Boka Hulu
Curacao

Overview

Boka Hulu (also called Playa/Boca Hulu) is one of Curaçao’s most enchanting hidden beaches, tucked behind rugged terrain along the island’s west (Banda Abou) coastline. There is a dirt road leading to the beach but it's always closed by a gate, so you usually have to hike from Playa Santa Cruz (via Santu Pretu and the Blue Room cave), or come in by boat or kayak.

On my visit, I felt like I had stumbled into a secret. After hiking nearly 45 minutes along a sun-baked coastal ridge, I dropped my pack next to a rocky ledge and looked out over a perfect crescent of sand. I did not expect to find such a beautiful off-the-beaten-path beach; it is surely one of Curacao's best-kept secrets.

This remote feel shapes every part of the experience: no lifeguards, no rentals, no restaurants. You must be self-sufficient. When the sea is calm, the cove is ideal for gentle swimming and snorkeling; when there’s swell, the waves can push you toward rock edges, so timing matters. The reef off Boka Hulu is also part of its attraction — it’s linked to nearby dive/snorkel zones like the Mushroom Forest and Sponge Forest reefs.

Best time to visit Boka Hulu

• Time of day: Early morning (to beat the heat, enjoy cool shade under the overhang, and avoid the strongest sun)
• Season: The drier months (roughly January through September) generally offer calmer seas and more stable trails
• Weekdays or weekend: Weekdays are best — far fewer visitors, more solitude
• Weather-wise: Choose days with low swell and minimal wind; avoid after heavy rain (trail may become slippery/muddy and surf more aggressive)

Tips for visiting Boka Hulu

• Set off early to avoid hiking in full midday sun
• Use well-gripping shoes (not sandals) for the rocky coastal path
• Bring a map or GPS — signage is minimal
• If arriving by boat or kayak, check sea conditions before departing
• Leave early enough to return before dusk if doing a hike
• Don’t count on cell service near the beach
• Respect the environment: pack out all trash

What to bring to Boka Hulu

• Plenty of water (2–3 L or more)
• Sun protection: hat, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses
• Snorkel gear and mask (there’s no gear rental at the beach)
• Light snacks / packed lunch
• Dry bag for valuables and phone
• Light sweater or cover-up for shade or breeze

Boka Hulu isn’t just a beach — it’s an adventure in itself. Reaching it feels like a small expedition, and once there, the setting is pure Curaçao wilderness: turquoise water, limestone cliffs, and total quiet. Here’s what you can actually do once you make it.

Coastal hike via Santa Cruz, Santu Pretu and Blue Room

The classic route to Boka Hulu begins at Playa Santa Cruz, winding along the rugged coastline past Santu Pretu (Black Sand Beach) and the Blue Room cave before reaching Hulu. The trail is rocky, exposed, and rewarding — with sweeping ocean views and the sound of waves echoing off the cliffs.

Boat or kayak route from Santa Cruz

If you prefer to skip the trail, locals and small charters offer boat or kayak trips from Playa Santa Cruz to Hulu. The route passes along dramatic limestone cliffs and the Blue Room cave before pulling into the quiet bay. Depending on conditions, the ride takes 15–20 minutes.

Snorkeling and underwater exploration

The clear, calm water makes Hulu perfect for light snorkeling when conditions allow. Entry is easiest from the sandy middle of the cove; fin out along the rocky sides for coral and fish. The reef drops gradually, and on a calm day, visibility can stretch far out.

Combine it with nearby dive sites

The reef just offshore connects to some of Curaçao’s best-known dive areas like Mushroom Forest and Sponge Forest. Several dive operators include Playa Hulu on their west-coast boat dives, stopping here for a shallow exploration or surface interval.

Photography and scenic stops

Even without getting in the water, Boka Hulu is a paradise for photography. The limestone ledges frame the turquoise bay beautifully, especially around midday when the water glows electric blue.

Snorkeling at Boka Hulu is a quiet, almost meditative experience. There’s no noise from beach bars or boats — just the sound of the sea brushing against limestone. The water is crystal clear most days, and the reef begins close to shore, making it easy to explore even without swimming far out.

Where to snorkel: the best snorkeling spots at Boka Hulu

The easiest entry is from the center of the beach, where the sand meets the water. From there, swim out and then follow either side of the cove — the right-hand edge has more coral structure, while the left is good for spotting small fish hiding in rock crevices.

There’s a gentle slope that transitions into reef, so you can choose how far out to go depending on your comfort level. I usually stay within 50 meters of shore, where visibility stays excellent and the light plays beautifully on the coral.

What you will see underwater

The reef at Boka Hulu feels untouched. You’ll find brain corals, tube sponges, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and sometimes trumpetfish cruising in pairs. Some divers have even reported seahorses and frogfish near the deeper reef ledge.

Best time to snorkel at Boka Hulu

• Morning: The water is calmest and visibility is best before the trade winds pick up.
• Dry season (Jan–Sep): Seas tend to be gentler and clearer.
• Avoid windy or high-swell days: Surge can build quickly against the rocks.
• Midday light: The sun is high, and the reef colors really pop under natural light.

If you arrive by boat, ask the skipper to anchor just outside the cove — it’s shallow and calm enough for an easy drift back in.

Safety tips and snorkeling guide

• Enter from the sandy middle, not the rocky edges.
• Check for swell or current before heading out.
• Always snorkel with a buddy — there are no lifeguards.
• Use a bright float or marker if you venture outside the cove.
• Avoid touching coral or standing on rock surfaces.
• Watch for boats near the outer reef.
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.

Snorkel gear rental at Boka Hulu

There are no rental facilities at Boka Hulu. Bring your own mask and fins or rent from dive shops in Willemstad or Lagoon before heading west. Some boat charters from Playa Santa Cruz include snorkeling gear in their excursions, so it’s worth confirming when you book.

My personal honest opinion

For me, snorkeling at Boka Hulu is less about spotting rare marine life and more about the calm. Floating in silence, watching fish dart across sun-lit coral — it’s one of the most peaceful moments I’ve had in Curaçao. The reef here isn’t the most colorful or the most populated, but it feels raw, real, and untouched, and that makes it special.

There are no hotels or resorts directly at Boka Hulu, which keeps the area wild and untouched. The nearest options are small guesthouses and Airbnbs in Jan Donker and Soto, both about a 15–20-minute drive from Playa Santa Cruz, where the trail to Hulu begins.

These villages offer a few simple cottages, eco-lodges, and local B&Bs — perfect if you just need a quiet base for exploring Curaçao’s west coast. It’s not luxury, but it’s authentic, peaceful, and close enough to reach Boka Hulu early before the sun gets too strong.

There are no restaurants or bars at Boka Hulu itself — it’s a completely natural cove with no facilities. The nearest food options are back at Playa Santa Cruz, where Captain Goodlife runs a small beach restaurant and organizes boat trips to Hulu and the Blue Room. It’s rustic, local, and perfect for a cold drink or grilled fish after the hike.

If you’re staying nearby in Jan Donker or Soto, you’ll find a handful of local eateries and small cafés serving Curaçaoan home-style dishes like stewed goat, fried fish, or pumpkin pancakes. Nothing fancy, but great for an authentic taste of the island after a day exploring the coast.

Boka Hulu is on Curaçao’s wild west coast near Playa Santa Cruz. There’s no road access, so visitors must reach it either by hiking the coastal trail (about 45–60 minutes each way) or by boat or kayak arranged from Santa Cruz.

From the cruise port (Mega Pier Cruise Terminal, Otrobanda)

You can drive yourself or take a taxi west to Playa Santa Cruz, then continue by foot or boat. The hike to Boka Hulu starts directly from the beach and follows the coast past the Blue Room cave.

How far is Boka Hulu from the cruise port?

• Distance: ~36 km (22 miles) to Playa Santa Cruz
• Driving time: 40–45 minutes (plus 45–60 minutes hike)
• Taxi fare: Around $60–$80 USD

From the airport (Curaçao International Airport — Hato, CUR)

From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi to Playa Santa Cruz, then hike or join a small local boat to Boka Hulu. There is no public transport from the airport to the beach.

How far is Boka Hulu from the airport?

• Distance: ~30–32 km (19–20 miles)
• Driving time: 35–40 minutes (plus 45–60 minutes hike)
• Taxi fare: Around $50–$80 USD

From Willemstad

You can drive or hire a taxi west via Weg Naar Westpunt to Playa Santa Cruz, where the coastal trail begins. Once there, hike along the coast or arrange a boat to Hulu.

How far is Boka Hulu from Willemstad?

• Distance: ~36 km (22 miles)
• Driving time: 40–45 minutes (plus 45–60 minutes hike)
• Taxi fare: Around $60–$80 USD

From Westpunt

It’s a short and scenic drive southeast to Playa Santa Cruz, passing beaches like Playa Lagun and Playa Jeremi. From Santa Cruz, continue to Hulu by trail or boat.

How far is Boka Hulu from Westpunt?

• Distance: ~16 km (10 miles)
• Driving time: 20–25 minutes (plus 45–60 minutes hike)
• Taxi fare: Around $30–$40 USD

From Sint Michiel

You can drive or take a taxi west through Bullenbaai and Soto to Playa Santa Cruz. From there, either hike the coastal path or hire a local skipper for a short boat ride.

How far is Boka Hulu from Sint Michiel?

• Distance: ~27 km (17 miles)
• Driving time: 30–35 minutes (plus 45–60 minutes hike)
• Taxi fare: Around $50–$65 USD

From Jan Thiel

Drive or take a taxi through Willemstad, then follow the road west to Playa Santa Cruz. Once there, you can hike to Hulu or arrange a boat drop-off when seas are calm.

How far is Boka Hulu from Jan Thiel?

• Distance: ~42 km (26 miles)
• Driving time: 50–55 minutes (plus 45–60 minutes hike)
• Taxi fare: Around $70–$90 USD

Taxi to Boka Hulu

Taxis are easy to find in Willemstad and at major resorts, but there are none waiting at Hulu or Santa Cruz. Always pre-arrange your return trip or agree on a pickup time with your driver.

Approximate taxi fare to Boka Hulu

• From Willemstad to Playa Sant Cruz: $60–$80
• From Westpunt to Playa Sant Cruz: $30–$40
• From Sint Michiel to Playa Sant Cruz: $50–$65
• From Jan Thiel to Playa Sant Cruz: $70–$90

Public transport to Boka Hulu

There’s no direct bus to Playa Santa Cruz. The nearest bus stop is in Soto, about 5 km (3 miles) away, so public transport isn’t a realistic option for visiting Boka Hulu. Check the Curacao bus routes and schedules.

Driving to Boka Hulu by rental car

Driving is the most convenient way to reach the area. You can park for free at Playa Santa Cruz, where the coastal trail begins. The road beyond the beach is private and gated, so driving all the way to Hulu is not possible.

Parking

Free parking is available at Playa Santa Cruz next to the water. There’s no parking area or road access at Boka Hulu itself.

A true hidden cove, Boka Hulu rewards those willing to hike or boat in: bright-blue water, limestone shade, and reef life just offshore — with the bonus of Blue Room and Santu Pretu along the way. If you’re into quiet, nature-first beaches and don’t mind a bit of effort, this is one of the west coast’s most special slices of Curaçao.