Baya Beach
Curacao

Baya Beach is more of a raw, natural spot than a classic beach — coarse sand, rocky entry, and almost no facilities. The view is striking though, with an oil rig and old industrial pier sitting across the bay, giving it an unusual contrast between nature and history.

Every time I passed by, it was nearly empty. It’s not the place for comfort or cocktails, but if you like quiet places and don’t mind rough edges, Baya feels real and untouched. There are only a few recently installed palapas, but that's all the facilities there.

Best time to visit Baya Beach

• Time of day: Early morning or late afternoon for soft light and cooler temperatures.
• Season: Dry season (February–August) for calmer water and better visibility.
• Weekdays or weekend: Weekdays are usually empty; weekends bring a few locals.
• Weather-wise: Avoid windy afternoons when waves pick up against the rocks.

Tips for visiting Baya Beach

• Wear water shoes for the rocky entry.
• Bring your own drinks, snacks, and shade.
• Check the sea before entering—depth and clarity vary daily.
• Don’t expect facilities or lifeguards.
• Plan your return transport in advance.

What to bring to Baya Beach

• Water shoes or reef sandals
• Snorkel gear
• Drinking water and light snacks
• Beach towel
• Hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen
• Portable shade or small umbrella
• Waterproof bag for valuables
• Phone or camera for the fort and bay views

Baya Beach isn’t a place packed with attractions — it’s more of a quiet, local hideaway between Fort Beekenburg and Tugboat Beach. What makes it interesting are the things you can do around it, especially if you enjoy nature, history, or exploring spots that feel untouched.

Climb Fort Beekenburg for panoramic views

Right next to Baya Beach stands Fort Beekenburg, a 17th-century stone fortress built to guard Caracas Bay. The short walk up takes less than 5 minutes, and the top offers sweeping views over Spaanse Water, Tafelberg, and the Caribbean Sea.

Snorkel at Tugboat Beach

Right across the parking lot, you will find Tugboat Beach, the most famous snorkeling spot of Curacao. There is also a restaurant, a toilet and a dive center at Tugboat Beach.

Shore diving from Baya Beach

Some locals use Baya as an entry point for a shallow shore dive. The underwater slope drops gradually, with coral patches and sea fans closer to Tugboat. Request for scuba diving at Tug Divers at Tugboat Beach.

Sunset and solitude

Toward late afternoon, Baya turns almost meditative. The cliffs glow orange, the bay quiets down, and you can watch the massive oil platform offshore reflect the sunset light — strangely beautiful in an industrial kind of way. Bring a drink, sit on the rocks, and enjoy having an entire bay almost to yourself.

Snorkeling at Baya Beach is possible but not ideal for beginners. The bay itself has a rocky, uneven bottom with patches of coral and limited visibility on windy days. Most people use Baya as an entry or exit point to snorkel their way toward Tugboat Beach, which sits just around the rocky point to the north.

Where to snorkel: the best spots at Baya Beach

The most interesting snorkeling lies along the left-hand side of the bay, near the cliff path that leads toward Tugboat. Enter from the small sandy patch, swim out about 20–30 meters, and follow the coastline south. The visibility improves as you move away from the pier remains, and you’ll soon see coral-covered rocks and schools of tropical fish.

What you will see underwater

Expect to spot parrotfish, sergeant majors, damselfish, and trumpetfish gliding between sponges and soft corals. I saw a small moray eel tucked into a rock crevice and a few sea stars resting on the sand. The coral here is recovering, so colors are muted compared to the reef near Tugboat, but still worth a look if you’re already in the water.

Best time to snorkel at Baya Beach

The best time to snorkel is early morning, when the water is clearest and the wind hasn’t picked up yet. Avoid afternoons when waves and surge make the entry tricky. From February to August, visibility tends to be best thanks to drier, calmer weather.

Safety tips and snorkeling guide

• Enter from the sandy patch near the center of the beach.
• Wear water shoes or fins — rocks and coral rubble can be sharp.
• Stay close to shore; don’t cross into the open bay.
• Keep an eye on wind and current direction before you go in.
• Bring a bright snorkel float if swimming toward Tugboat Beach.
• Avoid standing on or touching coral.
• Bring fresh water to rinse off salt afterward — there are no showers.

Snorkel gear rental at Baya Beach

There’s no rental stand directly on Baya, but you can rent gear at Tugboat Beach (a 2-minute walk) or at Dive Center Scuba Do in nearby Jan Thiel. Both offer masks, fins, and guided snorkel or dive tours around Caracas Bay.

My personal honest opinion

Snorkeling at Baya is fine if you’re already there, but I wouldn’t make a special trip just for it. The visibility depends heavily on wind direction, and the seafloor is uneven. Still, swimming from Baya toward Tugboat gives you that explorer’s feeling — no crowds, just rough coastline and clear Caribbean water. It’s the kind of spot that rewards curiosity more than comfort.

There are no restaurants directly on Baya Beach, but a short walk or drive brings you to a couple of easygoing local spots worth visiting after exploring the fort or snorkeling.

Tugboat Bar

About 2 minutes’ walk from Baya, Tugboat Bar is a driftwood-style beach shack right by the water. It’s casual and friendly — reggae music, cold Polar beers, and a few simple dishes like grilled fish, burgers, and skewers. I liked the laid-back vibe and the mix of locals, divers, and travelers rinsing off salt before sunset.

Brisa Do Mar

Known locally as The Fish Factory, Brisa Do Mar serves fresh seafood in a relaxed open-air setting overlooking Caracas Bay. It’s a short drive from Baya and a great spot for grilled snapper or shrimp with a view of the old pier and anchored boats. Nothing fancy, just honest island food and sea breeze.

Baya Beach sits just past Caracas Bay and Jan Thiel, so you’ll find several good places to stay just a few minutes away. The area is mostly residential and peaceful, with small resorts, villas, and apartments rather than large hotels — perfect if you want quiet evenings and easy access to both Baya and Tugboat Beach.

Palapa Beach Resort & Marina

Palapa Beach Resort & Marina offers spacious suites and direct marina access. It’s quiet and secure, with a pool and sea-view balconies. I've never stayed there but it always looked too quiet, almost abandoned.

Villa Porto Vista

Villa Porto Vista is a modern private villa perched above the bay, offering panoramic ocean and Tafelberg views. Ideal for families or small groups, it has a large terrace, a pool, and plenty of privacy. It feels luxurious yet relaxed — close to Baya but far from crowds.

Tommy Coconut Vacation Homes

A small cluster of colorful, budget-friendly villas tucked near Jan Thiel. Each has a kitchen and shaded patio, making it great for longer stays. It’s an easy 3 minute drive to Baya Beach, and the hosts are known for their warm, local-style hospitality.

Bed & Bike Jan Thiel

Bed & Bike Jan Thiel offers stylish rooms with a social, youthful atmosphere. You can rent bikes, scooters, or paddleboards directly on-site and reach Baya Beach in under 10 minutes. It’s one of the best-value options in the area if you want comfort without paying resort prices.

Where to stay near Baya Beach by travel type:

• Families: Villa Porto Vista
• Couples & adults-only luxury: Palapa Beach Resort & Marina
• Modern style & infinity pool: Villa Porto Vista
• Mid-range condo comfort: Tommy Coconut Vacation Homes
• Budget travelers: Bed & Bike Jan Thiel

Staying near Baya Beach suits travelers who prefer exploring hidden spots over lounging at big resorts. You’re close to snorkeling, kayaking, and local food, yet far enough to enjoy peaceful Caribbean nights.

Baya Beach is located on the southeast side of Curaçao, in the Caracas Bay area, just below Fort Beekenburg. It’s easy to reach by car, taxi, or even on foot if you’re staying nearby in Jan Thiel. There are no direct buses to the beach itself, but routes to Caracasbaai get you close. Roads are paved all the way, and the area is well-signposted.

From the cruise port (Port of Willemstad – Mega Pier / Mathey Wharf)

The drive from the cruise terminal takes you through downtown Willemstad and along Caracasbaaiweg toward the coast. It’s a straightforward 20-minute ride depending on traffic.

How far is Baya Beach from the cruise port?

• Distance: 9–10 km (5.5–6 mi)
• Driving time: 18–25 minutes
• Taxi fare: around $45–60 USD

From the airport (Curaçao International Airport – Hato)

From Hato, follow the main road toward Willemstad, then take the Caracasbaai exit toward Jan Thiel. It’s an easy half-hour drive across the island.

How far is Baya Beach from the airport?

• Distance: 19–21 km (12–13 mi)
• Driving time: 25–35 minutes
• Taxi fare: around $60–75 USD

From Willemstad

Head southeast on Caracasbaaiweg and continue until you reach the end of the road at Fort Beekenburg. The entrance to Baya Beach is just before the fort.

How far is Baya Beach from Willemstad?

• Distance: 9 km (5.6 mi)
• Driving time: 18–25 minutes
• Taxi fare: around $45–60 USD

From Westpunt

Head south toward Willemstad, then follow the ring road and exit onto Caracasbaaiweg toward Jan Thiel.

How far is Baya Beach from Westpunt?

• Distance: 47–50 km (29–31 mi)
• Driving time: 1 hour–1 hour 15 minutes
• Taxi fare: around $100–120 USD

From Sint Michiel

Drive southeast via the Winston Churchillweg and ring road, then follow signs to Caracasbaai and Fort Beekenburg.

How far is Baya Beach from Sint Michiel?

• Distance: 18 km (11 mi)
• Driving time: 25–30 minutes
• Taxi fare: around $55–70 USD

From Jan Thiel

It’s a quick, scenic drive or even a walk if you’re staying near the Jan Thiel resorts. Follow the coastal road toward Caracasbaai.

How far is Baya Beach from Jan Thiel?

• Distance: 3 km (1.8 mi)
• Driving time: 5–7 minutes
• Taxi fare: around $15–25 USD

Taxi to Baya Beach

Taxis are easy to find in Willemstad, Jan Thiel, and at the cruise terminal, but there’s no official taxi stand at Baya Beach. It’s best to arrange your return trip in advance or ask your driver to come back at a set time.

Approximate taxi fare to Baya Beach

• From Willemstad to Baya Beach: $45–60 USD
• From Jan Thiel to Baya Beach: $15–25 USD
• From Airport (Hato) to Baya Beach: $60–75 USD
• From Westpunt to Baya Beach: $100–120 USD

Public transport to Baya Beach

There’s no direct bus stop at Baya, but you can take a minibus or ABC Bus Service to Caracasbaai from Willemstad or Punda. From the last stop, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the beach along the paved road past Fort Beekenburg. Check the Curacao bus routes and schedules.

Driving to Baya Beach by rental car

Driving is the most convenient option. Follow Caracasbaaiweg straight to the coast, pass Fort Beekenburg, and you’ll see signs for Baya Beach and Tugboat Beach. The roads are in good condition, and navigation apps work well.

Parking

There’s a small dirt parking area near Baya Beach. It’s free and usually safe during the day, but avoid leaving valuables in the car. On weekends, it can fill up quickly with local visitors.

Baya Beach Curaçao is more of an adventure stop than a classic beach day. It’s quiet, rugged, and a little raw — no soft sand, no beach bar, no crowds. What you do get is a local, unfiltered slice of the island, with clear water, rocky shoreline, and that surreal backdrop of an oil platform across the bay.