Baya Beach

Baya Beach is a small beach on the Caracasbaai peninsula, on the southeast side of Curaçao. The area is less developed than the popular beach areas of Jan Thiel and Mambo Beach. Here you will find a combination of natural coastline, historic buildings and spots known to snorkelers and divers.

A small beach with a special past

Baya Beach is located in an area that used to play a role in supplying ships. Remains of old harbour installations are still visible in the area. Not far from the beach stands Fort Beekenburg, which was built to defend the entrance to Spaanse Water.

The beach itself is compact and consists of sand, stones and pieces of coral rubble. The clear water and the rocky surroundings give Baya Beach a very different character from the wide sandy beaches on the west coast. You come here more for a short swimming stop or to explore the area than for a full beach day with every possible facility.

Snorkeling in the area

The waters around Baya Beach are interesting for lovers of underwater life. Several reef sections where fish and corals occur lie in the area. The well-known snorkeling spot Tugboat Beach is also close by.

At Tugboat lies a sunken tugboat that is now overgrown with coral and sponges. The wreck is a popular destination for snorkelers and divers. Baya Beach itself is a separate beach section, so to visit the wreck it is best to use the well-known access at Tugboat Beach.

Visiting Baya Beach with a rental car

From Willemstad you drive along the Caracasbaaiweg towards the peninsula. Then you follow the roads along the bay and Fort Beekenburg. Some of the roads in this area are unpaved. Keep this in mind if you are travelling with a small rental car.

The public beach is freely accessible. The availability of commercial facilities in the area may change, so do not simply count on an open beach club.

For a varied exploration you can combine Baya Beach with Caracasbaai, Fort Beekenburg and Director's Bay. It is above all the combination of history and underwater nature that makes this area interesting.