Best Curacao Beaches Near The Cruise Port
A jewel of the Dutch Caribbean, Curaçao is renowned for its stunning landscape of over 40 cove beaches and a consistent, hurricane-free climate as part of the ABC Islands. Conveniently located at the heart of Willemstad, the Curacao cruise terminal places you moments away from the capital city’s UNESCO World Heritage sites and is just a short drive from the island's most breathtaking beaches.
Spend your morning wandering through Willemstad’s colorful streets lined with historic pastel buildings and sample fresh dragon fruit at the floating market. By afternoon, you’ll find yourself basking on a white sand beach invited by its azure waters.
Ready to explore paradise? We’ve rounded up the top 9 beaches near the cruise port, each accessible within a 50-minute car ride.
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On this Page:
- Mambo Beach
- Kokomo Beach
- Jan Thiel Beach
- Tugboat Beach
- Playa Porto Mari
- Cas Abao Beach
- Grote Knip Beach
- Playa Piskado
Mambo Beach Willemstad Curaçao
15 minutes from port
Best for: Families and shoppers
Mambo Beach, also known as Aquarium Beach, is the closest beach to cruise port in Curacao, making it a top pick for families and shoppers alike. Situated along the bustling Mambo Beach Boulevard–a hub for shopping, dining, and nightlife–this man-made beach offers something for everyone.
To reach Mambo Beach Curacao from cruise ports, there are several convenient options. You can take a short taxi ride, rent a car car, or catch a bus down the boulevard.
The entry fee for Mambo Beach is only $3.50 per person, with lounge chair rentals available for an additional $4.00 each.
The beach is well-equipped with family-friendly amenities including water sports, volleyball courts, children's play areas, and a boardwalk, making it a top pick for the best beach in Curacao from cruise ship ports for families.
The nearby Curacao Sea Aquarium ranks as one of the best in the world, where guests can swim with dolphins, feed sharks, and enjoy the underwater marine observatory.
For adults, Mambo Beach doesn’t disappoint. Beachfront bars and restaurants line the beach, where you can unwind with a cocktail. Mambo Beach Boulevard Curacao regularly features live music and cultural events, providing a dynamic and immersive experience for beachgoers.
Guests seeking natural, unspoiled beaches of Curacao might find Mambo Beach too busy and should consider other, less popular options.
Kokomo Beach Curaçao
15 minutes from port
Best for: Families and novice snorkelers
If you're looking for a Curacao beach close to cruise ports, Kokomo Beach is a top pick among Willemstad beaches. The Kokomo beach entry fee is completely free, although guests have the option to rent a beach bed for just $3.50, making it an accessible and inexpensive spot for a day of sun and sea.
Located on the western part of the island, this beach is well-equipped with amenities including a restaurant, dive shop, showers, and ample beach chairs, naming it one of the best Curacao beaches.
Kokomo Curacao is known for its calm waters and coral reefs, making it an ideal location for families and novice snorkelers to explore underwater life safely. Every Sunday, the beach comes to life with live music, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for care-free dancing and socializing.
Don’t forget to snap Kokomo beach photos under its iconic sign, set on waterfront swings–a backdrop to many visitor pictures. If you're lucky, you might also spot flamingos strolling along the shoreline.
Since Kokomo Beach is a popular beach with many affordable perks, it can get quite crowded on weekends. To secure a good spot, consider arriving early. Luckily, Kokomo is the closest beach to Curacao cruise ports from certain exits, making it convenient to reach early in the day.
Jan Thiel Beach Curaçao
25 minutes from port
Best for: Young adults and partygoers
For young adults and party goers looking for a good time, look no further than Jan Thiel. Positioned just southeast of Willemstad, it's a straightforward 25 minute drive via taxi or bus. This beach is lined with sophisticated restaurants, a well-equipped dive shop, and comfortable beach chairs. Jan Thiel beach entrance fees are $3 per person until 5 PM, after which it’s free.
The beach transforms into a lively party scene at sunset, featuring top DJs and flowing cocktails from resort beach clubs like Papagayo Beach Jan Thiel. This trendy oceanfront hotspot is known for its casino, live music, and the best nightlife in Curacao.
The festive vibe coupled with high-end amenities makes Jan Thiel one of the best beaches in Curacao near cruise ports for partygoers looking for resort-style excitement. Jan Thiel Bay is located close to the beach and offers unique diving experiences where you can spot colorful parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish grazing the coral gardens.
This area is pricier and more popular than other local beaches, so it can get crowded on weekends and holidays. If you’re seeking a quieter experience, visit on a weekday or during hours when the beach is not as busy.
Tugboat Beach Curaçao
25 minutes from port
Best for: Divers and snorkelers
Just southeast of Jan Thiel you’ll find Tugboat Beach which is among the best beaches Curacao offers for diving and snorkeling. Conveniently located near the Curacao cruise port, it’s a prime spot for memorable Curacao shore excursions.
Named one of the best Curacao public beaches, Tugboat Beach is famous for its unique underwater attraction—a sunken tugboat, surrounded by coral and vibrant sea life. Lying 50 meters from shore, the tugboat wreck creates an incredible dive and snorkel site.
Entrance to Tugboat Beach is free, and basic amenities such as restaurants and toilets are easily available to all guests. We recommend visiting the Tugboat Beach Bar, a guest favorite, where you’ll find exotic drinks and delicious barbecue.
The beach area has a smaller and rockier shoreline making space limited, but the exceptional diving opportunities will make the visit worth your while.
Playa Porto Mari Curaçao
30 minutes from port
Best for: Divers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers
Widely regarded as the island’s most picturesque beach, Playa Porto Marie is a fantastic choice for Curacao cruise visitors seeking an active day along the northwest coast.
Located close to the Curacao cruise terminal, Playa Porto Mari is easy to reach by taxi. However, be sure to arrange your return ride in advance, as taxis aren’t readily available near the beach.
The $3 per person entry fee will get you full access to some of the best diving experiences on the island. Entry is free for children under 4.
While Playa Porto Mari’s unique double reef is too deep for snorkelers, there are also shallower reef balls and cliffs to explore. Snorkel rentals are available at the dive shop if you don’t bring your own. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for an additional $3.50.
Expect the unique sight of Playa Porto Marie pigs roaming the white sands and lounging in shady mud pools. Beyond the beach, a single restaurant offers delicious meals, refreshing cocktails, and tasty ice cream.
Playa PortoMari is also known for its three scenic nature trails perfect for hiking and mountain biking, where visitors can spot exotic wildlife and capture stunning Playa Porto Mari photos.
While it's a popular Curacao beach near cruise ports, we advise you to head to Playa Porto Mari from cruise port docks early to find a good spot.
Cas Abao Beach Curaçao
40 minutes from port
Best for: Relaxation seekers and beautiful views
Set your sights on Cas Abao, one of the best beaches of Curacao, where iridescent turquoise waters and soft white sands await. Nestled just north of Playa Porto Marie, Cas Abaos is a picturesque scene, perfect for relaxing under the swaying palm trees, or snorkeling alongside barracudas and manta rays in crystal clear waters.
For those wondering how to get to Cas Abao Beach from cruise ports, it’s a straightforward 40-minute ride by taxi or rental car.
Cas Abao offers extensive amenities including over 18 palapas for shade, a daiquiri beach bar, restaurants, a dive shop, water sports, showers, and a massage area. Celebrated for its unique marine life, the beach offers seasonal sightings of dolphins and whales from November through February.
Cas Abao's entry fee is $6-7 for a car with four passengers, and a $1.40 charge for each additional person. We recommend arriving early to secure your spot in paradise. As one of the premier beaches near Curacao cruise ports with exceptional views and plenty of things to do, Cas Abao is definitely worth the longer drive.
Grote Knip Beach Curaçao
50 minutes from port
Best for: Photographers and nature lovers
One of the island’s most naturally beautiful and untouched beaches is Grote Knip, also known as Playa Kenepa Grandi or Knip Beach, Curacao. Located at the northern tip, the public beach offers a serene, rustic escape from more crowded tourist spots. Public buses typically don't stop near Grote Knop, and catching a taxi can get pricey. For a hassle-free day, we suggest renting a car for the day to fully enjoy this beach.
Entry to Grote Knip Curaçao is free–allowing easy access to its white sands and clear blue waters–while beach chair rentals are available for $5 each. As a public beach, it’s a great place to meet locals and immerse yourself in the island’s authentic culture.
From the unspoiled landscape to vibrant marine life just beneath the water’s surface, this beach is a haven for photographers wanting to capture the perfect Knip Beach Curacao photos,
If you’re in the mood for adventure, several tours and activities are available to book ahead of your arrival, like snorkeling and ATV riding. The snorkeling here is phenomenal, and the chance to swim with Grote Knip beach turtles is a highly rated experience.
While Knip Beach’s beauty is undeniable, visitors should be aware that it has limited facilities. It’s wise to bring along any essentials you'll need for a beach day, like water, snacks and sunscreen. Whether you join a shore excursion or explore on your own, Grote Knip is sure to be a highlight of your Curaçao visit.
Playa Piskado Beach Curaçao
50 minutes from port
Best for: Nature lovers and culture enthusiasts
Just north of Grote Knip, Playa Piskado shines as one of the top beaches in Curacao, offering a unique window into the island’s vibrant marine life and authentic local culture.
Despite being small, Playa Piskado’s appeal lies in its proximity to nature and local traditions. The calm, warm water provides an opportunity to swim or snorkel with a plethora of sea turtles, especially when the local fishermen arrive to clean their catch and the turtles rally for lunch. The fishermen also interact with visitors, providing an intimate glimpse into island life and making it uniquely the best beach Curacao offers.
Entry to Playa Piskado beach is free, and lounge chairs are available for only $3 each. Facilities at this beach are minimal, with no restrooms and a single snack bar that only opens on weekends, so it’s a good idea to come well-prepared for your beach day.
Opting for a rental car is the best bargain for a straightforward 50-minute drive from Willemstad, Curacao cruise port to Playa Piskado. It's easy to combine a trip to Playa Piskado with other nearby locations like Grote Knip, with many excursions available that explore both. Or, for a relaxed day in the sun, consider a hop-on/hop-off bus that tours various beaches, including Playa Piskado.
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FAQ’s
Q: What are the best Willemstad Curacao Beaches near cruise port exits?
A: The best beaches near Willemstad are Mambo Beach, Kokomo Beach, Jan Thiel, Tugboat Beach, Playa Porto Mari, Cas Abao, Grote Knip, and Playa Piskado.
Q: How can I get to Curacao beaches from cruise port exits?
A: Taxis are the most convenient modes of transportation if you're trying to get to the best beach in Curacao near cruise ports. Buses are a cheaper option, but you may have to wait longer since they run on schedules.
Q: How to get to Mambo Beach from cruise port exits?
A: Taxi services are available from the cruise port and prices vary depending on the amount of people in your group. Bus services from Willemstad to Post Punda also run once every two hours.
Q: How far is Mambo Beach from cruise port?
A: Mambo Beach is about a 15-minute drive from the cruise port.
Q: How far is Kokomo Beach from cruise port?
A: Kokomo Beach is about a 15-minute drive from the cruise port.
Q: How far is Jan Thiel Beach from cruise port?
A: Jan Thiel Beach is about a 25-minute drive from the cruise port.
Q: How far is Tugboat Beach from cruise port?
A: Tugboat Beach is about a 25-minute drive from the cruise port.
Q: How far is Playa Porto Mari Beach from cruise port?
A: Playa Porto Mari Beach is about a 30-minute drive from the cruise port.
Q: How far is Cas Abao Beach from cruise port?
A: Cas Abao Beach is about a 40-minute drive from the cruise port.
Q: How far is Grote Knip Beach from cruise port?
A: Grote Knip Beach is about a 50-minute drive from the cruise port.
Q: How far is Playa Piskado Beach from cruise port?
A: Playa Piskado Beach is about a 50-minute drive from the cruise port.
Q: Which beach in Curacao has pigs?
A: Playa Porto Mari has pigs roaming the sands and lounging in mud pools.
Q: Where to see turtles in Curacao?
A: Grote Knip, Playa Piskado, Kokomo, Tugboat Beach, Playa Porto Mari, and Cas Abao are all home to sea turtles.
Q: Where to see flamingos in Curacao?
A: The village of Williwood (Sint Willibrordus) hosts a flamingo sanctuary home to around 400 flamingos. Alternatively, you may find flamingos along Kokomo beach if you’re lucky.
