Looking for the best beaches on Curaçao? With 38 beaches in total, Curaçao has a lot to offer for those seeking vitamin D (and Sea). Here you’ll find a wide variety of beaches: from white and sandy filled with palm trees to rocky hidden gems. Like every local, I have my favorites. When visiting the island of Curaçao, these are the best beaches you can’t miss out on.

Best beaches on Curaçao: Banda Ariba vs Banda Abou

When it comes down to beaches, Curaçao can roughly be divided into two areas: Banda Ariba (east side of the Juliana Bridge) and Banda Abou (West side of the Juliana Bridge). Banda Ariba is packed with beach resorts like Sandals, Papagayo and Avila. It’s also home to popular beach clubs Zanzibar and Madero where you can swim, drink, party and repeat. These beach clubs are located alongside Mambo beach and Jan Thiel Beach. 

If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, you should visit Banda Abou. This area is loved by locals, and for good reason. Banda Abou has over 20 beaches characterized by clear blue waters and some amazing marine life. Most of these beaches are public, so you can visit them without paying for entry. Keep in mind that these beaches sometimes contain little to no facilities. Below you find my insider’s take on the top 6 best beaches on Curaçao.

Best beaches on Curaçao: top 6

1. Kleine Knip

Kleine Knip, or Playa Kenepa Chikí, is a little less known than its big brother – but certainly not less beautiful. Here you’ll find crystal clear waters and pearly white sand. Don’t forget to bring your snorkel gear: this beach has some amazing flora and fauna to be explored underwater. If you go on a Sunday you’ll share this beach with a lot of local families that come here to enjoy a nice beach barbecue.

2. Playa Lagun

This beach is filled with colorful fishing boats. Located between two big limestone cliffs, this little bay looks like a funnel that leads to the ocean. If you’re lucky you can spot some amazing fish and turtles in these clear waters. Not a big fan of snorkelling? The cliffs are filled with iguanas. These impressive local lizards are completely harmless and great swimmers. So don’t be surprised if you see them jumping into the water.

3. Kokomo

When looking for top beaches in Curaçao that are less known: Kokomo is the way to go. This beach is located just 15 minutes from Willemstad. Think nice sunbeds, great music and food. This beach is also known amongst partygoers: once a month the island’s famous full moon party is hosted at Kokomo beach.

4. Marie Pampoen beach

Just outside Pietermaai, in the local neighbourhood of Marie Pampoen, is Marie Pampoen beach. The newly renovated boulevard filled with callisthenic machines and skate ramps leads to a small beach where a lot of locals go to have a swim. While you’re at it, do like locals do and get yourself some fried fish at Seaside Terrace.

5. Koko’s @ Jan Thiel beach

When staying near Jan Thiel beach, driving all the way to Bandabou to enjoy a quiet beach time might seem like a lot to ask for on your relaxing trip to the Caribbean. Luckily there is Koko’s. A small and quiet beach next to Zanzibar. Here you’ll find some of the islands’ most comfortable sunbeds (not something to overlook), lounge music and a restaurant.

6. Karakter 

Hidden on the Koral Estate property, there is a small but relaxing beach overlooking the crystal blue waters. The sunbeds are free with consumption (good thing we love consuming). Bonus points: the sunsets are amazing.

Want to know where to eat while staying on the island? In this article, you’ll find the best restaurants on Curaçao.