Klein Curaçao: a day trip to the uninhabited island

Beaches & nature · 3 min read · Checked November 8, 2026

Short answer

Klein Curaçao (Little Curaçao) is a small, flat island about 10 km southeast of Curaçao where nobody lives. It has the longest and whitest beach of Curaçao, an old lighthouse, a stranded tanker and crystal-clear water for snorkelling. The only way to get there is by boat, on a day trip from Curaçao.

How to get there

Klein Curaçao lies about 10 km off the southeast tip of Curaçao and covers only 1.7 km². You can only go by boat: catamarans, sailboats and speedboats run day trips. On the bigger boats the crossing takes about two hours, speedboats are faster. The crossing is over open sea and can be rough, so if you get seasick easily, take something before you leave.

What you see

The beach: soft white sand and clear turquoise water, perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
The lighthouse: the first lighthouse was built in 1850. A hurricane destroyed it in 1877, and the lighthouse you see now stands further inland.
The shipwreck: on the rough windward side lies the small tanker Maria Bianca Guidesman, slowly broken up by the waves since 1988. Remains of other boats lie high on the shore.
Sea turtles: hawksbill, loggerhead and green turtles nest on the beaches, and you may see them in the water.
History: the remains of an old quarantine building recall the slave trade, when the Dutch West India Company kept sick people here before they reached Curaçao. From 1871 to 1886 phosphate was mined on the island.

The white beach of Klein Curaçao with turquoise water and a boat at anchor

Protected nature

Since 2018 Klein Curaçao is a protected Ramsar wetland. Seabirds such as least terns nest here, and migrating shorebirds rest on the shores. Take all your rubbish back with you and keep your distance from nesting turtles and birds.

Tips for your day

There is little shade. Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
Most trips include snorkelling, drinks and a lunch or barbecue. Check what is included before you book.
There are no shops on the island. Bring a towel and water shoes, and a walk to the lighthouse and the wreck in the heat needs water.
Book early in the high season, as trips fill up.

Klein Curaçao is even on the national flag: it is the smaller of the two stars. Read what the flag means.

Sources: Curaçao Tourist Board and Wikipedia, Klein Curaçao.

Photos: Klein Curaçao, from the Curaçao Tourist Board gallery.

Plan it

Klein Curaçao Day Trip on the Mermaid · Klein Curaçao · USD 150 per adult, USD 75 ages 4–12, under 4 free
Klein Curaçao by Speedboat: Powerboat Caribbean’s Fast RIB, Barbecue and Open Bar · Klein Curaçao · USD 169 per adult, USD 135 per child (6 to 11)
Klein Curaçao Day Trip on the Gold Seahorse · Klein Curaçao · USD 135 per person, children 4–12 USD 70, under 4 free
Private Boat Trip to Klein Curaçao on Living Life’s 41 ft Boat · Klein Curaçao · From USD 1,450 for up to 2 guests

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Klein Curaçao?

Only by boat. Catamarans, sailboats and speedboats run day trips from Curaçao. Nobody lives on the island and there are no ferries.

How long is the boat trip to Klein Curaçao?

About two hours on the bigger boats, less by speedboat. The crossing is over open sea and can be rough.

Does anyone live on Klein Curaçao?

No. The only buildings are an old lighthouse, a beach house, a few huts for day visitors and some fishermen’s huts.

Can you see turtles at Klein Curaçao?

Hawksbill, loggerhead and green sea turtles nest on its beaches, and you may see them in the water. Keep your distance and never touch them.

What should I bring to Klein Curaçao?

Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a towel, water shoes and something against seasickness if you need it. Most trips include drinks and lunch.