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Curaçao’s beaches by car

Many of Curaçao’s best-known beaches lie along the west coast, about an hour from Willemstad, where buses rarely go. With a rental car you stop where you like, swim in the morning and are back in town for dinner. Here is the route, and the beaches close to the city.

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The west coast route: Willemstad to Westpunt

Leave Willemstad on the road to Westpunt (Weg naar Westpunt). The main road is in good condition and the drive to Westpunt takes about an hour without stops.

Christoffel National Park lies along this road at Savonet. Its car routes are paved and suitable for any car. The park opens at 06:00, and a climb of the Christoffel mountain has to start by 10:00. Adults pay an entrance fee (US$15 in 2026).

Shete Boka National Park, on the north coast next to Christoffel, is where waves crash into rocky inlets. It is open daily from 08:00 to 16:00, with last entry at 15:00.

Grote Knip and Playa Piskado

Grote Knip (Kenepa Grandi), near Lagun and Westpunt, is a free public beach and one of the island’s best-known views. It is about 55 minutes from Punda.

Playa Piskado (Playa Grandi) in Westpunt is a fishermen’s beach where turtles often swim close to the shore. Parking is limited along a narrow access road, so arrive early.

Beaches close to Willemstad

Mambo Beach, about 10 minutes east of Punda next to the Curaçao Sea Aquarium, combines a beach with shops, bars and restaurants on the boulevard. The boulevard is free; the beach charges a small entrance fee.

Jan Thiel, about 15 minutes further east near Spanish Water, has a beach with restaurants and beach clubs. The beach charges an entrance fee during the day.

Tips for a beach day by car

Start early: parking at popular beaches fills up, and the sun is strongest at midday.

Take water, sun protection and some cash for entrance fees and snacks.

Do not leave valuables visible in the car.

Fill up near Willemstad before you head west, and plan to drive back before dark.

Which car for the beaches?

The main road west is paved, and any car can drive it. A higher car is more comfortable on the unpaved side roads to quieter bays, and a bigger boot helps with snorkel gear and beach chairs.

Driving times from Willemstad

Without traffic, from Punda:

Mambo Beach: about 10 minutes.

Jan Thiel: about 15 to 20 minutes.

Shete Boka: about 50 minutes.

Grote Knip and Playa Piskado: about 55 minutes.

Westpunt: about an hour.

Questions and answers

Which beaches in Curaçao are worth the drive?
On the west coast, Grote Knip and Playa Piskado are popular stops, easy to combine with Shete Boka and Christoffel National Park. Close to Willemstad, Mambo Beach and Jan Thiel are under 20 minutes away.
How long is the drive from Willemstad to Westpunt?
About an hour without stops.
Do I pay to enter beaches in Curaçao?
Some beaches are free, such as Grote Knip. Others, such as Mambo Beach and Jan Thiel, charge an entrance fee during the day.

Sources

Last checked: 5 November 2026