If there’s one thing all the Caribbean islands have in common, it’s the abundance of paradisiacal beaches. Here, you can relax under swaying palm trees, order a cocktail, and enjoy the sun with your toes in the sand. On a sunny day, the white powdery sand will dazzle your eyes, and the water is so crystal clear that you can see the fish swimming from the shore. While you’ll undoubtedly end up at the extremely touristy beaches of Jan Thiel Beach and Mambo Beach, Curacao has even more delightful beaches that you’ll definitely want to visit. So, beach hopping is a must in Curacao!
Tip: If Jan Thiel Beach and Mambo Beach don’t ring a bell, these beaches are where you’ll find most of the hotels, restaurants, and shops. The beaches are filled with sunbeds, and it’s always lively. Perfect for a day of relaxation or dancing in the evening, but they are much more crowded than the beaches on this list.
Playa Lagun: a wonderfully intimate beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in Curacao is also one of the smallest on the island. The tiny Playa Lagun is nestled in a bay that’s no wider than about 30 meters (98 feet). Don’t forget to bring your snorkeling gear, especially to the left near the rocks, as the underwater world is fantastic. With a bit of luck, you may even encounter turtles here. Tropical fish and corals are always there to be found. Colorful boats dot the beach, and between January and July, the bushes and trees on the rocks create a green oasis. If you feel like eating or drinking, take the stairs up to the right of the bay to Bahia Beach Bar. From here, you’ll have a fantastic view of one of the most beautiful beaches in Curacao.
Grote Knip: the most photographed beach
If you’ve never been to Curacao before, this beach is probably the image that comes to mind when you think of Curacao. That’s because this is the most photographed beach, often used for advertising posters and travel organization brochures. And it’s not surprising because the turquoise water and the pristine white beach perfectly complement the green hills behind it. On the left side of the beach, there’s a viewpoint from where you can take the famous photo. Below, you can climb over the rocks, and if you’re brave enough, you can even cliff jump from various heights. The right side of the bay is also beautiful due to the rock wall covered with tall cacti.
Tip: If you want to have the most beautiful beaches mostly to yourself, try to avoid the weekend and go early in the morning. With a jetlag, getting up early in the first few days is also very easy.
Kleine Knip: the less crowded sibling
Just around the corner from Grote Knip, you’ll find Kleine Knip, and as the name suggests, this beach is the smaller sibling and feels a bit cozier. It’s also less known, making it often quieter. You can rent a sunbed with an umbrella, but there are no other facilities. Occasionally, someone comes by selling drinks or fruit, but it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks and drinks.
Cas Abou / Bon Bini Beach: a true paradise beach
Cas Abou, also known as Bon Bini Beach, is a delightful beach with swaying palm trees and calm waters. The most beautiful spot is all the way to the right by the rock that seems to float above the water. At Cas Abou, you can rent a sunbed, have a meal, get a massage, or even go diving since there’s a dive school on the beach. You won’t get bored on this paradise-like piece of earth!
Porto Mari: a beach with pigs
Porto Mari Beach, with its many amenities, is somewhat similar to Cas Abou but a bit larger. What makes this beach special is that there is a family of sturdy pigs roaming around. They often lounge in the mud pool near the parking lot, but occasionally, they take a refreshing dip in the azure blue water. Here too, you can combine a beach day with diving. There’s an observation tower in the parking lot from which you can take a beautiful photo of the entire bay.
Klein Curacao: the perfect beach day
If you’re going to Curacao, a day trip to Klein Curacao is a must. This uninhabited island is an hour’s boat ride from Curacao and boasts a beach with stunning white powder-like sand. As soon as the boat approaches the extremely blue water surrounding the island, you’ll want to jump right in. You can snorkel, relax on the boat, climb the abandoned lighthouse, check out the washed-up shipwrecks, and of course, get a tan on the idyllic beach. This boat trip is all-inclusive, so lunch, snacks, snorkeling gear, and all drinks are included in the price. Yes, even alcoholic drinks! This is the perfect day trip to completely unwind. We did this on the first full day after arriving in Curacao, and it was perfect to start off right without having to do much. You can book this tour here, and it’s recommended to do so well in advance of your departure to Curacao.
Tip: During this crossing, some people tend to get seasick. Therefore, it’s a good idea to take a motion sickness pill in advance or use wristbands if you tend to get seasick on boats.
