Rather than showcase, the long sandy beaches that attract tourists to other islands in the Caribbean, Curacao features smaller beaches in its numerous inlets. These inlets, known as "bocas" in Papiamentu, the island's most spoken language, will give you the sense that the beach is yours alone. Most of the island's tourism is centered on its western side; however, you will find more privacy on the rocky northern and eastern coasts. Each beach is different. Some will charge you admission while others will be free. Some will feature amenities like picnic tables while others will be appear untouched by development.
Most tourists who visit Curacao will go to Westpunt, the northwestern side of the island that is home to six different beaches. Playa Kalki's limestone cliffs provides a dramatic backdrop to a spot that draws snorkelers and scuba divers. Westpunt Beach is a pebble beach popular with anglers and people who enjoy walking. However, sunbathers will not like this beach. Knip Beach is popular with the locals and is a good place for a swim. For a more intimate place to swim and have a barbecue, consider Little Knip Beach. The shady Playa Kenapa comes alive at night where locals camp out and play music into the dawn. If you want to watch the sunset, visit the narrow Playa Jeremi.
Another large cluster of beaches can be found around Willenstad, Curacao's colonial capital city. Many of these beaches, like Hook's Hut, Kontiki Beach and Seaquarium Beach, are full-service beaches with bars, restaurants and vendors who rent out jet-skis and other watercraft. These are not the beaches to visit if you are looking for privacy, since many are situated near the city, resorts, tourist attractions and other residential areas.
Curacao is located near the Equator and experiences sun and warm temperatures all year. It is outside the hurricane belt, so summers are dry. The rainiest months are October to December where it gets about 3 inches of rain per month. The average high and average low changes little month by month. The warmest months, from July to September, have an average of 89 degrees F while the coolest average lows come in January and February at 76 degrees F.
