VacationUpdated: October 2026 · By Nienke from NaarCuracao
Jan Thiel Beach: everything you need, right on the sand
Jan Thiel Beach is one of the best-known and most popular beaches in Curaçao. You swim in calm, shallow water behind the breakwaters, surrounded by four beach clubs, restaurants, little shops and a supermarket. Comfortable, lively and perfect with kids.
- EntryCg 6 / US$ 3 per person; free after 4:30 pm
- ParkingFree and guarded, behind a barrier
- WaterCalm and gently sloping, thanks to the breakwaters
- Beach clubs4 beach clubs and 6 restaurants
- KidsIdeal: shallow water, a pool and a playground
Jan Thiel Beach in short
- Man-made beach in southeast Curaçao with calm water; no water shoes needed.
- Entry Cg 6 (US$ 3) per person, free after 4:30 pm. Parking is free and guarded.
- Four beach clubs (Papagayo, Zanzibar, Zest and Koko’s) with sunbeds from Cg 6 per day.
- The BlueFinn catamaran to Klein Curaçao leaves from the beach; on Saturdays there’s a party at Zanzibar.
Where is Jan Thiel Beach?
Jan Thiel Beach lies on the coast of the Jan Thiel neighborhood, at the end of Caracasbaaiweg. The beach is private property, so you pay an entrance fee of Cg 6 (US$ 3) per person. Island residents who show their sedula (local ID card) pay Cg 3. After 4:30 pm, entry is free. Parking is free and your car is guarded behind a barrier.
Jan Thiel is a real hotspot, with plenty of accommodations within walking distance of the beach, such as Papagayo Beach Hotel, Chogogo, Livingstone and Morena Resort. Right behind the beach you’ll also find many beautiful vacation villas.
Staying farther away? Then you’ll drive to Jan Thiel; the only way in is via Caracasbaaiweg. See the location on Google Maps.
Swimming, snorkeling and floating
Jan Thiel Beach is man-made rather than natural, and that works out nicely. You don’t need water shoes, the water gets deeper gradually, and the breakwaters keep out the waves from the open sea. The result: wonderfully calm seawater, ideal for kids.
Into the sea
At Zest, Zanzibar and Koko’s you walk into the sea from the beach or down a set of steps, to snorkel or swim out to the raft.
Saltwater pool
Papagayo also has a saltwater pool. Great with little ones, or if you’d rather float with a drink in your hand.
Playground
Next to Papagayo’s pool there’s a playground, so the kids have fun on dry land too.
The beach clubs of Jan Thiel
Jan Thiel Beach has four beach clubs and six restaurants, each with its own vibe. All beach clubs have sunbeds and shade, and all four serve you right on the beach.
Papagayo
Saltwater pool and playground, sunbeds for Cg 10 and luxury cabanas. Food from breakfast to dinner.
Zanzibar
The cheapest sunbeds (Cg 6 per day), food all day and the big beach party with happy hour on Saturdays.
Zest
Cabanas and palapas, dining in the restaurant or on the beach, and an Aperol Spritz happy hour on Fridays.
Koko’s
Sunbeds for Cg 10, with breakfast, lunch and snacks, no reservation needed. You walk straight into the sea here.
How much is a sunbed at Jan Thiel?
- Zanzibar: from Cg 6 for a sunbed for the whole day.
- Koko’s and Papagayo: Cg 10 per sunbed.
- Cabana or palapa at Zest and Papagayo: Cg 60 to 100, for 2 to 4 people, including a (loan) towel and a bottle of water. At Papagayo you even get snacks.
Happy hours and beach parties
Jan Thiel Beach is also known for its fun Saturdays at Zanzibar. In the afternoon they start setting up the bucket bar, because from 5 to 6 pm it’s happy hour, with great deals on beer, wine and cocktails. The beach then turns into a real party with DJs and live music, with a different band every week to get the crowd dancing. And no party is complete without a tasty take-away pizza from the stone oven. No need to worry about being tired the next day: the party ends at midnight.
Zanzibar isn’t the only place with a happy hour. Here’s the overview:
- Papagayo: Saturday from 5 to 6 pm, the other days of the week from 5 to 7 pm.
- Zest: Friday from 6 to 7 pm, all about Aperol Spritz.
- Mojito’s & Bites: Thursday from 9 to 10 pm.
- Zanzibar: Saturday from 5 to 6 pm.
Always something to do at Jan Thiel
Sports
Learn to flyboard, play beach tennis or beach volleyball, or go (learn to) dive.
Racket nights
You can rent a court all week at the beach tennis courts between Zest and Zanzibar. On Mondays and Wednesdays, join one of the racket nights.
Shopping
A new bikini, an air mattress or a souvenir with the famous Chichi ladies? The shops are by the Papagayo parking lot and between Zanzibar and Koko’s.
Massage and beauty
There’s a massage hut between Tinto and Zanzibar (walk in or book ahead). At Zanzibar you can book a manicure or pedicure.
Dining with your toes in the sand
For breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner, Jan Thiel Beach has you covered.
- Papagayo: from breakfast through dinner.
- Zest: eat in the restaurant or on the beach; breakfast is served in the restaurant only.
- Zanzibar: open all day and all evening.
- Koko’s: breakfast, lunch and snacks.
- Tinto Bar Y Cocina: between Zanzibar and Koko’s, the only restaurant that serves dinner only, from 5 pm.
- Agave Bar Y Taqueria: new on the beach, no reservation needed.
To Klein Curaçao from Jan Thiel
The number 1 excursion in Curaçao is a day trip by boat to Klein Curaçao, and you can take it right from Jan Thiel Beach. Every day at least one BlueFinn catamaran sails from the pier at Zanzibar to Klein Curaçao.
Good to know
- Entry: Jan Thiel Beach is private property; you pay Cg 6 (US$ 3) per person, or Cg 3 with a sedula. After 4:30 pm, entry is free.
- Parking: free, and your car is guarded behind a barrier.
- Facilities: showers, restrooms (including accessible ones), walkways and shaded spots.
- Security: there are always guards on patrol.
- Supermarket: right next to the beach.
- Getting there: by car, only via Caracasbaaiweg. See the location on Google Maps.
Nienke’s tips
- Golden hour at Tinto. Book a table on the pier for 6 pm: you’ll sit above the sea with a stunning sunset. It doesn’t get more romantic than that.
- With little kids? Head to Papagayo: saltwater pool, playground and calm seawater just a few steps away.
- Just an evening? Arrive after 4:30 pm and you won’t pay an entrance fee. Perfect for happy hour and dinner at sunset.
- In the mood for a party? Spend a Saturday afternoon at Jan Thiel and stay for happy hour and the live band at Zanzibar.
Frequently asked questions about Jan Thiel Beach
How much is the entrance fee for Jan Thiel Beach?
Jan Thiel Beach is a private beach. Entry is Cg 6 (US$ 3) per person, or Cg 3 if you can show a sedula (local ID card). After 4:30 pm, entry is free. Parking is free and guarded.
Is Jan Thiel Beach good for kids?
Yes. The beach is man-made, the water gets deeper gradually and the breakwaters keep the waves out. Papagayo also has a saltwater pool and a playground.
Which beach clubs are at Jan Thiel Beach?
There are four beach clubs: Papagayo, Zanzibar, Zest and Koko’s. There are six restaurants in total, including Tinto Bar Y Cocina, which serves dinner only.
How much is a sunbed at Jan Thiel Beach?
At Zanzibar a sunbed for the whole day starts at Cg 6; at Koko’s and Papagayo you pay Cg 10. A cabana or palapa for 2 to 4 people at Zest or Papagayo costs Cg 60 to 100.
Do I need water shoes at Jan Thiel Beach?
No. Jan Thiel Beach is a man-made sandy beach, so you can walk into the water without water shoes.
When is happy hour at Jan Thiel Beach?
Papagayo: Saturday from 5 to 6 pm, other days from 5 to 7 pm. Zest: Friday from 6 to 7 pm. Mojito’s & Bites: Thursday from 9 to 10 pm. Zanzibar: Saturday from 5 to 6 pm, followed by a party with DJs and live music until midnight.
Can I go to Klein Curaçao from Jan Thiel Beach?
Yes. Every day at least one BlueFinn catamaran leaves from the pier at Zanzibar for Klein Curaçao.
Jan Thiel is a must-see
Calm water, a sunbed in the shade and a cocktail at sunset.