Playa Lagun

The Basics

A small beachfront restaurant doubles as a dive shop for snorkeling and diving gear, allowing you to easily explore the nearby reefs that are home to colorful fish, schools of squid, and sea turtles, as well as coral and large sponges. Some snorkeling tours combine stops at Shete Boka National Park with a visit to Playa Lagun.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The calm, shallow waters of Playa Lagun make this a good spot for snorkelers of any skill level.

• Beach chairs are available for rent.

• You can purchase food from the concession stand and mobile vendors on-site, and the beach has plenty of picnic tables.

• There are no public restroom facilities at Playa Lagun.

How to Get There

Playa Lagun is about a 35-minute drive northwest of Willemstad (where the cruise ship terminal is located) and about 7 minutes south of Westpunt. Since public bus service can be limited, renting a car is recommended; parking is available at the beach. Tours typically include round-trip transportation from most hotels.

When to Get There

Like most beach destinations, Playa Lagun can get crowded on the weekends, but it is generally calm compared to other beaches on Curacao. But if possible, try to visit the beach during the week, when it’s almost empty. If you’re snorkeling, the best chance to spot green sea turtles is in the morning.

Shete Boka National Park

Although Shete Boka technically means “seven inlets,” this park boasts more than 10 such coves within its protected area of rocky terrain. Here, on the island’s northern coast, you can explore the limestone bluffs and the inlets that serve as sea turtle nesting grounds. The park is located about a 30-minute drive from the airport.