32 Best Beaches in Curacao You Must Visit in 2023
Wondering what the best beaches in Curacao are?
Look no further! In this post, I will tell you all about it!
I’ve been to Curacao twice and still can’t seem to get enough of this island country.
Not only is the culture incredibly unique, but the beaches and attractions are unlike anywhere else in the world.
I’d describe Curacao as a place that feels pretty European, all while being located in a paradise-like Caribbean setting and perfectly mixing up different cultures and heritages.
With over 40 beaches spread throughout the island, choosing where to go can get tricky, so I put together a list of the best beaches in Curacao and why you should visit them.
32 Best Beaches in Curacao
1. Playa Porto Marie
Playa Porto Marie was, in my opinion, the best beach on Curacao Island because it has plenty of space and white coral sand.
Moreover, there is a double reef accessible from the shore, making it one of the best beaches in Curacao for snorkeling.
Playa Porto Marie is also famous for the pigs that live here. I was a bit disappointed because they aren’t actually on the beach but rather on a puddle in the parking lot.
It’s one of those Instagram vs. reality situations, but they’re still fun to look at!
👉🏽 How to Get There
There’s a bus that goes to the village where Porto Mari is located. From there, it’s a pretty long walk to get to the beach, so driving is highly recommended.
2. Cas Abao Beach
Located on the southwest coast of Curacao, this beach features turquoise waters and is perfect if you’re looking for a full-service beach.
You will find parking, bathrooms, showers, lockers, massage services, a dive shop, and a beach bar and restaurant here.
Cas Abao Beach has also considered a paradise for scuba diving and snorkeling thanks to its reef, not to mention swimming here is perfect as the tide is pretty calm.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Cas Abao Beach is located about 35 minutes by car from Willemstad.
If you don’t have a car, you can grab a taxi, but beware getting back to town will get tricky as not many cabs pass through that area.
3. Playa Grandi (Playa Piskado)
While this is definitely not the most beautiful beach in Curacao, Playa Grandi is famous because tons of sea turtles can be found here.
The beach is very small and pebbly, but it is extremely popular for swimmers and snorkelers keen to see giant sea turtles swimming about.
They’re very used to humans and won’t shy away from gliding near you!
👉🏽 How to Get There
Playa Grandi is located about a 1-hour drive north of Willemstad.
You can also take a bus that takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to Westpunt and walk for about 15 minutes to the beach.
4. Playa Kalki
Playa Kalki is possibly my favorite beach in Curacao for solitude. It’s located on the lesser-visited western side and is pretty small and intimate.
The water is aqua blue and the sand is powdery (something that isn’t very common on Curacao’s beaches).
Moreover, there are no waves here, so it is one of the best beaches in Curacao for swimming.
Despite it being out of the way, you will still be able to find a few beach chairs for rent and a snack bar.
Make sure to get here early in order to snag a spot as the beach is pretty small.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Driving or visiting on a tour is the only way to get to Playa Kalki.
5. Playa Kenepa Grandi (Grote Knip Beach)
Grote Knip is a favorite for locals and visitors alike because of its beautiful panoramic viewpoints offering vistas of stalls, aquamarine water, and soft sand.
It is also a public beach, which means entrance is free and it does tend to get pretty crowded.
👉🏽 How to Get There
There is only one road that leads to Grote Knip. It’s about an hour’s drive away from Willemstad.
6. Playa Kenepa Chiki (Kleine Knip Beach)
Kleine Knip is Grote Knip’s little sister. It’s a small cove that provides a pretty intimate experience and a wonderful place to visit if you’d rather skip the crowds of Grote Knip.
The beach is public and the entrance is free, but there are no amenities so make sure to bring snacks and water along.
👉🏽 How to Get There
There is only one road that leads to Grote Knip. It’s about an hour’s drive away from Willemstad.
7. Mambo Beach
Mambo Beach is one of the best Curacao beaches for those who want to have a stress-free day under the sun.
This is actually a man-made beach and even though there are prettier beaches in Curacao, this one is a favorite for visitors and tourists alike because of its amenities.
Spread all through Mambo Beach, you’ll find many beach clubs, ranging from budget options to more high-end establishments where parties go on until the wee hours of the morning.
Mambo Beach Club is a favorite for locals because of its incredible food options, DJs, and overall decoration.
It is also one of the best beaches in Curacao to visit from a cruise ship thanks to its close distance to Willemstad.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Mambo Beach is located a 10-minute drive away from Pietermaai in Willemstad.
You can either drive or grab a taxi (you will find taxis all over the city as well as the cruise ports – expect to pay about $20 USD for a one-way ride).
There are plenty of taxis waiting outside Mambo Beach as well to take you back to the city.
8. Blue Bay Curacao Golf & Beach Resort
Blue Bay Curacao Golf & Beach Resort is located on what was once a plantation that was turned into a beautiful 18-course golf course with its own private beach.
More than a beach, this is an accommodation option and experience for those looking for a luxury vacation in Curacao.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Blue Bay Curacao Golf & Beach Resort is located about 25 minutes away from downtown Willemstad and about 10 minutes away from the airport.
9. Playa Lagun
Set on a tiny bay surrounded by two cliffs, Playa Lagun is one of the best snorkeling in Curacao as colorful fish and turtles abound here.
You will find a snack bar, a restaurant, and a dive school here in case you want to delve deeper into the ocean!
👉🏽 How to Get There
Playa Laguna is located around 30 minutes by car from Willestmad. Drive the road towards Westpunt and follow the signs for Laguna Beach.
10. Klein Curacao (Little Curacao)
Klein Curacao isn’t exactly a beach but rather a tiny cay located just off the coast of the main island.
Visiting was one of my favorite things to do in Curacao because the island is completely uninhabited and the white sand beach you’ll find here is incredibly gorgeous and peaceful.
This is also a great place to go snorkeling because there’s a spectacular reef underneath the water.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Klein Curacao is only accessible by boat. There are lots of tours available and usually costs about $100 per person for a full-day trip.
11. Jan Thiel Beach
Jan Thiel is known as one of the best beaches in Curacao for those looking to sip cocktails amid an upbeat vibe.
Here, you’ll find several different restaurants and beach clubs, all of which are considered the “it” spots to be in Curacao.
I personally recommend Zanzibar Beach and Restaurant for its great atmosphere, delicious food, and great music (they are also known for hosting parties till late at night, so this is a great option if a night out is what you’re after!)
As a note, I found Jan Thiel pretty small and quite pebbly, so it’s ideal for a beach day with plenty of amenities but not if a white sand beach is what you’re after.
The currents here are pretty strong, so I wouldn’t recommend visiting this beach if you’re traveling with kids.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Jan Thiel is located about a 15-minute drive from Willemstad. Finding a taxi to and from the city or cruise port is easy.
12. Sint Joris Bay
Sint Joris Bay is one of the best beaches to visit in Curacao if you’re into hidden gems.
It’s located on a natural lake and connected to the Caribbean Sea.
The entire beach is very undeveloped, making it perfect if a quieter experience is what you’re looking for during your trip. Wildlife abounds here, especially fish and turtles.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Sint Joris Bay can be reached in under 20 minutes from Willemstad.
You can either drive or ask a taxi to take you there and wait for you to get you back to the city (you will have a hard time finding a taxi to bring you back to the city from here).
13. Kokomo Beach
Kokomo Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Curacao because here, you’ll find the island’s famous beach swings!
It’s also one of the most popular hangout spots for tourists and locals alike as you’ll find wonderful amenities here as well as a calendar filled with beach parties and other fun events.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Driving or taking a taxi is the best way to reach Kokomo Beach.
You can also take a bus with a route to Kokomo, Jandoret, or Daabooi, although it won’t drop you right on the beach.
14. Playa Forti
Located near Westpunt, Playa Forti is a pebbly beach. The beach is small and offers a snack bar, restaurant, and beach chairs.
It’s not that popular of a spot for a beach day, but people love visiting for its great snorkeling opportunities and cliff-diving.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Playa Forti is about 50 minutes away from Willemstad by car.
15. Playa Jeremi
Playa Jeremi is another rather undeveloped beach perfect for those who prefer solitude rather than spots with lots of amenities.
The beach is made up of sand and volcanic ash and the water is as clear as it can get.
Beware that is barely any shadow here and there are no facilities here, so you will need to bring along food, water, beach umbrellas, and anything else you may need for your stay.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Playa Jeremi is located about 50 minutes away from Willemstad by car.
16. Daaibooi Beach
DaaiBooi Beach is one of the best beaches in Curacao if you’re looking for a pretty local experience.
The water here is shallow and there are plenty of beach swimming close to the shore, making it perfect for a day spent snorkeling.
There are beach chairs available as well as a restaurant and bar on offer.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Daaibooi Beach is located about 40 minutes from Willemstad by car.
17. Boka Sint Michiel (Boka Sami)
This traditional fishing village boasts a small beach that barely has any shadow or sand, but it does provide wonderful snorkeling opportunities and gorgeous water perfect for swimming.
There are two delicious seafood restaurants here that make it worth a visit as well as a hiking trail to the top of a cliff.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Boka Sami can be found about 25 minutes away from Willemstad by car.
18. Playa Santa Cruz
This is a crescent-shaped beach located right between Playa Lagun and Playa Santu Pretu. It’s surrounded by a mangrove swamp, dotted with palm trees, and provides soft sand.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Playa Sant Cruz is a 50-minute drive away from Willemstad.
19. Cabana Beach
Located on Mambo Beach, Cabana Beach is a beach club where you’ll find swaying palm trees and a trendy restaurant with a great atmosphere.
Comfy lounge chairs and beach cabanas are available for rent here, but I recommend getting there early as they fill up quickly.
This is also one of the best beaches in Curacao near the cruise port.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Cabana Beach is located a 10-minute drive away from Pietermaai in Willemstad and about 15 minutes away from the cruise port.
If you don’t have a car, you can easily find a taxi to bring you to Cabana Beach either from the city or the port. You will find plenty of cabs in the parking lot to bring you back.
20. Playa Gipy
Set on the westernmost point of Curacao, Playa Gipy is ideal if you want to escape the tourist crowds.
Playa Gipy is pretty small and usually quiet as it hasn’t yet been discovered by massive tourist crowds, so you are very likely to have it almost all to yourself.
As a note, I don’t recommend it for swimming as the sea can get pretty rough here.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Playa Gipy is located on Westpunt about 50 minutes away from Willemstad by car.
You can park your cat at the Watamula blow hole and walk for about 10 minutes to reach the beach.
21. Playa Santu Pretu
Playa Santu Pretu is known for its dark sand made up of volcanic ash and for being the gateway to one of the most impressive dive sites in Curacao.
There is a shipwreck under the water where beautiful coral has grown.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Park at Playa Santa Cruz and hike for about 15 minutes along a nature trail to reach this secluded beach.
22. Santa Martha Bay
More than a beach, Santa Martha Bay is a beautiful spot that offers ravishing views of the water where you are unlikely to run into other people.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Santa Martha Bay is located a 50-minute drive away from Willemstad.
23. Playa Kanoa
While it’s not a beach meant for swimming due to its rocky bottom, Playa Kanoa is a favorite beach for surfers.
It’s not a very popular beach for tourists, but it is frequently visited by people looking to test out Curacao’s waves.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Playa Kanoa is located about a 20-minute drive from Curacao. The road is pretty isolated and is more of a dirt road, so drive carefully.
24. Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino
Set near a beautiful dive site, Sunscate Curacao Resort, Spa, and Casino is an all-inclusive resort where you’ll find modern rooms, a spa, several high-end restaurants, and direct private access to a beautiful beach.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino is located only a few minutes away from downtown Willemstad. Finding a taxi to bring you to and fro is easy.
25. Mangrove Beach Resort
Another beautiful all-inclusive resort set on a beautiful shoreline that offers several themed restaurants and bars, a spa on the beach, four pools, an aquapark, a dive center, and plenty more.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Mangrove Beach Resort is found only a few minutes away from downtown Willemstad. Finding a taxi to take you there from anywhere in town is easy.
26. Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort
A 5-star resort located near Jan Thiel Beach. It’s set in a quiet location and surrounded by incredible views, not to mention it provides access to a dreamy beach and luxurious amenities.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Santa Barbara Beach and Golf Resort are located right in Willemstad. You can walk or grab a cab to reach it.
27. Caracas Bay
While the sand here is quite coarse and there are many pebbles, Caracas Bay is one of the best beaches in Curacao for snorkeling and diving thanks to the fact that it is part of an underwater park.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Caracas Bay is set a 15-minute drive away from Willemstad. Taking a taxi is possible.
28. Director’s Bay Beach
Located on the Caracas Bay peninsula, Director’s Bay is a public beach rarely visited by tourists and a favorite for locals and divers as it boasts a pristine reef under the water.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Director’s Beach is found about 20 minutes away from Willemstad by car. Taking a taxi is possible.
29. Karakter Beach
A lounge, beach, and restaurant where you can enjoy a beach day with plenty of drinks and a pretty relaxed atmosphere.
There is a rather hip restaurant here as well (reservations are highly recommended).
As a tip, there is a spa located right above the beach called 8 the Experience.
It’s easily the best spa experience I’ve had in the entire world. It features themed rooms, plenty of treatments, and tiny private pools that overlook the ocean.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Karakter is about 30 minutes away from Willemstad. Take the road to Westpunt, take the turn to St. Willibrordus, and follow the signs to Coral Estate.
30. Avila Beach Hotel
If what you’re after is to book yourself a resort in Curacao, Avila Beach Hotel is definitely your go-to.
It’s located right on Willemsted in the Pietermaai District and offers two private beaches that are ideal for swimming and enjoying a beach day. Day passes are available.
👉🏽 How to Get There
Avila Beach Hotel is located right on Willemstad. You can walk or take a taxi to reach it.
31. Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Resort
Another gorgeous resort perfect for a luxury stay, the Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Resort offers modern rooms, a sophisticated atmosphere, high-end dining and bars, and access to one of the best beaches in Curacao.
👉🏽 How to Get There
The Rennaissance Wind Creek is located right on Willemstad. You can walk or take a taxi to reach it.
Additionally, it’s set a 2-minute walk away from the cruise port, making it one of the best beaches in Curacao for cruise visitors (day passes are available).
32. Tugboat Beach
Tugboat Beach is one of the most visited beaches in Curacao for snorkeling and diving.
You can easily see plenty of fish and other creatures around the shore, but if you swim about 15 feet from the coast, you will find a shipwreck that has been underwater for over 30 years!
👉🏽 How to Get There
Tugboat Beach is located 20 minutes away from Willemstad by car.
Best Beaches in Curacao Map
Is Curacao worth visiting?
Yes, Curacao is very much worth visiting not only for its beautiful beaches but also because it’s a pretty unique destination.
Officially a part of the Netherlands, Curacao perfectly blends Caribbean and European flair, all while homing colorful historical buildings, a wide array of high-end restaurants and bars, and plenty of nature spots.
What is Curacao best known for?
Curacao is known for its beautiful beaches, for being the gateway to some of the best dive spots in the world, for its diverse culture and heritage, and for its colorful historical buildings.
It’s also known for hosting one of the biggest carnivals in the Caribbean.
What is the best month to visit Curacao?
The best month to visit Curacao depends on your interests and travel style.
February is a wonderful month to visit as this is when the Curacao Carnival usually takes place (sometimes it bleeds into March).
During this time, the island’s colorful streets become a giant party where locals and visitors dress up in colorful costumes to dance the day (and night!) away.
Do note that accommodation prices rise when the Carnival takes place, not to mention moving around gets tricky as streets close down.
For great temperatures and no rain, February through June are ideal, while October, November, and December are the wettest months.
How many days do you need in Curacao?
Three days are enough to see the island’s highlights, but staying 7 days or more will allow you to have a varied schedule that includes plenty of relaxation time at the beach while also giving you time to fully explore the island without having to rush around.
Where to Stay in Curacao
👌 Cheap Accommodations
While there aren’t many choices, it’s possible to find cheap accommodations in Curacao.
Some options include San Marco Hotel, First Curacao Hostel, Dan Sher Apartments, and Bed and Bike Pietermaai.
👌 Mid-Range Accommodations
You can find plenty of mid-range accommodation options that offer a great experience for your buck.
I personally stayed at BOHO Bohemian Boutique Hotel which is located right in the Pietermaai District in Willemstad and loved it.
Other wonderful options include the ACOYA Curacao Resort, Livingstone Jan Thiel Resort (you will need a car), and the DeLynne Resort.
👌Luxury Accommodations
Curacao offers a wide array of luxury resorts. Some of the best ones include Avila Beach Hotel, Renaissance Curacao Resort, and Baoase Luxury Resort.
Best Tours in Curacao
🏆 Full-Day Catamaran Trip to Klein Curacao (with BBQ Lunch)
5.0 ⭐️ 605 Reviews
Take a catamaran cruise over to Klein Curacao, a small cay away from the main island where you’ll find incredible beaches, great snorkeling, and a unique historical sight. This is a full-day tour.
Wonderful day on a beautiful island. Amazing staff and food! Would highly recommend!! Loved it all!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Aimee_T, Apr 2023
🏆 Underwater Walking Tour in Curacao
5.0 ⭐️ 190 Reviews
Walk underwater through thousands of colorful coral and fish to discover what lives under Curacao’s waves in a truly unique way. This tour is apt even for non-swimmers.
The staff was very accommodating! They did a thorough pre-assesment making sure we were ok to participate. The whole experience was great. The staff was extremely knowledgeable.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Darlene_M, Mar 2023
🏆 Swimming with sea turtles (Grote Knip Beach)
5.0 ⭐️ 440 Reviews
Head over to Grote Knip Beach or have a half-day spent snorkeling, swimming, and finding sea turtles.
They were very nice and knowledgeable. We learned lots about curaçao and the turtles were amazing. The pictures were of great quality and so quick and easy. It was a nice selection for everyone.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Caroline_S, Apr 2023
🏆 Perfect Day Tour (Small Group)
5.0 ⭐️ 196 Reviews
See the best Curacao has to offer alongside a local guide.
Discover the story behind the main historical attractions, visit a liquor distillery, observe native wildlife like flamingos and turtles, visit Kenepa Beach, and explore Shete Boka National Park.
We had a wonderful day. The tour directors were friendly and very accommodating! I truly recommend this tour to others.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Tammy_H, Apr 2023
🏆 All-West Beach Hopping Tour
4.5 ⭐️ 252 Reviews
Explore the west coast of the island and its gorgeous beaches.
This beach hopping tour will have you visiting three of the best beaches in Curacao, including Piskado Beach, Cas Abao Beach, and Kenepa Beach.
Our tour guide, Bob, was so nice and funny! This tour is a must if you want to know more about the history of Curazao and its beautiful beaches. WE ENJOYED THIS TOUR SO MUCH!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Maria_D, Mar 2023
Tips for Planning a Trip to Curacao
✔️ Renting a car is highly recommended in order to be able to explore freely beyond Willemstad. Do note that the roads in Curacao aren’t great, so make sure to drive carefully. I rented a car with De Vos and loved them – they’re affordable and very personal as it is a small company.
✔️ Pack water shoes, if you plan on swimming as most beaches, have rocks when you first get in the water.
✔️ Gratuities are usually included on your bill already. Leaving extra tips is not expected.
✔️ Some beaches charge an admission fee while others don’t. Expect to pay from $3 to $5 USD at public beaches and up to $15 USD at beach clubs for a beach chair (it’s worth it!).
✔️ USD is accepted almost everywhere, but carrying some Antillean Guilder (florins) is recommended.
✔️ Tap water is safe to drink.
✔️ Make sure to fill up your digital immigration card before your flight, otherwise, you will not be allowed to enter the island. You can print it out or download it on your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Beaches in Curacao
Are Curacao beaches good?
Curacao’s beaches are great, but you shouldn’t expect to find long shores of white sand.
Usually, the beaches in Curacao are nestled in between cliffs, which means they’re pretty small and different from what other Caribbean destinations offer.
What are Curacao beaches like?
Curacao’s beaches are known for their calm, turquoise-colored water.
Most beaches are hidden away between rock cliffs, so they are usually small and cozy.
What is the nicest beach in Curacao?
While there are plenty of beautiful beaches all over Curacao, Porto Marie is usually considered the most beautiful on the island.
What is Curacao’s most popular beach?
The most popular beach in Curacao is Mambo Beach thanks to its proximity to Willemstad and its amenities.
You’ll find a wide array of beach clubs to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly options to some of the hippest spots on the island for locals and tourists alike.
Are Curacao beaches rocky?
Yes, the beaches in Curacao tend to be rocky, especially underneath the water.
Is the water clear in Curacao?
The water in Curacao is extremely clear and perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
You can usually see lots of marine life right from the shore!
Does Curacao have good snorkeling spots?
Curacao boasts some of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean.
The island is surrounded by coral reefs, a few shipwrecks, and plenty of marine life, not to mention the water is usually super clear and provides great visibility.
Final Thoughts: Best Beaches in Curacao
There are plenty of great beaches in Curacao, and the ultimate way to decide which ones to visit will depend on your interests and travel style.
Plenty of beaches in Curacao are located on resorts and or beach clubs, making them ideal if a day spent under the sun in a hip spot is what you’re after.
If you prefer to stray away from the crowds, however, you’ll be able to find lots of secluded beaches as well.
