Many visitors to Curaçao hesitate between two popular day trips: a boat trip to Klein Curaçao or a tour along the west coast of the island. Both excursions are beautiful, but totally different in terms of experience. Will you go for a bounty island with white sand, or do you want to discover multiple beaches and hidden places? In this blog we explain exactly what the difference is, so you can make the best choice for your vacation.
What is a trip to Klein Curaçao?
Klein Curaçao is a small, uninhabited island southeast of Curaçao that is best known for its white beaches and clear blue waters. During a day trip you sail to the island in about 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the type of boat. Once you arrive, it’s all about relaxing: you can snorkel, sunbathe on the beach and explore the island, including the old lighthouse. Unlike a west coast tour, you stay in one place all day here. That makes it the perfect choice if you really want to relax, but less suitable if you actually want to see a lot of Curaçao.
What you usually do on a Klein Curacao trip
- Boat trip of ±1 hour
- A full-day trip
- Snorkeling with high probability of sea turtles
- Relaxing on a large white beach
- Visit to the lighthouse and shipwrecks
- Lunch and drinks on the island
Advantages
- Bounty-like beach
- Great chance to see turtles
- Very relaxed day program
Cons
- You sit in one place all day
- Long boat ride
- Little shade and facilities on the island
What is a West Coast trip?
A west coast tour actually shows you the versatility of Curaçao. Instead of one destination, you visit several places in one day. Often you sail or drive along the rugged coastline and stop at different beaches and snorkeling spots. Think of popular beaches like Playa Porto Mari, Cas Abou and Playa Lagun. Here you can swim, snorkel and, with a little luck, spot sea turtles. You also often visit special places like the Blue Room, a cave where you can swim inside. It is this variety that makes a tour along the west coast of the island for many travelers the most complete experience of their vacation.
What you usually do on a west coast trip
- Catamaran or boat ride along the coast
- Visiting multiple beaches
- Snorkeling in different places
- Swimming in caves such as the Blue Room
- Lunch and often an open bar
- Seeing and discovering a lot in one day
The main differences
Still in doubt? These are the main differences neatly side by side:
| West coast trip | Little Curaçao |
|---|---|
| Multiple beaches | One island |
| Lots of variety | Above all, relax |
| Snorkeling in several places | Snorkeling around the island |
| Ideal for exploring Curaçao | Ideal for beach lovers |
Which trip suits you?
A Klein Curaçao trip if you:
- dreams of a real bounty island;
- want to relax for a whole day;
- Doesn’t mind staying in one place.
A west coast tour if you:
- want to explore more of Curaçao;
- want to see several beaches;
- likes snorkeling and variety.
Our tip
Still in doubt? Ask yourself one simple question: do you want to spend a day mostly relaxing, or do you want to see as much as possible? If you dream of a bounty beach and love to spend a whole day relaxing in one place, then Klein Curaçao is right for you. But if you think it’s a waste to see only one place during your vacation, you’re probably going to get more enjoyment out of a west coast tour. You’ll discover multiple beaches and get a much better view of the island.
Want to discover Curaçao’s most beautiful beaches on one excursion? Check out our west coast tours here and choose the trip that suits you.