When people think of the Caribbean, Curacao’s beaches aren’t usually the first that come to mind. Instead, this island is better known for its world-class snorkeling, scuba diving, and vibrant culture. So, if you’re dreaming of miles-long, powdery white sand beaches, you might not find exactly that here. Most of the Curacao best beaches are smaller, with rough coral sand, but trust me, they’ve got their own unique charm. After spending the last three months living on this beautiful island, I’ve had plenty of time to explore all of its beaches. In this guide, I’ll share my top picks and what makes each one special. Let’s dive in!
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Table of Contents
Curacao Best Beach Guide
Tips for Visiting Curacao’s Best Beaches
To make the most of your beach days in Curacao, a little planning goes a long way. Whether you’re heading out for some snorkeling, exploring hidden coves, or relaxing by the shore, these tips will help you get the best experience out of the island’s unique beaches.
- Rent a Car to Explore Curacao: Many of the best beaches in Curacao are off the beaten path, and public transport won’t get you there. A rental car offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Thankfully rental car prices on Curacao are relatively affordable.
- Stay in Either Willemstad or Westpunt: These are two great areas to base yourself. For Willemstad, consider staying at the Renaissance Wind Creek or BijBlauw Boutique Hotel. If Westpunt is more your vibe, check out Kura Hulanda Lodge or Coral Estate Resort
- Get Connected with Airalo e-SIMS: Staying connected while traveling is key. Airalo’s e-SIM makes it easy to access local data without the hassle of traditional SIM cards.
- Bring Snorkeling Equipment: Curacao is famous for its underwater life. Many beaches have fantastic snorkeling spots just a short swim from the shore, so having your own gear is a big plus.
- Not Long Stretches of Sandy Beach: Curacao’s beaches are more compact, and the sand is often mixed with coral, so don’t expect endless stretches of white sand. But what they lack in size, they make up for with charm and crystal-clear waters.
12 Best Beaches on Curacao
1. Grote Knip
Grote Knip is hands down my favorite beach on Curacao, offering everything from soft white sand and rentable beach chairs to stunningly clear water that’s perfect for snorkeling. The ocean here is some of the clearest I’ve ever seen—on a bright day, it’s like looking through a swimming pool, with coral, schools of fish, and even the occasional sea turtle visible underwater.
While the beach is fairly simple with limited food options, it’s best to bring your own snacks and drinks. To secure a good spot, arrive early as it fills up quickly. For the adventurous, there’s also cliff jumping on both sides of the beach, with one side even featuring a rope to help you climb back up. Just watch out for swimmers below!
2. Playa Porto Marie
Playa Porto Marie, my second favorite beach on Curacao, is known for its resident wild pigs, which are always fun to see. The beach itself is beautiful, with crystal-clear water and plenty of ocean life just a short swim from the shore.
Unlike some other beaches, this one is well-equipped with a full-service restaurant and bar offering decent food, though nothing too special. There are usually plenty of rentable beach chairs, and it’s typically less crowded, making it a more relaxing spot to enjoy Curacao’s stunning waters.
3. Playa Kalki
Playa Kalki, the northernmost beach on this list, is well worth the drive. It’s a bit off the radar, so it’s usually less crowded, and the snorkeling here is excellent with a larger reef just a swim away.
The beach has plenty of chairs for rent and a scuba rental shop at the entrance, but no full restaurant—just a snack stand with drinks. For a budget-friendly option, you can skip the chairs and set up on the rocks at the far end. Overall, it’s a top pick for a quieter beach day and amazing underwater exploration.
4. Mambo Beach
If you’re looking to party, Mambo Beach is the place to be. Easily the most vibrant and touristy spot on the island, it’s packed with bars, restaurants, beach clubs, and shops. The nightlife here is just as lively, with beach clubs hosting events and live DJs from around the world.
While the water itself isn’t anything special, and there’s not much marine life to see, Mambo Beach is all about fun. It’s not my personal favorite for a beach day, but for those who love the energy of a beach party, it’s perfect. Plus, there’s a small shopping complex with a variety of dining options and stores for all your needs.
Recommended Places to Stay Near Mambo Beach:
- LionsDive Beach Resort – A beachfront resort with a laid-back atmosphere and plenty of amenities.
- The Beach House Curacao – Spacious apartments right by the beach, offering a more home-like feel with stunning ocean views.
5. Tugboat Beach
Tugboat Beach may not be much to look at, but the real magic lies beneath the surface. Just a short swim from shore is a sunken tugboat teeming with marine life—I’ve never seen so many fish in one place!
I only wish I had brought an underwater camera. While there are a few spots for food and drinks, this isn’t the kind of beach to spend all day at; it’s perfect for a snorkel-and-go visit. Don’t forget to check out nearby Fort Beekenburg while you’re in the area!
6. Playa Lagun
Playa Lagun is one of Curacao’s best beaches, but its small size means it fills up fast. Nestled beneath a residential community where you can find Airbnb stays, the views from above are stunning.
The lagoon itself is beautiful, and there’s a restaurant, Bahia Beach Bar, offering an incredible view of the water—though the food is average, the scenery more than makes up for it. If you get the chance to visit this picturesque spot, don’t miss it!
7. Playa Santa Cruz
If you’re planning to hike to Blue Room Cave, Playa Santa Cruz is your starting point. The hike takes about 30 minutes, and while the beach itself is nothing special, it does have plenty of shaded picnic tables for a lunch break. You can also rent kayaks at the far end of the beach if you’d prefer to paddle to the cave. As for snorkeling, there’s not much to see here, but the real highlight is the adventure to Blue Room Cave.
8. Daaibooi Beach
Daaibooi Beach may not be the flashiest or have incredible snorkeling, but it’s an underrated, laid-back spot. The soft sand and large thatch huts for shade make it a great place to relax. There aren’t many food or drink options, so it’s best to bring your own. While it’s not one of Curacao’s top beaches, it’s still worth a visit for a chill beach day.
9. Playa Santa Pretu
For extreme seclusion, Playa Santa Pretu is a hidden gem. One of the few black sand beaches on the island, it’s a bit tricky to reach and has no amenities, which keeps the crowds away. I discovered it while hiking to Blue Room Cave, and I’ve rarely seen anyone else here. The waves are a bit rough, and the sand is rocky, but if you enjoy solitude, it’s perfect. It’s a great spot for a quiet picnic if you want to escape the busier tourist beaches. Definitely one of the best options for Curacao best beaches!
10. Jan Thiel
Jan Thiel Beach is one of Curacao’s most popular tourist spots, second only to Mambo Beach. It’s packed with resort hotels, bars, restaurants, and even volleyball courts, making it ideal if you enjoy a lively atmosphere.
The beach itself is small and crowded, and during my visit, there was an unpleasant smell that made the experience less enjoyable. However, if you’re looking for a place where you can relax in a beach chair with drinks close to your hotel, this could be the spot for you.
Recommended Places to Stay Near Jan Thiel:
- Papagayo Beach Hotel – A stylish, modern resort with direct beach access and plenty of amenities.
- Chogogo Dive & Beach Resort – A cozy, laid-back resort perfect for families, offering easy access to Jan Thiel Beach.
- Morena Resort – An eco-friendly resort with a relaxed vibe, just a short walk from the beach.
11. Cas Abao
Cas Abao is often considered one of the Curacao best beaches, so you might be surprised to see it lower on my list. While many love it, I wasn’t the biggest fan. It’s one of the few beaches with an entrance fee, and I didn’t find it worth the cost.
It’s also very touristy and gets extremely crowded when cruise ships are in port. That said, it’s still a decent beach, and plenty of people enjoy it. If you have the time, it’s worth checking out—just be prepared for the crowds.
12. Playa Piskado
If swimming with sea turtles is on your list, Playa Piskado is the place to go. This beach is famous for its abundance of sea turtles, thanks to the local fishermen who toss fish guts into the water after their daily catch.
The beach itself isn’t very appealing, and the water smells strongly of fish, so be prepared for that. While it can be an incredible experience to swim with turtles, you may leave smelling like fish guts. I saw only a few turtles during my visit, but others have seen dozens—it all depends on timing. Despite the smell, it’s still worth a visit for the turtles.
Curacao’s Best Beach Clubs
In addition to these Curacao best beaches, also offers a number of beach and pool clubs where you can rent a chair or cabana, order food and drinks, and sometimes enjoy live music.
These clubs are usually nice but can get crowded due to the small beach areas. It’s also easy to rack up a hefty bill, so keep that in mind. While I personally prefer to bring my own lunch and drinks and stay on the beach for free, treating yourself to a beach club experience can be a fun way to spend the day.
Here are some of the best beach clubs on Curacao:
- Cabana Beach Curacao: Located on Mambo Beach, this is my favorite beach club on the island. You can rent cabanas over the water with stunning views, enjoy great food and cocktails, and even spot some ocean life while snorkeling.
- Koraal Rooftop Terrace: Although it’s a pool rather than a beach club, this spot at Coral Estate Resort is worth visiting. Resort guests get free access, while visitors can either pay to enter or meet a minimum spend. It’s a quiet, relaxing alternative to the busier Jan Thiel and Mambo Beach areas.
- Saint Tropez Ocean Club: Attached to a boutique hotel but open to the public for a fee, this club offers access to a pool overlooking the ocean rather than the beach itself. It’s a chill spot with food and drink service.
- Mood Beach Curacao: Also located at Mambo Beach, this club is mostly known for its restaurant, but they also rent out chairs and cabanas over the water. The food is good, and the service is friendly.
Curacao Best Beaches Conclusion
As you can see, Curacao offers a wide variety of beach experiences, from lively party spots to secluded coves, perfect for snorkeling or simply unwinding. No matter what kind of beach vibe you’re after, you’ll find it here. There’s something incredibly soothing about the sound of the ocean and the rhythm of the waves that makes beach time on Curacao so special.
When I first arrived, I didn’t know what to expect, but after spending time here, I’ve really grown to love this island. While these Curacao best beaches may not be my absolute favorites in the Caribbean compared to places like St. Martin or St. Barths, there’s no denying that this island has a charm all its own.
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