If you’re on vacation in Curacao, a day trip to Klein Curacao is an absolute must. While Curacao’s beaches are stunning, wait until you set foot on Klein Curacao. Crystal-clear water, pristine white sand, and not a soul in sight – the island is uninhabited, making it the ultimate secluded paradise. However, there is one minor drawback: the boat ride. In this post, we’ll share everything you need to know about a day trip to Klein Curacao and our personal experience.
What’s Included?
Most boat tours to Klein Curacao have a similar offering:
- Cost: Between €100 and €150
- Activities: Relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, visiting the lighthouse and shipwrecks
- Food and Drinks:
- Breakfast: A light meal before departure
- Lunch: A nice BBQ with baguettes and salads
- Drinks: Alcoholic beverages for a small price, free water and juice.
- Transport: The boatride takes about two hours one-way.
- Pick-up: Early in the morning, around 07:00, arrival at Klein Curacao at 10:00
- Return: You head back around 15:00 to Curacao, and arrive at 17:00
Practical tips
Klein Curacao is a remote, uninhabited island with no facilities, so it’s essential to pack wisely. Keep in mind that you’ll either swim to shore or take a small dinghy, so pack light and be prepared for your belongings to get wet. Here’s what you should definitely bring:
- Anti-seasickness medication: If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is a must for the boat ride to and from the island.
- Reef-safe sunscreen: The sun is intense, and there’s little shade on the island. Protect the marine life while keeping your skin safe from the sun.
- GoPro or underwater camera: Perfect for capturing those unforgettable moments with sea turtles and other marine life.
- Light cover-up or UV-shirt: Great for additional sun protection when you’re not swimming or while snorkeling.
- Hat and sunglasses: Essential for extra sun protection, especially during midday.
- Sturdy shoes (not flip-flops): Ideal for walking around the island, especially if you plan to explore the lighthouse or shipwrecks.
- Extra snacks and drinks: While lunch and water are provided, having a few snacks and your favorite drink can come in handy.
- Towels and swimsuit: For drying off and relaxing on the beautiful beach.
- Snorkeling gear: If you prefer to use your own, bring it along. (Many tours, like ours, provide snorkeling gear for free.)
The History of Klein Curacao
Though the island looks like a beautiful postcard, its history is less idyllic. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the West India Company used Klein Curacao as a quarantine station for enslaved Africans. Sick individuals were left on the island before being brought to Curacao, and many who didn’t survive were buried there. As you explore the island, you’ll notice the remnants of old structures once used for this dark purpose. Nowadays, Klein Curacao is a peaceful and pristine getaway, drawing visitors with its natural beauty and untouched beaches.
The Boat Ride
The boat ride to Klein Curacao takes about two hours, and getting there is half the battle.
On our trip, the waves were quite intense. At first, the rocking of the boat was fun as we bounced over the water, holding on tight. But after about 30 minutes, I started to feel nauseous, and I wasn’t alone. I ended up sitting with four others at the front of the boat, bonding over our shared sea sickness. One by one, breakfast made its unwelcome return, and by the time we reached the island, most of us were feeling pretty rough.
Once you arrive at Klein Curacao, you can either swim to shore or take a dinghy. Apparently, the best cure for seasickness is a dip in cold water. So, we were advised to jump into the ocean and swim to shore, which indeed helped ease the nausea. Once on land, the queasiness began to fade, and we were ready to explore the island.
Exploring the Island
Climbing the Lighthouse
A 10-minute walk from the beach brings you to the island’s iconic pink lighthouse, which is definitely worth a climb. We even spotted an iguana hanging out inside! Standing 22 meters tall, the lighthouse has been rebuilt three times and still functions today, powered by solar panels. Though it looks dilapidated, its light shines every night. Be cautious as the stairs are a bit shaky.
Visiting the Shipwrecks
Thanks to strong winds and tricky currents, several ships have run aground on Klein Curacao’s shores. The flat landscape makes it hard for ships to spot the island in the first place. There are two wrecks to explore, located on the opposite side of the island.
One is the rusted oil tanker Maria Bianca Guidesman, stranded in 1982:
The other is a smaller French sailboat, Tschao, which ran aground in 2007. Both are fascinating to explore after climbing the lighthouse:
The Beach
The island’s real highlight is, without a doubt, the beach. The sand is blindingly white, and the water is a dazzling shade of turquoise. Although the seabed doesn’t have much coral or fish, it’s home to plenty of sea turtles, making it one of the best snorkeling spots in Curacao. Swimming with these gentle creatures was an unforgettable experience. Occasionally, dolphins and rays are spotted around the island, though we weren’t lucky enough to see them this time.
Our Tip: Explore the shipwrecks and lighthouse first before lounging on the beach. This way, you’ll avoid the midday heat during your walk and enjoy the beach when it’s at its best. Most people head straight to the sand after the boat ride, so if you walk first, you’ll have the sights to yourself.
Lunch and Return Trip
Lunch was well-organized, with a buffet offering a variety of options including meat, fish, vegetarian dishes, salads, and bread. After filling up, we took a final swim in the ocean before the boat ride back to Curacao.
By the time we boarded the boat for the return journey, we were exhausted. Luckily, some fellow travelers offered us seasickness tablets, which allowed us to sleep through most of the ride back. By the time we arrived back in Curacao, we were exhausted but rosy and completely satisfied. Despite the challenges of the boat ride, the beauty of Klein Curacao made it all worthwhile. We’d book this trip again in a heartbeat!
