CURAÇAO - Best Beaches - Nights Publications

Best Beaches

Step onto the warm, coral-clad sands of Curaçao's beaches, and you'll feel like you've been transported to paradise. The crystal-clear blue waters and warm sea air will inspire you to explore the island's captivating shores.

Cas Abao
Tucked away in the countryside is this gorgeous, spacious, and very popular retreat for locals. Get there early on weekends to secure the better shady spots. Enjoy translucent water, first-rate swimming and snorkeling, and all the amenities, including bar/restaurant, beach chairs, showers, a massage facility, dive and watersports shops plus a large secure parking lot. Admission fee.

Groot Knip
All of Curaçao's beaches have something special about them, but a few are especially noteworthy. Groot Knip is one of those, thanks to its clear turquoise waters, white sand and superb scenery. Watch the locals jumping off the surrounding cliff, or join them if you're feeling adventurous.

Jan Thiel Beach
Children love this calm beach and, as parents, the last thing you want to worry about is your little ones having to compete with the waves. Jan Thiel has everything you need for a successful family day at the beach: a small closed-in wading area, chairs, shade, and gentle waters, and there's even a bar with cocktails and live music. Beach is open daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Klein Curaçao
This little island about two hours off the southeastern tip of Curaçao is the ultimate in natural beauty; it's like your very own deserted island. A few tour companies offer day trips here, most including snorkeling or scuba equipment and lunch, and you and the other castaways can each claim your parcel of sand. Be sure to take the short walk across the island to see the lighthouse and shipwreck, and keep an eye out for dolphins on the trip back.

Playa Jeremi
Sunsets enjoyed from Playa Jeremi are the stuff of dreams. Local thrill-seekers also come here to jump from the surrounding cliffs as picturesque fishing boats bob in the water. There is excellent swimming and snorkeling at this popular picnic spot. No facilities.

Playa Kalki
There are plenty of secluded little nooks around the island like Playa Kalki; just the kind of quiet, romantic spot you're craving if you've finally found the time to get away. Hidden by stone formations, the sand is silky smooth and the water, clear and calm.

Playa PortoMari
This beach exemplifies how Curaçao is the perfect mixture of surf and turf. It superbly combines beautiful blue waters, plentiful amenities, hiking trails, and great diving and snorkeling right off the shore. It's also very child-friendly. A day here is fun from start to finish! Admission fee.

Sea Aquarium Beach
Sea Aquarium Beach has something for everyone, whether you are on your own or have young ones in tow. It has a wide range of amenities, live music, shops, special events, and activities, all hosted under shade palms on soft white sand. Admission fee.

St. Michiel Baai
Curaçao's beaches can also offer another perspective on the culture of the island. Bring your camera to St. Michiel Baai, also known as Boca Sami, and you'll not only capture beautiful scenery, but you'll get a slice of daily life, too, as fishermen leave early in the morning and then return before dusk with the day's catch. This is also a favorite spot for divers, and the nearby saltpans are worth a look.

For beach locations, please refer to our island map in the back of this issue.