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Beaches: Blue Curaçao

An Island Tour of Curaçao's most popular beaches.

By Els Kroon

Curaçao has 30-plus public and private beaches along the southwestern coast, from intimate rocky coves to long strands bustling with activity. Most of the public beaches, while excellent for swimming and snorkeling, have no facilities. Some beaches may charge a modest fee and offer convenient facilities. The northern coast, with its powerful surf and strong undertow, is not great for swimming.

Situated near the remote western end of the island, West Point Bay and Playa Forti are among the best-known public strands. There are several small restaurants nearby, offering refreshments and pleasant views of the coast and small fishing boats. If you like a typical fisherman's beach, head even farther west to Playa Piskado. Playa Kalki can be found under the gaze of Lodge Kurá Hulanda.

If you follow the road from West Point toward Willemstad, you will see a sign for Knip Bay. Two tiny coves comprise this public beach, reached by divergent trails from the main road. Either branch leads to a wonderful setting. The area around the base of the cliffs abounds with colorful marine creatures that can be seen easily through the shallow, transparent blue waters.

Moving east, the main road leads past Playa Jeremy, Playa Lagun and Boka Santa Cruz to Boka Santa Martha and Cas Abou Beach, which combines a natural setting with full-service conveniences. Snorkeling and diving from the beach are excellent here. Shade is provided by straw huts and pergolas.

Playa Porto Marie is popular, as is Daaibooi Bay, where Dutch bitterballen and Belgian fries are favorite menu items for tourists from all around the world. Next on the road to Willemstad is Vaersen Bay, excellent for snorkeling and diving. Blue Bay offers a good restaurant and a swimming pool next to the eponymous golf course.

East of Willemstad's Sea Aquarium Beach are the famous Mambo and Kontiki beaches, with an abundance of entertainment and sports facilities. Nearby are four big resorts at Jan Thiel/Zanta Beach. Caracas Bay and the adjacent Baya Beach are the places to meet locals on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Barbara Beach will be reopened this year for guests of the new Hyatt Regency Resort.

Best of all may be the west coast of the small, uninhabited island of Klein Curaçao, reached only by boat or helicopter. A powdery beach with immense tranquility awaits real beach lovers, who brave slightly choppy seas to reach this corner of paradise.

Get a map of Curaçao's beaches.