Curaçao has some of the best beaches the Caribbean has to offer, yet many travelers are still unaware of this hidden gem. When it comes to beaches, some travelers like them secluded, some prioritize the view, while others like them to be accessible with plenty of facilities.
Regardless of the type of beach you prefer, Curaçao has just the thing for you with no shortage of beautiful beaches. Each one of Curaçao’s beaches has something unique to offer, which is why countless tourists go Beach hopping every year.
In addition to the beaches in Curaçao being absolutely stunning, they are mostly free for the public. Although in some cases you might end up having to pay a small amount to rent an umbrella and some chairs.
Now you can imagine how difficult it was to list only five beaches in Curaçao, but we managed to narrow down our list by choosing the best beaches all year round where you are guaranteed to have the best experience.
So, without any more delay, in this post we are going to be covering the top 5 beaches Curaçao island has to offer.
Mambo Beach
The first beach on our list is loved by many tourists and locals alike. A 15-minute ride away from Willemstad, the capital city of Curaçao is Mambo beach, a must visit for any first timers to Curaçao.
Mambo beach has all the right ingredients for the perfect beach experience, crystal blue water, fine white sand, and all the amenities you can think of.
Along the Mambo beach coastline there are plenty of shops and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat after working up an appetite swimming in the ocean.
There are also loungers, showers, and restrooms available at this beach so it’s family friendly. Right next to Mambo beach is Curaçao’s Sea Aquarium, which is directly connected to the ocean, thus creating a natural habitat for all marine life.
If the aquarium isn’t for you, Mambo beach offers different water activities and sports like catamarans or jet skis. Due to all the amenities and activities Mambo beach coastline offers, it can get pretty crowded in season.
Klein Curacao Beach
If you are looking for a relaxing secluded spot to enjoy bathing under the hot sun, then you won’t find a better place than Klein Curaçao. Also known as “Little Curaçao”, Klein Curaçao is a small uninhabited island southwest of Curaçao, it is by far one of the best beaches you will experience in your lifetime.
The small island doesn’t offer a lot of amenities since there are no permanent inhabitants. However, what Klein Curaçao Beach lacks in amenities, it makes up for it with simple undisrupted beauty.
The small island’s stunning beach offers you a getaway from all the world’s noise and concerns, and if you are the adventuring type, you won’t be disappointed either.
During your Klein Curacao day trip, you can go snorkeling at the shoreline, where you will be mesmerized by an infinitely more active and colorful marine life when compared to the mainland. And after you are done enjoying the beach, you can always go explore the abandoned lighthouse and the decades old shipwrecks on shore.
It usually takes 1 to 2 hours by boat to get to Klein Curaçao. So, you will have to dedicate a full day to spend there but trust us when we say one day won’t be enough for this serene little paradise.
Kokomo Beach
The third best beach in Curaçao on our list is the star of many Instagram posts with its iconic in-water swing set.
Approximately 10 kilometers from the island’s center is Kokomo beach which presents the perfect mixture of relaxation and fun for the whole family. Kokomo beach is easily accessible by car, bike, or public transportation.
The beach’s soft golden sand is accompanied by gentle waves as the shoreline is surrounded by cliffs and mountains, the gentle water and easy accessibility makes Kokomo beach one of the most family-friendly spots in Curaçao.
As for the adventure seekers, there are more than one diving and snorkeling centers at Kokomo beach.
However, we recommend Kokomo beach for those who want to relax in a comfortable chair with food and drinks under the shade of one of the surrounding trees while enjoying the sound of the waves crashing.
Playa Kalki Beach
The fourth beach on our list is located in the Knip settlement, approximately 40 kilometers away from Curacao’s center. Playa Kalki Beach is one of the most popular scuba diving spots in Curacao thanks to its mushroom shaped coral reef formations, also known as Alice in Wonderland reef.
There is also a shop where you can rent out any diving or snorkeling gear you may need as well as a snack bar and restrooms.
Playa Kalki beach is one of the smaller additions on our list. Nevertheless, it is easily accessible since it is located near a public road and there is no fee to enter. At the beach you will have the option to rent out some chairs or beach beds for a small price, but we recommend just laying your towel on the fine white sand under some shade and enjoying the unforgettable scenery.
Now make sure to stick around till sunset at Playa Kalki beach to watch the orange sky’s shimmering hue on the crystal-clear waters.
Jan Thiel Beach
The first and last spots on our list have a lot in common. Much like Mambo beach, Jan Thiel Beach is easily accessible with plenty of amenities.
Hence, it is very popular with locals and tourists as well. Jan Thiel beach is a mere 20-minute drive from the center capital of Curaçao, adjacent to Jan Thiel Lagoon.
The main appeal of Jan Thiel beach is how family friendly and relaxing it is. After taking a dip in the refreshing Caribbean blue water, you can take a quick shower and head for dinner at Zanzibar Beach & Restaurant while enjoying the sunset with live music playing in the background, all in the same place!
Jan Thiel is one of the safest bets you can take during your visit since it is consistently one of the best beaches in Curaçao island regardless of the season or time of day.
