VacationUpdated: October 2026 · By Nienke from NaarCuracao
Director’s Bay: a quiet cove between the cliffs
Staying in Jan Thiel and looking for a beach away from the crowds? Then Director’s Bay (Directeursbaai) is a great pick. This small cove with clear blue water and high rock walls is close by and perfect for snorkeling, diving, swimming or simply unwinding. Free entry, free parking and a reef just a few strokes from shore.
- From WillemstadAbout 20 minutes by car
- EntryFree, it’s a public beach
- ParkingFree, usually with a guard
- Best forSnorkeling and diving from shore
- FacilitiesNone, but 3 palapas and stone benches
Director’s Bay at a glance
- Small, sheltered pebble beach between high rock walls on the southeast coast, near Jan Thiel.
- Free entry and free parking; there’s usually a guard at the parking lot.
- A staircase leads down to the beach, so it’s less suitable for wheelchairs or if you have limited mobility.
- No sun loungers or beach bar: bring your own chairs, a cooler and water shoes.
Where is Director’s Bay?
Director’s Bay is on the southeast coast of Curaçao and easy to reach. From downtown Willemstad it takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Take the Caracasbaaiweg toward Jan Thiel, then follow a short road through quiet countryside to the bay.
The bay is named after the directors of the oil refinery, who used it as their private beach. For a long time it wasn’t open to the public. Even though it’s fairly close to the city, it feels surprisingly quiet and remote.
Entry, parking and access
- Entry: Director’s Bay is a public beach. There’s no entrance fee.
- Parking: free. There’s usually a guard keeping an eye on the parking lot, which is reassuring when you leave your car behind.
- The stairs: from the parking lot, a staircase takes you down to the beach. It’s not a long way down, but the bay is hard to reach for wheelchair users or anyone who has trouble with stairs.
- Crowds: especially on weekdays, it’s often quiet here.
The beach: cozy, sheltered and no frills
The beach is tucked into a small cove between high rock walls. That setting makes it feel extra cozy and far from the busier spots on the island. Director’s Bay offers the basics: a parking spot, sun, shade, sea and beach. You bring the rest.
Shade along the sides
Thanks to the rock walls and greenery, you’ll find plenty of shade and shelter along the edges of the beach.
Three palapas
There are three palapas, one with a picnic table, plus a few stone benches.
No beach bar
There are no sun loungers, restaurant or other beach facilities.
Pebble beach
No soft white sand, but pebbles. Water shoes make getting into the water much easier.
Photos of Director’s Bay
Snorkeling and diving at Director’s Bay
Director’s Bay is popular with snorkelers and divers alike. The bay is known for its combination of an easy shore dive and an impressive drop-off just off the coast. As soon as you enter the water, you quickly reach the reef with large sponges, soft corals and schools of tropical fish.
With a bit of luck you’ll also spot turtles, barracudas or a tarpon along the rock walls. Because the beach is smaller and quieter than many others on Curaçao, a dive or snorkel here often feels extra unspoiled.
Nienke’s tips: what to bring
- Water shoes. Director’s Bay is a pebble beach, so they make stepping into the water a lot more comfortable.
- Your snorkel gear. The reef starts right off the shore, so you don’t have to swim far.
- A full cooler. There’s no beach bar, so bring enough water, drinks and snacks for the whole day.
- Beach chairs and maybe an umbrella. That way you pick your own spot, in the shade or by the water. A lovely day out on a budget!
Good to know
- Stairs to the beach: less suitable for wheelchairs or if you have limited mobility.
- No facilities: no sun loungers, no restaurant and no rentals.
- Pebble beach: water shoes are definitely worth packing.
- Free entry and parking.
The charm of Director’s Bay
Director’s Bay isn’t a big or fancy beach, and that’s exactly what makes it so nice. The peaceful setting, clear water and natural surroundings mean many visitors end up staying longer than planned. Looking for a beach on Curaçao where you can escape the crowds and enjoy nature, peace and great snorkeling or diving? Then Director’s Bay is well worth a visit.
Curious about the other beaches? See all the beaches on Curaçao.
Frequently asked questions about Director’s Bay
Where is Director’s Bay?
Director’s Bay is on the southeast coast of Curaçao, near Jan Thiel. From downtown Willemstad it’s about a 20-minute drive via the Caracasbaaiweg toward Jan Thiel.
Is there an entrance fee at Director’s Bay?
No. Director’s Bay is a public beach and free to enter. Parking is free too, and there’s usually a guard at the parking lot.
Are there facilities at Director’s Bay?
Hardly any. There are no sun loungers or beach bar. There are three palapas, one with a picnic table, and a few stone benches. Bring your own chairs, water and food.
Is Director’s Bay good for snorkeling and diving?
Yes. The reef with sponges, soft corals and tropical fish starts right off the shore, and there’s an impressive drop-off. With a bit of luck you’ll see turtles, barracudas or a tarpon.
Is Director’s Bay wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately not really. From the parking lot, a staircase leads down to the beach. It’s not a long way down, but it’s difficult if you have limited mobility or use a wheelchair.
Do I need water shoes at Director’s Bay?
It’s a good idea. Director’s Bay is a pebble beach, so water shoes make it easier to get into the water.
Why is it called Director’s Bay?
The bay is named after the directors of the oil refinery, who used it as their private beach. For a long time, it wasn’t open to the public.
Peace, cliffs and clear water
Grab your snorkel and your cooler, and discover Director’s Bay.