Santa Cruz

Playa Santa Cruz lies on the west coast of Curaçao, south of Lagun. This wide, natural bay has a very different character from the well-known beaches near Willemstad. Here you will find a quiet coastline, fishing boats and a relaxed atmosphere. Santa Cruz is also known as the departure point for trips to the Blue Room, a remarkable sea cave further along the coast.

A beach with a local character

The beach at Santa Cruz is made of sand and surrounded by hills and natural vegetation. Along the shore, visitors look for a spot to swim, rest or eat together. Local families in particular know how to find this bay.

The water at the beach is usually relatively calm. This makes Santa Cruz attractive for visitors who want a relaxed swimming stop. Do keep in mind the fishing boats and other vessels that use the bay.

Snorkeling and discovering the Blue Room

Santa Cruz is special above all for the opportunities it offers to explore the surrounding coast. Boat trips leave from the bay to various snorkeling locations, including the famous Blue Room.

This sea cave owes its name to the blue light that appears when sunlight enters the cave through the water. The cave has a partly submerged entrance. Entering it involves risks, especially with waves or changing water levels. Choose an experienced local guide, and do not enter the cave on your own if you are not familiar with the conditions.

Outside the cave, too, the coast around Santa Cruz offers interesting places to snorkel. The possibilities vary by location, and some spots are only easily reachable by boat.

Discover more along the coast

From Santa Cruz, a coastal path leads towards several smaller bays, including the dark beach Playa Santu Pretu. The area consists of rocky terrain with little shade. If you want to hike here, you need to allow for the heat and the uneven ground.

To Playa Santa Cruz by rental car

From Willemstad, you drive towards Banda Abou and Soto. Then you follow the road to Santa Cruz. The bay is accessible by road and there is parking.

Access to the public beach is free. For boat trips, kayak rental and other activities, you pay separately. Santa Cruz is a great destination when you want to combine a quiet beach day with discovering the remarkable coast of Curaçao.