First of all, in this comprehensive guide you will discover how to explore the best beaches in Curacao. When planning my trip to Curacao, I faced the challenge of selecting the best beaches and deciding how many days to allocate to each of them. Choosing where to stay and which beaches to prioritize requires care, as the variety of structures and beauties is wide. In this guide, I share valuable suggestions for those making their first visit.
First Visit to Curacao: Exploring the Coastal Wonders
For your first time in Curacao, we recommend exploring all the beaches to fully absorb the stunning coastal landscapes. Furthermore, each beach provides a unique experience, making this exploration simply unmissable. On future visits, you can direct your focus to your favorite beaches. Therefore, choosing to stay at a hotel close to your favorite one can guarantee an even more memorable stay. This gradual approach allows for a full appreciation of the island’s natural beauty, adapting to each visitor’s individual preferences throughout different trips.
What to expect from Curacao’s beaches
I need to mention that the beaches are really beautiful, but you need to know that most of them have rocks and the ideal is to take sneakers to avoid hurting your feet, I bought at least two sizes larger to be more comfortable.
Snorkeling is also an essential item, considering that the local marine life is incredible.
The beauty of the beaches is so great that the pebbles we find on the way are not even considered. Now, below, I show you some beaches to explore the best beaches in Curacao – an unforgettable paradise. This smooth introduction connects the appreciation of the natural beauty of the beaches with the presentation of options to be explored, creating a fluid transition in the text.
1. Klein Curacao: Paradise on Earth
Starting our journey with the beaches, Klein Curaçao is a must-see destination. With a sea of dazzling color, four boats cross there. Furthermore, my choice was Miss Ann, which offers an exceptional structure on the island, including food, sun loungers, bathrooms and snorkel tours. This option provides not only the opportunity to explore the marine beauty, but also the comfort necessary to fully enjoy the Klein Curaçao experience. My choice of Miss Ann due to the boat’s stability, as it rocks less and is faster, taking just 1 hour on the route. Another option is Mermaid, which also has a good structure and is praised for its food, despite the longer travel time.
The other boats are Breeze, with a journey time of 1h40min and half a structure on the island, with just sun loungers and all, and the Blue Finn, with the same journey time, with no structure on the island. To use the bathroom or enjoy food, you must return to the boat. However, those who have already completed a tour with the Blue Finn say that it is the liveliest boat. In contrast, I can say that Miss Ann is not lively. Therefore, the choice of boat may depend on the balance between comfort and excitement that you are looking for during the trip.
It’s always good to remember that regardless of the boat you choose, if you have problems with seasickness, take medication to avoid ruining your trip.
Price: The trip to Klein Curacao with the Miss Ann boat costs US$130.00 per adult and US$65.00 for children aged 4 to 11 years old.
2. Blue Bay Beach: A Complete Getaway
Among the beaches visited, Blue Bay Beach stood out for its complete infrastructure. Located at Blue Bay Golf and Resort, it offers free access to guests and an affordable fee for external visitors. The beach has sun loungers and restaurants that serve directly at the sun loungers using QRCode. Its crystal clear waters even allow snorkeling close to the shore. I stayed at the Bayside Boutique Hotel inside the Blue Bay Condominium and it was incredible, I commented better in the Curacao Travel Guide.
Price: Free access for Blue Bay Golf and Resort guests. Fee for external visitors: US$12.00 per adult and US$6.00 per child under 12 years old.
3. Porto Mari Beach: Beauty and Structure Together
Porto Mari Beach is one of tourists’ favorites due to its beauty and infrastructure. With a calm blue sea and an excellent structure, it is perfect for spending the day and enjoying the local restaurant. It’s important to arrive early to ensure comfortable shade and to take advantage of the free bathrooms and showers.
Price: Entrance to Porto Mari Beach: US$3.00 per person. Chair rental: US$3.50 each, with free umbrellas.
4. Cas Abao Beach: Full Day Option
Cas Abao Beach, also with a great structure, is an excellent choice for spending the whole day. Furthermore, with its calm waters inviting relaxation, even without natural shadows, renting chairs is a viable option. However, it is always important to remember to arrive early to ensure comfortable shade. This way, by anticipating their arrival, visitors can ensure a pleasant location and fully enjoy the beauty of this incredible beach.
Price: Entrance to Cas Abao: US$6.00 per vehicle.
5. Kenepa Grande Beach (Grote Knip): A Dazzling Sea
Kenepa Grande Beach offers a breathtaking view, with a calm and crystal clear sea. Plus, its spectacular scene attracts visitors, and chair and umbrella rentals are available. It is important to note that rentals at Kenepa Pequena Beach are valid here too, if visited on the same day. Thus, the convenience of renting equipment can be extended, providing an even more comfortable experience for visitors who wish to explore both beaches in the same period.
Price: Free entry. Chair rental: US$5.00, umbrellas: US$10.00.
6. Kalki Beach: For Divers and Relaxation
Kalki Beach is a captivating choice for scuba divers and marine life enthusiasts. With a good infrastructure that includes sun loungers with sockets for charging devices, as well as bathrooms and showers. Important, remember to bring sneakers to walk on the rocks.
Price: Free entry. Cabin rental: US$20.00. Sun loungers: US$5.00. To use the bathroom US$2.00.
7. Piskadó Beach: Encounter with Turtles
Piskadó Beach offers a unique opportunity to swim with sea turtles. However, be aware that turtles are attracted to food offered by fishermen. Value marine life by respecting its natural environment. The beach is rustic, with wonderful marine life, but consider ethics when interacting with the turtles.
Price: Free entry. Sunbeds are charged as soon as we arrive at the beach.
8. Praia Forti: Gastronomy and Fun
Praia Forti offers excellent food at the Praia Forti Restaurant, with a rustic and authentic atmosphere. More adventurous visitors can jump off the cliff, but pay attention to the safety warnings.
Price: We paid US$20.00 for the very well served fish.
9. Karakter Beach: Sunset Scenery
Karakter Beach is ideal for a memorable dinner at the Coral Estate Luxury Hotel’s restaurant, with stunning sunset views. The beach doesn’t have a strip of sand, but the view makes up for it. Consider a reservation at the Koral Rooftop Terrace restaurant for a special dining experience.
Value: A dish of Rib Eye costs US$35.00, it’s good, but I didn’t think it was worth that much, it was the most expensive restaurant we visited.
10. Hotel Ávila Beach
Hotel Ávila is a hotel located more centrally in the Pietermaai region and it is possible to do day use taking advantage of the beach, which is very good for children, a great place to have a good lunch and spend the day in comfort.
The food is very good. In addition, day use entitles you to sun loungers, umbrellas, bathroom, shower, stand-up paddle board and access to the hotel pool.
At the end of the day, we also had the opportunity to see the preparations for a wedding that would take place at the hotel. This experience becomes a great option for those who dream of renewing their vows.
It is worth noting that the cost to enjoy these benefits is US$15.00 per adult. In this way, day use at the hotel not only provides a relaxing experience, but also offers excellent value for money.
Plan Your Days in Curacao
However, I suggest that the beaches be divided into four days, making the most of each beach. Start with Kenepa Pequena to swim with turtles, visit Piskadó in the morning and enjoy lunch at Forti Beach. To end the day, we recommend visiting Kenepa Grande Beach. On the second day, visit Kalki Beach in the morning and explore other beaches, such as Lagun and Jeremi, in the afternoon. It’s worth mentioning that I only passed the last two, as they are more rustic and without much structure. The third day can be dedicated to Porto Mari and Cas Abao. Finally, reserve the last day for a trip to Klein Curacao and make the most of this unique experience. This schedule allows you to explore several beaches, each with its own distinct characteristics, providing a variety of experiences during your stay in Curaçao.
Remember that this is just a suggested itinerary and Curaçao offers many other attractions. If you have more time, explore the city center, visit the Aquarium and consider Day Use at Hotel Ávila. Always ensure you have travel insurance and an internet chip for a smooth experience.
See the tours available in Curaçao by clicking here.
Car rental can be found here.
Note: Prices mentioned in this guide may be subject to change, so please check the latest information before your trip.
