VacationUpdated: October 2026 · By Nienke from NaarCuracao
Cas Abao: white sand, clear water and everything you need
Curaçao has plenty of beautiful beaches, but many people say Cas Abao (also spelled Cas Abou) is the most beautiful of them all. We can see why: bright white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water and plenty of shade under palm trees and palapas. With showers, restrooms, a beach bar and a dive shop, it’s also an easy beach to spend a whole day at.
- DriveAbout 35–45 minutes from Willemstad
- OpenDaily from 8 am to 6 pm
- EntranceCg 10 per car on weekdays, Cg 12.50 on weekends (about US$ 6–7)
- WaterCalm and clear, with a gentle slope
- FacilitiesBeach bar, showers, restrooms, lockers and a dive shop
Cas Abao in short
- Private beach on the west coast of Curaçao, about a 35–45 minute drive from Willemstad.
- Open from 8 am to 6 pm. Entrance per car: Cg 10 on weekdays, Cg 12.50 on weekends and holidays (about US$ 6–7). Parking is free.
- White sand and calm, clear water: great for swimming and snorkeling, also for kids.
- Beach bar, showers, restrooms, lockers, a dive shop and paddleboard and kayak rentals. You can bring your own food and drinks.
How to drive to Cas Abao
- Head toward WestpuntFrom Willemstad, drive toward Westpunt and follow the signs for Soto.
- Look for the yellow wallAfter the Fontein villa park you’ll see a yellow wall on your left with a big ‘Cas Abao’ sign. Turn here.
- Past the plantation houseAfter about 8 minutes you’ll see Landhuis Cas Abou on your right. Take the side road on the left to the beach.
- Pay at the gateYou pay per car. After that, an unpaved road leads to the large, free parking lot.
- Unpaved road: past the gate, the road is unpaved. After rain it can be slippery; in dry spells it’s hard and bumpy. A regular rental car will get you there fine if you take it slow.
One of the most beautiful beaches in the world
There’s a reason Cas Abao is so many people’s favorite: it regularly shows up on international lists of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The sea is bright blue and the sand is whiter than white.
The water is calm and so clear you can easily see the bottom. Even in the shallows, little fish swim right between your legs. The beach slopes gently, so kids can walk into the water on their own.
Want to do some real snorkeling? Swim along the rocks on the sides of the bay and head out a little deeper. That’s where you’ll see the most fish and coral.
Cas Abao or Cas Abou?
You’ll see both spellings, and they refer to the same beach. The name comes from the old plantation and the plantation house near the bay. The plantation used to be called Engelenberg; from the second half of the 19th century, the name Cas Abao shows up in the records. The historic plantation house is officially listed as Landhuis Cas Abou, and the residential area and villa resort around the beach usually go by Cas Abou too.
For the beach itself, Cas Abao is the common name: it’s on the road signs, and it’s what you’ll find on Google Maps, Tripadvisor and in international travel guides. That’s why we use Cas Abao. Whether you search for Cas Abou, Kas Abou or Playa Cas Abao, you’ll end up at the same beautiful beach.
Facilities at Cas Abao
Cas Abao is well equipped. And because the bay is fairly large, there’s almost always plenty of room.
Shade and loungers
Plenty of palapas, trees and picnic tables. Loungers are available to rent for a small fee each.
Showers, restrooms and lockers
Everything you need for a full beach day, including lockers for your things.
Diving and water sports
There’s a dive shop on the beach, and you can rent paddleboards, kayaks and snorkel gear.
Massage hut
Fully unwind with a massage and a view of the sea.
No stairs
The beach is flat and reachable without stairs. Nice if you’re a bit less steady on your feet.
Free Wi-Fi
At the beach bar; ask the staff for the password.
Photos of Cas Abao
Food and drinks: the beach bar and terrace
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks to Cas Abao, but you can also grab a seat at the beach bar. The food is simple and mostly fried. Feel like something else? The wrap with fresh tuna salad is a good pick.
There’s plenty of shaded seating, including under a large palapa with tables and chairs. Handy: the beach bar has free Wi-Fi.
Good to know
- Private grounds: you pay an entrance fee per car at the gate. Parking is free after that.
- Open from 8 am to 6 pm. For the sunset, you’ll need to go to another beach.
- Stones at the waterline: you may run into some rocks and stones when you walk in.
- Busy on weekends: Cas Abao is popular with locals.
- Cruise days and events: sometimes part of the beach is reserved, for example for cruise passengers or an event. The rest of the beach is busier then.
- No taxis waiting. Coming by taxi? Agree on a pick-up time right away.
Nienke’s tips
- Arrive early on weekends. By around 10 am, the best spots in the shade are often taken.
- Bring water shoes. Once you’re in the water you won’t notice the stones, but they help when walking in.
- Snorkel along the rocks. The sides of the bay are the prettiest; swim out a little deeper there.
- Have exact change ready for the gate, so you won’t be waiting long.
- Combine it with other beaches. Grote Knip, Kleine Knip and Playa Lagun are further toward Westpunt and easy to combine in one day.
Several beaches in one day? Go by boat
On a west coast trip on the large catamaran you see Cas Abao from the water, with stops at Kokomo and the Blue Room as well. A barbecue is included, and the chance of seasickness is small: you return by bus.
Frequently asked questions about Cas Abao
How much is the entrance fee at Cas Abao?
You pay per car at the gate: Cg 10 Monday through Friday and Cg 12.50 on weekends and holidays (about US$ 6–7). Parking is free after that. Loungers are rented separately for a small fee each.
What are the opening hours of Cas Abao?
Cas Abao is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm.
How do I get to Cas Abao?
From Willemstad, drive toward Westpunt and follow the signs for Soto. After the Fontein villa park, turn left at the yellow wall with the ‘Cas Abao’ sign. After about 8 minutes, take the side road on the left at Landhuis Cas Abou to the beach. Allow 35 to 45 minutes from Willemstad.
Is Cas Abao the same as Cas Abou?
Yes. The beach is spelled several ways: Cas Abao, Cas Abou or Kas Abou. The road signs say ‘Cas Abao’. The name comes from the plantation house and the old plantation the beach belongs to.
Is Cas Abao good for snorkeling?
Yes. The water is calm and very clear, so you’ll already see fish in the shallows. It’s best along the rocks on the sides of the bay. You can rent snorkel gear on site.
Is Cas Abao good for kids?
Yes. The beach slopes gently and the water is calm, so kids can walk into the water on their own. Do bring water shoes, as there are some stones at the waterline.
Can I bring my own food and drinks to Cas Abao?
Yes, you can. There’s also a beach bar with simple food, drinks and free Wi-Fi.
What facilities does Cas Abao have?
Showers, restrooms, lockers, loungers, palapas, picnic tables, a beach bar, a massage hut, a dive shop and paddleboard and kayak rentals. The beach is flat and reachable without stairs.
Put Cas Abao on your list
White sand, crystal-clear water and everything at hand for a full day at the beach.
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Sources
- Curaçao Monuments Register – Landhuis Cas Abou: history of the plantation, its former name Engelenberg and the use of the name Cas Abao from 1864.
- Islands.com – Cas Abao Beach: entrance fee per car and practical information, such as the fact that no taxis wait at the beach.