On our Dutch Caribbean Island, there are over 38 world class Curacao beaches to discover that offer a wide-range of services and experiences from exploring local hidden gems, snorkeling and scuba diving, to just floating in decadence while sipping on a tropical beverage.
At LionsDive Beach Resort, we appreciate that the task of narrowing down these vast choices might seem overwhelming, but no worries because we will get you started here with the top 10 Curacao Beaches chosen by critics, travelers and beachgoers alike.
1. Mambo Beach Boulevard – Mambo Beach itself is reason enough to visit and you’ll soon understand why it’s one of the most popular spots on the island. LionsDive Beach Resort with its beautiful white sands is a truly picturesque place to spend your days. Whether you’re excited about spending days on the sun lounger or take advantage of many watersports opportunities on offer at Ocean Encounters, Mambo Beach caters for everyone. The beach’s wave breakers have created a luscious tropical lagoon which makes Mambo Beach perfectly safe for the kids too! Click Here to dive into the Top 5 Reasons to Visit Mambo Beach, Curaçao.
This beach is perfect for families, adventure seekers, and those who love a lively atmosphere. With its calm lagoon created by wave breakers, parents can relax while kids safely splash in the water. Whether you’re looking to unwind on a sun lounger, dive into watersports with Ocean Encounters, or explore the vibrant shops and restaurants along the boulevard, Mambo Beach has something for everyone.
2. Kenepa Plantation – The Kenepa Plantation consists of Kenepa Grandi (Grote Knip) and Kenepa Chiki (Klein Knip) and these two are arguably the most popular beaches on Curaçao that are regularly visited by both tourists and locals. This is largely due to the beautiful natural surroundings and the intensely vivid turquoise water that entices you to immerse yourself in the warmth of the Caribbean Sea.
This beach is perfect for nature lovers and photographers searching for that iconic Caribbean view. The crystal-clear turquoise waters and untouched natural surroundings make it a dream for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in Curaçao’s raw beauty. Whether you’re snorkeling in the shallows or simply basking in the sun on the powdery white sand, Kenepa Plantation offers a breathtaking escape for solo travelers, couples, and families alike.
3. Cas Abao – also spelled Cas Abou, Forbes Magazine rated this as one of the Best Caribbean Beaches and wrote: “With its clear turquoise water, waving palm trees and white sandy beach, Cas Abao is a true paradise. Located at the northwest coast of Curaçao, the beach is an ideal spot for shore diving, snorkeling, and swimming because of the spectacular shallows leading to the healthy fringing reef.”
This beach is perfect for snorkelers, divers, and those seeking a classic tropical paradise. With its palm-dotted shoreline, crystal-clear waters, and a stunning reef just offshore, it’s a top-tier destination for underwater exploration. Whether you’re floating in the shallows, exploring the vibrant marine life, or simply enjoying the warm Caribbean sun, Cas Abao is an idyllic retreat for couples, families, and adventure enthusiasts.
4. Playa Kalki – Playa Kalki is a small, adorable beach on the west end of the island, that not every tourist knows about. In combination with its house reef, Alice in Wonderland, this beach has been rated as one of the top 10 scuba diving and snorkeling locations on Curaçao. This is largely due to the shielding provided by the surrounding hills of Westpunt that creates almost perfect year round conditions.
This beach is perfect for scuba divers and off-the-beaten-path explorers. Home to the world-renowned Alice in Wonderland reef, Playa Kalki provides nearly perfect conditions year-round for underwater adventures. The surrounding hills offer a sense of seclusion, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking to escape the crowds and dive into Curaçao’s stunning marine world.
5. Porto Mari – Located inside the historic Plantation PortoMari is one of the more beautiful, fully equipped Curacao beaches which is about an eight-minute drive from Willibrordus church. The Valley at Playa Porto Mari (also called Porto Marie) is not only unique and diverse, it is also considered one of the top 10 sites on Curacao.
This beach is perfect for travelers who love a balance of relaxation and activity. With its fully equipped facilities, stunning scenery, and one-of-a-kind underwater landscape, Porto Mari is a dream destination for snorkelers and divers. Whether you’re admiring the twin coral reefs or simply enjoying a cocktail with your toes in the sand, this beach is ideal for couples, families, and those looking for an all-in-one beach day experience.
6. Klein Curacao – Klein Curaçao is deserted island and a nature reserve where you can’t do much else than laze on a long sandy beach, snorkel or scuba dive with sea turtles and tropical fish and explore the island by taking a walk to a shipwreck and the abandoned lighthouse.
This beach is perfect for adventurers and those seeking a true island escape. With nothing but soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and a few landmarks like the shipwreck and lighthouse, Klein Curaçao is a nature lover’s paradise. Whether you’re swimming alongside sea turtles, sunbathing in total tranquility, or exploring the island’s history, this remote getaway is ideal for couples, snorkelers, and those who love a good boat trip.
7. Tugboat Beach – This famous Curaçao Tugboat wreck is located at Tugboat Beach in Caracasbaai next to Directors Bay. In just 5 meters (15ft) of water below the steep facing cliffside leading up to the infamous Quarantine House you will find the purposely wrecked Tugboat just a few yards offshore. This site is absolutely perfect for an afternoon dive or snorkel trip.
This beach is perfect for snorkelers and divers looking for a unique underwater experience. The famous tugboat wreck, sitting just a few yards offshore in shallow waters, makes it an excellent spot for easy and unforgettable snorkeling. With its rocky cliffs and clear water teeming with marine life, Tugboat Beach is a must-visit for underwater photographers, adventure seekers, and anyone who loves to explore beneath the surface.
8. Director’s Bay – Director’s Bay is a perfect sustainable tourism example and LionsDive Beach Resort is proud to sponsor the hard work of Coral Restoration Curaçao that chose this site as an out-planting location because it offers much-needed protection for the coral structures and a regular flow of nutrients. Directors Bay is also an historic Curaçao landmark, located between the famous Tugboat wreck and Small Wall – well suited for divers, snorkelers and beach goers alike.
This beach is perfect for eco-conscious travelers and underwater explorers. As a key location for Coral Restoration Curaçao, this beach allows visitors to experience thriving marine life while supporting sustainable tourism. Whether you’re diving, snorkeling, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, Director’s Bay is an ideal destination for those who appreciate both natural beauty and conservation efforts.
9. Playa Jeremi – Playa Jermi is a small public beach that offers a real escape from the public because of its secluded nature. It is recommended to visit this narrow, picturesque cove late in the day so that you can linger to watch the incredible sunset which is the ideal time where you can fully appreciate the exceptionally clear turquoise water without minding the lack of shade.
This beach is perfect for romantic sunset seekers and those craving solitude. Its secluded nature and narrow cove make it an intimate setting, especially in the late afternoon when the sun dips below the horizon. With no crowds, limited facilities, and crystal-clear waters, Playa Jeremi is a hidden gem for couples, solo travelers, and anyone who wants to unwind in a quiet, picturesque setting.
10. San Juan Plantation – The main draw of the San Juan area are the beautiful and undeveloped beaches that exist on the fringes of the plantations coastline. Although many sources only refer to three beaches, there are in fact four in total. From west to east these include a small cove called Playa San Juan Chiki, then the known beaches of Manzaliña, Shon Mosa, and Largu. Please note, the road leading to the beaches is rough therefore it is not advised for smaller cars.
This beach is perfect for off-the-grid explorers and adventure travelers. With its undeveloped, rugged coastline and multiple hidden coves, San Juan Plantation offers a raw, untouched beach experience. Whether you’re hiking to discover all four beaches or simply embracing the peaceful isolation, this location is ideal for those who don’t mind a bit of a challenge to find a true hidden paradise.
