Director's Bay

Hidden away on the southeast coast of Curaçao lies Director's Bay, also known as Directeursbaai. This small bay near Caracasbaai has a special past and is nowadays mainly known as a snorkelling and diving location. Do not expect a wide sandy beach with beach huts, but a quiet spot with clear water, limestone rocks and an impressive underwater world.

From private beach to public bay

Director's Bay owes its name to the time when the beach was reserved for Shell directors and their guests. Today the bay is open to the public. Traces of the exclusive history are still visible, including remains of an old net under water. That net was once intended to shield the bay and has since become overgrown with corals and sponges.

The shore consists mainly of coral rubble, stones and rocky material. You descend to the beach via a concrete staircase. Water shoes are useful here, as the bottom is less comfortable than on the well-known sandy beaches of Curaçao.

Snorkelling and diving at Director's Bay

The main attraction is underwater. The reef begins relatively close to the shore and further out turns into a steeper reef wall. You can encounter various species of tropical fish, soft corals and sponges here. For divers in particular, the variety between the shallow reef and the deeper wall is interesting.

Snorkellers can also explore the reef in suitable conditions. Watch out for stones when entering the water and stay away from damaged coral and old remnants of the net.

By rental car to Director's Bay

You reach Director's Bay via the Caracasbaai area, east of Willemstad. On the way you pass, among other things, the historic Fort Beekenburg and the area around Tugboat Beach. The last access roads are partly unpaved. With a rental car you can easily combine these different spots.

Bring enough drinking water and something to eat. Director's Bay is especially attractive when you want to avoid the crowds and discover Curaçao from a different, less commercial side.