The best way to conquer Curacao is to have an open mind and an outgoing spirit so that you can make the most of the largest island among the ABC sister islands. From lovely beaches, the island also boasts ideal snorkeling and diving sites that put the island even further above the Caribbean list.
What Are the Beaches Like in Curacao?
Curacao is yet another entry in the Caribbean’s long list of the best sunny destinations in the world. With 35 spectacular beaches around its coasts, this another Dutch Caribbean holiday hotspot is blessed with immaculate white sands, pristine blue waters that are set upon a sweeping backdrop of the southern Caribbean.
The southwest coast of the island is home to many of Curacao’s intimate beaches that happen to be some of the best in the region. You can enjoy these beaches if you come at the right time – where there aren’t many people and make it your very own private beach.
From the soft white sands, and shady beaches of Blue Bay Beach, northwest of Willemstad, the vibrant and energetic ambiance of Jan Thiel Beach, the picturesque views of Playa Forti, to the longest and whitest beach in Curacao, Klein Curacao just 2 hours off the mainland. Curacao doesn’t just have nice beaches, it has plenty of them.
Are Beaches Free in Curacao?
While public beaches in the Caribbean are usually free, some public beaches in Curacao will charge around 3 USD as an entrance fee, or if you want to rent lounge chairs and umbrellas. However, most of the 35 beaches on the island are free of charge.
Beaches that ask for fees are usually privately owned, and the business that owns them can charge differently, but the common rate is around 3 USD. Some of the free beaches that live up to the hype of Curacao’s beaches are Daaibooibay, nestled between rocky terrain, this cove is perfect for tons of different water activities like swimming, snorkeling, and even lounging.
The Grote Knip Beach is one of Curacao’s best beaches, if not the best. This beach has epic views, vibrant turquoise waters, and fine white sands perfect for lounging. Klein Curacao, Curacao’s counterpart for Klein Bonaire, has the longest, and whitest sand in the country, this beach is perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and a nice itinerary for a quick escape from the mainland.
How Many Beaches Are There in Curacao?
The island has about 35 to 40 beaches that are some of the most beautiful you’ll see in the Caribbean. Most beaches have soft white sand, pristine turquoise blue waters, and expansive ocean views. What makes it all amazing is the contrast these beaches have with the ocean, sand, cacti, and rocky terrains that make for a postcard-worthy experience.
Most of the beaches that are considered hotspots for tourists sit at the southern coasts of the island just west of Willemstad. Beaches on the northwestern side are somewhat rugged and could make swimming a bit challenging, especially for inexperienced swimmers. The western coasts have tranquil waters protected by bays and coves that are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
How Warm Is the Water in Curacao?
Curacao has temperate waters that are mild enough for plenty of water activities, mainly swimming, snorkeling, and diving – probably Curacao’s top 3 must-dos. The water at Curacao’s beaches has an average temperature of 27 to 28 C or 81 to 82 F, which makes it perfect for water activities and especially for cooling down from the heat of the sun, without getting too chilly.
Other than the perfect water temperatures, to give you a perspective on how Curacao can be very ideal for your getaway is to look at other factors regarding the island’s temperature and climate. The island’s average temperature can go up to 29 C or 84 F. The island’s average accumulated precipitation is around 22 inches and can rain for only 70 days on average.
Do You Need Water Shoes in Curacao?
A lot of the beaches in Curacao have fine white sand on the surface and rougher ones under the water but only for around the first few steps. So if you’re the type to have tender feet and can’t tough it out for a few seconds then you might need some. However, it’s best always to be prepared in case you change your mind.
Water shoes can be light and affordable, you can always pack a pair in case you might find that the beach you’re at might make you consider going barefooted. Water shoes can protect your feet from sharp stones below, or just make you feel at ease and comfortable. It’s up to you.
Are There Jellyfish in Curacao?
You can spot and might even get stung by jellyfish in Curacao as they can appear from time to time, however, they don’t tend to cause a lot of problems that might endanger people. Just mere appearances of jellyfish in the waters can end up on local newspapers and word-of-mouth among locals.
So, if you’re staying at a hotel, you can always ask about the current jellyfish situation, you can even ask the locals if you’re friendly enough – don’t worry they speak English. Word is that jellyfish tend to draw near the beaches when wind direction changes, usually during hurricane season – not that Curacao gets to ever get hit by one.
Does Curacao Have Good Snorkeling?
Curacao is considered to have a good snorkeling scene where it offers underwater treasures, well-conserved marine environments, and good visibility. At the southern coastline of the island nation, you can enjoy the 20 km long Curacao Underwater Park.
This underwater nature park is home to a plethora of hard coral species and gardens of soft corals, along with shallow wrecks of the past, and steep submarine walls. You can find a snorkel trail with makers laid out that meander underwater just east of the Breezes resort. You can easily access the trail from the shore.
Where Should I Stay in for Snorkeling in Curacao?
If you decide to check out the island’s snorkeling scene, it’s best to stay in resorts that are situated near the Curacao Underwater Park on the southern coasts of the island. The nearest resorts are situated just near Willemstad and Sint Michiel like the Royal Sea Aquarium Resort, Lions Dive Beach Resort, and in Jan Thiel like Chogogo Resort, and Livingstone Jan Thiel Resort.
Are There Sharks in Curacao?
You don’t have to worry about sharks in Curacao, while they lurk around the waters of the Caribbean islands, they’re not much of a nuisance and aren’t generally harmful. The island hasn’t had any shark attack in recent years, probably because most sharks aren’t keen on going near the shores and beaches.
However, if you wish to see sharks out of their natural habitat you can check them out at the Sea Aquarium in Willemstad. You can also see other marine animals like seals, dolphins, rays, and many others.
What Kind of Sharks Are There in Curacao?
While shark sightings are extremely rare in Curacao, encountering them out into the sea is even harder. But, the sharks your most likely to see, if ever, in Curacao would be the harmless Nurse Sharks and the Caribbean Reef Sharks. These carnivorous marine animals are known to lurk in the deep blue sea and thus can rarely be seen by beachgoers and even snorkelers.
