This draft has been sitting around for almost a year and looking back at beach photos is my solution to the cold rainy days of Vancouver! On a side note, this post is prepared in the view of a beach goer. If you are planning on snorkeling/diving, the ratings would likely be different.
Curacao is blessed with amazing beaches and there are quite a few along the south western side of the island. I was unfortunately sunburnt from my daytrip to Klein Curacao that I couldn’t really stay too long at any of them. But I did walk around each beach to get a feel for the vibe and compile this list of the best beaches in Curacao.
Playa Porto Mari
Known for: Pigs on the beach, Water Sports, Full Amenities
Rating: 7/10
The first beach that I stopped at was Playa Porto Mari. This beach is for you if you like a more busy atmosphere with all the amenities. There’s a small entrance fee and also a fee to rent a beach chair. If you want to snorkel, paddle board, or kayak, find the Playa Porto Mari water sports building and there’s rentals available. I went early in the morning so the cafe wasn’t open yet, but there is food available for purchase if you don’t want to pack a lunch.
Some unique things at this beach include a tall observation tower (you can find this in the parking lot), and the resident pigs! I saw the pigs on Instagram and really wanted to hang out with them at the beach. Unfortunately I only saw them in the parking lot but if you’re lucky, you might find them in the sand.
Cas Abao
Known for: Having all the amenities
Rating: 6/10
Next stop on my tour to find the best beaches in Curacao is Cas Abao. It has all the makings of a fantastic beach but I found it to be too crowded and commercialized. I also found the beach area to be smaller than Playa Porto Mari so I would recommend Porto Mari over Cas Abao. Also, if you look in the photo below, there was a wire fence that marked the end of the beach. I found it very distracting to the natural beauty.
However, if you want to make a full day trip, Cas Abao is pretty good as it has a cafe, restroom, and water sport rentals! There is an admission fee and also a chair rental fee. While it’s not expensive, there are many beautiful free beaches on Curacao.
Playa Piskado
Known for: Sea Turtles
Rating: 8/10
The one beach I was really excited about when planning my vacation was Playa Piskado. If you want to snorkel and see sea turtles, this is the best spot! The reason is because fisherman boats come here and dump discarded fish. This gives turtles something to feed on so they are often around this area! On the day I was there, I could see several people in the water. But I sadly could not join in as I was still so burnt.
The sand on Playa Piskado is quite pebbly and has lots of rocks that are hard on the feet. It’s not really a place to lie down and tan for the day. There is no facilities but there is a small pier that takes you just over the water. There is no entrance fee and you can simply park on the road and walk down the stairs. The beach is located on the very northern tip of the island and ties in well with a trip to Sheta Boka National Park.
Look how clear the water is! There’s no snorkel rental so you’ll have to bring your own. I’m sure there were lots of fun things to look at in the water.
Grote Knip
Known for: being unknown
Rating: 9/10
Okay, so maybe it’s not completely unknown but it is definitely not talked about in travel guides. There are no facilities on this beach and it kind of feelings like stumbling on a city park. Except that it’s stunning and has the softest sand. It’s the perfect spot to hang out for a few hours and just enjoy nature!
This was exactly what I was looking for! There is no entrance fee but the area is beautiful and clean.
Playa Lagun
Known for: Snorkeling & Vintage boats on the beach
Rating: 6/10
Playa Lagun is very highly rated on Tripadvisor and the reason that I only gave it 6 out of 10 is because it’s much better for snorkeling than a day at the beach. The actual beach area is quite small and there are no facilities or shade. There was a smoothie stand but it was not open. Also, I saw signs for massages but there was no one there. I do really like how the vintage boats on the beach add character. But I’d definitely recommend going to one of the other beaches if you are not snorkeling.
While the beaches on Curacao are spectacular, I would highly recommend a trip out to Klein Curacao. The sand on Klein Curacao is so soft and white while the water is crystal clear! Add the fact that it’s uninhabited, it feels like paradise on Earth! Or if you prefer more of a beach party atmosphere, head down south to the Mambo Beach area where you’ll feel transported to Miami!
I hope this round up of the best beaches in Curacao was helpful and please read my other Curacao travel guides for more tips!