Cas Abao vs Santa Barbara

We are traveling late March with a 4 and 6 year old. Looking for a great beach that isn't too rough - both can swim though. Think we have it narrowed to these options. Recommendations? Thank you!

We love Cas Abao!

Here my 2c. Cas Abao is nice beach, but not worth the drive. Barbara beach is nice too, but lots of locals and now Hyatt was built there, so it's crowded.

I would stay closer to cruise port. Pirate bay or Blue bay.

Casa Abo was very nice, but the day we were there it had quite a current. I was a bit nervous getting back to shore. We were there in late afternoon, I don't know if time of day matters.

Firstly there are no great beaches on Curacao to compare with either Barbados or Antigua. Casa Abao is a long way from the pier, will cost $60/70 roundtrip and there is very little shade other than the thatched parasol which are few and far between. You will need to be either lucky or get there early to reserve one of them, with young children shade is essential.

Closer to the port is either Mambo or Blue beach cost about $5 pp each way by taxi, both provide the best man-made beaches on the island. There is also the Veneto Holiday Beach Resort which is within walking distance of the mega-pier, visible to the left of the ship's berth. The hotel doesn't get great reviews on Tripadviser but the beach is said to be great. I checked recently and they allow day visitors for $15pp which include free hamburger, fries and soft drink - worth a try, if not to your liking get a taxi onto Blue Beach which is great but still has the shade problem - Best of luck. See https://holiday-beach.com

Thank you for the feedback!

Firstly there are no great beaches on Curacao to compare with either Barbados or Antigua. Casa Abao is a long way from the pier, will cost $60/70 roundtrip and there is very little shade other than the thatched parasol which are few and far between. You will need to be either lucky or get there early to reserve one of them, with young children shade is essential.

 

Closer to the port is either Mambo or Blue beach cost about $5 pp each way by taxi, both provide the best man-made beaches on the island. There is also the Veneto Holiday Beach Resort which is within walking distance of the mega-pier, visible to the left of the ship's berth. The hotel doesn't get great reviews on Tripadviser but the beach is said to be great. I checked recently and they allow day visitors for $15pp which include free hamburger, fries and soft drink - worth a try, if not to your liking get a taxi onto Blue Beach which is great but still has the shade problem - Best of luck. See https://holiday-beach.com

The beaches in Curacao are amazing so I beg to differ with your statement that there are no great beaches on Curacao that compare with the other 2 islands. The best beaches in Curacao are far away from the port area. With that being said, Mambo Beach is typically the one suggested to cruise ship visitors again - a man made beach.