Free beaches

Bandabou & Westpunt, Curaçao

Explore six beaches on Curaçao’s Bandabou coast, from Santa Cruz to the fishing village of Westpunt. Follow this self-guided driving route for sheltered coves, sea views and time in the water. Beach access is free; transport, food, loungers, umbrellas, equipment and other optional services are extra. Check any posted charges locally.

Allow a full day and choose two or three longer swims rather than rushing to swim at every stop. The suggested stop durations are flexible and exclude driving. Travel by car or arrange transport in advance, and download your map before leaving.

Bring drinking water, a picnic, sun protection, a towel, water shoes and your own snorkel gear. Facilities and shade vary. Check sea conditions before entering, keep clear of boats, never stand on coral, and give turtles and other wildlife space. Take your litter away. Several beaches have steps or uneven access, so check suitability if you have limited mobility.

The route also touches local history: the Kenepa area is associated with Tula’s 1795 struggle against slavery, while Playa Forti overlooks a site with a former British fort.

Bandabou beach day: Santa Cruz to Westpunt

Playa Santa Cruz

Begin at this broad bay on the Bandabou coast, south of Lagun. Mangroves attract birdlife and can reduce underwater visibility, making Santa Cruz a good stop for enjoying the shoreline and watching birds. Walk along the beach, take in the landscape and ease into the day before continuing north.

Playa Jeremi

Pause at a compact cove near Lagun, framed by rocky slopes. Jeremi offers a quieter setting for a beach break, with uneven rock-cut steps down from the parking area and little shade. Leave time to enjoy the view before deciding whether conditions suit a swim.

Playa Kenepa Chiki (Kleine Knip)

Kenepa Chiki, also known as Kleine Knip, is the smaller neighbour of Kenepa Grandi. Its compact setting makes it a pleasant place to slow down with a book, a picnic or a swim. Choose this stop for a longer beach break if you prefer a smaller cove.

Playa Kenepa Grandi (Grote Knip)

Also called Grote Knip, this beach pairs pale sand with turquoise water and a sweeping bay view. Enjoy the panorama before settling down for a swim or picnic. Nearby Kenepa plantation is where Tula’s uprising against slavery began on 17 August 1795, an important part of Curaçao’s history.

Playa Piskadó (Playa Grandi)

This working fishing beach in Westpunt connects a beach visit with everyday island life. Boats and fishing activity remain part of the setting, and sea turtles are often seen nearby, though sightings are never guaranteed. The shoreline can be rocky, so take your time entering and leaving the water.

Playa Forti

Finish in Westpunt with a view over the boats and coastline. Playa Forti has coarse brown sand and pebbles, with steep access down to the water. Above the beach, the restaurant opened in 1958 on the ruins of a British fort from the Napoleonic era, adding historical context to the panorama.