Curaçao with children: what works and what does not

Curaçao works well with children, mostly because of the south coast. A reef sits offshore there, so the water is flat, shallow at the edge and warm. No surf, and no current to worry about.

Where you do get in

Mambo Beach is walking distance, enclosed, and shallow over sand. Loungers, toilets and food are within thirty metres, which makes a day with small children considerably simpler.

Playa Porto Mari has a double reef and a jetty, and the water stays shallow a long way out. Good for first attempts at snorkelling.

Cas Abao is wide, calm and has shade under the trees, which on this island counts as a luxury.

Playa Piskado for the turtles works from around seven years old, once they can handle a snorkel on their own.

Where you do not

The entire north coast, Shete Boka included. There is no reef in front of it, the ocean arrives with force, and the rock at the edge is hollowed out. As scenery it is remarkable, and then you hold small hands, but it is not swimming water.

Practical

A pool of your own matters more than you would think: at the hottest part of the day nobody has to leave the house. Every distance on the island is short, so you are not facing long drives with bored children.

Bring water shoes for the rockier bays, and lycra tops with UV protection rather than reapplying cream all day. UV is strong here and the wind hides it.

Shopping is a normal supermarket with familiar brands, so food is not something to plan around. The tap water is excellent and perfectly drinkable.