01West coast road trip: Willemstad to Westpunt
Leave Willemstad early, fill up the tank, and head west on the road to Westpunt. These stops are in driving order:
- Sint Willibrordus salt pansPull over at the salt flats near Jan Kok to see the flamingos. Stay on the road side and keep your distance.
- DaaibooiA small, calm bay surrounded by cliffs. Good for a first swim.
- Playa Porto Mari & Cas AbaoTwo beach clubs with soft sand, sunbeds and snack bars. Both charge an entrance fee.
- Playa LagunA narrow cove between cliffs with clear water. Great for snorkelling.
- Grote Knip (Kenepa Grandi)The postcard beach of Curaçao: white sand, turquoise water and a viewpoint on the hill as you arrive.
- Kleine KnipGrote Knip's little sister, a few minutes further, with shade under the trees.
- Playa PiskadoFishermen clean their catch at the pier, and sea turtles often come close. Snorkel calmly and don't touch them.
- Playa Forti & WestpuntWatch the cliff jumpers, have lunch with a view and enjoy the sunset on the far west.
On the way back, stop at Shete Boka National Park to see the waves crash into the caves on the north coast. Nature lovers can combine the day with Christoffel National Park, home to the island's highest hill.
02Beaches close to Willemstad
No time for the west? These beaches are 10 to 20 minutes from town:
- Mambo BeachLively beach boulevard with beach clubs, restaurants and shops
- Jan ThielBeach clubs, calm water and sunset drinks
- Tugboat (Caracasbaai)Snorkel over a sunken tugboat in shallow water
- Blue BayA long, sandy beach in a resort setting west of Willemstad
03Tips for a beach day by car
- Start early. The popular beaches and their car parks fill up around midday, especially at weekends.
- Bring some cash. Beach clubs charge an entrance fee, and snack bars don't always take cards.
- Fill up before you go west. There are few gas stations in the far west.
- Pack water shoes and reef-safe sunscreen. Many coves have rocky entries and living coral.
- Keep valuables out of sight. Take bags and phones with you, or don't bring them.
- Shake off the sand. Rinse feet and put a towel on the seats: a cleaning fee applies when a car comes back with lots of beach sand.
04Which car for the beaches?
Every car in our fleet reaches all the beaches in this guide; you don't need a 4x4. A compact car is easiest to park at busy coves. An SUV sits higher and is more comfortable on the bumpier side roads, and has more room for coolers and snorkel gear.
New to the island's roads? Read our guide to driving in Curaçao before you set off.
