If you’re trying to figure out the best beaches in Curaçao, this is where having a plan matters. The beaches aren’t all in one place—you’ll be driving between them—and they feel completely different from each other. Some are easy, some are low-key, and some are just better than others.
This is based on the beaches I went to, what I liked, and what I’d skip next time.
If you’re planning your full trip, check out my guide on Curaçao Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors to map out your days alongside these beaches.
If you’re flying in, I usually check flight options on Skyscanner first—it makes it easy to compare times and prices without opening ten tabs.
Most of the best beaches in Curaçao are on the west side of the island, so it’s easiest to group them into one day.
A few things that make your day smoother:
Also, I always throw a small dry bag and a portable charger in my beach bag—between swimming, navigating, and taking photos, your phone drains faster than you think.
These are the ones I’d prioritize first.
Entrance fee is around $6, and it’s easy to get to with clear, calm water.
This was my favorite overall. It’s more low-key, crystal clear water, and you can stay for a few hours without feeling like you need to move on (which is rare when you’re trying to see everything in one day).
No entrance fee, easy access, and the water color is the brightest blue I saw on the island.
This is the one you’ve probably seen in photos—and it lives up to it. It’s more popular, but still worth it.
If you want a deeper breakdown of timing, parking, and what to expect, learn more in my post about Grote Knip Curaçao Beach Guide (What to Know Before You Go).
Entrance fee is around $3.50.
This one stands out because of the pigs and the snorkeling. It’s more active and a little more crowded, but still worth visiting. We even saw a sea turtle here (which immediately makes any beach better).
If snorkeling is a priority, these are the ones to focus on.
This is the best snorkeling spot on the island.
There’s a shipwreck right offshore, and you can swim to it easily. If you’re only doing one snorkeling stop, this is it.
You can also book a guided snorkeling experience here through GetYourGuide if you want gear included and someone to point everything out—it’s helpful if you don’t want to figure it all out yourself.
You’ll drive down a dirt road to get here—it’s a little bumpy but manageable.
It’s quieter than Tugboat and still a good snorkeling spot, so it’s a solid backup if Tugboat feels too crowded.
This is a smaller beach with calm water and easy snorkeling right from shore. It’s simple and fun.
These feel a little more tucked away.
Small, quiet, and less crowded.
This is where you go when you want to slow things down a bit (and not feel like you’re constantly competing for space).
Right next to Grote Knip, but smaller and less busy.
Same water color, fewer people—which is a pretty good trade.
Another smaller beach that feels more relaxed.
Nothing flashy here, just a solid, easy beach stop.
These stand out for completely different reasons.
You will see sea turtles here—but go early.
It gets crowded quickly, and there are usually a lot of people in the water. Still worth it, just plan your timing so you’re not shoulder-to-shoulder trying to see them.
The pigs are what make this one different.
It’s not the most relaxing beach, but it’s memorable—and between the snorkeling and the setup, it ends up being one of the more fun stops.
These are the simplest to get to.
Entrance fee is around $3.50+, and this area is built up with beach clubs and restaurants.
It’s easy, but it feels more like “Florida meets Curaçao”—more crowded and less scenic compared to the west side beaches.
Entrance fee ranges from $3–$6.
Another easy option with restaurants and beach clubs. More going on, less of that quiet beach feel.
This just wasn’t my favorite.
Between the crowds and how built up it is, it didn’t compare to the other beaches on the island but I like the more rugged feel.
It’s a small cove with nice water and decent snorkeling, but it didn’t stand out.
With limited time, there are better beaches to prioritize.
If you want to hit multiple best beaches in Curaçao in one day, this is the easiest way to do it.
Start at Playa Piskado for turtles—go early.
Head to Playa Kenepa Grandi.
Stop at Playa Forti.
The view here is great, and you can cliff jump if you want (or just watch other people do it, which is what I did after eating).
Pick one:
This keeps everything in the same area and avoids unnecessary driving.
Save this for later on Pinterest so you have it when you’re planning.
If you want a more detailed breakdown of this exact route, check out my guide on West Side Beach Hopping in Curaçao: Porto Mari & Grote Knip Guide.
The best beaches in Curaçao aren’t all in one place, but that’s part of what makes it fun.
If you group your days by area and don’t try to do everything at once, you’ll get a lot more out of each stop (and spend less time in the car).
If I had to prioritize:
That’s a solid starting point. If you’re still deciding if it’s worth the trip, check out my Is Curaçao Worth Visiting? Honest Pros and Cons guide.
When you’re planning where to stay, I’d look for hotels closer to Willemstad or along the west side depending on your itinerary—you can browse hotels in Curaçao here to compare locations and pricing.
“Outside Terminal 3” is not a pickup location at PHX.
Before your driver pulls in, text them four things: your terminal, north or south side, door number, and inner or outer curb. Grab your bags first, then call them in. Drivers can wait free in the cell phone lot instead of circling. Getting through security is easy; getting picked up is the hard part.
Save this for your Phoenix trip ✈️
Come for the architecture, stay for the view.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross has been built into Sedona’s red rocks since 1956. The outside overlooks get busy, but inside is quiet, with huge windows framing the rocks. It’s free, takes 30-45 minutes, and has a paved, wheelchair-accessible ramp. Make sure to bring water in summer.
Save this for your trip planning!
Order it well done. Trust me.🍑🍕
Peach & Pancetta Pizza at Hideaway House in Sedona: roasted peaches, salty pancetta, ricotta, basil, extra-crispy crust. Split the house salad, grab a prickly pear lemonade, and get a patio table facing the red rocks. Skip the bread if you want room for another slice.
Save this for your Sedona trip✈️
Pack your bags, Denver is not just a mountain layover. RiNo alone can eat a full day between the murals, food, and bars. Skip the concert and hit Red Rocks midday instead, you’ll basically have it to yourself. Golden’s a 30-minute trip if you want a change of pace, and if food drives your travel like it does mine, Denver Central Market and BRUTØ deserve real time on the calendar. Give it three days minimum, four if you’re eating your way through it. Save this.
Stayed at The Maven in Denver’s Dairy Block and the location alone sold me, walking distance to Union Station and most of downtown, string lights right outside at night. The room was spacious and quiet, even had a swing in it. Real talk though, there’s a $28 daily resort fee and parking isn’t cheap, valet ran us $59 a day. Bed was a little firm, but that’s the only complaint I’ve got. Save this before you book.
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
