Top beaches on Curacao

A Guide to Exploring Curacao’s Best Beaches

Here’s a list of 13 favorites.

As nature’s playground for sea turtles and dolphins, Curacao is also known for its turquoise seas, tropical reefs, secluded outlets, and spectacular vistas. Sunbathe on one of the “Best Beaches on Earth,” swim and kayak in calm, crystal waters, or unleash your inner beachcomber as you sink your feet in soft white sand. Start with our favorites below, then discover your own.

1. Grote Knip (Kenepa Grandi)

Take the scenic road to one of Curacao’s best-known beaches with its stunningly beautiful vistas and spectacular sunsets. Surrounded by high rocks, Kenepa Grandi is a favorite with both locals and tourists, yet rarely feels overcrowded because it’s so long. Families love the beach because the kids can play safely in the turquoise-blue waters. Kenepa Grandi is also a great place for snorkelers, sunbathers, and beach walkers.

West Coast

Ideal for:
Divers, families, sunbathers

Facilities:
Parking, snack bar, beach rentals

Accessible by:

Car, taxi, bus

2. Playa Lagun

One of the most photogenic beaches on Curacao can be found in a hidden bay. The pristine beach with fantastic views is surrounded by high rock formations. With fishing boats lying on the beach, it makes Playa Lagun a true and charming beauty. The beautiful underwater world will also not be disappointing with its crystal-clear water. Grab your gear and snorkel along the rocks in the water. If you’re lucky you can also spot some sea turtles.

West Coast

Ideal for:
Snorkeling, divers, sunbathing and families

Facilities:
Parking, beach rentals, toilets, showers, shade, and nearby restaurant

Accessible by:
Car, taxi, bus

3. Daaibooi

This natural beach is a true lover among the locals. At Daaibooi you can find large families enjoying their weekends barbecuing with their loved ones, surrounded by stunning scenery. Hike one of the several trails on the cliffs to see a phenomenal view of the Caribbean Sea. This well-maintained beach is equipped with simple and comfortable facilities to enjoy a perfect day with family and friends in a pleasant atmosphere.

Northwest Coast

Ideal for:
Families, sunbathing, hiking and barbecuing

Facilities:
Parking, restaurant, beach rentals, toilets, showers, shade

Accessible by:
Car, taxi, bus

Daaibooi-5
4. Playa Piskado/Grandi

This coveted beach is known by the locals for its perfect fishing setting and by the tourists for the presence of turtles. This tiny, distinguished beach is an exciting place to snorkel with turtles in their natural habitat in between the colorful wooden fishing boats. While you can also enjoy the spectacle of the natural beauty of this seashore from a pier, you shall witness the fisherman gathering to clean their catch of the day right at the seaside.

West Coast

Ideal for:
Swimming, snorkeling, fishing

Facilities:
Parking, nearby restaurants, beach rentals

Accessible by:
Car, taxi, bus

Playa_Piskadó___Playa_Grandi-13
5. Playa Kalki

Playa Kalki, with its white sandy beaches set against stunning hills and limestone cliffs, offers an idyllic escape. For diving enthusiasts, the waters are teeming with marine life, including an old airplane wreck to explore. Recently transformed, the beach now features a beach club on the hill with an infinity pool, adding a touch of luxury to your visit. Playa Kalki is frequently depicted on postcards, so don’t forget to bring your camera!

West Coast

Ideal for:
Snorkelers, divers, sunbathers

Facilities:
Parking, shade, beach rentals, toilets, restaurant, dive shop, massage

Accessible by:
Car, taxi

Playa_Kalki-15

6. Kleine Knip (Kenepa Chiki)

Less touristy than other beaches, this small but beautiful stretch of white sand offers great snorkeling, calm blue waters, and an intimate atmosphere. The beach is usually quiet on weekdays, but during the weekend “Little” Knip is a favorite with local families for playing, swimming, and barbecues. Facilities are limited, so bring your own food and drinks; sit back and watch the sunset.

West Coast

Ideal for:
Snorkeling, picnics, sunbathing, families

Facilities:
Parking

Accessible by:
Car, taxi, bus

Kleine_Knip-2
7. Jan Thiel Beach

Escape to the stunning beauty of Jan Thiel Beach, one of the largest resort areas on Curacao. Here, beach adventures, sports, culinary delights and vibrant energy all come together to create an unforgettable vacation experience.

Southwest Coast

Ideal for:
Swimming, sunbathing, families, people watching, dining

Facilities:
Parking shade, watersports, toilets, showers, restaurant, café en la playa beach rentals, beach tennis & volleyball

Accessible by:
Car, taxi, bus

8. Cas Abao

Cas Abao feels like a scene straight out of a beach movie, with its white sands, crystal-clear waters, swaying palm trees, shady parasols, and tropical reefs. A wide range of watersports is available, and it's the perfect spot to unwind with a seaside massage. There's also a restaurant where you can grab a bite or enjoy a drink. Ranked 13th on Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best Beaches” list.

Southwest Coast

Ideal for:
Swimming, sunbathing, diving, families, people watching

Facilities:
Parking shade, watersports, toilets, showers, restaurant, beach rentals, massage

Accessible by:
Car, taxi

Cas_Abao_Modellen-57
9. Klein Curacao

Snorkeling and diving are real treats on this small island, about 15 miles southeast of mainland Curacao. Spot sea turtles, dolphins, and other exciting marine creatures in crystal-clear waters. Or walk the beach of powdery, fine sand that encircles Klein Curacao. Day tours and charter boats are available for the trip, which takes about two hours each way.

Southeast of the mainland

Ideal for:
Diving, walking, getting away from it all

Facilities:
Limited - check when booking

Accessible by:
Boat

KleinCuracao7
10. Mambo Beach

Mambo Beach is an exciting beachfront that offers a variety of experiences for visitors of all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a laid- back beachgoer, a shopaholic, a gastronome, or an adventure enthusiast, this dynamic destination captures the essence of everything a good time seeker could be looking for!

Southwest Coast

Ideal for:
Swimming, sunbathing, diving, shopping, dining, party, families, people watching

Facilities:
Shade, toilets, showers, beach rentals, restaurants, shops, beach clubs, bars

Accessible by:
Taxi, Car, Bus

curacao_mambo_beach_drone
11. Blue Bay

Curacao’s largest beach is popular with local families and visitors for its soft white sands, shady palms, shallow waters, and many facilities. Lying near the fishing village of St. Michiel, Blue Bay is also well set up for diving, sea kayaking, or just relaxing with a tropical drink. Children in particular enjoy the playground.

Southwest Coast

Ideal for:
Families, swimming, watersports

Facilities:
Parking, bar, restaurant, beach rentals, showers, toilets, nearby golf

Accessible by:
Car, taxi, bus

curacao_blue-Bay_beachwalk
12. Kokomo Beach

Kokomo is home to a beautiful seacoast where there are always new things happening. Its restaurant will also blow away your mind with its fresh and delicious menu items after hiking one of the trails surrounding the beach. As the sun sets in the ocean, take a swing over the crystalclear water to take in the magnificence of this picturesque beach.

South Coast

Ideal for:
Snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, entertainments, scuba diving, and families

Facilities:
Parking, beach rentals, restaurant, toilets

Accessible by:
Car, taxi, bus

13. Playa Porto Mari

A busy tourist beach for relaxing, snorkeling and having fun in the sun with family or friends. The blue sea has a smooth sandy bottom, perfect for the kids. Playa Porto Mari also features a covered picnic area, beach parasols, chair rentals, and a great seaside restaurant with a spectacular view. If you are lucky, you might even encounter some wild pigs sunbathing on the beach or playing in the water. Everything needed to make a day of it awaits you.