Beach sand and water in Curacao

[bsbcgirl]

We are booked on the AOS "Aruba itinerary" during spring 2006. We love spending time at the beach, but after reading some threads regarding the beaches in Curacao, I am concerned about the sand and ocean bottom that has been described as very difficult to take on the bottom of the feet. Is it worth it to buy and pack water shoes, or should we do other things in Curacao and visit beaches at the other stops on our cruise? Also, is there horseback riding on the beaches that we can book? Any information/advice/opinions would be greatly appreciated.

[rjscott]

Don't know about horseback riding, but we went to Playa Porto Mari beach and enjoyed it very much. I did not find the sand harsh on my feet at all. Check out the website:http://www.playaportomari.com/

[Emdee]

How far is Playa Porto Mari from the ship and what was the Taxi fare?

 

I will be on AOS next week.

[EileenN]

We stayed at the Marriott for 9 days this summer and I would not go without water shoes. The coral is tough on the feet.

[NoNoNanette]

How far is Playa Porto Mari from the ship and what was the Taxi fare?

 

I will be on AOS next week.

 

Did you get to Porto Mari? It sure looks beautiful. Does anybody know how close it is?

[rjscott]

Playa Porto Mari is about a 20 min. taxi ride from the new pier at Curacao, maybe a few minutes more from the old pier. Along the way, you'll see some residential areas and a flock of flamingos as you enter the park area. Not a bad ride at all.

 

Becki

[NoNoNanette]

Hi Becki-

 

Tell me.... did you like the place? Would you return? (My idea of heaven is laying on a beach all day, drinking beer.) I'd love to hear what you thought of it. :)

[rjscott]

Yes, we really liked Playa Porto Mari. There is a small admission fee, and a few bucks if you want a beach lounger, but with that fee, you get a coupon for one drink (not sure if alcoholic was included, as it was early in the AM when we were there). It is a beautiful expanse of beach, with nice facilities. Snorkeling is good, also. We didn't have long there, as we had an excursion in the afternoon, but I'd gladly go back there. Some others from our ship went to Kontiki Beach Club, but they weren't as enthusiastic about it. We had a group from our ship of 8, and everyone enjoyed the park a great deal.

 

Becki

[donnajo]

Hey Becki - I was one of the ones that went to Kon Tiki and Loved it!!!

The food is great at the restaurant and the beach sand is soft as talc.

We are going back there in April 06

Donna

[rjscott]

Donnajo, didn't know you went to Kontiki. I had talked to a couple of others who went to Kontiki who just said it was "ok", but didn't really elaborate. Maybe we'll try it next visit.

 

Becki