Where is Klein Curaçao? Facts about the uninhabited island

Everyone on Curaçao talks about it, but where exactly is Klein Curaçao? How big is it, does anyone live there, and why does every source give a different distance? I’ve lined up the facts for you, with sources.

Where is Klein Curaçao?

Klein Curaçao lies in the Caribbean Sea, about 10 km southeast of Curaçao. From the eastern tip of Curaçao, it’s ± 12 km.

Its coordinates are 11°59’N 68°38’W. The island belongs to Curaçao and is low and flat, with the pink lighthouse as its only real landmark.

Klein Curaçao facts and figures

Below are the key facts at a glance, each with its source, so you know exactly where every number comes from.

How far is Klein Curaçao from Curaçao?

The distance between the islands is 10–12 km, but the boat ride is ± 25–27 km. That difference explains why you’ll find so many different numbers online.

Wikipedia gives about 10 km southeast of Curaçao; measured from the eastern tip, it’s ± 12 km. But no boat leaves from that eastern tip. Trips depart from Jan Thiel, Caracasbaai, the Vissershaven (fishing harbor), Santa Barbara Beach or Marina Kima Kalki, and from there the boats first have to head east along the coast.

Elsewhere you’ll see 13, 16 or even 25 km. Those aren’t mistakes, just different reference points: sometimes the distance between the coastlines, sometimes the sailing route.

How long the crossing takes depends mostly on your boat: ± 45 minutes on the fast Powerboat, about 1 hour on the Miss Ann motor yacht or the Catamaran Yacht, and ± 1.5 to 1¾ hours on a catamaran or the Mermaid. The way out goes against the wind and waves; the way back is usually calmer. More on that in Klein Curaçao and seasickness.

How big is Klein Curaçao?

Klein Curaçao is about 1.7 km². You can walk all the way around the island in ± 1 hour.

The protected Ramsar site is larger, 248.5 hectares, because the surrounding sea and coral reef are included. So don’t be confused if you see that number somewhere.

The island is completely flat. That’s partly due to phosphate mining between 1871 and 1886, which lowered it by about 3 meters. The highest point you’ll see is the pink lighthouse, at ± 20 meters.

Does anyone live on Klein Curaçao?

No, Klein Curaçao is uninhabited. There are no houses, stores, electricity, drinking water or medical services.

There is an old beach house, though, plus the beach houses of tour operators like Miss Ann and Mermaid. They’re only used during the day by the day trips.

The island does have a history: it was used as a quarantine site during the slave trade and for phosphate mining.

How do you get to Klein Curaçao?

Only on an organized boat trip or a private boat. There is no ferry service.

Most people choose a day trip with breakfast, a BBQ lunch and drinks included. The options vary a lot: from a festive catamaran to a relaxed motor yacht with a beach house, or a fast RIB for up to 18 people.

Traveling with a group, your family or for a special occasion? Then a private boat can be worth it from as few as ± 6–8 people. Always with a captain, since that’s required on Curaçao.

You’ll find all trips side by side, with prices and departure times, on our Klein Curaçao page.

What wildlife can you see on Klein Curaçao?

Klein Curaçao is one of Curaçao’s most important natural areas: sea turtles nest here and least terns breed here.

Hawksbill turtles and green sea turtles nest on the beach; it’s Curaçao’s most important nesting beach. You’ll often spot them in the water while snorkeling, although that’s never guaranteed.

Along the east coast lies an almost untouched coral reef with endangered elkhorn and staghorn corals. The surf is rough there, though; you snorkel on the calm west side by the beach.

What are the rules on Klein Curaçao?

In short: take nothing, leave nothing behind and leave the wildlife alone. In June 2025 the government of Curaçao submitted a management plan to protect the fragile island (Curaçao Chronicle).

• Don’t touch or feed the turtles, and keep your distance, in the water too.
• Don’t collect shells or coral, and don’t fly drones.
• Boats must tie up to mooring buoys and need a permit, so choose a licensed tour operator.
• The management plan requires composting toilets and sets rules for waste.
• Take your trash back to the boat with you.