Klein Curaçao Day Trip
If the breezes of Klein Curaçao could whisper a phrase gently into your ear as you marvel at its impossibly clear blue water, they would say, “you are one lucky traveler.”
Klein Curaçao (in English: Little Curaçao) is more than just a beach. It’s a small uninhabited island located approximately 5 miles off the coast of the main island of Curaçao. Although the beach on its own makes the trip out to the island worth the time, the island also boasts a charming pink lighthouse and a large shipwreck under constant assault by the violent waves of the island’s eastern rocky shore.
Several tour operators offer different variations of excursions out to the island. We had an excellent experience booking through Viator with the Operator: BlueFinn Charters.
Keep on reading to learn what to expect from this excursion and make the most of your time on Klein Curaçao!
Please know that some of the links on this site are affiliate links. When you click on the link and make a purchase, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
You can click here for our full Privacy Policy & Affiliate Disclosures. All opinions are my own.
Start of the Day
The pickup point for this excursion was on Jan Theil Beach, on the pier just outside the Zanzibar Beach & Restaurant. Look for the large beautiful catamaran with a dark blue pattern on its pontoons. With an early departure time of 8:30am, there was plenty of free public parking for our rental car. Beach chairs were available at the pier to allow space to spread out and lather up the reef safe sunscreen. Boarding was easy. The friendly crew welcomed us onboard with enthusiasm and a bit of humor. We received a safety brief from the captain including the best places to stash our personal belongings to keep them dry while underway.
Getting Underway
Once aboard, it was a beautiful ride along the southwestern side of Curaçao before heading out into open water. The normal trip time to reach Klein Curaçao is between 1.5 and 2 hours depending on sea conditions. During the beginning of the trip we were able to sit on the catamaran trampolines enjoying the sun. We watched flying fish skimming across the water surface as our pontoons disturbed the surface. As the sea became a bit more rough the constantly aware crew moved the passengers around the boat to ensure our safety. We were very much impressed by the crews’ obvious experience and commitment to safety.
A note for those prone to motion sickness: Before getting underway, the captain warned us that the ride would likely be rough due to the direction of the wind and waves. If you suffer from any type of motion sickness, we HIGHLY recommended that you pre-medicate with a motion sickness medicine before departure. It is a common occurrence for multiple people on the boat to become seasick while heading to the island. The crew is very experienced with this situation and works hard to care for those affected.
Love at First Sight
A lighthouse was spotted in the distance as we approached the island. This was followed by the appearance of the most mind boggling color turquoise beach. The color of the water and sand immediately reminded me of the beaches we saw in the Maldives on a recent trip to Thilamaafushi Island. The sand on Klein Curaçao sat pristinely undisturbed by rock, coral or seaweed. It’s such a treat to spend time on a beach that is just pure sand and blue bliss.
Upon arrival, the large catamaran moors off the coastline. The crew is helpful when it comes to transporting the items you need for a day to the beach. (Items such as towels, sunscreen and cell phones.) There is no cell service on the island but you will not want to miss a chance to snap a couple of shots of the gorgeous landscape. You have a choice of swimming to the beach or being transported via small dingy. A simple drybag may be a good option if you have valuables to keep dry.
Become an Island Explorer
We could have walked around all day simply island combing. Everywhere we looked we found interesting sections of washed up coral, driftwood and succulent looking vegetation. Narrow foot paths cross the island making exploration easy, even in flip flops! Be sure to check out the windward side of the island with its large waves and dark rocks. It is a significant contrast to the peaceful leeward side of the island where we arrived. While on the rocky coast, it’s also possible to get up close to a couple of impressive shipwrecks.
Shipwreck
The Maria Bianca Guidesman is a oil tanker that shipwrecked in 1988 and is slowly dissolving into the blue Caribbean Sea. You can’t miss this bulking dark mass in the distance as you navigate the flat island. Follow the footpaths for an easy walk to this impressive wreck.
While on this side of the island, just north of the Maria Bianca Guidesman you can find a second, more recent wreck. In 2007 a French yacht named the Tschao shipwrecked on the island with four crew members onboard. All made it safely to the island.
The Pink Lighthouse
Yes, it really is PINK! The way the façade has been eroded by the elements along with the contrast of the pink stone against the baby blue sky makes this a gorgeous addition to your island tour. While there, duck inside the cool structure for a break from the sun and explore all of the nooks and crannies inside. There are some beautiful archways and windows that act as a frame for the landscape outside. Watch your step while on the upper floors as there are some uneven sections that can trip you up.
Relax, Eat, Drink
After checking out the island, relax on the beach, try to spot some turtles while snorkeling or lay out on the pontoon trampolines with a fruity drink. You’re on island time!
Midday, the crew served up a delicious lunch which included a selection of barbecued meats, a pretty pink couscous salad and an astonishingly delicious peanut sauce. There were several types of soft drinks, beer, wine and mixed drinks to enjoy as well. While enjoying lunch, we listened to island tunes, mingled with our fellow travelers and sat mesmerized by the view.
After the meal, the crew cleaned the lunch dishes in the water behind the boat. This attracted a flurry of fish activity. We jumped in with a snorkel and were able to watch a feeding frenzy of rainbow colored tropical fish. We are picky about our snorkel gear so we brought our own U.S. Diver equipment but the boat does have gear to use if you don’t want to lug yours onto the boat.
Departure Time
A loud horn announced that it was time to depart Klein Curaçao. Dismayed passengers moved as slowly as molasses toward the boat after realizing it was time to say goodbye to our newfound paradise. Pro Tip: Fruity drinks may temporarily lessen the pain of not being able to spend several more days taking in the sites of the island. If you’re lucky and the wind cooperates, the crew might be able to raise the large catamaran sails for the return trip to the main island. Time to relax, chat with fellow passengers and plan your next epic Curaçao excursion!
Verdict?
We LOVED this excursion. Our family has experienced many excursions throughout the Caribbean and I believe this one might be my all time favorite.
Why? The vibe on the boat was fun and relaxed but not “spring break in Cancun” wild. The food was incredibly impressive, the boat was beautiful with a spectacularly accommodating crew. Really though? It’s the destination that makes this excursion so unforgettable.
If you spend any time in Curaçao this is a must do!
Resources
Ready to book your own trip to Klein Curaçao?
Click on this link to book through Viator: Full Day Catamaran Trip to Klein Curaçao with BBQ Lunch
Here are some additional items you may want to consider packing for this day trip:
Please know that some of the links on this site are affiliate links. When you click on the link and make a purchase, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
You can click here for our full Privacy Policy & Affiliate Disclosures. All opinions are my own.