. 

Playa Lagun

Located near the village of Lagoon on the northwestern side of the island, the towering cliffs, rock formations and colorful boats of Playa Lagun have lent comparisons to the beaches of Thailand. You’ll find coral, sponges and reef fish in every color of the rainbow in the long narrow channel, and there is a dive shop through which you can book a dive or work on your scuba certification. Climb the stairs on the right side of the beach to the snack bar to rent beach chairs and grab some refreshments.

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15 Best Beaches in Curaçao

By Megan Eileen McDonough

Last updated: November 8th, 2023

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Travelers come to Curaçao every year to experience its year-round warm weather, dry, desert-like landscape, and turquoise water. The island is located in the southern Caribbean, 40 miles north of the South American coast, enjoying an average temperature of 86 degrees.

It’s the beaches that draw travelers to this corner of the Caribbean. While each beach has its own unique look and feel, it’s the signature “cove”-like shape that makes Curaçao’s beaches extra special. Rugged limestone cliffs create a sense of seclusion and serve as a contrast to the white sand beaches and tranquil, turquoise waters.

Here are some of the best beaches in Curaçao to include on your next visit.

Sea Aquarium Beach (Mambo Beach)

Part beach, part boulevard, think of Mambo as an urban oasis set against a beach backdrop. It’s located just four miles south of Willemstad and is more built up than Curaçao’s other beaches.

Mambo Beach does a good job of exuding popular appeal while maintaining a local feel. Whether you’re in the mood to bar hop or snorkel, there’s something for every taste and temperament. It’s a “choose your own adventure” type of place.

Families will enjoy a visit to the Sea Aquarium—one of the best aquariums in the world —where adventurous visitors can snorkel in the natural lagoon alongside stingrays, sharks, and tarpon. In another area of the park, visitors see nurse sharks and lemon sharks up close, while feeding them through designated windows.

When you’ve worked up an appetite, take your pick of Mambo Beach’s many restaurants. Bliss the Berry is a new addition to the boulevard and specializes in all-day breakfast and lunch—think fresh smoothies, açaí bowls, pancakes, and fresh roasted coffee.

In the evening, head over to Chill beach bar for a front-row seat to the sunset. The bar is located right on the beach and set up with plenty of wooden tables and comfy hammocks. Order something off the grill, like their chicken, beef, or shrimp skewers or go all out with their “Chill” burger, served with a side of nachos.

Read: Best Sunsets in the World

Playa Kenepa Grandi (Grote Knip)

Kenya Grandi, also known as Grote Knip, is one of two beaches that make up Playa Kenepa. Grote Knip has an intimate feel to it, framed by cliffs at either end and backed by dense green shrub, and is a perfect place to disconnect from the world for an afternoon.

Chill out on one of the loungers and catch some rays, or go on a kayak or snorkel adventure. As with more remote, quiet beaches, you’ll find a snack bar here but not much else. Consider packing a lunch or bringing some snacks with you.

South of Grote Knip you’ll find Klein Knip, the other beach that makes up Playa Kenapa. This beach is smaller in size but stunning in its own way. The two beaches aren’t too far apart, so it’s possible to squeeze a visit to Klein Knip on the way.

Caracas Bay

Home to a sunken tugboat wreck, Caracas Bay is a premier spot for snorkeling and scuba diving in the Caribbean . The tugboat has been underwater for some 30 years and the sea has absorbed it into the fold.

There are barnacles and coral growing along it and fish of every size swimming about. As beautiful as Curaçao is on land, Caracas Bay is a colorful reminder of all there is to uncover under the sea’s surface.

Fun fact: If you happen to see larger ships offshore, it’s because Caracas Bay has some of the clearest water on the island. Clear water makes it easier for ship repairers to perform inspections, repair broken parts and clean the vessels underwater.

Blue Bay Beach

Blue Bay Beach might be a 25-minute drive from Willemstad, but it’s well worth the detour as this is one of the top beaches in Curaçao. Blue Bay Beach has all the amenities you’ll need: water sports, snorkeling and sea kayaking gear, a bar, restaurant and changing areas.

Snorkeling here is one of the best things to do in Curaçao , and you don’t have to swim too far from shore to see colorful fish up close. It’s also a great spot to just do nothing—after all, what are vacations for? Reserve a chair at the Blue Bay Beach resort and catch up on a good book underneath the shade of the palm trees.

Blue Bay Beach Restaurant offers an extensive menu, with beachfront views and an open-air structure that provides welcome shade. Start with the Caribbean tomato chowder or the steak tartare with parmesan crisps and cured egg yolk.

For something more filling, try the mahi-mahi tacos and finish it all off with the Dutch apple pie with vanilla ice cream—a local specialty.

Kokomo Beach

Set in the natural bay of Vaersenbaai, Kokomo Beach is among Curaçao’s most visited beaches. It’s a safe bet for families and small groups because there are so many different things to do. Go snorkeling, relax on a lounger—they are super comfortable—or sip cocktails as the sun goes down.

Blue Curaçao

When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the beach bar for lunch and a round of drinks. The menu is fairly extensive, so there’s something for every taste.

Try a Caribbean cocktail made with the island’s signature Blue Curaçao liqueur, made from the peels of the Laraha fruit, a bitter orange native to the island. It’s still distilled and bottled on the island today and you can’t miss it as it’s colored bright blue.

If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Curaçao’s flamingos at Kokomo Beach. These wild birds are actually only part-time residents, and fly back and forth from Bonaire every day to care for their babies.

Kokomo Beach, as well as Jan Kok, are where they are spotted most, wading in in the shallows, showing off their pink plumage.

Playa Lagun

An array of colorful fishing boats greet you on Playa Lagun. Located on the west end of the island, Playa Lagun is considered the best snorkeling spot in Curaçao for swimming with green sea turtles (of course, safely and at a distance).

Sightings are hit or miss, but mornings are usually the best time to see the turtles.

On land, you’ll spot different creatures. Although they camouflage themselves well, you can usually see iguanas basking in the sun or draped in the trees.

They’re native to the island and are surprisingly great swimmers. As with many of Curaçao’s beaches, Playa Lagun can get a little rocky and water shoes really come in handy.

Playa Forti

If cliff-jumping, or more sensibly, watching cliff-jumping is on your bucket list, look no further than Playa Forti. This small, somewhat rugged black-sand beach is the perfect place to get your adrenaline pumping.

The jump from the promontory is roughly a 40-foot drop, so definitely not for the faint of heart, although you’ll see plenty of people making the leap.

The good news is that regardless of whether you take the plunge or not, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the island and some great panoramic photos from the top of the cliff. For when you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the Restaurant Playa Forti on the cliff for red snapper and piña coladas.

Playa Jeremi

Craving some alone time? Playa Jeremi is your best bet. The beach itself is covered with fragments of volcanic lava debris. Water shoes are a must here, as there are a lot of stones on the seabed.

Divers and snorkelers love Playa Jeremy because of the coral reef and easy swimming conditions. Since there aren’t any amenities or shade on the beach, this might be a beach to skip for the family.

Otherwise, pack a lunch, fill up that water bottle and you’re ready to go. Remember sunblock, too, as there’s not a lot of shade at this beach—and if you plan to spend a lot of time in the water, a rash vest will protect you, too.

For a truly local experience, make your way to Daaibooi. It’s a 30-minute drive from Willemstad but well worth the detour. Barbecues are allowed here–a rarity among most of Curaçao’s beaches–and locals take full advantage.

On any given day you’ll see families of all ages listening to music as they grill meat alongside a hearty portion of potato salad. You might not have a grill to join in the festivities, but you can still go and enjoy the ambiance. If you do get hungry, there’s a small snack bar to tide you over until dinner.

Playa Kalki

Playa Kalki is a small cove that has earned the nickname of “Alice in Wonderland” due to its mushroom-shaped coral formations. This is one beach where you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes.

To reach the beach, there are steep stone steps leading from the parking lot down to the cove. About halfway down, you can stop for a snack under the shaded area of the dive shop. Getting into the water can involve negotiating rocks, so make sure to pack your water shoes.

Playa Hundu

Located on Curaçao’s west side, Playa Hundu is a rubble beach surrounded by cliffs on either side. This is a popular dive spot, and for good reason. Colorful fish, reefs, and sponges sway in the calm, still waters.

If you’re not a diver, enjoy the remoteness of the beach from the shore. You’re in luck, as the palm trees do provide a nice shady area to keep cool.

Cas Abao is among three of Curaçao’s best beaches on the southwest side of the island for snorkeling. Warm water temperatures, gentle currents and calm waves make for ideal conditions to see all the marine life below.

When it comes to amenities, Cas Abao covers all the bases. Palapas are spread along the beach to keep shade from the sun, and lounge chairs are available for rent. There’s even free wifi–just ask the restaurant staff for the password. Restrooms and changing rooms are near the bar.

Visitors can either pack their own snacks or head to the beach bar and terrace. The menu isn’t too extensive but covers all the basics. Quick bites include hamburgers and fries, salads and sandwiches.

Finish it off with an ice-cold brew or a flavorful cocktail. You can either eat at the bar or take your local food and drinks to go in eco-friendly disposable containers.

Playa Porto Mari

This beach really has it all; white coral sand, clear and calm water, a restaurant, bar, dive shop, and changing facilities. It’s sustainably managed, too. For example, the boardwalks are made of discarded pallets.

Located close to the village of Sint Willibrordus on a private stage called Plantages Porto Mari, the “double” reef makes this a starting point for many scuba diving and snorkel excursions.

If you’re up for a hike or a mountain bike excursion, there are three nature trails accessible from the beach, too.

Little Curaçao (Klein Curaçao)

This beach is the stuff dreams are made of. Sitting just eight miles off the southeast coast of Curaçao, Klein Curaçao is an uninhabited island with some of the longest and most pristine beaches around. Affectionately known as “Little Curaçao”, the beach is wonderfully remote and only reachable by boat.

Getting to Klein Curaçao from the mainland takes about two hours each way—it’s 15 miles from Curaçao—but well worth the added effort as this is one of the top beaches in Curaçao. The historic coral-colored lighthouse makes for a great photo opportunity.

Little Curaçao is mostly untouched, the white sand beach and turquoise waters making this an irresistible stop on your tour of the island.

Playa Santa Cruz

Last but definitely not least, Playa Santa Cruz is the closest beach that will get you into Blue Room Cave. As its name suggests, this is a cave accessible via a small opening at water level.

You can either join a snorkel excursion or kayak to the entrance and tie your kayak to a pole. Then, depending on the tide, it’s anything up to a six-foot kick under water to emerge in the luminous blue of the cave. The color is caused by the sun’s rays filtering through the water.

Assuming you aren’t claustrophobic or at all hesitant to hold your breath underwater, this is a bucket-list item for sure. You do need to be in good shape, though, and a confident swimmer.

Curaçao’s desert-like landscape and turquoise waters lay claim to some fantastic beaches. Browse our luxury cruises to Curaçao and book your beach getaway today.

Megan Eileen McDonough

Megan is an award-winning writer and social photojournalist who splits her time between Barcelona and Washington, D.C. In addition to running top-ranked blog, Bohemian Trails, Megan’s writing has also appeared in publications such as Lonely Planet, Fodor’s, Bravo TV, Teen Vogue, AFAR, and WIRED, among others.

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Beach Hop Beautiful Curacao Beaches in A Day

Are you visiting Curaçao with your Southern Caribbean cruise or staying near Willemstad? Rent a car and beach hop the Curaçao beaches.

When we booked our Southern Caribbean cruise with the  Celebrity Equinox cruise ship , we were the most excited to visit Curaçao.

We would see colorful photos of Willemstad, beautiful blue waters, and flourishing markets and imagine ourselves in these photos.

Like  our day in Aruba , we had a full day in Curaçao and were ready to explore this Dutch Caribbean island. Most people get off the ship and spend their days in the capital city, Willemstad, but as usual, we wanted to see more.

Specifically, Curaçao beaches.

That doesn’t mean we didn’t take some time to visit Willemstad at the end of our day.

In the year before this cruise, we yearned to be at the beach more than ever, evident that it was just months ago we were in  Kauai for a week . We’ve always been beach people. But more than ever, we were craving the comfort of the warm sun, salty air, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shoreline.

Sadly, during our day in Curacao, it was rainy and gloomy. The sun wanted to come out, and it tried throughout the day. It threatened our attempt at beach hopping in Curacao, not as we had dreamed, but still memorable enough to return here and share it with you all.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our  full disclosure  for details.

The Curacao beaches here vary from tranquil and private to the more popular, wide-open public spots. Despite the rain, we explored a few beaches recommended by a local in Curacao and had a great time.

Curacao is well known for its snorkeling and diving. So if you’re looking to explore the underwater world, take your gear and get ready to explore.

In this article, we share how it’s possible to beach hop some of the beautiful curacao beaches and what not to miss in Willemstad. With anything we share, we hope you find some inspiration to plan you your tasty itinerary.

Table of Contents

Curaçao Cruise Port

Where do cruise ships dock in Curacao?

Cruise ships in Curacao dock at the Curacao Cruise Terminal in Willemstad. This terminal is just a few steps away from downtown and the popular Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge.

We didn’t explore the Curaçao Cruise Terminal much, but getting in and out of the terminal was easy. Relatively quiet compared to other Caribbean cruise terminals. We booked a car rental to be picked up at the terminal.

Can you walk to a beach from the cruise port in Curaçao?

No, you cannot walk to a beach from the cruise port in Curaçao. You will need to rent a car or hire a taxi/uber or bus to get to the closest beaches near the port: Mambo Beach, Sea Aquarium Beach, or Pirate Bay.

How far is the beach from the cruise port in Curaçao?

The closest beaches to the cruise port in Curacao are about a 10-15 minute drive.

How to get around in Curacao: rental or taxi?

From the Curacao Cruise Port, you can walk to Willemstad, taxi to a nearby beach, or consider renting a car to explore Curacao. We recommend renting a car if you want to visit farther into the countryside and explore other Curaçao beaches as we did. It is so freeing to explore at your own pace, of course, within the time your ship is at the port.

There are pros and cons to it.

If you’re driving, you have to navigate on your own with a provided map or Google maps, and there is no tour guide to educate you on the local history and culture.

Having your own car means making as many stops as you want, going in the direction you want, and exploring local spots your tour guide may not show you.

It can cost as little as $50 for a car rental for the day. We suggest booking a car rental as soon as you have your cruise itinerary. The earlier you book, the better your rate and the faster you can secure a car rental, as they get booked quickly. All you need is a valid Driver’s License.

We booked a car with Avis .

The Avis office is right in the terminal. Once you check-in, they will bring you to your car. Now, the only complaint I have from the day was that we had to wait for our vehicle to be ready for about 30 mins, even though we booked it for a specific time.

Remember, you’re on vacation. Go with the flow.

Driving in Curaçao is easy and safe. There wasn’t much traffic, and the beach stops are mostly off of one major road. Most are free unless you’re heading to a resort beach.

– Don’t Miss: 25 Best Things About Cruise Vacations –

Beach Hopping Curaçao Beaches

Did you know Curaçao has some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the Caribbean? We don’t scuba dive, but we do enjoy snorkeling.

At each one of the beaches we visited, there were many snorkelers and sometimes scuba divers. I watched one diver suit up by his car, hike the tank over his shoulder, and walk right down to the beach and into the water.

If you’re looking to beach hop on your own during your Southern Caribbean itinerary, Curaçao is probably one of the best islands to do so. Also, keep your eye out for flamingos; you never know when you’ll come across them.

Probably because it was a weekday during the fall and rainy, none of the Curaçao beaches we visited on this day were crowded.

So I can’t speak to what a summer day is like with a cruise in town. So if you do beach hop the Curaçao beaches and arrive at a crowded beach, you can always get back in the car and head on to the next one.

Here are some beach hopping tips:

1. Have your own vehicle so you have the freedom to explore. OR, book a beach-hopping tour .

2. Designate a certain amount of time you’ll spend at each beach. If not, you get caught up at the beach and miss out on the hopping part. If you decide to stick to one beach, that’s okay; make sure everyone in your party agrees.

3. Have at least a water bottle and a couple of packaged snacks between beaches. Even though I ate breakfast, I got lightheaded and thirsty at some point—a complete failure.

4. If you plan to snorkel , have all your gear ready.

5. Wear your swimsuit. Facilities are sparse.

6. Don’t forget the reef-friendly sunscreen .

Beach Packing List

This beach packing list covers all the essential items you will need for you and your family. Add this beach vacation packing list as part of your beach planning. Time to have some fun in the sun!

Curacao Beaches

Daaibooi beach.

We came across a few cruisers here at Daaibooi Beach. It’s a great first stop. And if you need any snorkeling gear, there is a hut on this beach renting snorkeling and diving gear. We ended up purchasing fins for hubby here.

Now when you snorkel here, you want to go left of the rocks. Beautiful fish are in that area, and you may spot a sea turtle.

Daiboo Beach | 6W68+R4 Sint Willibrordus | Google Map It

Playa Jeremi

The sky was a bit overcast still when we made it to Playa Jeremi in Curacao, but it was still beautiful here. As we gathered our things in the parking lot, we watched as a man with his scuba gear walked into the water, disappearing.

The beach has some beach chairs and umbrellas that you can rent. It was quiet, but not sure if it’s always like this or if it was a product of the rainy day.

There was some great snorkeling here, too.

Playa Jeremi | Google Map It

Absolute pristine water and is worth the drive north to visit this beach. Snorkeling, according to hubby, is some of the best yet. You may also spot a turtle!

You can rent chairs here. Since we were beach hopping the Curaçao beaches and not staying too long, we didn’t.

There is a snack bar and a bathroom you will need to pay to use.

Grote Knip | 9R2X+PC Sabana Westpunt | Google Map It

Tour Ideas: Swimming with Sea Turtles & Grote Knip Beach [ book here ]

Playa Forti

When we went for lunch at Blue View Sunset Terrace, we found Playa Forti. So after lunch, you can guess where we spent a good portion of our time.

There is a spot you can watch people cliff-jumping from; the local teens were having a great time. We chose not to but were entertained watching during lunch.

Playa Forti | Sabana Westpunt, Curaçao | Google Map It

Cas Abao Beach

Are you looking for a resort-style beach in Curaçao? Or a beach to have lunch and lounge for the rest of the afternoon? Cas Abao Beach is a great option.

You can get off the cruise and head straight to this beach to lounge under a palapa for the day. This beach has it all: massages, snorkeling, kayak rentals, a beach bar, and a restaurant.

Cas Abao Beach | 6WH5+64 Willemstad, Curaçao | Google Map It

Explore Willemstad, Curaçao

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kathy | Travel & Foodie Tips (@tastyitinerary)

One of the best things about this port is you can leave your cruise and, in minutes, be in Historic Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site . So if visiting the Curaçao beaches or touring the island doesn’t interest you, you can take a free walking tour of this dutch town filled with European colonial history.

After our day of beach hopping, we returned to the car in the late afternoon and then to the ship to freshen up. Our cruise ship didn’t leave until 8 pm, so we had a few hours to explore Willemstad. Since it stopped raining, we wanted to make the most of the port.

We did not explore Willemstad at the best time as the markets and shops started closing. However, we got a feel for this beautiful town. It was reminiscent of San Juan, Puerto Rico, with its historic, colorful architecture and cobblestone streets.

The 19th-century Rif Fort

On your way to historic Willemstad, Punda, you will walk through the 19th-century Rif Fort. What was once a fort built to defend the island from pirates is now a shopping mall. You will find a variety of shops, bars, and eateries here.

Queen Emma Bridge

We didn’t know the Queen Emma Bridge was a popular attraction until we started walking from the Otrabanda to Punda. This floating bridge connects the two sides of the city. And you may want to make it to Punda to explore; it’s where you’ll find the colorful town you see in photos.

As I was saying, we started to cross the Queen Emma Bridge, and in the middle of our crossing, a horn went off, and the barriers at each end of the bridge closed down. We had no idea what was going on. To say we were bewildered would be an understatement. Everyone around us was either as confused or completely overjoyed by what was about to happen.

Beneath us, our feet, we felt a sudden vibration. Within minutes the bridge began to move in a lateral position to give passage to another boat through St. Anna Bay.

Right place and the right time. We enjoyed the unexpected experience.

Explore Historic Willemstad

Once you’re off the Emma Bridge and in historic Willemstad, you will quickly see the “Lock Your Love” sculpture to your left. Like in Paris, you can take a padlock and secure it to the sculpture.

When exploring Willemstad, you want to look at Dutch European architecture. Colorful Willemstad is worth walking through. You will find lots of shopping and tourist shops.

Curaçao Sign

On the Punda side, you will also find Curacao sign the further you walk into town. In the same square, you’ll find the justice buildings and police station.

The Floating Market

Sadly, this is permanently closed. We were so disappointed.

It’s one of the things in Curaçao we were looking forward to the most, and we found out that it no longer exists. We figured we’d let you know, just in case you had it on your list or heard of it.

We missed this, but here are some things you can fit into your itinerary if you’re planning a day in Willemstad:

• Curaçao Liquor Distillery Tour
• Curaçao Museum
• Jewish Historical Museum

Curaçao Tours You Can Take from Willemstad

Not interested in beach hopping or exploring Willemstad? Been there and done that, but you’re looking for something adventurous. Perhaps one of these Curaçao shore excursions will pique your interest.

• Half-Day ATV Adventure [ book here ]
• Boat Trip to Klein [ book here ]
• Introduction Dive with Scubaçao [ book here ]

Read more: 11 Helpful Tips for Booking Shore Excursions Independently

Where to Eat in Curaçao

Blue view sunset terrace.

It started to rain again after leaving Grote Knip, so we decided to break for lunch. We came across Blue View Sunset Terrace right at Playa Forti, and with everyone coming and going from the parking lot, we decided it had to be good.

This eatery was super casual with island vibes and the best ocean view. On the menu, they had iguana. I could not get myself to try it. Where I come from, the iguana is not normally -I mean, ever- on the menu.

Have you tried iguana? How do you like it?

What we also loved about this restaurant is that the terrace has the most amazing views of Playa Forti. We sat at the counter, facing the ocean, and watched cliff jumpers dive into the water on the other side of us.

You’re probably not going to be impressed by what we ordered as we didn’t venture outside what we’d eat back home. That’s okay because we enjoyed our Blue View Sunset Terrace lunch.

The BBQ chicken wings were one of the best I’ve ever had. They were crispy, not soggy, and their homemade BBQ was sweet, smokey, and just fantastic. I enjoyed them.

I had some of hubby’s fries, and they were cooked perfectly. Everything was great tasting and of great quality.

Blue View Terrace | Weg Naar Westpunt, Westpunt | Google Map It

Old Market at Plasa Bieu

We did not make it to the Old Market in Willemstad. However, it is on my list for authentic Curaçaoan eats. If you’re exploring Willemstad and hungry for lunch, head to the Old Market.

Try one of the many food stands serving some local classic eats. Enjoy it on one of their picnic tables and maybe do some souvenir shopping when you’re done.

Note: The Old Market is not open on Sundays.

Old Market at Plasa Bieu | De Ruyterkade, Willemstad | Google Map It

Whether rain or shine, the Curacao beaches are worth exploring. There is amazing marine life in Curaçao. This is a great place for avid snorkelers and scuba divers to explore sea life.

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Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

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These beaches look absolutely beautiful to me! It’s a bummer though that it was rainy. That’s not how you want to experience beautiful beaches. I’d love to snorkel there and see the fish and sea turtles! You have incredible pictures here and love the videos too! Glad you had some good eats too. Those iguanas though that are hanging out by the restaurant should run for their lives! Maybe they want to stay close by to where they last saw their family member??

That colorful little town looks like a great spot to explore too. Do cruises ever stay in certain spots more than one night? Just curious.

I loved your post as always! I wish I could be the third wheel on ALL your trips!?

When I saw those iguanas (after I ate), I was like, “RUNNNNN!” They have no clue what’s cooking in the back. LOL

Willemstad reminded me a lot of San Juan, PR. It felt a little like been there and done that, however, the bridge was super cool and I’m glad I was at the right place, at the right time.

Some cruises do stay overnight or in some spots for more than a day. When there were cruises to Cuba, those were overnighters for the most. And from NY they have cruises that go to Bermuda and are there for 3 nights… you should check it out… hint hint.

Thanks for reading all my posts and being one of my biggest fans. I feel like one day I’ll convince you to cruise. Yeah?

The beaches look absolutely stunning–I loved all of the pictures.

I cracked up at the lock-heart with the feet. I am glad that you left them in the picture–how funny!! It’s also so interesting to see what gets swarmed by tourists.

We always debate renting a car when we travel, but like you, we usually do: it’s much more freeing. We also find that the more that we do it, the more we get used to international street signs, policies, and just driving in general. After driving on the other side of the road in Ireland and then in a blizzard in Iceland, we feel somewhat confident these days: not to mention the crazy-ass small Sicilian streets. It’s still nerve-wracking and requires planning like you point out. I’d imagine that the islands would be a tad more chill than some of the super busy cities. I love when the rental place is RIGHT there, too.

Did I ever tell you that I got pulled over at 5 AM in Latvia for a breathalyzer test? We were driving to the airport after one of their holidays and both the cop and I didn’t understand each other lol. I ALSO got pulled over in Galway–apparently our rental car was registered wrong, lol. It wasn’t our fault, thank gosh. BUT STILL, WE LOVE DRIVING, and I’m glad that we aren’t alone. You guys are so adventurous and take your cruises to the next level.

I still have never seen a floating market, and I lived in Asia for a year…sigh.

K, I am reading to beach hop!! Let’s go…

Christine – Your comments always makes me smile and why I love reading your blog posts as well. Driving is something new to us. We only started doing it in the past few years. Honestly, back in the day I imagined getting stopped, hubby, having to take a breathalyzer and heading straight to jail. My vacations consisted of hiring a driver LOL. I hate to drive and I just didn’t need the stress. Nowadays, things are different and we are open to driving. Well, hubby is. I really hate behind the week myself – you know, long commutes for work. I DO LOVE DRIVING AND EXPLORING on our own as you do.

The floating market in Curacao sounded so interesting. Venezuelans would come from their country to sell their produce and goods to the locals in Curacao. Due to the political stuff going on in Venezuela, that’s been put to a stop. Oh, so I read. Sadly, it no longer exists.

I always think it’s kind of fun to have to wear your swimsuit underneath, it makes it a lot easier, and if the sun’s out, it’ll dry pretty quickly too! The Queen Emma bridge experience sounds so fun!! What a great moment. The colours from that video–stunning! Everything looks so clear & vivid. I’m a beach girl too, as you know, so this was an exceptionally enjoyable read 🙂

You are so amazing, Macey! Please tell me how you keep up with school, your blog and IG, and then coming on here to read?! I need to know the secret.

I truly appreciate your comments. I do believe you’d love this island. Laidback vibes, pretty beaches, and sea life.

I just got back from an impromptu Curaçao trip and I’ve never been happier. I’m from the West Indies but I live in New York. Something about clean beaches… I can’t get enough. I thoroughly enjoyed Mambo beach and parrot bay. I went on an excursion riding a scooter 20ft under water! My life is made. The people are so friendly & warm and the food is delicious! I’ll def be back! 🤗

Sounds like a wonderful trip! So happy you loved Curacao. It’s such a wonderful island. I can’t wait o go back. I’m going to keep in mind Mambo Beach and Parrot Bay. Thanks for sharing!

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Curaçao Cruise Port: Attractions, Beaches, Weather

The Curaçao cruise port of Willemstad offers something special in the way of shopping and dining—the colorful harborfront strip of Handelskade.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site in the southern Caribbean is a favorite subject for photographers both in the daytime and at night when the street is brightly lit. It also fronts Punda, the city of Willemstad’s main commercial district.

Besides shopping, cruise visitors will find many nearby beaches, most of which are accessible via taxi. Other attractions include the Hato Caves, Curaçao Sea Aquarium and Curaçao’s well-known diving and snorkeling spots.

Quick Travel Tips

Attractions and shore excursions, walking around attractions.

Colorful Willemstad is the dominant attraction at Curaçao’s cruise port. It has interesting historical places, monuments and architecture. For good reason, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The waterfront is the focal point of the visit. It includes more than 750 historical buildings, a swinging pontoon bridge and Fort Amsterdam, which the Dutch built after they captured the island from Spain in 1634.

A photographic canal and inner harbor divide Willemstad into the Otrobanda district and the Punda district. Cruise ships dock at Otrobanda, and cruise visitors can easily walk into the tourist areas including Punda.

Otrobanda has Rif Fort, a fortress built in 1828 to protect the city. It is now Riffort Village with shops and restaurants. More shops and restaurants are available at nearby Renaissance Mall.

Visitors cross over Queen Emma Bridge, also known as the Swinging Old Lady, to reach Handelskade and the Punda district. It is a pontoon bridge that swings open to let boats pass through the canal. It opens sideways rather than up and down, making it the only bridge of its kind in the world.

Visitors who cross the bridge into the Punda district will find Fort Amsterdam, the majority of colorful buildings and much more shopping and restaurants.

On a good weather day, visitors enjoy sitting along the canal in open-air restaurants.

Shore Excursions

Anyone who wants to tour the city with the help of an informative guide can do so for about $30 per person with discounts for children. Although a guide can offer some useful historical information, we enjoyed touring the area on our own.

Curaçao Sea Aquarium is three and a half miles south of the cruise terminal on the oceanfront at Bapor Kibra. Visitors can snorkel or dive with stingrays, turtles, fish and sharks among the 400 species at the facility. Admission is $20 per person, although swimming with sea creatures will cost extra. Cruise visitors should plan on taking a taxi to get there.

Visitors can also interact in the water with dolphins at the Dolphin Academy in Willemstad. Visitors experience dolphins in six different programs. Prices start at about $100 per person with discounts for children.

The Hato cave covers 4,900 square meters and has limestone formations, pools, waterfalls and a Madonna statue. It is included by some cruise lines and tour operators as part of an excursion that includes a beach visit. The cost is about $65 per person with discounts for children. The cave is eight miles or 20 minutes from Willemstad.

Beaches Near the Cruise Port

Outside of Handelskade and Willemstad, the island has its fair share of beaches. But most of them aren’t within walking distance of the cruise terminal. Instead, plan to get to them by taxi or excursion bus.

One common shore excursion goes to Mambo Beach and includes some stops along the way to view highlights of the island. The cost is about $60 per person for a four-hour trip including two hours at the beach.

Another example is Cabana Beach, a cruise line excursion favorite about four miles southeast of the terminal. It’s right next to the Curaçao Sea Aquarium for anyone who wants to combine both activities in one visit.  The cost again is about $60 including transportation, chair, umbrella and usually one beverage, depending on who is offering the excursion.

More adventurous visitors might try Curaçao’s longest and whitest beach on Klein Curaçao, an uninhabited island eight miles off the southeast coast.

Kenepa is one of the most popular beaches because of its two coves.

A popular choice for families is Porto Marie, which is about 18 miles or 30 kilometers from the cruise port. It’s available as a four-hour excursion from some tour operators.

Many of the beaches have excellent snorkeling opportunities, especially along the Curaçao Underwater Marine Park , which lies 12 miles along the southern coast. Views include shipwrecks, expanses of hard and soft coral, and massive numbers of fish.

The harbor duty free zone is a fenced area of 57 acres and the largest in the Caribbean. It is patronized by retailers from throughout the region, who come to stock up on goods from all over the world.

It’s a distribution center for clothing textile, shoes, perfumes, pharmaceutical products, and many other wholesale or retail sale goods with attractive duty free prices.

Most of the companies in the zone distribute products from the United States, Europe, and Asia to the Caribbean and Latin America. There is also tax-free shopping at the free zone.

Goods purchased in the zone must be shipped directly to your home or transferred to your ship or flight. You can pick them up when you arrive home.

The city’s commercial center, Punda , has numerous shops offering everything from clothing to jewelry and souvenirs. Many little shops sell electronics, souvenirs and cheaper clothing.

Opening hours may vary, but most shops are open from Monday till Saturday from 8.30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. All shops and banks are closed on official holidays.

Many shops in the center of Willemstad are open on Sundays if a big cruise ship has docked at the harbor.

Most shops accept U.S. dollars and international credit cards. In some shops visitors can also pay with regular bank cards.

Prices are fixed and most of the time it’s not possible to return or change purchased goods.

Renaissance Mall and Rif Fort has 50 stores with world and local brands. Goods include fashion, accessories, fragrances, jewelry and souvenirs. The mall also has 15 restaurants and bars.

It is downtown in the Renaissance Curaçao Resort next to the pontoon bridge in Otrobanda. Free parking is on site.

Getting Around

The island has two kinds of public transportation —large yellow or blue buses, which are called Konvooi and go for a longer distance. On most urban routes there are collective cars or vans, similar to taxis. They have BUS on their registration plates.

The major bus terminals are outside the postal office at the Waaigat in Punda and next to the underpass in Otrobanda.

The large buses cover 12 routes departing from the Punda terminal and nine routes departing from Otrobanda. The routes reach most areas of the island.

Most city buses go once every hour. Every two hours a bus goes westward, less frequent on Sundays. They are the least expensive way for cruise visitors to get around the island.

Nearly a dozen car rental agencies are available on the island. Most are concentrated at the airport, but Budget has four locations in resorts near Willemstad. Most agencies offer pick up and drop off at the cruise port.

Cruise Port Weather

Curaçao cruise port weather is much like the weather of nearby Aruba: dry and hot most of the year.

Rainfall averages about one inch a month from January through September and more than three inches a month from October through December. It reaches the lowest point of the year of less than one inch from March through June.

The average high temperature reaches about 90 degrees Fahrenheit in June and stays there until October. Winter high temperatures stay in the mid 80s Fahrenheit.

The best months to visit are March through June for a combination of warm temperatures and low risk of rain.

Best Times to Visit Curaçao

Curaçao Cruise Port Guide

13 Top Curaçao Attractions

Best Curaçao Beaches Near the Cruise Port

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Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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Do you know about how far these are in relation to the port? I had looked up a list of beaches on line, and didn't see these that you mentioned. There are 11 in our group.

Mile wise, Porto Marie might be 15 to 20 miles from the mega pier, you driving, a half hour.

Cas Abou is a few miles farther approx. the same time frame.

Lagun, 30 miles, you driving 40 minutes.

Here is a map link to give you an idea.

http://www.ih.k12.oh.us/msbeauregn/map.htm

Sunshine is right (as usual) to recommend Porto Marie - it is a good beach with great facilities.

If you are 11, transport will be a challenge. Your most economivcal bet -unless thee cruise line has a bus to teh beaches - would be to rent two cars and squeeze in. Navigation to Porto Marie is not very challenging - a map would be a good idea - it should take you less than 30 minutes to get there.

You can see a list and photos of the most popular beaches at Curacao .com under activities and events.

Consider saving about 2 hours before boarding to explore Willemstadt on foot - the center is compact - most interesting on the other side ) Punda ) of the floating bridge and is worth the time.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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• Curaçao Summary

The Best Beaches in Curaçao

Visit a different one each day of your trip for cliff jumping, cave swimming, snorkeling, and more..

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With its stunning white sand, Playa Kenepa Grandi is as picture-perfect as a screensaver.

Photo by Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock

High on the list for sun-seeking travelers, Curaçao’s 38 beaches offer more to do than than just lounge on white sand under palm trees. Located along the protected Curaçao Underwater Marine Park, the beaches on the island’s southern side provide exceptionally clear waters and an abundance of marine life, making swimming, snorkeling, and diving here a memorable experience. With a number of hidden bays splashed along Curaçao’s coastline, visitors have ample opportunity to enjoy a different stretch of sand every day for over a month.

To get you started, here’s a list of Curaçao’s beaches that are not only well-loved by locals but also mostly free to the public.

Cliff jumping is a popular activity at Playa Forti, located on Curaçao’s northwest coast.

Courtesy of Curaçao Tourist Board

Playa Forti

Playa Forti is located on the northwest of the island in a village called Westpunt, which is popular for weekend getaways. While lounging in the pebbly sand is always nice, many visitors here prefer jumping instead—straight from the cliff into the turquoise water below. If cliff jumping isn’t your thing, grab a seat at nearby Restaurant Playa Forti and watch the divers from a distance. As with most beaches on the island, Playa Forti can get quite busy on Sundays.

Follow the steps carved into rocks to Playa Jeremi, a local secret near the village of Lagun.

Photo by NaturePicsFilms/Shutterstock

Playa Jeremi

Also located in the northwest of Curaçao near the village of Lagun, Playa Jeremi is a popular choice for locals but relatively unknown to tourists. Steps carved into rocks lead the way to this narrow cove that also includes a reef wall with grand coral formations. With little vegetation to offer shade, we recommend you bring along your umbrella as well as your cooler and snacks, because like many of the beaches on this list, there are no facilities. But, if you ask us, that’s just part of the charm—and the shimmering ocean water doesn’t hurt either.

At Santa Cruz beach, you can snorkel in a cave filled with electric blue water.

Photo by Gail Johnson/Shutterstock

South of the village of Lagun sits the wide bay of Santa Cruz. Popular with locals on the weekends and during holidays for camping, Santa Cruz Bay is a beach that offers not only welcoming water but also the perks of shaded areas, restrooms, and a restaurant called Captain Good Life . Hiking aficionados will enjoy the seven-minute trail, which starts at the left of the bay near the restaurant and leads to the hidden beach of Santu Pretu, as well as the popular Blue Room underwater cave.

Depending on the tide and because of its narrow opening, you may have to place your hands along the rocks to feel when you’re in the clear to enter the cave itself, where you can enjoy snorkeling in electric blue water. The Blue Room is not recommended for those who are claustrophobic.

Rent a beach char and umbrella and set up shop on the sand at the picturesque Playa Kenepa Grandi.

Playa Kenepa Grandi

Also known as Grote Knip in Dutch, this picture-perfect beach between the villages of Westpunt and Lagun is one of the most popular images that pops up in internet searches for “best Curaçao beach,” likely because of its stunning white-sand shoreline. Here, you can rent an umbrella, beach chair, and even kayak, plus purchase drinks and food. There is also a restroom available. Do note that these facilities may not be open during the week.

Head to the left side of Playa Kenepa Chikí for some stellar snorkeling.

Photo by Z. Jacobs/Shutterstock

Playa Kenepa Chikí

Next to Grote Knip lies the lesser known Kleine Knip, or Playa Kenepa Chikí. While this beach is definitely smaller than its famous neighbor, it’s beloved for its white sand and memorable snorkeling—the best is on the left side of the beach near the cliff. You’ll find an impressive biodiversity of coral, home to squid and fish of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Manta rays and turtles are often spotted here as well.

One of the few beaches where barbecuing is allowed, Daaibooi is a favorite local hangout on Sundays.

Photo by G.van der waals

Just a 30-minute drive from Willemstad, close to the village of Sint Willibrordus, is Daaibooi. It’s one of the few beaches where barbecuing is allowed, making it very popular with the locals. You are guaranteed to be welcomed on Sundays with whiffs of grilled meat, which undoubtedly will be served next to a healthy portion of potato salad.

But for those who don’t feel like dragging their grill to the beach , there is a small snack bar and beach chairs for rent. And you’ll glimpse Daaibooi’s history in remnants of walls from when the bay was a harbor for small boats, which would collect salt from nearby plantations to be shipped to Europe.

Lined with limestone cliffs and colorful fishing boats, Playa Lagun is one of Curaçao’s prettiest beaches.

Photo by Joke van Eeghem/Shutterstock

Playa Lagun

Colorful wooden fishing boats line Playa Lagun’s shore, making it one of the most striking beaches on the island. This narrow cove protected by limestone cliffs is popular with fishermen, divers, and snorkelers alike. It has a rich underwater world with little coves in the cliff wall, plenty of fish, and even seahorses. Visit early in the morning for a better chance to spot turtles, and look for iguanas jumping from the cliffs in the early afternoon hours. These prehistoric-looking lizards, native to the island, are known to be remarkable swimmers.

Playa Manzalina

Although it’s not free, Playa Manzalina is unquestionably worth a visit for its seclusion and wild beauty. It’s one of four undeveloped beaches on the private San Juan plantation and a favorite for Curaçaoans because of its accessibility and many manzalina trees lining the shore. Although these trees—which the beach is named after—offer the only shelter from the hot sun, stay away from the poisonous fruit and leaves.

If you prefer a more secluded and shaded area, come early to claim the only spot available in the nearby shallow cave located all the way to the right of the beach. The road to the sand can be bumpy in the rainy season, so it’s best to travel in a Jeep or pickup truck. Each car entering the private estate is required to pay 10 guilders, or US$5.50, to the gentleman standing by the ruins of the old San Juan plantation house.

>>Next: The AFAR Guide to Curaçao

Best Beaches in Curaçao & What to Do at Each

Curaçao boasts a collection of beautiful beaches with 35 cove-style sandy havens around the small Dutch-Caribbean island. But Curaçao’s more than just a pretty face—each beach offers a unique experience and its own brand of breathtaking beauty.

No matter which beach you choose for your ideal day of relaxation, you’ll find traditional Curaçaoan  batidos (smoothies), an exhilarating activity and stunning views. Here’s a list of our top picks for your next beach vacation to Curaçao.

Swim With Sea Turtles at Playa Piskado

Playa Piskado is an animal lover’s paradise . Not only is this secluded beach highlighted by sparkling blue water in a picturesque cove, but it’s also where resident fishermen come to haul in the day’s catch and cast off their scraps. Local sea turtles soon caught on to the possibility of a free meal. Now, sea turtles come in droves to feed on what the fishermen leave behind and swimmers and snorkelers alike enjoy their presence as they leisurely float around.

Whether you stick to the beach or go for a dip, you’re sure to spot a sea turtle (or five) at Playa Piskado. Even if you don’t go underwater, you’ll see these too-cute creatures come up to the surface to breathe every few minutes.

Remember: look, but don’t touch. Handling wild animals is unsafe and disrupts the environment.

Courtesy of -JvL-

Cliff Jump at Playa Forti

Playa Forti is a stunner of a beach on its own, but for those who crave an adrenaline rush, there’s a cliff jumping spot next to the clifftop restaurant just off the side of the beach. Locals and visitors alike know this to be the prime spot for cliff jumping in Curaçao.

At 40 feet high, this jumping-off point is just enough of a challenge for daredevils. Gather your courage and take the leap, then find a spot on the beach to bask in the sun and enjoy the glory of having conquered your fears!

Courtesy of Curaçao Tourism Board

Rent a SUP at Grote Knip

For a truly remarkable beach day, head to  Playa Kenepa , which makes up two of the most popular beaches in Curaçao, Grandi (Grote Knip) and Chiki (Klein Knip).

Grote Knip is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world for its natural beauty; it’s the kind of place you have to see to believe. At half the size of Grote Knip, Klein Knip is a smaller, quieter and more intimate beach, so you can relax in peace. In addition, there’s a coral reef near the beach that’s perfect for snorkeling .

Park yourself underneath a thatched tiki hut on the sand or enjoy swimming, snorkeling and floating in the crystal-clear sparkling water of this cozy cove beach. You can also rent a SUP and explore even more of this spectacular area in Curaçao.

Courtesy of Dronepicr

Snorkel at Playa Kalki

Playa Kalki is a small and somewhat rocky cove of a beach that’s popular for diving and snorkeling. It also has a roped-off area with a floating platform for kids and kids-at-heart. It’s sometimes referred to as the “Alice in Wonderland” beach due to its distinctive mushroom-shaped coral formations.

The nearby snack bar and dive shop make your daily adventures both easy and fully fueled. From Playa Kalki, take the set of steps leading up to the Kura Hulanda Lodge on the bluffs above—it’s the perfect spot for lunch.

Get Away From It All at Jeremi Beach

With no facilities (and of course no entrance fee), Jeremi Beach is one of the more peaceful public beaches of Curaçao. It’s a narrow cove of a beach with coarse sand and volcanic stones. There’s not much shade available, but the view at day’s end is out of this world as the sun sets over the water.

Take the carved-out rocky path from the parking area to the water and enjoy your time at Jeremi Beach.

Meet the Resident Pigs at Playa Porto Mari

Playa Porto Mari is a popular beach for several reasons, most notably its beachside bar and restaurant and the “celebrities,” the local pigs , Willy and Woody.

For even more to do, or when Willy and Woody tire of photos, Playa Porto Mari’s unique “double reef” is easily accessible from the shore and provides a hassle-free snorkel and dive site. Or, landlubbers will love hiking and mountain biking Seru Matteo Trail, History Trail and Bird Trail that begin at the parking lot.

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THE 10 BEST Curaçao Beaches

Beaches in curaçao.

• Scuba & Snorkeling
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• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Couples
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• Good for Big Groups
• Honeymoon spot
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Grote Knip

2. Cas Abao Beach

3. Playa PortoMari

4. Playa Lagun

5. Mambo Beach

6. Playa Kalki

7. Playa Piskado/Playa Grandi

8. Kokomo Beach

9. Blue Bay Beach

10. Daaibooi Beach

11. Jan Thiel Beach

12. Playa Jeremi

13. Grote Knip

14. Playa Forti

15. Playa Santa Cruz

16. Cabana Beach

17. Jeremi Baai

18. Santu Pretu

19. Boka Sint Michiel

20. Kleine Knip

21. Santa Martha Bay

22. Playa Gipy

23. Playa Canoa

24. Sunscape Beach

25. Cas Abao Beach

26. marie pampoen beach.

27. Mangrove Beach

28. Playa Gipy

29. memoriesfull, 30. santa barbara beach, what travellers are saying.

• Playa PortoMari
• Cas Abao Beach
• Mambo Beach
• Playa Lagun
• Blue Bay Beach
• Playa Jeremi
• Playa Kalki
• Daaibooi Beach
• Playa Piskado/Playa Grandi

CRUISE PORT GUIDES

Willemstad – Curaçao

The island lies about 60 km off the coast of Venezuela. It is about 70 km long and 12 km wide. Its landscape is dry and the vegetation matches the climate. While the island might not have the most beautiful forests or scenery of the Caribbean, it does have 28 beaches of which some are even in the world’s top 10. Find out which ones we recommend in the Curaçao cruise port guide .

Curaçao cruise port – fast facts

– There are over 6 cruise berths in Curaçao. – Most cruise docks are 10 minutes walking distance of Willemstad. – Taxis available at the cruise dock. – Public transportation: not recommended. – Beaches: No beaches within walking distance. Transportation required.

For the latest travel restrictions and port updates check with http://curports.com or with your cruise line.

Find the detailed cruise port guid on Curaçao underneath.

Also visit the cruise port guides for:

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Curaçao cruise port guide – docked

Cruise ships dock at one of the following cruise docks: 2 Mega piers, Mathey Warf, Groote Wharf or Nieuwe werf. Most likely you dock at the Mega pier, but if there are more ships in town the Mathey Warf, Groote Wharf and Nieuwe Werf will also be used. See map above for the exact location of all cruise docks. To see where your cruise ship is going to dock check: www.curports.com/cruise/cruise-schedule/ 

Mega pier 1 and 2.

This cruise dock is about 500 to 700 yards from Riffort. At the dock you will find an information booth, free wi-fi, taxi stand, tour operators and souvenir shops. You will also find a lot of facilities, cafe’s, restaurants and shops at the Riffort area close to the pier.

The Mathey Warf.  

This pier is located behind the pontoon bridge in Otrabanda. From here you are about 500 yards away from the city centre of Willemstad. You will find an information booth, taxi stand, tour operators and souvenir shops on the dock.

The Groote wharf.

This cruise dock is also behind the pontoon bridge but on the Punda side of town. From here it is a 600 yard walk into town. Although the Mega Pier provides the best facilities for cruise passengers, the other docks are also just a small walk away from transportation, shopping and the city centre.

The Nieuwe werf.

This dock is the one furthest away from the city centre. From here it is about a 30 minute walk into the city centre. See map above for its exact location. Check with your cruise line if they provide a shuttle service into town. For history and shopping you don’t have to go far. Where ever you dock in Curaçao the historical city is close by. It is easy to navigate by foot and has lots of historical sights and shopping to offer. To get further afield you might want to consider one of the following options:

Taxi from cruise terminal

Usually there are a limited amount of taxis waiting at the pier for you. Negotiate a price before getting into the taxi. The price from the dock to Seaquarium beach is approximately $25 and to Blue Bay also around $25. Taxis cost around 45 US dollar per hours depending on your negotiation skills. All prices are per taxi, up to 4 people. When in doubt about the prices ask for the Curaçao taxi tariff list.

Trolley train

There is a trolley train in Curaçao that gives 1 hour guided tours through the city. It leaves at 10 am from Fort Amsterdam. See location on the map above. Check in at 09.45 am. The cost is 25 US dollar for an adult / 15 USD per child (pay cash) per person.

Public Transport

Find the public bus station at Otrobanda and Punda. See map above for their exact location. You can choose to tour the island by public transport, although we don’t recommend it because it is not reliable.

There are no beaches within walking distance. You will need to take a taxi to be able to reach the beach. We feel the best beaches to go to are:

Hooks hut: which is also the closest beach to port. Hook’s hut offers a restaurant and bar at the beach in a informal setting. Bring a towel and sunscreen.

Sea Aquarium beach: This is the most popular beach on the island especially for the younger crowd. Find several beach clubs, souvenir shops and restaurants here. All beaches have facilities. Bring a towel and sunscreen.

Porto Mari: A littler further from town is where you will find Porto Mari. It is a beach that is primarily used by locals instead of tourists. It has white sandy beaches and a really nice atmosphere. All facilities are there. Bring a towel and sunscreen.

Grote Knip: This beach that has repeatedly been featured in magazines as being one of the top beaches in the world. However it is also one of the furthest beaches from port. It is about 45 minute drive from port / +/- 45 USD dollar one way by taxi. It is where you will find turquoise waters, white sandy beach and it is not crowded at all. This is the ultimate beach. Find a small bar and limited facilities here. Bring a towel and sunscreen.

Snorkeling Curaçao has brilliant snorkelling and diving spots. When you are interesting in diving make sure to prearrange a dive with one of the local operators. If you are interested in diving you will have success at almost any beach on the island. A special one that we can recommend: Blue Bay is a resort area where you will find coral reefs and turtles. Combine sunbathing, cocktails and snorkelling on this brilliant resort. Negotiate a taxi for approximately $25 one way.

Find your port of call:

• Mediterranean
• Norway – Cruise port guides
• Baltic & Scandinavia
• British isles
• Western Europe
• French Polynesia
• North America
• Central America
• Southeast Asia
• North Africa
• Middle East

On the island you will find wild flamingos. Find them at Sint Willibrordus on the salt flats. From the dock it is about 45 minute drive.

Willibrordus, Curacao

This must be paradise on earth. This small uninhabited island close to Curaçao is known for its sandy beaches and amazing snorkelling. It takes some effort to get there and you have to be in port long enough, but if you are able to go: do it!

Klein Curaçao

Klein Curacao

The Penha building is the most photographed building in Curacao. It was build in 1708 in Curaçao Baroque architecture with Dutch influences. It still stands proud on the “Handelskade”. Nowadays if it home to a large department store.

Penha building

Heerenstraat 1, Curacao

The most unusual site which will catch your eye as soon as you dock in Curacao is the pontoon bridge. This is a floating pedestrian bridge from 1888 connection the two parts of the city centre. The bridge blocks the entree to one of the biggest natural harbours in the world. The bridge will swing open every now and then allowing ships to sail in. When the pontoon bridge opens make sure not to be on it or you’ll be stuck. If the bridge is open free ferries will go up and down to service the pedestrians.

Queen Emma pontoon bridge

Koningin Emma pontoon brug, Willemstad, Curacao

When the Dutch West-Indian Compagnie took over the island a fort needed to be build to offer protection to the Dutch. At the entrance of the St. Anna baai, just across the water from the dock you can still see this Fort guarding the entrance to the capitol. Nowadays the parliaments hold house in this building. Feel free to stroll around explore the fort by foot.

Fort Amsterdam

Fort Amsterdam, Curacao

The biggest mountain of the island is called Christoffel mountain. It is 375 meter high. In the park you will find several museums, plantation houses, 3 driving routes and 8 hiking routes. You can explore the park in many ways. Go for a drive to the rugged coastline to see the waves splashing into the rock, visit the museum that tell the story about slavery or hike all the way to the top of the mountain.

Christoffel national park

Christoffel National Park, Curacao

The ostrich farm is one of the most famous in the area. At the visitors centre you will find a restaurants and cafes and this is also where the guided tours leave from. On the tour you are going to befriend a ostrich or two. Stand on the eggs, feed the ostrich and if you want: ride the ostrich. Find the Ostrich farm at about 30 minute drive from the cruise dock.

Ostrich Farm

Curacao Ostrich Farm

On the north coast of Curacao you can find caves, natural bridges and Boca Pistol. It is a small inlet in the caves. The waves hit is about few seconds. When the waves clash into the tiny inlet it sounds like the shot of gun and the water can splash up to 20 meters / 60 feet into the air.

Boka tabla, Curacao

Each morning the Venezuelans gear up their small boats to make the journey over to Curacao where they dock in the historical centre to sell any kind of fruit and vegetables.

The Floating Market

Sha Caprileskade, Willemstad, Curaçao

The UNESCO world heritage site of Willemstad is the old colonial boulevard. This must be the most recognisable sight of Curacao. A row of colourful, restored waterfront warehouses resemble the canal houses of Amsterdam. This is proof of the colonial era when the Dutch would rule this part of the world.

Colonial Willemstad

Punda, Curacao

This is the Curacao mega pier were cruise ships can dock while in port. This is just one of the dock available. Read the full Curacao cruise port guide to view all the options. However, if only 1 ship is in port, you are most likely going to dock here at the Mega Cruise Terminal.

Curacao cruise dock

Curacao cruise port

Hundreds of species of fish can be found in the aquarium of Sea aquarium. Anything you can find in the waters around Curacao is what you will find here as well like crabs, sponges and corals. The big attractions however are the dolphins that are here. Join them for a show or go for a swim with your new buddies.

Sea Aquarium

Z/N, Bapor Kibrá, Willemstad, Curaçao

Nautical charts, ship models and navigation equipment tell the 500 years of maritime history of Curacao.

Maritime Museum

N. van den Brandhofstraat 1, Willemstad, Curaçao

This is the oldest still in use Jewish synagogue in the New World. It was build in the 1730’s by Pieter Roggenburg. The outside might not be very appealing, but wait until you see the inside.

Mikve Israel-Emanuel

Mikve Israel-Emanuel, Curacao

Blue Bay is one of the nicest beaches on the island. Enjoy lots of different facilities here. Hang on out the beach, go snorkelling or golfing. Find this resort at about 20 minute drive from the dock.

Blue Bay, Curacao

Curacao has a dark history of slavery. Kura Hulanda is a hotel and museum near the city centre that will show you a chapter of the african slave trade and Curacao and the centre of slave trade for the ABC islands.

Kura Hulanda

Klipstraat, Willemstad, Curaçao

On the island you will find many plantation houses. At the Chobolobo plantation house you will find the production of the local liquor of the island: Blue Curacao. It is being produced in the copper boiler from 1896. There is a small exhibition at the plantation house and you will also be able to taste it!

Chobolobo plantation house

Saliña Ariba, Willemstad Elias R. A. Moreno Boulevard, Willemstad, Curaçao

If you are docked at the Mega Pier (main pier in Curacao) you will have Rif Fort at your door step. Together with Fort Amsterdam on the other side of the bay it was build in the 1820’s to defend the city. Rif Fort has now been transformed into a pleasant recreation area where you will find high end shops, souvenir shops and lots of bars and restaurants.

Riffort, Otrobanda, Curacao

Near the airport of Curacao is where you will find the Hato Caves. It is cave system where you will find the most unusual rock formations. Go on a guided tour to go from room to room and to experience what life in a cave must have been like back in the days.

Franklin D. Rooseveltweg, Willemstad, Curaçao

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