- AreaCoast northwest of Willemstad, about 15 min from town
- Best forSnorkelling, golf, villa holidays
- TimeBase or a beach day
- TipSnorkel along the drop-off, not just near the sand
Blue Bay and the neighbouring fishing village of Sint Michiel (locally Boca Sami) lie on the coast just northwest of Willemstad. It's a calmer alternative to the southeast: gated resort grounds and villas, a working fishing village, and the city still only about 15 minutes away.
Blue Bay Beach
Blue Bay has one of the longest stretches of sand on the island, set within a resort with a golf course. Entry comes with a fee for day visitors; facilities include loungers, showers and a restaurant. The draw for snorkellers is the reef: a short swim out, the sea floor drops away along a wall with coral and plenty of fish. Stay within the marked swimming zone and watch for boat traffic.
Sint Michiel and the salt pans
Sint Michiel is a small fishing village where boats still land the catch on the beach. It's a good place for a simple fish lunch with your feet near the water, and the bay is a known shore-dive site. Inland, the Sint Michiel salt pan (saliña) attracts flamingos, though they're often far from the road; for closer views go to Jan Kok near Sint Willibrordus.
Staying here
The area is mostly villas, holiday homes and resort apartments, ideal for families or groups who want space: compare Blue Bay hotels and apartments. Prefer your own pool? Our friends at Papaya Chiki rent holiday villas on Curaçao. You'll need a car here; compare rental cars. The west-coast beaches like Cas Abao are 20–30 minutes' drive, and Willemstad is close for dinner.
Good for
- Travellers who want a quieter base but easy access to town.
- Golfers: Blue Bay has an 18-hole course.
- Snorkellers and shore divers.
Shore diving and snorkel tips
The Blue Bay wall and the reef off Sint Michiel are both easy entries for certified divers, and several dive shops on the island run guided shore dives here. If you're new to snorkelling, go on a calm morning, wear a snorkel vest, and enter where the sand is clear of coral. Visibility is often excellent, and you can see parrotfish, angelfish and the occasional turtle. Afterwards, Piscadera Bay and the hotels around it are just a few minutes back towards town if you want a different lunch spot.
Tours: Blue Bay and Sint Michiel
Compare guided trips, transfers and tickets.
Frequently asked questions
Is Blue Bay beach free?
Day visitors usually pay an entrance fee that includes facilities. Check the current rate at the gate.
Is snorkelling good at Blue Bay?
Yes, along the reef wall a short swim from shore. Stay inside buoys and use a float if you're less confident.
Can I see flamingos near Sint Michiel?
Sometimes, at the salt pan, but often at a distance. Jan Kok near Sint Willibrordus is more reliable.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
