Curacao: Beach Hopping Day Trip with Turtles & Cas Abao

Summary

Swim with turtles eat by the sea and watch flamingos in Curacao

You’ll jump into Curaçao’s clearest waters at Grote Knip and Cas Abao beaches, swim alongside wild turtles at Piskado Beach, taste local flavors over lunch at Playa Forti, and spot flamingos at Jan Kok — all with a guide who knows every shortcut and story. It’s a day full of color and little surprises you’ll remember long after you rinse off the sand.

What’s the experience like?

“If you want to see real Curaçao, you have to try the fish at Playa Forti,” our driver said, grinning as he steered us away from Willemstad’s painted houses. I remember the windows down, that first salty wind tangling my hair while we bumped along toward Grote Knip — honestly, I’d never seen water so clear. We only had about half an hour there but it was enough for my toes to go numb in the cool blue and for my friend to lose her sunglasses (she still blames the pelicans).

Piskado Beach was next — it’s where everyone talks about swimming with turtles. I thought it’d feel touristy but it wasn’t; just a handful of locals fishing off the pier and a kid selling mango slices from a cooler. The turtles glide right up if you’re patient. There’s this moment underwater when everything goes quiet except your own breath and the sound of fins brushing sand. I didn’t expect to feel so calm — or so awkward trying to get out of my snorkel gear after.

Lunch at Playa Forti was loud in a good way: plates clattering, someone laughing behind us in Papiamentu, fried plantains coming out hot enough that I burned my tongue (worth it). The view is wide open Caribbean — blue on blue on blue, with fishing boats bobbing far below. After that, Cas Abao beach felt almost too perfect; white sand that squeaks under your feet and water that looks fake until you dive in. Our guide Li pointed out where National Geographic once ranked it among the world’s best beaches — she seemed proud, and honestly, I get why.

The last stop was Jan Kok for flamingos. They stand around looking like they own the place (maybe they do). Pink against all that green marshland — I took about twenty photos but none caught how weirdly peaceful it felt watching them wade around as the sun started dropping. On the drive back I realized I still smelled like saltwater and sunscreen, which somehow made me not want to shower just yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day beach hopping in Curacao

• Visit Grote Knip beach
• Swim with turtles at Piskado Beach
• Eat traditional food at Playa Forti Restaurant
• Relax at Cas Abao Beach
• Observe flamingos at Jan Kok

Top questions

How long is the Curacao beach hopping day trip?

The tour lasts a full day with several stops including beaches and lunch.

Do you swim with turtles on this Curacao tour?

Yes, there is time to swim with turtles at Piskado Beach during the trip.

Is lunch included on this Curacao beach tour?

No set lunch is included but there is a stop for traditional cuisine at Playa Forti Restaurant.

Are entry fees covered for Cas Abao Beach?

Yes, entry to Cas Abao Beach is included in your tour.

Is hotel pickup provided on this Curacao day trip?

The tour includes return transport but does not specify hotel pickup; check when booking.

Can infants join this Curacao beach tour?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

Will we see flamingos on this Curacao day trip?

Yes, there is a stop at Jan Kok to observe flamingos in their natural habitat.

What’s included

Your day includes entry fees for Cas Abao Beach plus fresh fruit and water along the way; you’ll also get time for lunch at Playa Forti before returning after seeing flamingos at Jan Kok.