Just 15 miles off the southeast coast of the Dutch island country Curaçao, sits a small, uninhabited island practically made for a vacation in solitude. Klein Curaçao (“Little Curaçao” in English) is a remote coral island with miles of untouched beaches, turquoise water, massive reefs, underwater caves and more. This windy little Eden is just waiting to be explored on your next beach vacation to the Caribbean.
An Island for Yourself on Klein Curaçao
Rent a catamaran or private speedboat at Willemstad, Curaçao or catch a ride with the Mermaid from Fishermen’s Pier, Curaçao. The Mermaid is an excellent choice, as the captain and his crew are very knowledgeable and own the only beach facilities on Klein Curaçao. The trip takes about two hours and the seas can get pretty rough, so it’s wise to take ginger tablets or other seasickness remedies beforehand. Klein Curaçao is easily discernible in the distance by glistening white-sand beaches, a lighthouse and shipwreck lodged on the beach. Besides that, the only marks of civilization are a few huts used by local fishermen and the Mermaid’s beach house. Everything else is uninhabited!
During your cruise, you’ll see stunning and completely inaccessible regions of Curaçao, like Duivelsklip, which has been made into a wildlife preserve. If you’re lucky, you’ll also get to see dolphins accompanying your boat!
Unspoiled Beaches on Klein Curaçao
Once you walk on-shore, you’ll want to test the crystal-clear, warm water where you may see baby turtles and incandescent fish. Afterward, sit back at Mermaid’s beach house with chicken, pork chops, corn on the cob, salads and fruit bowls. The bar also offers beer, wine, juices and soft drinks. The Mermaid docks at the island until 4 pm, so you have plenty of time for exploring. Besides unspoiled nature, there is a lot of history on the island.
Don’t forget to pack sunscreen—there’s very little natural shade here.
Explore a Coral Reef & Underwater Caves on Klein Curaçao
Klein Curaçao may be little-known but it’s considered one of the best diving spots in the Caribbean. Scuba divers and snorkelers come here for the diverse sea life, interesting formations and underwater caves. The waters are quite calm, so you’ll have an easy time navigating the many coral reefs and there are so many tropical fish here that at times you’ll be surrounded by entire schools. Plus, there are numerous underwater caves and a vertical drop-off.
You’ll likely see plenty of sea turtles and if you visit during May through August, you can witness hatchlings making their way from the beach into the ocean. The Mermaid offers a morning and afternoon dive, or you can drift-dive from a rubber dinghy.
