Top 5 Beaches in Curaçao :: My Picks

It was really difficult for me to choose my Top 5 picks for beaches in Curaçao simply because each of her beaches has its own distinct beauty.

The criteria for my favorite beach has more to do with the overall accessibility, amenities + comfort. Snorkeling + diving is amazing throughout Curaçao. So that is a given. So let’s just “dive” right in, shall we?

#5 :: Mambo

Mambo Beach has all the facilities you need, palm trees, beautiful white sand + shallow water. It also has several boutiques, snack shops + bars as well as facilities for all water sports. The beach is especially popular with families + young people. Weekends can get very crowded because it is the nightlife beach of Curaçao. There are concerts + sometimes even movies on the beach.
$3 entrance, $3 beach chair, $10 cabana

#4 :: Kenapa Grandi

Kenapa Grandi is a beach definitely worth visiting. Beautiful vista views, warm breezes, white sandy beaches + calm blue waters make it a perfect place to relax! Snorkeling is best near the rocks on either side of Grandi but you can certainly also take a long swim out to the reef. Locals come on weekends. Between Grandi + Chiki is a cliffside lookout point you won’t want to miss.

Sometimes vendors are present selling local snacks + drinks (mostly just on the weekends) but be prepared with your own just in case they aren’t there after all.

***Just for the record, this is Roydio’s pick for favorite beach in Curaçao. I have to admit it was amazing. But again I based my favorite on the totality of amenities as well as the beauty. If it was just based on that I think I’d have to agree with him on this one.

#3 :: Cas Abau

Cas Abau is a white sandy beach with crystal clear waters, waving palm trees + several gazebos for shade. The beach combines a natural setting with all the conveniences of a bar, restaurant, showers + massage facility. Ideal reefs are a paradise for snorkelers + scuba divers. A raft for sunbathing + playing is moored off shore.
$5 for entry and $3 beach chairs

#2 :: Klein Curaçao Island

My #2 pick is Klein Curaçao Island not just for the beach but also including the Mermaid Tour that gets you there. An island 2 hours off the coast of the main island Klein Curaçao has the longest + whitest beach in Curaçao. This uninhabited island is eight miles off the southeast coast. The northeastern side routinely has calm water with gentle waves.

There are a few little huts with picnic tables under them but they are quickly taken up; there aren’t enough for everyone on the tour. 

Tip: grab a hut quickly if you don’t want to sit in the sun all day long because there is really no other shade

The water is warm + crystal clear. Relaxing is imminent but be prepared to do some snorkeling as well. My love for history took us for a walk out to where the old lighthouse stands (still lit by solar power). And we also went further to the water where a small boat had washed up on shore.

Apparently there are also coral + underwater caves there but I don’t do scuba :: what a shame. It is a really popular diving spot. If you bring your own diving equipment + are certified, the diving is free. Otherwise there is a fee for that.

Mermaid Tour to Klein Curaçao ::

Wow, what a day! We took the Mermaid Boat Tour (they are the only tour group that will take you out) to Klein Curaçao island which is basically an oversized volcanic rock a little more than a mile long but such a unique paradise. 2hr boat ride up + 1.5 hrs back. We spent the entire day out there. We enjoyed breakfast (it was an early departure) + lunch + a wonderful time on the longest + whitest powder sand beach in Curacao. 

Your tour includes use of the beach house with restrooms + fresh water shower, use of snorkeling gear + beach chairs + a really nice meal. The dive operators BBQ chicken, ribs, hamburgers + corn on the cob right there in front of you. You can have all the soft drinks + juice you want (beer + wine are also available for purchase) as well as the accompanying salads + fruit. Everything was really delicious!

I highly recommend this tour. IMHO you really get your money’s worth!
Mermaid Boat Tour: $110 per person

 #1 :: Playa PortoMari

Playa PortoMari is my #1 pick for the best beach in Curaçao because it has the best of everything in one place: clean facilities, soft sand, beautiful clear water and awesome snorkeling. There’s a great restaurant and plenty of lounge chairs available for rent. And a nice place to rinse off your feet before heading back to the car.

Playa Porto Mari is a beautiful sandy bay to be found on the private estate of Plantages “Porto Mari” on the west coast. Its white coral sand beach with clear and calm water is the epitome of a true paradise for me. The unique “double” reef is easily accessible from the shore, providing a fascinating snorkel and dive site. Dive operators are available pretty much all day.

What is great about this beach is that it has all the amenities you need such as toilets and showers as well as a great bar with a large patio.
$3 entrance, $3.50 lounge chairs

Tip for all beaches in Curaçao ::
I recommend you wear water shoes. Most of the beaches have nice white sand but entrance into the water is somewhat rocky. Trust me, you will be very happy you brought them.

Read more about Curacao ::

Top 10 Things to Do in Curacao

15 Curacao Beaches in Photos

5 of My Favorite Things About the Bahamas

When it comes right down to it you can’t go wrong with any of Curaçao’s spectacular beaches. But narrowing it down this should give you a good start for your list of beaches to see when you come to Curaçao.

Of course there are many more reasons to visit Curaçao besides her beaches + I will be posting about them soon. Be on the lookout for much, much more in future posts on Curacao!

In a nut shell, you can’t go wrong visiting any of the 30 beaches Curaçao has to offer. My recommendation to you is: Just Go!

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