Curacao's Beaches
Curacao's beaches are its best-kept secret. The best beaches are not the long, expansive patches of sand found in other islands, but rather smaller, more intimate beaches found in secluded inlets, called "bocas" in Papiamentu. Many of the best beaches are found at the west end of the island, which is fittingly named Westpunt, or "west point".
The island claims to have 38 beaches in all, yet you'll certainly find more along the secluded and rough coastlines of the eastern and northern coasts. Some of the beaches, "playas" in Papiamentu or Spanish, have changing and picnic facilities and charge a small admission, while others are wide open and free of both admission and facilities.
Topless sunbathing and swimming is tolerated on most beaches in the resort areas, but not on resort grounds.
City Beach 88
City Beach 88 is the first and only city beach in Curaçao. Lounge on one of the beach chairs in the sand, kick back with a refreshing beer in hand, or sip from a tropical cocktail while overlooking the ocean.
Playa Kalki
Sandy beach with limestone cliffs. This is surely one of the most attractive snorkeling and diving spots on Curaçao. Kalki means limestone in Papiamentu and refers to the limestone cliffs At the corals you will find a sculptured fist with a lable carrying the name of the coral. The trees and quiet surroundings ensure a pleasant atmosphere. This small inlet lies in Westpunt, right near GHL Kura Hulanda Lodge.
Westpunt Beach
This is where the day's catch is brought to land. A sight seer's beach, Westpunt is not ideal for a day of sunbathing or swimming. Don't forget your shoes or sandals or you will be punished! Its pebbly surface won't allow you to go barefoot.
Knip Beach - Playa Kenepa Grandi
Knip Beach is very popular with the Curacaoan's themselves. Knip Beach lets you swim and sunbathe in one of the most beautiful surroundings on Curaçao. For the well trained swimmers, the reef can be reached from the beach, but it is quite a long swim. Snorkeling can be done much closer to the shore near the rocks on either side of Knip Beach.
Little Knip Beach - Playa Kenepa Chiki
Blend in with the the local population at this beautiful but small beach. This is where you will find Curaçaoan families spend the whole day playing, swimming and even have their barbecue. See the Virtual View to get the feel of the place. It won't be this quiet when you visit Little Knip Beach in the weekend, though!
Playa Jeremi
Visit this narrow, picturesque cove late in the day, perhaps lingering to watch the sun set, when you can fully appreciate the exceptionally clear waters without minding the lack of shade. There are no amenities.
Boca Santa Cruz
A beach which Curaçaoans loves to visit in the weekends. You will definitely encounter Captain Goodlife. A legend on Curacao. Many famous people have come to pay him a visit. Though it has become a little bit commercialized and now even has a restaurant, the water tours with Captain Goodlife are still a ton of fun!
Cas Abao
Cas Abao Beach offers you a white sandy beach, crystal clear waters, waving palm trees and many parasols. Cas Abao is ideal for swimmers, and its reefs a paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers. A raft for sunbathing and playing is moored off the beach. There is a bar, restaurant, showers, toilets, massage facility and dive shop. Cas Abao is open daily.
Playa PortoMari
White sandy beach with parasols. There are showers and toilets and a bar with a large terrace. A very suitable beach for children. Attractive snorkel and diving spot with special facilities for divers. Even in the weekends the beach is quiet.
Daaibooi Beach
Daaibooi Beach is a local beach. It has a serene surrounding and the beach has has shallow water, perfect for snorkeling. There is a bar-restaurant with fair prices. Also there are some parasols (palapas) available. The entry to the beach is free, and renting a beach chair is possible. It can get a little bit crowded in the weekends. This beach has a little bit of history.
Pirate Bay Beach
This full service beach offers: watersports, dive operator, beachbar and a great restaurant. Note that the beach is very small and can be very crowded. It's a nice place for families... especially kids make new friends here.
Kontiki / Cabana Beach
This full service beach offers: watersports, shops, beach bar and a great restaurant. Kontiki beach is the place to catch your breath and get ready for your next dive. The surf is tamed by a wave breaker, making it ideal for children to play along the waterline.
Mambo / Seaquarium Beach
It's also the nightlife beach of Curacao. Frequently performances of artists, several bars, shops and much more.... It's a few minutes walk from the most populair resort of the island Lions Dive & Beach Hotel.
Jan Thiel Beach
Lounge on the cement quays beside the large open bay, which has excellent diving and snorkeling. The beach is located in a new upscale residential area east of town. There is littlle sand, but children enjoy the semi-closed wading area that resembles a swimming pool.
Barbara Beach
Barabara Beach was one of our favorite beaches. It was a beautiful beach, not tightly laid down, quiet except on Sundays... boats wilt local come to chat and/or pick-nick. This tradition is still ongoing. But the beach is now part of a new but beautiful resort with golf course.
Klein Curacao
Klein Curacao is an island like no other. Mermaid Boat Trips is the only boat tour that takes guests directly onto the island. In just 2 hours, you will be swept away to a unique paradise. This island has the only white powder sand beaches in the area. And because this is a deserted island, you will have total privacy to do whatever you like.
