Which beaches should you really not miss on Curaçao? Scattered over the island you will find vast white sandy beaches and idyllic bays, surrounded by rugged cliffs and swaying palm trees. Each beach has its own charm, but what they all have in common is the crystal-clear water where you can snorkel and dive insanely. In this article we share the most beautiful beaches of Curaçao, all places where you can experience the ultimate island feeling.
1. Cas Abao Beach: a tropical picture on Curaçao
As far as we are concerned, Cas Abao is one of the most beautiful beaches on Curaçao. The long sandy beach, the clear blue water and the green palm trees make this a tropical dream picture. It is also one of the larger beaches on the island, so there is always a nice place to lay down your towel.
Here you can swim in calm waters, snorkel along the rocky shore and even dive. Scattered on the beach are sun beds and umbrellas, which you can rent at the beach club. By the way, you can just lay down your towel and someone will automatically come to you to pay the fee.
Tip: bring water shoes for a walk through the surf. A wonderful way to explore the coastline.
Accessibility and facilities Cas Abao Beach
Cas Abao Beach is located on the southwest coast of Curaçao, about a 35-minute drive from Willemstad. From Jan Thiel it takes about 50 minutes to drive to Cas Abao, from Mambo Beach it takes a little less time. Most of the route is paved, until you reach the entrance gate. Then follows a bumpy dirt road towards the parking lot.
Admission: Monday to Saturday 10 Nafl. (about €5) per car (max. 4 people), on Sunday 12.50 Nafl. (prices in 2025);
Beach chair rental: Nafl. 5,- (includes a free shower token);
Facilities: beach bar, toilets, showers, diving school, rental sunbeds.
Nice tip we got from locals on Curaçao: combine Cas Abao with Playa San Juan and Playa Largu, two smaller bays nearby that you often have almost to yourself.
2. Playa Porto Mari: relaxing with pigs on the beach
Playa Porto Mari is a beautiful white sandy beach on the west coast of Curaçao, known for its unique reef and... beach pigs! While you are sunbathing or taking a dip in the turquoise sea, two curious pigs (Willy and Woody) might just walk by. That makes this beach one of the nicest places on Curaçao, especially if you are traveling with children.
But make no mistake: these pigs are not of the cuddly variety. They are hefty beasts that like to roll in the mud and sometimes look for food. They are used to people, but be careful, especially with young children. Fun to see, but not a cuddly attraction.
The sea at Playa Porto Mari is calm and shallow, making it a very nice beach for swimming and snorkeling. Just offshore is the double reef of Porto Mari, which surprises both novice and experienced snorkelers and divers with colorful fish and coral.
Tip: Visit Porto Mari in the morning for the most peace and clear underwater visibility. You can also take a short hike then (before the worst of the heat) on the marked nature trails around the beach.
Getting to Playa Porto Mari
From Willemstad and Mambo Beach, it is about a 40-minute drive to Playa Porto Mari. The road is mostly paved and well-marked. You park your car near the beach, where you will also find a lighthouse you can climb to get a view of one of the most beautiful beaches of Curaçao. But even the road to Playa Porto Mari is very worthwhile; you will pass salt pans and flamingos, among other things!
Entrance fee: 6 Nafl. per person (approx. €3)
Facilities: restaurant with terrace, bar, toilets, showers, sunbed rental, snorkel and dive shop.
3. A beach day at Karakter Beach Club in Curaçao
A beach day at Karakter is a little different than what you're used to. This charming beach club is tucked away at the Coral Estate Resort and is a place for those looking for peace and enjoyment. Do not expect a "normal" sandy beach here, but a unique setting with sunbeds on a sandy plateau, a rocky coastline and access to the sea via a stone staircase. The azure blue sea, swaying palm trees and the fine beach vibes make it one of the tastiest places to relax on Curaçao.
Character is especially popular among couples and groups of friends looking for a relaxing day in style. The location is an oasis of calm surrounded by meter-high cacti, aloe vera plants and pastel-colored houses. There is excellent cuisine, friendly service and more than enough shade under the palm trees and umbrellas. Extra plus: Coral Estate's infinity pool is within walking distance and you can use it as a visitor to Character.
Accessibility Karakter Beach Club
From popular beaches such as Mambo Beach and Jan Thiel Beach, it is about a 40- to 50-minute drive. You navigate to Coral Estate and register at the barrier. Once inside, you drive another short distance through the resort to the parking lot.
There is no entrance fee and sunbeds are also free to use, provided you order something from the beach club. Not a punishment, as the menu is surprisingly good. From breakfast to cocktails to tasty smoothies and fresh fish dishes.
Karakter is not a typical swimming beach, but it is a wonderful place to leave tourism behind and experience Curaçao from its quiet side. Bring snorkel gear, because the water is crystal clear and you can regularly spot colorful fish right along the rocks.
4. Grote Knip: the most photogenic beach in Curaçao
If you were to make a postcard of Curaçao, Grote Knip (also known as Playa Kenepa Grandi) would look great on it. It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Photos don't do the water justice: in reality the color is even more intense and truly breathtakingly beautiful. Think snow-white sand, clear turquoise water and a viewpoint at the top of the cliff that begs to be photographed.
Grote Knip is a public beach and popular with both tourists and locals. Especially on weekends, it gets crowded with Curacaoans who come here to barbecue and swim with family and friends. During the week it is a lot quieter and ideal for enjoying the surroundings in peace.
Besides relaxing on the beach, you can do some good snorkeling here, especially along the cliffs on both sides of the bay. Don't expect extensive facilities, but there are lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent. There is also a beach shack where you can get something to eat and drink. Want a nice fresh smoothie? Then get it at the viewpoint before heading down and onto the beach.
Accessibility Big Cut
The beach is located in the west of Curaçao, about a 50-minute drive from Willemstad. The route there is already a party in itself, because on the way you pass several other beautiful beaches such as Lagun, Playa Jeremi and Kleine Knip. Great places to combine during a road trip along the west coast.
Want to explore the island at your own pace? Then a rental car is really ideal. We recommend A rental car from Sunny Cars on Curacao to because there you are always all-in insured and can hit the road without any hassle.
5. Kokomo Beach Curaçao: relax, snorkel and swing in the sea
Kokomo Beach is perhaps one of Curaçao's most famous beaches, thanks in part to its iconic swing in the sea. It is a laid-back beach spot with a laidback atmosphere. A great place to unwind with a cocktail in your hand and your feet in the sand.
In addition to relaxing, you can also snorkel well here. Especially on the right side of the bay the marine life is impressive. There are plenty of facilities, including a restaurant, bar, showers and toilets. On weekends it is often a bit busier and there is a lively atmosphere with live music and DJs.
Getting to Kokomo Beach
Kokomo Beach is about a 30-minute drive from Willemstad and is easily accessible by car. There is no entrance fee and security guards are present at the entrance. Keep in mind that the parking lot is gravel and has quite a few potholes in the road.
Possibly combine your visit with a stop at the salt pans of Jan Kok, where you can spot flamingos, or the charming land house Daniel nearby (one of the oldest land houses in Curaçao).
6. Playa Daaibooi: a quiet cove among the locals
Although not everyone agrees that Playa Daaibooi is among the most beautiful beaches in Curaçao, we put it on our list anyway. Why? Mainly because this beach is not so touristy yet.
Playa Daaibooi is a charming and quiet beach on the west coast of Curaçao, near the village of Sint Willibrordus. Here you will encounter mostly locals enjoying a BBQ in the shade of the trees on weekends. The atmosphere is friendly and authentic. No fuss and fancy beach clubs, just a lovely place to relax.
The water there is calm and clear, making for fine snorkeling. Chances are you will see turtles, especially if you swim a little further into the water.
Getting to Playa Daaibaai
Playa Daaibooi is about a 30-minute drive from Willemstad and is easily accessible by car. The access road is paved and you can park for free. There is no entrance fee and the beach is freely accessible. There is also a small beach bar where you can order food and drinks. Ideal if you want a casual beach day away from the crowds.
7. Klein Curaçao: a day trip to an uninhabited paradise
Klein Curaçao is perhaps the most heavenly part of the island, or rather, just next to it. This uninhabited island is about 25 kilometers southeast of Curaçao and can only be reached by boat. Think snow-white sand, clear blue water, an iconic lighthouse and the wreck of a stranded oil tanker: the island is small but photogenic and a must-do for your vacation.
You can visit Klein Curaçao only through an organized tour. From the port of Jan Thiel or Spanish Water, you sail to the island in about 1.5 to 2 hours. Most day trips include breakfast, lunch, snorkeling gear and drinks. There are no facilities on the island itself, so you are completely dependent on the boat tour provider.
Besides sunbathing and swimming, you can do some fantastic snorkeling here and, with a little luck, even spot sea turtles. Also fun: hike to the abandoned lighthouse for a little adventure or explore the shipwreck on the rougher side of the island.
Read all of our tips for a day trip to Klein Curaçao and find out which boat tour suits you best.
8. Jan Thiel Beach: touristy but ideal for relaxing
Jan Thiel is one of the most famous beaches on Curaçao and therefore also one of the more touristy spots on the island. While it may not be the most authentic or beautiful beach, it is one of our favorite places to relax, especially at Koko's Beach.
We often started our day with a nice breakfast at the beach club, then laid down our towel on one of the beach beds. Koko's is included in our list of the best hotspots in Jan Thiel. The atmosphere is relaxed and just a bit smaller than, for example, the popular neighboring Zanzibar Beach. The beach is located in a bay and the water is clear, ideal for a nice dip in the cooling water.
Discover Curaçao's most beautiful beaches and other must-see attractions
Curaçao, what a wonderful island it is! And there is so much to do and experience. Want to get the most out of your trip? Then read our ultimate travel guide about Curacao with all the tips for an unforgettable vacation.
In addition, it is well worth exploring What to do on Curaçao: from cultural attractions to exciting activities.
For the adventurous among us is climbing Mount Christoffel a great challenge, and then you can relax on one of the paradisiacal beaches we mentioned above.
