Would like info on Holiday Beach

[crewsing with fam]

Saw posts about this, but from 4 years ago. Is it still nice and open to day use? Is it free to use? Is there snorkeling and is it any good?

 

Thanks so much for any info!

 

Crewsing with fam

 

will be on Carnival Freedom March 2014

[Isa65]

If you ask for my personal opinion, I would say - Skip this hotel. There is a reason why it's not mentioned at all in the day options in this forum;).

 

The property itself is run down, but even worse - the beach is rough, there is a perpetual bad sewage smell there and the walk over there is not particularly fun (nor safe).

 

There are much better beach options on the island (snorkeling is pretty much out of the question at Holiday Beach, as it's open sea (many waves and hardly any sea life to spot).

[crewsing with fam]

Thanks! What beaches would you recommend for close to port, easy/not too expensive to get to, and snorkeling?

TIA!

 

Crewsing with fam

 

will be on Carnival Freedom March 2014

[crewsing with fam]

Are there any beaches you can walk to from port? Or are we better off taking a taxi to somewhere like Blue Bay? (We'll be a adults, 2 kids- unless the kids want to stay at camp on the boat) Thanks!

 

Crewsing with fam

 

will be on Carnival Freedom March 2014

[Isa65]

Are there any beaches you can walk to from port? Or are we better off taking a taxi to somewhere like Blue Bay? (We'll be a adults, 2 kids- unless the kids want to stay at camp on the boat)

 

Unfortunately no good beaches within walking distance as the ship docks at the downtown area.

 

The nearest beach by taxi is indeed Blue Bay or Cabana Beach. With kids I think Cabana would be more fun.

[bythehex]

Is Holiday Beach the one near the casino? We were there a year ago and it was a nice little beach, and was within walking distance of the port. We could see the ship from the beach, actually. I remember the walk back to the ship, and the surrounding area that we walked past being a bit smelly, but not dangerous looking at all.

 

Has that changed?? I remember a lot of construction going on as well.

 

Thanks.

[Isa65]

but not dangerous looking at all.

 

Has that changed?? I remember a lot of construction going on as well.

 

Thanks.

 

A place doesn't have to look dangerous, to be dangerous.

 

For the safety of guests visiting Curacao I give these suggestions, but if anyone wishes to go to the Holiday Beach on foot - of course you are welcome to do so.

 

The same goes for the alleys in the Otrabanda side of Willemstad. We (as residents) advise tourists NOT to enter these alleys not even during the day and every time there is a cruise ship in port you see cruise ship people walking in and out of these small streets.

And then when something bad happens, it will be all over the internet that the island is not safe.:(

[bythehex]

I do appreciate the suggestion. Just surprised because it had been recommended by our tour guide, who dropped a group of us there at the end of our tour.