Klein Curaçao: How to Get There and Which Boat Trip to Choose
Pristine white sand, turquoise water, an old lighthouse and a rusting shipwreck: Klein Curaçao is the postcard everyone wants to see during their trip. But this little uninhabited island isn’t a place you just turn up to.
In this guide, we explain how to get there, how long the crossing takes, which boat to choose and what you need to know to make sure the day is one to remember.
What exactly is Klein Curaçao?
Klein Curaçao (“Little Curaçao” in Dutch) is a flat, uninhabited island of barely 1.7 km² (0.65 sq mi), lying off the eastern tip of Curaçao. There are no hotels, roads or permanent residents – just a few fishermen’s shelters, the facilities used by the tour boats, a 19th-century lighthouse and several shipwrecks, including the small oil tanker Maria Bianca Guidesman, which ran aground in the late 1980s.
The island is also a nesting ground for several species of sea turtles, and since 2018 it has been listed as a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar site).
How do you get to Klein Curaçao?
The only way to get there is by boat. There’s no public ferry: you’ll need to join a day trip, departing from the southeast coast (Spanish Water, Jan Thiel, Santa Barbara) or, for some boats, from other harbors on the island.
- Crossing time: from about 1 hour on the fastest boats to 2 hours on more traditional vessels.
- Length of the trip: plan on a full day, often around 8–9 hours.
- Departure: early in the morning (around 6:45–7 am for some), returning in the late afternoon.
- Price: usually between $115 and $170 per adult, depending on the boat and what’s included (meals, drinks, open bar or not).
Which Klein Curaçao trip should you choose?
Not all boats are created equal. Before you book, ask yourself three questions:
🏖️ Is there shade on the island? Klein Curaçao has almost no trees. Companies with their own beach house or palapas make all the difference in the blazing sun.
🍽️ What’s included? Breakfast, lunch, drinks, snorkel gear: check carefully – price differences usually come down to this.
🌊 What kind of boat? A fast boat shortens the crossing, while a large ocean-going boat sometimes rolls less. Either way, the outbound trip is into the wind.
Our favorite is Mermaid Boat Trips: rated 4.8/5 from over 340 reviews, with a beach house reserved for its passengers, and breakfast and a barbecue lunch included. We’ve covered it in detail on our dedicated page – minor drawbacks included.
What to do on Klein Curaçao
🤿 Snorkel: the water is exceptionally clear, and sea turtles are often spotted close to shore.
🚶 Walk to the lighthouse: it stands in the middle of the island. The path is flat but has no shade at all: shoes, water and a hat are a must.
🚢 See the shipwreck: it lies on the windward shore, across from the lighthouse. Admire it from the shore – don’t swim on that side, where the sea is rough.
😴 Do absolutely nothing: that’s the whole point! Nap, read and swim in 27–28 °C (81–82 °F) water.
🤿 Go diving: some companies offer optional scuba dives along the island’s drop-offs.
Our tips for a great day
⚠️ Seasickness: the only real downside
On the way out, the boat heads into the trade winds and the swell. If you're prone to seasickness: take suitable medication, eat a light breakfast, sit at the back and keep your eyes on the horizon. The return trip is usually much smoother.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a UV shirt.
- Shoes for the walk to the lighthouse – the ground gets scorching hot.
- Fins if you have them: masks are usually provided, fins not always.
- Some cash in US dollars for alcoholic drinks, which are rarely included.
- Respect the turtles: don’t touch, don’t feed, and stay off the marked nesting areas.
Klein Curaçao FAQ
Can I get to Klein Curaçao on my own?
There's no public connection. Unless you charter a private boat with a skipper, you'll need to join an organized trip.
Can I stay overnight on Klein Curaçao?
No, there's no accommodation at all. Trips are day trips only.
What's the best time of year to go?
Trips run all year round. The sea is generally calmer when the trade winds ease off, often toward the end of the year. Either way, the captain decides whether conditions allow the trip to go ahead.
Is Klein Curaçao suitable for kids?
Yes, the beach is perfect for children. Just keep in mind the length of the day and the crossing for younger ones.
👉 Also worth reading: the most beautiful beaches in Curaçao and where to swim with sea turtles in Curaçao.