The 6 Best Beaches in Curacao

Part of the Dutch ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao), Curacao doesn’t attract as much hype as other Caribbean islands. But it should. The water is electric blue. The sand is white and powdery. And the coastline is picture-perfect. With dozens of beaches—each with its own distinct personality—Curacao has a beach for everyone. Here are our favorites.

For Swimming

Playa Knip is a local and traveler favorite. The west side beach won TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award last year and we can see why. The turquoise waters are perfect for swimming. The coastal landscape is stunning. And on most days you can find a batidos stand with delicious fresh-fruit smoothies to cool off. But the best part? Parking and admission are free.

For Snorkeling

Playa Lagun is one of the most picturesque beaches on the island with colorful fishing boats that look like a coastal scene from Thailand instead of the Caribbean. But the real beauty is below the surface. Playa Lagun’s water is crystal-clear, making it perfect for spotting colorful reef fish, corals, sponges and sea turtles.

For Feeling Fancy

Want to splurge? The Avila Beach Hotel’s grounds are definitely worth it. The resort’s private beach features chaises loungers under parasols and palapas, or small tiki huts. With so many shade options, you can stretch out all day. With a colorful, frozen drink in hand of course! Head to the boat-shaped Schooner’s beach bar for delicious beach drinks and eats.

For the Instagram

Porto Marie is Curacao’s best-in-show beach. It has plenty of chairs in the shade to relax, vibrant, blue water for swimming and snorkeling plus a floating platform for kids. But the best feature is the mega-long pier that’s great for snapping vacation photos.

For Solitude

Klein Curacao or “Little Curacao” is a tiny, uninhabited island eight miles off the coast of Curacao. You can book a cruise with Mermaid Boat Trips to visit the island during the day and experience this remote paradise practically all to yourself. The beach is long and pristine and the island has an old lighthouse to explore. Under the surface, there are incredible snorkel spots such as an abandoned shipwreck site and underwater caves.

For Nature

Shete Boka Park isn’t the beach you come to for typical beach activities, but it’s worth a visit. The park’s 10 pocket beaches are home to several species of sea turtles but most people go to see the water. Giant, mesmerizing waves crash onto the rocky coast. If you go, wear a rain jacket and bring a waterproof camera! At low tide, you can walk into the caverns carved by waves, explore tidepools and set out stacking rocks.