Curacao’s seashores are usually small patches of sand on the again finish of a small blue bay. They vary from distant and rugged to well-developed leisure hubs.
Every seashore has a unique vibe, which is why we cowl all 44 seashores on this full information. Whether or not you’re in search of seashore lodging, choosing a sightseeing tour, or planning a self-guided beach-hopping journey, you’ll have all the data you could discover your good seashore.
This information to the seashores of Curacao is split into 4 sections:
- Seashores East of Willemstad
- Seashores West of Willemstad
- Sint Willibrordus Seashores (a bit of farther west)
- Westpunt Seashores (the far west finish)
We additionally included an interactive map and hyperlinked desk of contents to make digital navigation simple.
Curacao Seashores Map
Our interactive Curacao Seashores Map makes use of native Google pins the place doable, so click on in for footage and critiques. You may also load it onto your cellular gadget to be used while you go away the resort wifi.
Seashores East of Willemstad
Willemstad is a historic metropolis on the mouth of Sint Ann Bay. You’ll acknowledge the distinctly Dutch colours and structure of the buildings surrounding the bay after which notice that the city was constructed across the bay, not the ocean. The rugged shoreline helped the early Dutch settlers defend the island, but it surely means you’ll must journey to discover a seashore.
Marie Pampoen Seaside
Marie Pampoen Seaside is the closest public seashore east of Willemstad. As a seashore, it’s unremarkable, with little shade and no facilities. Nevertheless, below the water, it’s one other world.
Marie Pampoen Jetty protects a small bay utilized by Twin Divers and Sea Trek Curacao. Frequent feeding retains the native fish inhabitants massive and pleasant. It’s simple to see a bunch of fish in a protected setting.
Mambo Seaside / Seaquarium Seaside
Mambo Seaside, aka Seaquarium Seaside, is simply down the highway from Marie Pampoen Seaside, so that is the place you’ll go for the quintessential “seashore expertise.” You’ll discover a white sand seashore completely protected by a sea wall with each seashore amenity you may ask for, plus loads of purchasing and eating choices.
The mild water and considerable sources make Mambo Seaside a wonderful selection for households. To not point out, you’re proper subsequent door to 2 family-friendly adventures: the Curaçao Sea Aquarium and Substation Curacao.
Jan Thiel Seaside
Jan Thiel Seaside is a extra “grown-up” model of Mambo Seaside. Like Mambo, it’s a full-service seashore with all of the facilities you may ask for. You’ll find rum drinks and child swim areas on each seashores, however there’s a particular celebration vibe at Jan Thiel Seaside, even when there’s not a full moon celebration happening.
Jan Thiel is on a small bay with many shore diving and snorkeling choices. Plus, there are flyboard leases and a on line casino proper off the seashore.
Caracas Bay (Caracas Seaside / Boya Seaside / Tugboat Seaside / Director’s Bay)
Caracas Bay was dwelling to an oil terminal earlier than being dismantled in 1996. It’s a deep-water bay open to the ocean, dwelling to some rocky seashores and distinctive snorkeling websites.
Caracas Seaside is behind the bay, Tugboat Seaside and Baya Seaside are within the center close to historic Fort Beekenburg, and Director’s Bay is close to the opening to the ocean. These seashores are probably the most relaxed seashores east of Willemstad, however they lack the white sand and sheltered aquamarine bays you’ll discover in different places.
They do have a few top-notch snorkeling websites, together with a tugboat wreck and the stays of a shark cage at Director’s Bay. You’ll be able to even organize for an underwater scooter tour of the tugboat wreck in order for you a bit of thrill together with your chill.
Santa Barbara Seaside
Santa Barbara Seaside is positioned on the inlet of Spanish Waters Lagoon. Sandals visitors will benefit from the full seashore companies of the all-inclusive resort, together with kayaking, paddleboarding, SUPing, crusing, and diving. There’s additionally a “public” part of the seashore you could entry by the marina and restaurant by paying a small price on the Outdated Quarry entrance.
The white sand seashore is kind of good, with glorious safety from a dock that runs the size of the seashore. The marina can be the house dock to Miss Ann Boat Journeys to Klein Curacao.
Klein Curacao
Klein Curacao, or Little Curacao, is among the most lovely seashores in all the Caribbean. Going to Klein Curacao is a full-day journey with choices for scuba diving, snorkeling, visiting the lighthouse and shipwreck, and, in fact, seashore time. The sand is deceptively gentle, the water is hypnotic blue, and the laid-back island vibe is all over the place you look.
Playa Kanoa
The north aspect of Curacao is dotted with bokas (mouths) created by sturdy waves crashing into the rocky shoreline. Playa Kanoa is among the few seashores on this aspect of the island. It adjoins a small pool fashioned by the collapse of an unlimited boka. Playa Kanoa doesn’t justify the drive for many beachgoers, but it surely’s a well-renowned surf break that hits laborious when massive waves are available from the northeast. Though, with the tough tides and currents, it’s a good suggestion to exit with a neighborhood surf faculty.
Seashores West of Willemstad
In order for you a “pure” seashore expertise, you’ll be effectively served to move west of Willemstad. Typically talking, the seashores get extra pure and secluded the farther west you go. We’ve divided this information into three western sections. This part covers Willemstad to Sint Michiel Bay, with two extra sections for Sint Willibrordus and Westpunt.
Mangrove Seaside
Mangrove Seaside is inside strolling distance from the Cruise Ship Terminal. You’ll be able to’t entry the resort from the seashore, but it surely’s solely a 15-minute stroll to the principle highway and thru the entrance entrance. The day cross to the resort is comparatively costly for seashore entry, but it surely’s all-inclusive and fewer than many different shore excursions.
Resort visitors can take pleasure in on-site water sports activities, their selection of 4 swimming pools, and an aquapark with water slides. Plus, the on-site dive middle has unparalleled entry to Double Reef, one of many island’s basic dive websites.
Playa Zakitó
Playa Zakitó is a public seashore simply west of Mangrove Seaside. It’s solely a 30-minute stroll from the Cruise Ship Terminal, however its lack of companies and growth makes it extra appropriate for a neighborhood picnic than a trip seashore day. The 1/2-mile-long path alongside John F. Kennedy Boulevard does make for a pleasant, sustained bike experience or stroll alongside the waterfront.
Piscaderabaai / Parasasa Seaside
Parasasa Seaside is the resort seashore for the Curacao Marriott Seaside Resort, however there’s nonetheless free public entry plus paid facilities like snacks and a dive store. It’s on the perimeter of strolling distance from the Cruise Terminal (3 miles), but it surely’s a pleasant stroll alongside Mangrove Park and the beachfront path of JFK Boulevard.
With the facilities, sandy seashore, and small blue bay, Pasacara is a stable “good” seashore and a very good place to go to when you’re in search of a stroll, experience, or run from Willemstad. Nevertheless, when you’re in search of a “pure” seashore expertise and are arranging transportation out of city, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Blue Bay
With its lovely blue bay, white sandy seashores, and upscale facilities, Blue Bay is ideal for a high-end seashore day. The day cross to Blue Bay is the costliest seashore on the island (apart from all-inclusive resorts), however, in return, all the pieces could be very good. You’ll have clear restrooms, gentle sand, a yummy restaurant, and views that rival Westpunt Seashores.
Boka Sami / Boka Sint Michiel
Boka Sami is the very best “native seashore” as a result of it’s pretty near Willemstad with a good little seashore membership however retains its native aptitude. The seashore is a bit of rocky, but it surely’s the primary pure cove west of the town.
There are literally two seashore areas right here. Boka Sami is sheltered by a sea wall and is dwelling to the Boca Seaside Oceanclub. Boka Sint Michiel is just a bit farther up the coast on the mouth of Sint Michiel Bay. There’s additionally a pleasant pure space north of Boka Sint Michiel with a mile-long path to Kokomo Seaside and a number of other paths to viewpoints the place you may see the flamingos on Sint Michiel Bay.
Kokomo Seaside / Vaersenbaai / Boka Playa Uniko
Kokomo Seaside could be very a lot an “Influencer Seaside,” full with a swing match for the Gram. It’s a funds various to Blue Bay, with related facilities like a seashore restaurant and dive store (albeit not as swanky). It sits on a pure bay known as Vaersenbaai with the ruins of an outdated fort on the cliffs. There’s a path south to Boka Sint Michiel and one north to a small, undeveloped seashore known as Boka Playa Uniko. With reference to Sint Michiel, make sure to cease for images of flamingos on the best way to Kokomo Seaside as you cross by the bay.
Sint Willibrordus Seashores
For the aim of this information, we’re calling Sint Willibrordus Seashores the shoreline from the Bullenbaai Terminal to Sint Martha Bay. You’re approaching the flanks of Christoffel Mountain, so the terrain is shifting to rolling hills with a coast interrupted by small, pure bays.
Due to the topology, the seashores cluster along with a typical entry level off the principle highway. Among the entry roads are paved, whereas others are typically well-maintained grime roads.
Daaibooi Seaside / Playa Porto Marie / Playa Hunko
Daaibooi Seaside, Playa Porto Marie, and Playa Hunko are a trio of seashores instantly west of the city of Sint Willibrordus. Daaibooi Seaside and Port Marie will be accessed through outdated however serviceable paved roads, however the highway to Playa Hunko has a closed gate with a personal property signal.
Daaibooi and Porto Marie are just one/3 of a mile aside on small nature bays with the bluest water you may think about. They’re full-service seashores with a nominal day utilization price and the choice to lease a palapa. They every have seashore bars and are a bit of slice of paradise. What makes this space actually distinctive is {that a} drove of untamed pigs roam this space and routinely come out to the seashore. Within the water, a novel “double reef” formation attracts snorkelers and scuba divers alike.
Cas Abao Seaside
Casa Abao Seaside is a full-service seashore accessed by an unpaved that’s simply manageable for all automobiles. It’s the final full-service seashore within the Sint Willibrordus space and the following 10 miles, for that matter. Like many seashores within the west, it sits on an attractive blue bay with a large swath of white sand. What makes it stand out is the abundance of pure shade and shelters, in addition to out there on-beach massages.
Landhuis San Juan Seashores (Playa Dushi / Playa Largo / Playa Manzaliña / Playa Shon Mosa / Playa Chiki / Playa San Juan)
Landhuis San Juan dates again to 1662 and has six rustic seashores on the property you could probe for a small entrance price. Playa Manzaliña is the most important and closest of the seashores, with a close-by sea cave for shade. Two smaller seashores, Playa Shon Mosa and Playa Chiki, sit on both aspect of Manzaliña. Playa San Juan is on the mouth of San Juanbaai (San Juan Bay) on the west finish of the property, and Playa Dushi / Playa Largo is on the east finish.
Playa Largo is probably the most attention-grabbing and enigmatic Landhuis San Juan Seaside. Playa Dushi is usually excluded in descriptions as a result of it’s conjoined with Playa Largo. The drive over to Largo is probably the most difficult one on the island as a result of the seashore is all coral. Additionally, you’ll for certain need water footwear. As you may guess from the seashore, there’s a wholesome patch of coral right here that’s good for snorkeling, particularly on the far finish of Playa Largo close to the purpose.
Santa Martha Bay Seashores (Playa Carrara / Mareni Seaside / Playa Hundu)
Santa Martha Bay Seashores exist, kind of, however they normally don’t entice the attention of trip beachgoers. Playa Carrara (aka Mareni Seaside) is on a small, man-made lagoon close to the mouth of Santa Martha Bay.
It’s like an undeveloped model of the seashores close to Willemstad. When you’re touring this far west, you may go to a developed, pure seashore as a substitute. Additionally, Playa Hundu nonetheless seems on maps, however latest non-public growth has blocked public entry to the seashore.
Westpunt Seashores
We’ve lastly made it to Westpunt (West Level). Westpunt seashores are often known as probably the most lovely on the island as a result of they have a tendency to kind in pure bays with glowing turquoise water. The Westpunt vibe is obvious, too, sort of like that feeling you get driving down the Keys. The farther you go, the extra laid again all the pieces is. By the point you hit the island’s western tip, you’re driving on unimproved roads with herds of free-roaming goats and chickens. A visit to Westpunt is greater than a stroll within the sand. It’s an journey.
Landhuis San Nicolas (Playa Franki)
Playa Franki could be a reasonably unremarkable seashore if it weren’t related to the Landhouis San Nicolas. The very first thing you could know is that this non-public seashore has unique entry, which solely comes as a part of the seashore picnic bundle. Nevertheless, that bundle will get our nod for the very best seashore picnic in Curacao. The meals is extraordinary, and the ambiance of a personal seashore with simply the correct amount of growth is unbeatable. A giant thanks to Landhuis San Nicolas Curacao and Affect Via My Lens for offering the photographs.
Playa Santa Cruz / Playa Santu Pretu / Boka Spanjo / Playa Hulú
Playa Santa Cruz is a basic Westpunt seashore on the mouth of Bahia Santa Cruz. It’s a white sand seashore in the back of a glowing blue bay. You’ll find snacks, shade, and watersports, or a spot on the sand with loads of elbow room.
Playa Santa Cruz is completely lovely, however the path to Playa Santu Pretu (and past) differentiates it from different Westpunt Seashores. A wood signal guides you onto a small path on the east aspect of the seashore. A five-minute stroll takes you to Santu Pretu, however the path continues to Boka Spanjo and Playa Hulú seashores. Santa Cruz is by far probably the most lovely and well-equipped of all these seashores, however the overland journey exists for individuals who love mountaineering on sharp rocks and thru thorny brush.
Playa Lagun
Playa Lagun is a public seashore within the city of Lagun. The bay is comparatively deep and slender, which makes for a smallish seashore and well-protected swimming/snorkeling space. There are restrooms, a dive store, a restaurant behind the seashore, and some tables with shade on the seashore.
What makes Lagun stand out is the distinctive form of the bay, which makes it a few of the calmest water in Westpunt, with some attention-grabbing snorkeling alongside the partitions.
Playa Jeremi
Playa Jeremi has a few new housing complexes getting into, however there’s nonetheless entry to this rocky, native seashore. Jeremi has a car parking zone and one palapa, however that’s it for growth. That is the kind of seashore the place native households go to take pleasure in a picnic away from the vacationers. The water’s lovely and nice for snorkeling, however the seashore and facilities make it extra of a backpacker’s “hidden gem” than a conventional vacationer seashore.
Grote Knip (Kenepa Grandi)
Grote Knip is the long-lasting Westpunt Seaside and one in every of Curacao’s largest seashores. When you ordered a seashore from central casting, it might look identical to this one. The parking space is up on the cliff with a staircase descending right down to the sheltered bay. The visitors circle is massive sufficient to deal with buses, and this seashore will get fairly busy on the weekends.
Kleine Knip (Kenepa Chiki)
Kleine Knip is the seashore you’d get if Grote Knip and Playa Jeremi had a child. It’s in a smaller, sheltered bay like Jeremi, but it surely has the white sand of Grote Knip. It additionally has simply the correct amount of facilities to get you what you’ll want with out taking away from the seashore. As a result of it shares the identical entry highway as Grote Knip, Kleine Knip is a superb various when you’re discovering Grote Knip just a bit an excessive amount of
Playa Forti
Playa Forti is a rocky seashore that’s extra well-known for its cliff leaping than seashore play. Adventurous souls can check their mettle, whereas sane and regular folks can watch the joy from the cliffside restaurant. Not solely is Restaurant Playa Forti the very best view in Westpunt, but it surely could be the very best dinner with a view of all the island.
Playa Piskado / Playa Grandi
Playa Gradi (aka Playa Piskado) is probably the most energetic fisherman’s seashore in Westpunt. Small boats dot the seashore and bay, however one thing else in regards to the fishing makes Playa Grandi stand out. A daily inhabitants of sea turtles inhabit this bay, ready to feed on the fish components left over from the cleansing. Playa Grandi is the place you need to snorkel for a bit of turtle time.
Playa Kalki
Playa Kalki is an uber-relaxed seashore on the finish of the paved highway in Westpunt. Preserving with the Keys analogy, reaching Playa Kalki is like attending to Key West. There are chickens all over the place and never a care on the earth.
The seashore itself isn’t as gorgeous or secluded as others in Westpunt, however there’s there’s an simple feeling within the air. It’s additionally dwelling to top-of-the-line “superior dives” in Curacao – Watamula. The dive is off the island’s west level, however Go West Diving on Playa Kalki is the basic dive operator to get you there.
Playa Guepi
Though the pavement ends at Kalki, a tough grime highway continues to the island’s westernmost level. Even a wimpy rental automotive could make it to the tip on dry days, however you may need to test that “further insurance coverage” field. Your reward? A phenomenal water gap (Watamula Gap), a pure bridge, and a abandoned seashore.
You’ll want a beefier automobile to go the ultimate 100 yards to Playa Guipi, however the stroll from the Watamula Gap parking space isn’t unhealthy. The seashore is (normally) empty and makes for a comfy cove that’s “simply large enough.” Watch out within the water out right here as you’re near the dropoff, and robust currents can kick up immediately.
Concluding The Greatest 44 Curacao Seashores
We hope you’ve loved this information to the very best 44 seashores in Curacao. After all, that’s all of the seashores, so we’ve written a companion piece figuring out which seashore we predict is the very best for any given exercise. We’re additionally writing extra Curacao content material, so test again in periodically for updates and additions.
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