Doggy Beach
Curacao

Overview

Tucked away behind the Jan Thiel salt pans, Doggy Beach Curaçao is one of those low-key coastal spots you’d easily miss unless a local pointed it out. It’s not a typical tourist beach — more a sandy, mangrove-fringed lagoon where people bring their dogs for a swim or a walk at sunset.

The vibe is peaceful and natural, with shallow water protected from waves and no beach clubs, loungers, or crowds in sight. It's a relaxed place and the shallow pool is safe for kids but there is not much reason besides these to spend prolonged time there.

Best time to visit Doggy Beach

• Time of day: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and softer light.
• Season: Year-round swimming, but the dry season (January–September) brings clearer water.
• Weekdays or weekend: Weekdays are usually empty; weekends bring more locals and dogs.
• Weather-wise: The area is sheltered, though winds pick up slightly in the afternoons.

Tips for visiting Doggy Beach

• There are no facilities, so bring everything you need and take all trash with you.
• The beach is dog-friendly — most dogs are off-leash, but keep control if yours is excitable.
• Watch for sharp coral or rocks if you walk past the lagoon toward the open sea.
• Avoid leaving valuables in your car; parking is unsupervised.
• Visit during daylight — there’s no lighting after sunset.

What to bring to Doggy Beach

• Reusable water bottle and dog bowl
• Towel and light blanket to sit on
• Reef-safe sunscreen and hat
• Water shoes for exploring outside the lagoon
• Snacks or a picnic
• Poop bags and leash for the dog

Doggy Beach is a simple, local hangout — no lounge chairs or music, just calm water, mangroves, and friendly people walking their dogs. It’s the kind of spot where you come to slow down, breathe, and enjoy Curaçao’s natural side.

Let your dog swim in the calm lagoon

The shallow lagoon makes Doggy Beach one of the safest places on the island for dogs to swim. Locals often visit before work or around sunset, letting their pets run free and play in the gentle water.

Explore the mangroves and watch coastal birds

At the far edge of Doggy Beach, small mangrove patches attract herons, pelicans, and sandpipers. It’s a quiet area for photos or birdwatching, especially in the morning when the light hits the water.

Walk the coastal path toward Mambo Beach

From Doggy Beach, a rough coastal trail leads west toward Mambo Beach. It’s not a very scenic walk but there are some good spots with nice view. The path isn’t marked, but it’s easy to follow — just wear good shoes and bring water, as there’s no shade along the way.

Have a picnic by the water

There are no restaurants or vendors on Doggy Beach, so most visitors bring snacks or lunch from Jan Thiel. Find a shady spot under the mangroves, spread a towel, and enjoy a quiet picnic with your dog.

Snorkeling at Doggy Beach in Curaçao is calm and low-key, with a few hidden surprises just offshore. The shallow lagoon itself is great for beginners or anyone cooling off with their dog, but if you swim farther out toward Jan Thiel Bay, you’ll find a little more to explore — including a quirky yellow submarine wreck resting near the reef slope.

Where to snorkel: the best snorkeling spots at Doggy Beach

Stay inside the lagoon for the calmest water and easy entry. For better visibility, follow the left-hand side out to sea on calm mornings — that’s where you’ll find the yellow submarine, lying at about 6–8 meters deep. Bring fins and a buddy if you plan to swim that far, as the current gets stronger beyond the mangroves.

What you will see underwater

Expect seagrass, small reef fish, and crabs in the lagoon. Around the submarine, look for parrotfish, sergeant majors, and blue tangs weaving around the bright yellow hull now covered in coral and sponges — a quirky surprise beneath the surface.

Best time to snorkel at Doggy Beach

Go early in the morning for calm seas and best light. Winds usually pick up by midday, making the outer reef choppier and reducing visibility.

Safety tips and snorkeling guide

• Enter from sandy areas — avoid rocks and coral.
• Swim to the wreck only when seas are flat.
• Wear fins and a bright rash guard or buoy for safety.
• Keep dogs onshore if snorkeling far out.
• Always use reef-safe sunscreen.

Snorkel gear rental at Doggy Beach

There are no rentals on-site, so bring your own or rent gear at Jan Thiel Beach or Caracasbaai. Some snorkel tours from Jan Thiel include the yellow submarine stop, which is safer than swimming there alone.

My personal honest opinion

Snorkeling at Doggy Beach is not the main attraction here. The only noteable part about it is the submarine but it actually lies closer to Jan Thiel Beach than to Doggy Beach. So if that's what you want to see, it's best to swim out from Jan Thiel Beach.

There are no restaurants or bars at Doggy Beach — it’s a completely natural, undeveloped spot. Most visitors bring snacks or drinks and enjoy a picnic under the mangroves.

For food or cocktails, you’ll need to head to nearby Jan Thiel Beach just a few minutes away. Jan Thiel has several beachfront restaurants, while Caracasbaai offers more casual, local-style options right by the water.

There are no hotels or villas directly at Doggy Beach, but the nearby Jan Thiel area offers some of Curaçao’s best beachfront resorts — all within a 5-minute walk. Staying here gives you easy access to both the relaxed vibe of Doggy Beach and the lively restaurants, shops, and nightlife of Jan Thiel Beach.

Chogogo Dive & Beach Resort Curaçao

A colorful, family-friendly resort with a casual Caribbean atmosphere, steps from Jan Thiel Beach. Great pool area, dive center, and modern bungalows surrounded by palm trees.

Papagayo Beach Resort Curaçao

Stylish villas and modern suites overlooking Jan Thiel Bay. Guests get access to the Papagayo Beach Club, known for its infinity pool, seaside bar, and weekend DJ sets.

Livingstone Jan Thiel Resort

A comfortable mid-range option with a tropical garden feel, restaurant, and spacious apartments. It’s ideal for travelers who want space and self-catering convenience near the beach.

Morena Eco Resort

An eco-conscious resort built with sustainable materials and surrounded by native plants. It’s peaceful, beautifully designed, and perfect if you want a quieter stay close to nature.

Where to stay near Doggy Beach by travel type

• Families: Chogogo Dive & Beach Resort Curaçao
• Couples & adults-only luxury: Papagayo Beach Resort Curaçao
• Modern style & infinity pool: Papagayo Beach Resort Curaçao
• Mid-range condo comfort: Livingstone Jan Thiel Resort
• Quiet boutique charm: Morena Eco Resort
• Budget travelers: Airbnb apartments around Jan Thiel

Doggy Beach Curaçao sits in the Jan Thiel Bay, just opposite the popular Jan Thiel Beach. You may drive or take a taxi or bus to Jan Thiel and hike to the beach. It might seem like on Google Maps that you can walk from Koko's beach to Doggy Beach but those rocks are a bit steep. It's best to do a little detour through the bushes and approach the beach from the nortwest.

From the cruise port (Curaçao Cruise Terminal / Mega Pier)

From the cruise terminal in Willemstad, follow Weg naar Caracasbaai toward Jan Thiel. Once at Jan Thiel, look for the trail entrance at the parking lot near Koko's.

How far is Doggy Beach from the cruise port?

• Distance: ≈ 13 km (8 miles)
• Driving time: 20–25 minutes
• Taxi fare: around $30–35 USD

From the airport (Curaçao International Airport – Hato)

Head east via Weg naar Hato and Weg naar Caracasbaai, passing through Willemstad toward Jan Thiel. Follow signs for the Jan Thiel resorts, then follow the trail from the Koko's parking lot.

How far is Doggy Beach from the airport?

• Distance: ≈ 22 km (13.5 miles)
• Driving time: 30–40 minutes
• Taxi fare: around $40–50 USD

From Willemstad

Drive southeast on Weg naar Caracasbaai and continue until Jan Thiel. Once you reach the roundabout near Van den Tweel supermarket, keep right and follow the road toward the next roundabout. Park the car and look for the trail entrance at the parking lot.

How far is Doggy Beach from Willemstad?

• Distance: ≈ 10 km (6 miles)
• Driving time: 15–20 minutes
• Taxi fare: around $25–30 USD

From Westpunt

Take Weg naar Westpunt toward Willemstad, then follow Weg naar Caracasbaai to Jan Thiel. It’s a long but scenic drive across the island.

How far is Doggy Beach from Westpunt?

• Distance: ≈ 50 km (31 miles)
• Driving time: 1–1.5 hours
• Taxi fare: around $80–90 USD

From Sint Michiel (Boka Sami)

Drive east toward Willemstad, then continue on Weg naar Caracasbaai to Jan Thiel. The route passes near the harbor before turning south toward the beach area.

How far is Doggy Beach from Sint Michiel?

• Distance: ≈ 22 km (13.5 miles)
• Driving time: 30–35 minutes
• Taxi fare: around $40–45 USD

From Jan Thiel

If you’re already staying in Jan Thiel, reaching Doggy Beach is quick and easy — it’s just a few minutes walk around the lagoon.

How far is Doggy Beach from Jan Thiel Beach?

• Distance: ≈ 1.5 km (1 mile)
• Driving time: 3–5 minutes
• Taxi fare: around $10 USD one way

Taxi to Doggy Beach

Taxis are easy to find in Willemstad and Jan Thiel, but there’s no taxi stand at Doggy Beach. If you plan to visit without a rental car, it’s best to arrange a return pickup with your driver or use a rideshare app for the trip back.

Approximate taxi fare to Doggy Beach

• From Willemstad to Doggy Beach: $25–30 USD
• From Jan Thiel to Doggy Beach: $10 USD
• From the airport to Doggy Beach: $40–50 USD
• From Westpunt to Doggy Beach: $80-90 USD
• From Sint Michiel to Doggy Beach: $40-45 USD

Public transport to Doggy Beach

There’s no direct bus stop at Doggy Beach. The nearest option is the local minibus to Jan Thiel Beach or Caracasbaai, from where you’ll need to walk 10–15 minutes. Buses run irregularly and stop early in the evening, so plan your return ahead. Check the Curacao bus routes and schedules.

Driving to Doggy Beach by rental car

A rental car is the easiest way to visit. Roads are paved until Jan Thiel, then it's a short hike through the bushes.

Parking

There is no parking directly on Doggy Beach, but there is free parking at Jan Thiel. Avoid blocking the narrow access lane, and keep valuables out of sight.

Doggy Beach Curaçao is one of those rare places that still feels untouched — just calm water, mangroves, and locals walking their dogs at sunset. I’d recommend it to travelers who enjoy natural, offbeat places and don’t mind bringing their own drinks, towel, and a sense of calm — especially if you love dogs or want to see a more authentic side of Jan Thiel.