Around The Caribbean contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our privacy policy for more information.
Curacao is a Dutch Caribbean island location 44 miles off the coast of Venezuela.
Dutch is the official language spoken by the natives but have no fear as English is also widely used.
The official currency of Curacao is the Netherland Antillean Guilders. Nevertheless, US dollars are widely accepted around the island.
In this post, we explore the top 5 beaches to visit if you are in Curacao on a cruise.
These are near the cruise port terminal for ease of access on the island.
1. Mambo Beach
This is the closest beach near the cruise port and unfortunately you cannot walk to this location. It is about 15 minutes from the cruise port by taxi and is approximately 7 kilometres away.
Getting a taxi at the cruise port is very easy and there are marked signs to direct you to where the taxi stand is located.
To be cost effective, one may consider sharing with other individuals as Mambo Beach is a popular spot for visitors.
The Mambo Beach is part of the Mambo Beach Boulevard where one can find bars, cafes, restaurants, jewelery stores and so much more. It is a great area to rest and relax for a day.
Bliss the Berry is the newest place to visit at Mambo beach and it specializes in all-day lunch and breakfast —think pancakes, refreshed smoothies, açaí bowls, and freshly roasted coffee.
During sunset, go to Chill beach bar for a front-row seat to witness the beautiful sun.
The bar is right on the coast and has many wooden tables and comfortable hammocks.
Like multiple of southern Curacao’s coasts, Mambo beach is artificial and covered by a rocky wall which created a calm swimming area.
2. Blue Bay Beach
Blue Bay beach is found along Curacao’s central west coast and is only a 15 minutes drive or 10 km from the Curacao Cruise Terminal.
A secluded coast operated by Blue Bay beach resort, there is an $8 USD Blue Bay beach entry fee, including restrooms and sunbeds.
There is a selection of bars and restaurants on the premises as well as a diving school.
The bay is private and peaceful thanks to the rocky outcrops made to guard it.
Furthermore, there’s a shallow drop to the water’s edge, making it among the most excellent beachfront in Curacao for children.
It’s also a fantastic place to do nothing—after all, what are holidays for?
Get a chair at the Blue Bay Beach resort and carry up a fine book or drink under the shadow of the palm trees.
If you desire to stay near the coast, consider staying at the resort, which is one of the finest Curacao choices.
3. Playa Porto Marie
This broad sweeping coast, found only 25 km from the cruise terminal, has gorgeous white sand and transparent waters and is an ideal choice for snorkeling and swimming.
As the slope down to the water’s edge is soft and private, this beach makes for a fantastic option if you search for the finest coasts in Curacao for families.
Another unique highlight of this place is its swimming pigs!
You may have witnessed the well-known pigs in the Bahamas, but Curacao has its own version.
Pigs swim and stroll along the coast, although they do so on their own time, so they might not always be seen here.
The beach has essential amenities, including a restaurant / snack bar, restrooms and showers, beach massage, and a diving school.
You can rent convenient lockers if you desire to head for a more prolonged snorkel.
The Seru Mateo hiking course is just behind the coast if you like a few more thrilling activities.
If you are searching for the finest snorkeling shores in Curacao, Playa Porto Marie is popular for its double reef.
4. Playa Santa Cruz
Playa Santa Cruz is well worth seeing if you are searching for a seaside in Curacao with more things to do and amenities.
The beach is found nearly 35 km from the Curacao cruise port.
It is one of the most suitable shores in Curacao for snorkeling and you can take a boat trip from here to the Blue Room, which is a stunning aquatic cave.
There are no water equipment companies nearby so you need to carry your own snorkeling gear.
Another way to visit the Blue Room cave is by hiking along the summit of the ridges for about 15 minutes.
This way, you can witness the cave without taking the boat trip, but you will be required to jump from the rocks into the water at the Blue Room.
5. Playa Kenepa Grandi
Possibly the most excellent seaside in Curacao, Grote Knip as it is also called is certainly among the prettiest, with stunning turquoise waters and picturesque natural white sand.
Almost a 45-minute to 1-hour drive or 42 km North from the Curacao Cruise Terminal, the beach is a fantastic spot to spend some hours resting and swimming in the stunning waters.
Furthermore, Playa Kenepa Grandi is home to a few of the finest snorkeling in Curacao under the ridges at both ends of the beach.
The beach is among the most famous public beachfront in Curacao among residents so it can get crowded on public holidays and weekends.
During the week, the location is more peaceful and private. There are not too many amenities here so make sure and carry any essentials that you may need.
There is a small snack bar that provides refreshments at more reasonable costs than many of the other shores.
Final Thoughts
We trust that you found the information above valuable as you enjoy the beach while on a Caribbean cruise in Curacao.
The island is well loved by persons who enjoy hiking and diving. Christoffel National Park is one of the ideal locations for flora, fauna and wildlife.
There are a total of eight hiking trails.
Hope that you will love the island so much that you will consider booking a return visit to enjoy more of Curacao.
Need More Information?
Feel free to browse our website for more content on Curacao and the rest of the Caribbean by using the search bar located at the top of this page.
We believe that the articles listed below may also be helpful.
What Are The Pros & Cons of Living In Curacao
Best Currency For Curacao ( The Ultimate Guide)