One of the best a part of an island getaway simply is likely to be the seashores. Having hung out exploring Curaçao firsthand, one factor turns into clear in a short time: that is the type of island that makes you wish to spend no less than a few days beachside. From attractive inexperienced palms to clear blue water and impossibly mushy sand beneath your toes, Curaçao’s shoreline invitations you to decelerate and settle in. And I imply actually settle in. The vibe right here is mellow, laid-back, and distinctly Dutch Caribbean. In fact, there’s loads to discover on the island and inside your all-inclusive resort, however seashore days are the place trip mode actually begins.
Curaçao is dwelling to a number of the Caribbean’s most fascinating seashores. To make it easier to spend much less time looking out and extra time absorbing the sunshine, we’ve rounded up 23 of the most effective seashores in Curaçao, together with two smaller hidden coves value discovering. Anticipate colourful views, laid-back seashore bars, calm swimming spots, and loads of photo-worthy moments alongside the way in which.
Learn on and discover the stretch of sand that feels simply best for you.
TLDR
What Are the Prettiest Beaches in Curaçao?
Curaçao’s prettiest seashores are principally discovered alongside the island’s west coast, the place spots like Cas Abao, Grote Knip, and Playa PortoMari stand out for his or her clear water and coastal views. Quieter seashores like Daaibooi and Playa Jeremi supply a slower, extra tucked-away facet of the island. Should you’re planning a romantic keep near a few of Curaçao’s finest seashores, Sandals Royal Curaçao places you proper within the coronary heart of all of it.
23. Santa Martha Bay
Best for: Quiet views and a tucked-away seashore day
Picture credit score: karin claus/Shutterstock.com
If views that encourage are what you’re after, Santa Martha Bay beckons in probably the most serene method. This seashore close to the village of Soto in Curaçao is about as alluring and peaceable because it will get. Should you select to enterprise right here, it’s a good suggestion to go together with a bunch that features individuals who’re acquainted with the seashore.
22. Sint Joris Bay Seaside
Best for: Kite browsing and regular commerce winds
Sint Joris Bay Seaside within the north of Curaçao is simply the place it’s good to be if a day of kite browsing is your thought of a superb time. Whether or not you’re seeking to get into the motion your self or simply wish to watch different kiteboarders in motion, you’ll be in good firm at Sint Joris Bay. Should you’re new to kite browsing, you’ll have the ability to join classes on the seashore that will help you get comfy within the water. Entry to the seashore and parking are each free.
21. Playa Canoa
Best for: A wilder facet of Curaçao
Picture credit score: Gail Johnson/Shutterstock.com
In the north of Curaçao Playa Canoa calls out to seashore lovers preferring a extra rugged expertise. The surroundings right here is wild and great, and there’s a small inlet the place you’ll be capable to swim. Playa Canoa is kind of rocky and infrequently there’s massive waves on this seashore. As such, a seashore expertise right here is much less about sunbathing on sandy shores and extra about browsing for individuals who select to go.
20. Caracas Bay
Best for: Informal seashore days near city
Picture credit score: Joke van Eeghem/Shutterstock.com
Caracas Bay seashore is a part of the Curaçao Underwater Park off the island’s southeast coast. This seashore is standard with residents just because it’s handy. You gained’t want to fret about paying an admission charge, and whereas there, you’ll have entry to a number of small eating places within the space. With calm water more often than not, you may have a fairly respectable dive expertise right here.
19. Director’s Bay Seaside
Best for: Diving close to limestone cliffs
Picture credit score: Joke van Eeghem/Shutterstock.com
Director’s Bay Seaside on the southeastern coast of Curaçao is also called Lover’s Seaside. This seashore was as soon as privately owned and resumed public standing as of 1985. Director’s Bay is comparatively secluded and surrounded by limestone cliffs. It’s an ideal selection for diving with a steep drop off close to shore. With a dive right here, you’re prone to come throughout eels, sea horses, octopus, blue parrotfish, yellowtail snapper and numerous sponges. There’s additionally a sunken ship referred to as Tugboat right here as effectively.
18. Cabana Seaside
Best for: A full of life seashore membership ambiance
Cabana Seaside is that carefree seashore you’ve most likely seen in your desires. These all-too-vivid desires the place you’re specified by model new swimwear, staring up into clear blue skies, with palm bushes within the neighborhood. In actual life, this seashore is stunning, and as tropical as they arrive. There’s a restaurant and bar right here as effectively, each of which you’ll take pleasure in throughout your go to. This seashore is the type the place a single afternoon in some way turns into one of the crucial memorable moments of your journey.
17. Kokomo Seaside
Best for: Sundown drinks and straightforward afternoons
Picture credit score: Gail Johnson/Shutterstock.com
The Seaside Boys made looking for Kokomo an actual factor with their 1988 hit music, ‘Kokomo’. This really feel good jam sounds good on any Caribbean seashore, nevertheless it’ll sound much more wonderful as you lay again and chill out at Curaçao’s very personal Kokomo Seaside.
This seashore is about quarter-hour from Willemstad in Vearsenbaai (Vearsen Bay), and it actually lights up on weekends. In the course of the week the seashore tends to be quieter. This generally is a good time to go if you would like a extra low-key expertise. There’s a restaurant right here and an in-water swing set that’s thought of one of the crucial standard picture spots in Curaçao.
Except for that, there’s additionally a dive heart and many cozy spots to lounge round. Spend no less than one afternoon right here till round sundown, there’s usually stay music and scrumptious meals being served up on the Kokomo Seaside Restaurant.
16. Karakter Seaside
Best for: Lengthy lunches by the water
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Except for the truth that Karakter Seaside is just magnetic, there’s a restaurant right here as effectively that may actually add some taste to your seashore day. On the menu at this beachside spot are choices like tapas, grilled fish, and a variety of different objects served up in probably the most delectable method. A romantic beachside dinner after a day of lounging within the solar will certainly be a chance right here.
15. Playa Santa Cruz
Best for: Nature lovers and gradual seashore days
Picture credit score: Calvin Pronk/Shutterstock.com
Personal cabanas, fowl watching alternatives with a close-by mangrove, and massages on the seashore. That is only a glimpse of what you may look forward to finding at Playa Santa Cruz in Curaçao. With a lot of area to roam round freely, this seashore is excellent for unwinding and getting again in contact with nature. There’s a bar, restaurant, and restrooms accessible right here, which add a stage of comfort.
14. Jan Thiel Seaside
Best for: Seaside golf equipment and watersports
Picture credit score: DAVID ENGLISH/Shutterstock.com
Jan Thiel Seaside is as energetic as seashores come. Should you’re in search of an action-packed seashore day, that is your spot. Even higher, there’s sufficient area right here to discover a quiet nook too. Spending the day right here presents a lot of choices, from watersports to seashore facet eating. You possibly can benefit from the sand and sea and someplace in between pay a go to to one of many close by seashore golf equipment to dine. Stone oven pizza and BBQ meals are sometimes on the menu.
This can be a great place in case you’re seeking to take pleasure in a day exterior of your resort. There’s an entrance charge, and also you’ll additionally must pay for seashore chair leases and parking.
13. Daaibooi Seaside
Best for: Native snacks by the ocean
Picture credit score: Gail Johnson/Shutterstock.com
Daaibooi Seaside is nice for an informal seashore day. It’s not a fussy seashore, however most who go there recognize that along with simply having fun with the ocean, it’s potential to take pleasure in some Dutch goodies and fried meals from seashore distributors. Among the native objects you may strive right here embody Broodje Kroket (bread with fried meat), bamischijf (fried noodle patty), contemporary fish and fries, and extra.
12. Playa Kalki
Best for: Reef diving and snorkeling
Picture credit score: fokke baarssen/Shutterstock.com
Playa Kalki is dwelling to the favored Alice in Wonderland coral reef. It’s one of many extra standard diving seashores in Curaçao and sits in a small cove framed by limestone cliffs. Entry to the seashore is through stone steps carved into the rock, which already units the tone earlier than you even attain the water.
The reef right here is the primary spotlight, and when you’re within the water, visibility is normally sturdy sufficient to soak up each the coral formations and the marine life that strikes by means of this space. There’s additionally a dive store on-site. Should you get hungry, a snack bar and several other eating places and bars close by make it straightforward to remain just a little longer than deliberate. You can even hire loungers and palapas in case you’re within the temper to easily chill out by the shore. There isn’t a admission charge, and parking is out there in a small public lot proper close by.
11. Mambo Seaside
Best for: Households and nightlife in a single spot
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Picture credit score: Gail Johnson/Shutterstock.com
Mambo Seaside, also called Seaquarium Seaside, is a family-friendly stretch of sand cherished by mother and father for its calm, shallow waters. It sits proper subsequent to a neighborhood seaquarium, which is the place the identify comes from. The seashore seems like one thing straight out of a shiny journey unfold, full with thatched tiki umbrellas dotted alongside the shoreline.
You’ll discover all of the seashore services you want right here, plus a number of retailers and bars to browse at a simple tempo. There may be even a mall close by for just a little additional exploring. Watersports can be found too in case you’re within the temper for a little bit of motion on the water.
Because the solar units and weekends roll in, the seashore shifts into an leisure hub, with live shows and even film nights bringing a full of life rhythm to the shoreline. There may be normally an admission charge to enter this seashore space.
10. Playa Forti
Best for: Cliff leaping and coastal views
Picture credit score: Anna Wolters/Shutterstock.com
Views that permit that mellow island feeling to actually sink in are what you will see at Playa Forti. Right here, fishing boats drift throughout the horizon and the island’s western tip stretches huge within the distance. The sand right here is brown with a coarser texture, giving it a special character from most of the different seashores on the island.
There’s a parking space shut by, together with snack bars and a restaurant the place you may take a relaxed break between dips. A steep ramp and steps lead right down to the water, and for these chasing a bit extra thrill, there’s additionally the prospect to strive cliff leaping for an added rush.
9. Blue Bay Seaside
Best for: A full-service seashore day
Picture credit score: Michal Vobornik/Shutterstock.com
The glistening blue waters and mushy white sands of Blue Bay Seaside are a should expertise when in Curaçao. This seashore in Willemstad is likely one of the island’s finest, and also you’ll see why the second you agree in with a seashore chair rental, or just lay out your towel and let the day unfold.
You will see that umbrellas and palapas for shade, together with a handful of eating places and bars close by once you really feel like a chunk or a cool drink. This seashore can also be an ideal spot for diving, with the Coral Gardens dive website simply offshore. There’s even a dive store proper on the seashore to make issues straightforward.
8. Playa Lagun
Best for: Snorkeling beside fishing boats
Picture credit score: fokke baarssen/Shutterstock.com
The colourful fishing boats off the coast of Playa Lagun will catch your eye the second you arrive at this laid-back seashore, cherished by swimmers, divers, and fishermen alike. Whether or not you head into the water or keep on shore, the setting has an easygoing vibe that’ll make you wish to decelerate and keep some time.
The waters listed here are crystal clear and ideal for snorkeling, with loads of marine life simply beneath the floor. It’s the type of place the place the island tempo takes over, and all you’ll must do is be current.
7. Playa Piskado
Best for: Swimming with sea turtles
Picture credit score: Gail Johnson/Shutterstock.com
Playa Piskado (also called Playa Grandi) in Sabana Westpunt is the place you’ll be capable to stand up shut and private with sea turtles. It’s a kind of Curaçao moments that stays with you lengthy after you’ve left the island. Should you arrive earlier than midday, you’ll catch the seashore in movement as fishermen start tossing chum into the water and the ocean quietly shifts into one thing extra alive. Earlier than lengthy, turtles begin showing simply offshore, gliding in shut and shifting with an ease that feels virtually unreal.
There’s a pier the place you may lean out and watch every thing unfold beneath you, or just stand again and take within the rhythm of all of it. When the second settles, head to the beachfront snack bar for easy, satisfying bites served up with the breeze nonetheless rolling in.
Knowledgeable Tip: The turtles at Playa Piskado are wild animals, so resist the urge to the touch, chase, or crowd them within the water. The much less they’re disturbed, the extra naturally they behave, and that’s when the true magic occurs.
6. Playa Jeremi
Best for: Quiet sunsets
Picture credit score: NaturePicsFilms/Shutterstock.com
Playa Jeremi in Willemstad is a kind of spots that feels prefer it reveals itself slowly. A brief drive brings you to a small parking space, the place steps carved into the rock lead you down right into a secluded cove. The shoreline sits in a traditional Curaçao mixture of rugged coast and clear blue water, the place circumstances may be calm and alluring, although the ocean can shift at occasions with gentle surge alongside the sides. There are not any on-site facilities, so that you’ll must arrive ready. Deliver all you’ll want on your seashore day.
Should you go to this seashore, keep for the sundown. That is when the cove feels at its finest. There isn’t a entrance charge and little or no shade, so planning forward for solar safety is value protecting in thoughts.
Good to know: Playa Jeremi has rocky coastal edges and patchy reef construction simply offshore and alongside the perimeters of the cove. Snorkeling is pretty good right here on calmer days, with clear water that provides to the expertise.
5. Kleine Knip / Playa Kenepa Chiki
Best for: Smaller crowds and calm water
Picture credit score: Z. Jacobs/Shutterstock.com
Easy and actual, that’s what units Kleine Knip aside. Add in its putting coastal panorama and you’ve got a kind of Curaçao seashores that’s completely value a go to. Set between Westpunt and Lagun, about 50 minutes from Willemstad, the drive slowly opens into dry hills rolling towards deep blue sea. It’s a extremely rated seashore that feels small in scale however beneficiant in feeling, with calm water that simply invitations you to remain longer. There’s no price for parking or admission, and seashore chairs and umbrellas can be found when you arrive. When issues actually warmth up right here, it’s good to know chilly fruit smoothies are normally accessible on the seashore stand, protecting the day straightforward and refreshed.
4. Cas Abao Seaside
Best for: Simple snorkeling with nice facilities
Picture credit score: Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock.com
Cas Abao is attractive and on the high of the record for seashore goers in Curaçao. This can be a massive seashore, and the putting blue coloration of the water attracts you in immediately. Proper after you pay the doorway charge required for entry (in case you’re arriving by automotive), that’s. You’ll should shell out some money if you would like seashore beds as effectively, however they are often well worth the added consolation. Generally this seashore is crowded, nevertheless it normally isn’t onerous to discover a spot to arrange for a number of enjoyable hours. The sooner you arrive, the higher.
This seashore is likely one of the extra handy spots on the island, with a dive store, watersports, and food and drinks choices accessible close by. Take a lot of images whilst you’re there, you may be glad you probably did!
3. Playa PortoMari
Best for: Diving and full seashore services
Picture credit score: Luiz Felipe V. Puntel/Shutterstock.com
Quantity three on our record is Playa PortoMari in Bandabou. That is a kind of seashores that basically has all of it. A restaurant for eating, a bar, diving with a devoted dive store, rest room and bathe services, and seashore chair leases are all accessible right here. The seashore sits on a non-public property referred to as Plantages, with water that’s normally calm and clear. There’s a double reef for anybody who desires to dive, and dives may be organized by means of the on-site operator. From the seashore, you can even entry two nature trails that lead into the encircling panorama. A beachside restaurant and bar brings all of it collectively, and the seashore itself is accessible for a small admission charge.
2. Grote Knip / Playa Kenepa Grandi
Best for: Basic Curaçao views
Picture credit score: Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock.com
Playa Kenepa Grandi, also called Grote Knip, is positioned close to West Punt in Curaçao. This can be a white sand seashore with wonderful views, standard with sunbathers, swimmers, and people who come to snorkel or dive. This seashore is free to entry, with lounge chairs, kayaks, and snorkelling gear accessible for hire. Washroom services are additionally accessible for a small charge. There are not any concession stands right here, so it’s finest to convey meals and loads of drinks with you. In any other case, chances are you’ll catch native distributors relying on the day.
1. The seashore at Klein Curaçao “Little Curaçao”
Best for: A real off-shore island escape
Picture credit score: Carlos Yudica/Shutterstock.com
And we’ve lastly made it to the highest of our record! That place belongs to a spot locals will undoubtedly level you to from the second you arrive. The seashore on Klein Curaçao island.
This seashore might be the one you image once you begin daydreaming a couple of Caribbean getaway. Locations like this may really feel onerous to come back by today, however Klein Curaçao nonetheless has that far-removed, barely touched really feel folks journey for. The seashore is vibrant, open, wonderful for snorkeling, and tremendous non-public too. So non-public, in actual fact, that you just’ll must hop on a ship to get there. Klein Curaçao is also called “Little Curaçao”, and it’s a tiny, uninhabited island 15 miles off the southeast coast of Curaçao. It takes about two hours every approach to get to Klein Curaçao from the mainland.
Bonus: Explorers will love these two small hidden seashores in Curaçao
Playa Gipy
Close to the village of Westpunt, you may discover Playa Gipy which is a small, wild and rocky seashore. This is not a really touristy seashore, and for a lot of guests it may be troublesome to search out. In reality, typically the individuals who come across this seashore are those that drive to the lighthouse on this space, so in that sense attending to Playa Gipy may be fairly the welcome shock. To attain the seashore, you may must park close to the Watamula blowhole and make your method down on foot. As this seashore sits near the north coast, the ocean right here can usually be tough and unpredictable, so swimming is simply advisable on calm days and with warning.
Playa Santu Pretu
Santu Pretu interprets to black sand, and that’s simply what you’ll discover on this Curaçao strand. This seashore is comparatively secluded, and also you’ll be capable to inform immediately that it’s the type of place the place nature has been left effectively sufficient alone. The street resulting in Santu Pretu is gated, so the one methods to achieve it are on foot or by boat. Ranging from the parking space at Santa Cruz, it’s roughly a 15-minute stroll to get there. There are not any seashore services right here, however the snorkelling is fairly superior.
The place to remain in Curaçao for a romantic getaway?
A superb island day begins with the appropriate place to come back again to, someplace that feels straightforward to settle into after exploring.
Sandals Resorts brings that type of keep to Curaçao with a romantic setting at Sandals Royal Curaçao. Adults-only by design, holidays right here unfold beachside with suites that preserve issues relaxed, comfy, and with simply the correct quantity of island indulgence.
A keep at this all-inclusive resort in Curaçao covers nearly all the holiday necessities, from lodging and eating (8 eating places and three meals vans), to leisure, land and water sports activities and extra. With every thing you want inside attain, it’s straightforward to maneuver by means of the day with out planning an excessive amount of forward. Company may also take pleasure in a variety of water sports activities, in addition to snorkeling and scuba diving journeys. If golf is a part of your day, the close by 18-hole Pete Dye championship course can also be accessible, set with ocean views that convey all of it collectively.
With a keep that resolves round seashore exploration and extends to the guts of Curaçao, there actually isn’t a greater keep within the Dutch Caribbean to essentially get some sparks going.
Explore the most effective seashores in Curaçao
Now that we’ve explored the most effective seashores in Curaçao, one factor stays true. This island has a method of creating seashore days really feel unplanned in the most effective sense. Pleasant locals, clear water, and a shoreline that shifts from full of life to quiet in only a quick drive, plus loads of issues to see and do if you wish to discover just a little additional inland.
The seashores right here every supply one thing barely completely different, from straightforward swim spots to extra tucked-away coves, so your best option actually comes right down to the type of day you wish to have. And as with the most effective islands, there isn’t a scarcity of fine ones right here. The one problem actually is something however… merely discovering the seashore that turns into your new island favourite.
Nevertheless issues unfold, it’s onerous to go unsuitable right here. Dutch Caribbean Curaçao is simple to like. Benefit from the island, take your time, and let this trip circulation simply because it ought to.
Regularly Requested Questions
What’s the prettiest seashore in Curaçao?
Cas Abao and Grote Knip are sometimes thought of the island’s most scenic seashores, nevertheless it actually relies on the type of setting you favor. Playa Jeremi and Daaibooi are sturdy decisions for individuals who take pleasure in quieter, extra pure environment. In the top, the prettiest seashore is the one which matches your vibe.
Are Curaçao seashores man-made?
Most usually are not. Lots of Curaçao’s finest seashores are pure bays and coves formed by the ocean alongside the island’s rocky western shoreline. Mambo Seaside is likely one of the few man-made exceptions, constructed with a breakwater on the east coast. Out west, the seashores are largely pure.
Are Curaçao seashores crowded?
It relies on the time of day, the day of the week, and whether or not a cruise ship is in port. West coast seashores are normally quieter, particularly on weekday mornings. Checking the cruise ship schedule earlier than heading out could make an enormous distinction.
Are Curaçao seashores rocky?
Some are, particularly alongside the west coast. Playa Kalki, Playa Lagun, and Playa Jeremi all have rocky entry factors, which additionally makes them nice for snorkeling for the reason that rocks help coral and marine life. Water footwear are a good suggestion.
Which Curaçao seashore is finest for snorkeling?
Playa Lagun, Playa Piscado, and Tugboat Seaside are among the many island’s hottest snorkeling spots. For diving, Playa Kalki and Playa PortoMari, recognized for its double reef, are standout decisions.
The place are you able to swim with turtles in Curaçao?
Playa Piscado is the best-known spot for sea turtle sightings. Daaibooi Seaside is one other seashore the place turtles are sometimes seen near shore. At all times give turtles area and observe them respectfully.
Is Klein Curaçao well worth the journey?
Completely, particularly if you would like a extra distant seashore expertise. The uninhabited island is thought for its vibrant white sand, clear water, and wonderful snorkeling and diving. Reserving a tour with shade and services included is extremely advisable.
What’s the finest seashore in Curaçao for {couples}?
Kleine Knip, Playa Jeremi, and a sundown go to to Playa PortoMari all make nice choices for {couples}. For these wanting a resort keep near a number of the island’s finest seashores, Sandals Royal Curaçao is effectively positioned alongside the west coast.
Do Curaçao seashores cost an entrance charge?
Some do. Cas Abao, Playa PortoMari, and Pirate’s Bay cost a small charge per automotive, whereas many west coast seashores together with Playa Kalki and Playa Jeremi are free to entry. Bringing money is useful, as not all entry cubicles settle for playing cards.
What’s the finest time of yr to go to Curaçao’s seashores?
Curaçao sits exterior the hurricane belt and enjoys heat climate year-round, with common temperatures round 27°C (81°F). January by means of September normally brings the calmest circumstances for snorkeling and diving, although the island is an effective seashore vacation spot in any season.
