A reef you can reach from the sand

What makes Porto Mari special for divers and snorkelers alike is that you don't need a boat to get to the action. The shore-accessible double reef begins just a short swim from the beach and runs far along the coast, giving you space to explore at your own pace. Local divers describe three loose zones: a deeper sandy valley toward one end, lush coral gardens in front of the beach where reef fish gather in the shallows, and a reef that eases around toward the next coves. From a couple of metres in the shallow water to dramatic drops further out, there's a level here for everyone, whether you're floating face-down with a mask or suited up with a dive centre.↗

The clear, warm and generally calm conditions are a big part of the appeal—this is one of those beaches where a beginner can snorkel comfortably right off the sand and still see a rich, colourful reef, while experienced divers keep coming back for new corners and the chance encounters with turtles, eagle rays, seahorses and frogfish.↗

More than a beach—a place to linger

Porto Mari is well organised and easy to make a whole day out of. Everything you need sits within a few steps of the water: a bar and a restaurant with sea views for a cold drink, lunch or an early dinner, plus showers, toilets, rinse tanks for gear and roomy picnic tables for a lazy stretch-out. There's a playground and plenty of space, which is why it's such a hit with families, and the gentle entry into the sea suits nervous swimmers and small kids too.↗↗↗

The beach keeps a low-key, nature-first character. It runs almost entirely on solar power—solar panels that double as shade—and the team behind it is known for reef regeneration work and keeping the surroundings clean rather than paving over them. Even the wild pigs that wander the grounds are left to roam on their own terms; the beach's resident "beach pigs" are a delightfully unpredictable Curaçaoan surprise that regulars love to spot.↗↗

For a change of view, a lookout tower stands on the beach and the light here is wonderful at the end of the day—sunset over the bay is one of the quiet rewards of staying past the midday crowd.↗

Planning your visit

Porto Mari is open daily from 9:30am until 6:30pm, though it closes on 31 December and Carnival Sunday, so it's worth a quick check if you're visiting around those dates. There's a small entrance fee and a modest rental for a beach chair, and it's a genuine first-come, first-served place—no restaurant reservations and no reserved loungers, but with people coming and going all day there's almost always a spot to claim. Card and mobile payments are accepted on site.↗↗

Getting there is easiest by car or taxi from Willemstad, and many guided island tours include a stop here. If you're relying on public transport, note that the bus only reaches the village of Sint Willibrordus, from which the walk to the beach is a fairly long stretch, so it's a beach best visited by road or as part of a tour. Arriving early in the season both secures a good spot and gives you the calmest, clearest water for an unhurried snorkel.↗↗

The setting on the west coast puts it among a cluster of fine beaches and photo stops—pair your day with the flamingos and the colourful landmarks of the Sint Willibrordus area, or save the light for that lookout sunset before you drive back.↗