Isa 65 Question

Isa, we are 8 adults in our 50's coming to your beautiful island on a Sunday in February 2015. You had recommended Cas Abao beach. Does that beach have chairs and shade available? Also would Santa Barbara Resort be as good and about as far?

Thank you so much!

Yes, Cas Abao beach has all amenities - beach chairs ($3 per chair rental), palapas (umbrellas), beach bar for food and drinks, showers, dive shop.

It is about 30 minutes from the cruise port towards the Western side of the island.

Santa Barbara resort is in the opposite direction. Also about half an hour from port, but upscale and luxury. Many more amenities (large swimming pool, spa, shops, real restaurants).

What are your port hours?

I'm so sorry! 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Isa this is also a Sunday. Does that make a difference?

Isa65

We too are arriving in two weeks on a Wednesday 8-4pm just two of us looking to find a beach that we can hang out, snorkel, eat and have a few adult beverages. What would you recommend?

Thanks,

Bob

Yes, Cas Abao beach has all amenities - beach chairs ($3 per chair rental), palapas (umbrellas), beach bar for food and drinks, showers, dive shop.

 

It is about 30 minutes from the cruise port towards the Western side of the island.

 

Santa Barbara resort is in the opposite direction. Also about half an hour from port, but upscale and luxury. Many more amenities (large swimming pool, spa, shops, real restaurants).

 

What are your port hours?

I'm so sorry! 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

You have GREAT port hours and you can go about anywhere you like on those hours.

Cas Abou (or any Western beach) will be crowded with locals on a Sunday. I think Santa Barbara might be a bit more subdued if you're looking for a relaxing spot.

Do you think Santa Barbara would be the best choice since it's Sunday or another option?

I really can't decide for you.

However, being a Sunday I would indeed prefer Santa Barbara as Cas Abao will get pretty crowded.

Another option is the Hilton hotel. They have a Sunday brunch + day pass for $32 per person. Food (brunch buffet) is included and use of a beach chair. The beach is small, but very close to the ship.

We'll be in Curacao for the day on Monday, Nov 10th while on Explorer of the Seas. We have a nice long day, being there from 8am-9pm. Does the Santa Barbara resort have a day pass? If so, any ideas what they cost? The resort looks really nice on the website. What other suggestions are there for nice beaches and/or resorts with nice amenities? Thanks!

Santa Barbara does not have an official Day Pass. You can show up and you need to pay about $4 to use their beach + pool but need to also buy a food/drink voucher of $14 (not per person).

You may use their pool, beach, chairs and umbrellas.

The only downside is the very expensive cab fare to get you to Santa Barbara.

Recently I have heard of guests going to Marriott (less than 10 minutes from the ship) and paying $25 per person to use their pool, spa and beach. (Incl. chairs, umbrellas and towels).

Santa Barbara does not have an official Day Pass. You can show up and you need to pay about $4 to use their beach + pool but need to also buy a food/drink voucher of $14 (not per person).

You may use their pool, beach, chairs and umbrellas.

The only downside is the very expensive cab fare to get you to Santa Barbara.

 

Recently I have heard of guests going to Marriott (less than 10 minutes from the ship) and paying $25 per person to use their pool, spa and beach. (Incl. chairs, umbrellas and towels).

Thanks for the quick reply! If we decide just to do a beach not at a resort, can you recommend a nice beach with chair rentals and beach bar?

Isa, we are 8 adults in our 50's coming to your beautiful island on a Sunday in February 2015. You had recommended Cas Abao beach. Does that beach have chairs and shade available? Also would Santa Barbara Resort be as good and about as far?

 

Thank you so much!

Hi rlkubi,

Looks like we're on the same cruise, Carnival Freedom repo to Galveston. You might want to check out our roll call, many activities being planned over there. We're thinking of renting a car in Curacao and going to a beach or resort, cheaper than a cab. Back seat still available, want to join us ? :D

How much is cab fare to Santa Barbara?

Whats best beach that's not real far from ship? Food , drink, etc for a few hours. Are shops in town open on Sundays?

How much is cab fare to Santa Barbara?

 

Whats best beach that's not real far from ship? Food , drink, etc for a few hours. Are shops in town open on Sundays?

Cab far to Santa Barbara will be very high - about $40 - $50 one way - as it's far from the cruise port.

Closest beach will be Cabana beach / Seaquarium Beach - $ 20 one way.

There will be some shops open downtown and you can also shop at the cruise village.