Beaches

Beach hopping in Curaçao

Curaçao is home to a large number of intimate coves and lively beaches, and If you’re dreaming of a sun-kissed vacation filled with beach hopping tours, this island might be the right place for you.

The best Curaçao beach hopping tours will take you to beautiful beaches like Porto Marie, Cas Abao, and Grote Knip, as well as the popular turtle beach at Playa Grandi. 

During your beach hopping tour in Curaçao you will discover charming coves, lively hotspots, and breathtaking viewpoints, making it the perfect excursion for beach lovers and snorkelers. 

On this page we’ll guide you through the best beach hopping tours, the must-visit beaches, and the unique experiences that awaits you on our beautiful Caribbean island.

Best Beaches to Visit on a Tour

A must-visit location is Knip, where you can find the beaches of Grote Knip and Kleine Knip, both known for their vibrant turquoise waters and stunning cliffs. 

Cas Abao Beach, is a favorite for its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect spot to unwind on one of Curaçao’s larger beaches.

For great snorkeling, head to Playa Porto Mari, there’s colorful marine life along the cliff edges and a double reef right in front of the shore.

When visiting the beaches in Westpunt, we love to start at Playa Grandi in the morning, have lunch at Playa Forti and head to Grote Knip afterwards. In the afternoon we stop at Playa Lagun to watch the sunset. A perfect Beach Hopping Tour in Curaçao.

Playa Grandi is the beach where you can swim with sea turtles. You will most likely pay a visit when you’re booking a tour to explore Curaçao’s most western coast.

Located between two majestic cliffs, you can find the intimate beach of Playa Lagun. The enchanting greenish-turquoise water and marine life around the rocks make this beach a snorkeler’s true paradise. 

Additionally, Mambo Beach stands out as a vibrant hotspot, offering a mix of relaxation and lively beach bars.

Please be aware that each tour has its unique schedule and itinerary. Prior to booking a tour, it is advisable to review the itinerary to confirm whether they visit the beaches you have on your bucket list.

Playa Grandi

The best beach for swimming with turtles in Curaçao is Playa Grandi, also referred to as Playa Piskado. The crystal-clear waters host a plentiful population of sea turtles right by the pier, making it a true treasure to witness and an incredible experience to swim alongside these magnificent animals.

Local fishermen often clean their catch at this beach and generously feed the turtles with some leftovers, which explains why it draws more turtles than any other spot in Curacao. While you swim, you’ll find the turtles occasionally come close. Please, do not touch the turtles.

Porto Mari

Playa Porto Mari is one of the most visited beaches in Curaçao because of its excellent facilities, diverse activities, and strategic location. If you prefer not to venture all the way to the other side of the island but still want to spend a day outside of town, this beach is an ideal choice.

Porto Mari offers various amenities, including a beach bar, restaurant, restrooms, showers, lockers, and a beach store, ensuring you have everything you need for an amazing beach experience.

Cas Abao

Cas Abao is one of the largest beaches on the Curaçao coastline, and an all-time favorite amongst cruisers who visit the island for one day.  Despite its commercial nature, the bustling ambiance seems to fade away as soon as you set foot on the warm creamy sand.

There’s plenty of space to lay out your beach towel, or if you prefer, rent a comfortable beach chair. The beach offers an array of amenities such as a restaurant, beach bar, dive shop and a massage hut.

Grote Knip

Meet the most photographed beach of Curaçao: Grote Knip. You’ll instantly recognize Grote Knip’s stunning turquoise water and white sandy contrast – the iconic view often featured in travel magazines. When reading about Curaçao, this is undoubtedly the photo they’ll showcase to represent its beautiful beaches.

Grote Knip offers limited facilities. A paved parking lot provides access to the scenic viewpoint of the beach. Occasionally, local vendors and a food truck can be found in the parking area, where they offer snacks, cold beverages, and refreshing smoothies.

Playa Lagun

Playa Lagun, situated on the western coast of Curaçao, is a charming, intimate public beach that offers limited amenities and features a nearby restaurant. Nestled between two imposing rock formations, this picturesque bay provides a beautiful viewpoint and has amazing snorkeling opportunities.

The rocks on both sides of the bay work like a magnet for marine life. Bringing your snorkel is a must! You will encounter various tropical fishes, and maybe even a a couple of sea turtles.

Mambo Beach

Mambo Beach, located on the eastern side of Curaçao, is a lively man-made sandy beach that stands out as one of the island’s top attractions. Its popularity stems from its convenient location and the plethora of amenities it provides. 

With several beach clubs to choose from, visitors can enjoy a fantastic day by the sea. 

This vibrant destination offers a perfect blend of relaxation, swimming, shopping, and dining, making it an ideal spot for a truly comfortable and enjoyable day at the shore.

Popular stops along the way

Beach hopping tours are often combined with popular tourist attractions along the way. A couple of the most visited stops include the enchanting Flamingo Sanctuary, where these vibrant pink birds gracefully roam in their natural habitat. 

Another intriguing site is the Hato Caves, where you can visit a cave adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, providing a glimpse into the region’s geological history. 

Additionally, another popular stop that might be included in a tour is the breathtaking Shete Boka National Park, where rugged cliffs and crashing waves create a mesmerizing coastal landscape.

Planning to visit Mambo Beach? Make sure to visit the genuine Curaçao liqueur distillery at Landhuis Chobolobo. Get to know everything about the (blue) Curaçao liqueur and taste its flavour yourself.

Beach Hopping Routes

With so many beautiful beaches spread across Curaçao, planning a beach-hopping tour can feel overwhelming. That’s why breaking it down into convenient routes makes exploring easier.

Westpunt: Playa Kalki, Playa Grandi, Grote Knip Beach, Kleine Knip Beach, Playa Jeremi, Playa Lagun.

 Mid-Bandabou: Cas Abao, Playa Porto Mari, Daaibooi Beach. (Don’t miss the Flamingo viewpoint at Jan Kok!
 
West Willemstad: Kokomo Beach, Blue Bay Beach, Pirate Bay Beach.

 East Willemstad: Directorsbay, Tugboat Beach, Jan Thiel Beach, Mambo Beach.

Tips for the Best Beach experience

Snorkeling Essentials: Pack your snorkeling gear, as Curaçao’s underwater world is teeming with colorful coral reefs and vibrant marine life.

Sun Protection: Don’t forget to wear sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the tropical sun.

Hydration: Stay hydrated by carrying a reusable water bottle and drinking plenty of fluids, especially during the sunny beach days.

Local Cuisine: Embrace the island’s krioyo kitchen by lunching/dining local dishes at beachside shacks and eateries along your beach hopping route.