Hato Caves, Turtle Beach, Kenepa and Flamingos Day Tour Curacao

Hato Caves

Hato Caves lie on the north side of Curaçao, close to the airport, inside a limestone terrace that was once a coral reef under the sea. Over many thousands of years, as the island rose and rainwater seeped through the rock, chambers and passages formed, decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and smooth flowstone. Ancient rock drawings made by the island's first inhabitants can be seen near the caves, and a colony of bats lives in the darker parts.

On this tour the Hato Caves tickets are included, and a local cave guide leads you through the galleries for about an hour, explaining how the formations grew and the stories linked to them, including their use as a hiding place in the past. The cave is warm and humid, with paved paths and some steps. Is Hato Caves worth visiting? For most travellers it is the best introduction to the island's geology and history.

Playa Piskadó, the turtle beach

Playa Piskadó, also known as Playa Grandi, is a small, calm bay on the west coast near Westpunt. Local fishermen bring in their catch at the little pier, and green sea turtles have learned to visit the shallows every day, which makes this the best-known spot for swimming with turtles in Curaçao.

You spend about 45 minutes here with your snorkel gear. Swim out a few metres from the pier and you will often see turtles grazing on the seabed or coming up to breathe right beside you. Keep a respectful distance and never touch or feed them; the guide explains how to snorkel safely. There is also a short photo stop along the way, with views over the wild western coast of the island, called Bandabou by locals.

Grote Knip (Kenepa) beach

Grote Knip, also called Kenepa Grandi, is the picture-postcard beach of Curaçao: a cove of soft white sand enclosed by low limestone cliffs, with water so clear and turquoise that it looks unreal. A lookout point on the road above gives one of the classic views of the island, and the beach is a favourite with local families at weekends.

Here you have free time to swim, snorkel along the rocks at the sides of the cove, or simply float in the calm sea. Beach chairs and towels are not included, so bring a towel and something to lie on. The best time to visit Kenepa beach is in the morning or early afternoon, when the light makes the water glow, which is exactly when this tour arrives.

Flamingos at Sint Willibrordus

The salt flats near the village of Sint Willibrordus are one of the best places to see flamingos in Curaçao. Wild American flamingos come here to feed in the shallow brine, filtering tiny shrimp and algae that give their feathers the famous pink colour. Depending on the season and water levels, you can see a handful or a whole flock standing in the pink-tinted water.

The tour stops for about 15 minutes by the roadside viewpoint, the right distance to watch and photograph the birds without disturbing them, so a camera with zoom is useful. It is a peaceful end to the day, before your guide drives you back to Willemstad. Many visitors searching where to see flamingos in Curaçao are surprised by how close to the road they feed.