Discover Curacao Beaches: Snorkeling, Sunsets & Serenity
Courtesy of Peter de Kievith - Fotolia.com
- What makes Curacao a unique destination despite being a small island?
- Curacao offers a wide variety of experiences, from lively city-side beaches with great amenities to untouched coastal locations perfect for a quiet, romantic getaway away from the crowds.
- What type of beach experiences can visitors find on Curacao?
- Visitors can enjoy bustling, city-side beaches with plenty of activities and amenities, or seek out more secluded, serene beaches that offer a peaceful and romantic atmosphere.
- Is Curacao suitable for both adventurous and relaxing vacations?
- Yes, Curacao offers both vibrant beach activities for adventure seekers and quiet, untouched locations perfect for those looking to relax and escape the crowds.
Best Time to Visit Beaches in Curaçao
- December to April – Dry season with sunny skies, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and lounging on turquoise shores.
- January & February – Peak season with ideal weather and vibrant beachside energy.
- May & November – Warm and less crowded, great for peaceful beach days and underwater adventures.
- June to October – Hot and more humid, but outside the hurricane belt, making it a year-round beach destination.
- Early December – A great time to enjoy serene beaches before the holiday crowds arrive.
Getting to Curaçao
- By Air
- The easiest way to get to Curaçao is to fly into Hato International Airport (CUR), located about 12 km from Willemstad.
- There are direct flights from Amsterdam, Miami, New York, and other major hubs.
- By Cruise
- Curaçao is a popular cruise destination with ships docking at Mega Pier or Mathey Wharf in Willemstad.
- Cruises often include Curaçao as part of southern Caribbean itineraries.
- By Private Yacht
- Private yachts can dock at marinas like Spanish Water and Caracas Bay.
- Customs and immigration clearance is required upon arrival.
Playa Kenepa
Swim in turquoise waters and admire stunning coastal sights.
© Simon Dannhauer/stock.adobe.com
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Why is Playa Kenepa so popular with tourists?
- Playa Kenepa is probably the number one beach most tourists tend to visit when they come to Curacao, and it's not hard to understand why. This is easily one of the prettiest beaches on the island, and many long-time Curacao tourists will even argue that it's the prettiest beach most people will ever see in all their lives.
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What are the views like at Playa Kenepa?
- Offering beautiful views of nearby rock formations to one side, lush vegetation to the other, and beautiful sky blue waters straight ahead, Playa Kenepa is a luxurious little paradise.
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What kind of shade is available at Playa Kenepa?
- The native manchineel trees offer nice little spots of shade and there are several sun loungers and tiki umbrellas dotted around too if you need to cool down and get out of the sun for a little while.
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Are there lifeguards at Playa Kenepa?
- There aren't any lifeguards on duty at this Curacao beach, but it's relatively safe in general due to the very calm waters.
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Is Playa Kenepa good for snorkeling?
- Snorkeling is super popular here, and if you're an experienced swimmer, you can head out away from the shore and dive down to explore the local coral reef. Who knows what kind of colorful tropical fish you might find!
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What amenities does Playa Kenepa offer?
- Amenities at this Curacao beach include a little cafe serving simple snacks and drinks, along with public restrooms.
Klein Curacao
Explore vibrant coral reefs and enjoy an exciting snorkeling adventure.
© PhotoSerg/stock.adobe.com
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How do you get to Klein Curacao?
- To experience one of Curacao's most beautiful beaches, you'll have to leave the main island and head over to Klein Curacao, also known as Little Curacao. This is an uninhabited island a few miles out to sea, only accessible by boat. Fortunately, lots of different boat services and day trips can be found and reserved around the island.
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Is Klein Curacao worth visiting?
- You'll have to pay for the privilege, but when you step foot on Klein Curacao, you'll realize that it was worth every penny. This island has one of the longest and loveliest beaches of them all, with powdery white sands running out in both directions.
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What activities can you enjoy on Klein Curacao?
- You can enjoy every kind of activity at Klein Curacao, from lively beach parties to romantic strolls.
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What makes Klein Curacao special for photographers?
- The island is also home to a very pretty little lighthouse which has proven highly popular with photographers over the years.
Jan Thiel Beach
Relax on soft sands and savor lively beachside attractions.
© Peter de Kievith/stock.adobe.com
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What makes Jan Thiel Beach special in Curacao?
- If you want to see the classier side of Curacao and visit the sort of beach that celebrities and stars would love to visit, Jan Thiel Beach is the one for you. Located not far from Curacao's capital city of Willemstad, Jan Thiel Beach offers wide, open spaces with a lot of comfortable soft sand spread out in every direction.
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Why is Jan Thiel Beach not overly crowded?
- This is a popular Curacao beach but never gets overly busy due to the fact that there's so much space here.
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What activities are available at Jan Thiel Beach?
- Jan Thiel Beach is a great spot to partake in some organized water sports and activities. Scuba diving and snorkeling can be enjoyed here, or if you're looking for something a little more relaxing, the local Zanzibar Restaurant offers waterside massages.
Playa Forti
Admire breathtaking cliff views and enjoy a peaceful seaside escape.
© Z. Jacobs/stock.adobe.com
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Why is Playa Forti a great beach to visit?
- When most people go to the beach, they simply like to sit down and admire the view, so it can certainly pay off to find a beach with some beautiful scenery to look at. On Curacao, Playa Forti arguably has the best views of all. It's surrounded by stunning landscapes, with the island's rocky western coastline stretching all the way out as far as the eye can see.
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What is the sand and atmosphere like at Playa Forti?
- The sands here are nice and smooth, dotted with pretty pebbles and lined with lots of great snack bars and food vendors.
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What amenities are available at Playa Forti?
- The staff at the local restaurant are always cooking up some really delicious local recipes for everyone to enjoy, and there are some good hotels and resorts in the Playa Forti area as well.
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What historical significance does Playa Forti have?
- This is also one of Curacao's most historical beaches, being located near the site of an old English military fort.
Plan Your Trip
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