Best Beaches in Curaçao: Our Local Favorites

Turquoise water, small coves tucked between rocky cliffs, swaying palm trees and beaches where you can walk straight from the sand into the clear Caribbean Sea: for many visitors, Curaçao’s beaches are one of the main reasons to fall in love with the island.

But which beaches in Curaçao are truly worth visiting? The island has more than 35 beaches, and they are surprisingly different. From lively beaches with restaurants and beach clubs to small coves where all you need is a cooler, snorkel and towel. Here are 10 of our favorite beaches in Curaçao.

1. Grote Knip – Curaçao’s iconic postcard beach

If you have seen photos of Curaçao, chances are Grote Knip (Playa Kenepa Grandi) was among them. From the viewpoint above the bay, you look out over white sand and almost unreal blue water. Grote Knip lies toward Westpunt and feels much more natural than the larger commercial beaches around Willemstad. The water is usually wonderful for swimming, and the beach is also popular with local families, so weekends can be pleasantly lively.

Our tip: stop at the viewpoint before heading down to the beach. It is one of the most beautiful places in Curaçao for a vacation photo. Great for: swimming, families, photography and a relaxed beach day.

2. Playa Porto Mari – a beautiful beach with great facilities

Playa Porto Mari is one of our favorite beaches if you want to combine nature with comfort. You will find clear water, a beautiful sandy beach, sun loungers and enough facilities to spend a large part of the day here. Porto Mari is also known for its double reef, making it popular with snorkelers and divers. And you may even spot Porto Mari’s famous pigs along the way or on the grounds.

Great for: snorkeling, diving, swimming and a full beach day.

3. Daaibooi – relaxed and wonderfully local

If you prefer a simpler and more laid-back beach, Daaibooi Beach is definitely worth a visit. Set in a natural bay, Daaibooi feels smaller and more relaxed than many well-known beach clubs. The rocky sides of the bay are also good for snorkeling. It is the kind of beach where “one more hour” easily turns into several.

Great for: peace and quiet, snorkeling, swimming and a local atmosphere.

4. Cas Abao – Caribbean-blue water and white sand

Cas Abao Beach comes very close to the classic Caribbean picture: pale sand, palm trees and beautifully clear blue water. The beach has several facilities, making it easy to spend the entire day here. Because the water deepens gradually, Cas Abao is also popular with families. Bring a snorkel, because there is plenty to discover underwater as well.

Great for: families, swimming, snorkeling and a full day by the sea.

5. Playa Lagun – small but special

Playa Lagun is completely different from the larger sandy beaches. It is a small, sheltered bay between high rocky cliffs, which gives it a special atmosphere. Lagun is popular with snorkelers and divers. Along the rocks on both sides of the bay you can spot a variety of tropical fish, and with a little luck you may even see a sea turtle while snorkeling.

Great for: snorkeling, diving and anyone who loves small coves.

6. Playa Piskado – snorkeling with sea turtles

Playa Piskado, also known as Playa Grandi, is not mainly about a perfect white-sand beach. The real attraction is what happens underwater. It is a traditional fishing beach, and the fishing activity attracts sea turtles. This makes Playa Piskado one of the best-known places in Curaçao to see turtles while snorkeling. Always keep a respectful distance, never touch them and give them plenty of room to swim freely.

Great for: snorkeling and spotting sea turtles.

7. Kleine Knip – simple, small-scale and charming

Close to Grote Knip lies Kleine Knip (Playa Kenepa Chiki). As the name suggests, this beach is much smaller. There are fewer facilities, but that is part of its charm. Bring enough drinks and perhaps something to eat, and enjoy a simple Caribbean beach day.

Great for: swimming, snorkeling and travelers who do not need a full-service beach club.

8. Kokomo Beach – a beach day with a little extra comfort

Kokomo Beach is located at Vaersenbaai and combines a natural bay with the facilities of a beach club. You can swim, snorkel, have lunch or simply enjoy the view with a drink. It is also home to the famous swing in the sea, a popular vacation-photo spot. Kokomo is relatively central, making it easy to combine with other activities in Curaçao.

Great for: couples, families, lunch, cocktails and a comfortable beach day.

9. Mambo Beach – beach, restaurants and lively atmosphere

Want more than just a beach, with restaurants, shops and beach clubs too? Then Mambo Beach is a good choice. Located close to Willemstad, it is one of the best-known and liveliest beaches in Curaçao. Along the boulevard you will find restaurants, shops and nightlife. It is a very different experience from places such as Grote Knip or Daaibooi.

Great for: beach clubs, restaurants, families and anyone who likes to have everything close by.

10. Jan Thiel Beach – from beach day to sunset

Jan Thiel Beach is one of Curaçao’s best-known beach areas. Here you will find several restaurants, beach clubs and other facilities close together. You can arrive in the morning for a beach day and easily stay for dinner or drinks as the sun goes down. If you are mainly looking for an untouched, quiet cove, you may prefer one of the beaches toward Westpunt. But for comfort and atmosphere, Jan Thiel has plenty to offer.

Great for: restaurants, beach clubs, comfort and a full day out.

More beaches?

And of course, these are far from the only beaches Curaçao has to offer. Many more beautiful bays and beaches are waiting to be discovered. Staying with us? We’ll be happy to share personal recommendations based on your interests – from quiet coves and great snorkeling spots to lively beach clubs and hidden gems.

Which beach in Curaçao is the most beautiful?

That depends entirely on what you are looking for. For the classic Curaçao postcard view, we would choose Grote Knip. For a complete beach day, Porto Mari and Cas Abao are excellent. If you prefer a smaller, more local atmosphere, Daaibooi is a great choice. Mainly interested in snorkeling? Put Playa Lagun, Playa Piskado and Porto Mari on your list. And if you want restaurants and beach clubs within easy reach, Mambo Beach and Jan Thiel Beach may suit you better. The best part is that in Curaçao, you do not have to choose just one beach.

Our tip: rent a car and explore several beaches

One of the best ways to explore Curaçao is by car. Especially toward Bandabou and Westpunt, beautiful bays are scattered along the coast. You could, for example, make a day trip combining Daaibooi, Porto Mari and Grote Knip. Along the way you will also discover a completely different side of the island. Staying in one of our vacation homes? For several properties, it is also possible to arrange a rental car with your stay.

Looking for a vacation rental in Curaçao?

After a day of exploring beaches, it is wonderful to return to your own vacation home. At Vakantiehuisje Curaçao you can choose from several vacation rentals in Curaçao, from comfortable resort homes with a pool to a vacation home with a private pool. Browse our vacation rentals and choose the home that best fits your stay.

Frequently asked questions about beaches in Curaçao

What are the most beautiful beaches in Curaçao?

Grote Knip, Cas Abao and Playa Porto Mari are among the best-known beautiful beaches in Curaçao. Which one is the most beautiful depends on the atmosphere and facilities you are looking for.

Where can you snorkel well in Curaçao?

Playa Lagun, Playa Porto Mari, Daaibooi and Playa Piskado are popular snorkeling spots. Conditions can vary from day to day.

Which beach in Curaçao is best for seeing sea turtles?

Playa Piskado is a well-known place to see sea turtles while snorkeling. Turtles can also be found in other areas around Curaçao. Keep your distance and never touch them.

Which beach in Curaçao is good for children?

Cas Abao, Porto Mari and Grote Knip are popular choices for families. Always pay attention to sea conditions and closely supervise young children in the water.

Do you need a car to visit beaches in Curaçao?

A rental car is especially useful if you want to visit several beaches toward Bandabou and Westpunt. The beaches are spread across the island, and with a car you can easily combine several bays in one day.

Prefer to explore Curaçao with a private guide?

Want to discover Curaçao’s beaches without worrying about directions, parking or planning the route yourself? With TropiCoco Tours Curaçao, you can explore the island with a private driver and local guide, at your own pace.

A private Beach Hopping & Views Tour can combine beautiful beaches with scenic viewpoints and other stops along the way. The itinerary can be tailored to your interests and the time you have available.

It’s also a great option for cruise passengers looking for a private Curaçao shore excursion. Pickup can be arranged near the Willemstad cruise terminal, so you can make the most of your time on the island and return to the ship comfortably.

Explore Curaçao with a private tour → Take a look at our Private Tour page on the website.