Top 5 Free Beaches in Curacao

Paradise is affordable in Curacao.  In our humble opinions, it is the Caribbean island that offers the most bang for its buck!!

BF and I stayed at a cottage we rented through VRBO.com for 8 nights and, honestly, we could have easily spent all of our time there exclusively.  The rental had fabulous coral accessible from its own private jetty.

Views from the cottage, Casa Ba-ooo.

The green cottage next door is awesome, as well.  It has its own small ocean water soaking pool.  We were fortunate enough to have great neighbors who invited us over for drinks.  There is enough privacy between the two cottages, though, so no pressure to socialize.

It's worth noting that if you stay at either of these 2 cottages, access to Playa Cas Abao is free.  Cas Abao is rated in the top two beaches on the island according to TripAdvisor, but it is not free to the public.  Normally costs 10 guilder to enter.  It is truly breathtaking, and among our top 3 favorite beaches visited.

Cas Abao

However, enough about the amazing house we rented.

Once you get to Curacao, there are plenty of gorgeous free beaches to visit.  Many beaches have entrance fees, but we loved these spots just as much as their paid counterparts.   

***A few of these free beaches will charge for chair/shelter rentals.

Here is a list of our favorite free beaches in Curacao:

1. Grote Knip

Grote Knip from Overlook

Grote Knip, Snorkeling

Crystal clear water, 5-star snorkeling, and fine white sand beach.  Snorkel to the left (along the cliff-front of the overlook) for big underwater boulders with lots of coral and fish.  This reef was probably the best we saw all week.   Plenty of tables and benches here along with snack bar and restrooms.

2.  DaaiBooi Baai Beach

View from a Palapa @ DaaiBooi

Super chill.  Fine white sand beach with free palapas; we saw people hammocking from them.   This is definitely a local spot.  We loved Robbert's chickens that roamed around the little lunch shack and palm trees. Hearing roosters cock-a-doodle-doo in the mid-afternoon sun was funny on a beach in tropical paradise.

Robbert's Funky Chickens

3. Klein Knip

Klein Knip

Adjacent to Grote Knip lies this little gem.  Less populated than Grote Knip and, obviously, smaller (Klein literally means "small").   Gorgeous little cove features palm trees and great coral as well, though less in quantity than its big sister.

Klein Knip is the only beach listed here that does not have a permanent structure selling food/drinks and restrooms.  ***Vendors sometimes present with drinks and snacks.

4. Playa Lagun

Lunch from Bahia @ Playa Lagun

We had lunch at Bahia, a small restaurant/dive center/apartments perched on a cliff overlooking Lagun.  Shout out to Annie for being so sweet!!

We were told to get to Playa Lagun early for a chance at watching turtle feedings.  While we missed out on that magic, we enjoyed watching local families and groups play in the still, clear waters here.

5. Playa Forti

Cliff Jump from Playa Forti

Feeling down for a thrill?!  Jumping from the cliff at Playa Forti is a rush we highly recommend.  Unfortunately, some of us are not as graceful as others.  Try to stick to the pencil technique instead of going spread eagle.

The beach at Forti may leave something to be desired; but, the adrenaline from airtime between the edge and water makes up for any trash that might be scattered here or there.

Two restaurants perch atop cliffs overlooking Forti, Playa Piscado, and Playa Grandi.  The bay was full of boats the afternoon we stopped by and the restaurants looked busy every time we passed (a good sign!).

Playa Forti Beach with view of Playa Piscado/ Playa Grandi

Other free beaches that we have not visited include:

Playa Kalki

Playa Jeremi

Kokomo Beach

Santa Cruz Beach

Parasasa Beach

Some general tips for beach-hopping in Curacao:

1.  Try to go before lunch for maximum activity on the coral reef.

2.  Most beaches open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m.

3.  Another reason to get up and go early:  Shade goes quickly.  If you're looking to chill for a long time, you will appreciate a way to take breaks from the sun.

4.  Bring along plenty of water;  snorkeling and being in the intense heat is extremely dehydrating!!