Looking into snorkeling Playa Porto Mari Curacao with kids? If you’ve seen postcards of Curaçao, chances are they feature Playa Porto Mari. Famous for its turquoise water, soft white sand, and picture-perfect backdrop of manchineel trees, it’s one of the island’s most beloved beaches. Families love it not only for the scenery but also for the facilities—it has bathrooms, a beach bar, loungers, and even a dive shop. That makes it a far easier choice for parents than Curaçao’s more rustic beaches.
While scuba divers flock here for the bay’s unique double reef, the reef itself sits too deep for snorkelers. But that doesn’t mean families should skip bringing snorkels. Porto Mari offers plenty of fun for kids in the shallows, especially around its reef ball clusters and rocky cliff edges, where small fish, squid, and even young corals thrive.
Why Families Love Snorkeling Playa Porto Mari in Curacao
- Full facilities – Bathrooms, showers, a beach restaurant, and chair rentals make it family-friendly.
- Safe entry – Sandy entrance near the dock makes it easy for kids to get in and out.
- Marine life in reach – Fish and corals can be seen in shallow zones, perfect for kids who don’t swim far.
- Unique reef balls – These artificial coral structures are teeming with juvenile fish and provide a safe snorkel highlight.
Getting to Playa Porto Mari
Playa Porto Mari sits on Curaçao’s northwestern coast, about 20 km north of Willemstad.
- By car: From Willemstad, drive west on Weg Naar Westpunt. Before reaching Daniel, turn left toward Sint Willibrordus. The road is well-marked all the way to the beach.
- By taxi: About $45 each way from the city or cruise port. Be sure to arrange your return ride—taxis don’t wait at the beach.
- By tour: Many island tours include Porto Mari as a snorkeling or swimming stop.
Opening Hours: Daily, 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
Entrance Fee: Nafl. 5.00 / $3 per person (kids often discounted)
Facilities for Families
- Bathrooms and showers
- Beach chairs and umbrellas for rent
- Dive shop with snorkel gear rentals
- Restaurant and beach bar (no need to pack a full lunch if you don’t want to!)
- Ample parking
This makes Porto Mari one of Curaçao’s most comfortable beaches for kids—parents can relax knowing everything they need is close by.
Safe Water Entry
The best place for families to enter is from the beach near the wooden dock. The sandy slope is gentle, and it avoids most rocks. Kids can wade in easily, while parents help them put on fins in waist-deep water.
Safety Tip for Parents:
- Be mindful of manchineel trees near the beach—they look shady but can be toxic. Stick to palapas or rented umbrellas for safe shade.
- As with most Curaçao beaches, bring water shoes if your kids have sensitive feet.
Where to Snorkel at Playa Porto Mari
While the deep double reef is out of reach, there are two great family-friendly snorkeling areas:
1. Cliff Edge (South End of the Bay)
- Depth: 2–10 ft (1–3 m)
- Habitat: Sandy seabed with coral clusters, sea fans, and rocky edges.
- Marine life: Sergeant majors, French grunts, reef squid, and trunkfish are common.
- Why it’s great for kids: It’s shallow, calm, and close to shore.
2. Reef Ball Clusters
- Depth: 6–7 m (but much can be seen near the top)
- Manmade reef-restoration project with 280 reef balls placed in 2001–2002.
- Now covered in staghorn corals, sponges, and swaying sea fans.
- Marine life: Blue tang, parrotfish, French angelfish, wrasse, and juvenile schools dart around the clusters.
- Why kids love it: The reef balls look like underwater domes, easy to spot and fun to explore without needing to swim too far out.
Family Snorkeling Tips
- Bring snorkel vests for younger kids—it helps with buoyancy and gives parents peace of mind.
- Stay near the reef balls or cliff edges—the middle of the bay is sandy and less interesting.
- Check conditions early—waters are usually calm in the morning.
- Set a buddy system—even older kids should snorkel with a partner.
- Avoid free diving attempts—the double reef is too deep for safe snorkeling. Stick to the shallows.
Kiddometer Family Verdict on Snorkeling Playa Porto Mari in Curacao
Playa Porto Mari is one of Curaçao’s most family-friendly beaches for snorkeling. While advanced snorkelers might miss the deeper reef action, kids and parents will love the easy entry, shallow marine life, and fascinating reef balls that make the bay unique. Add in the comfort of bathrooms, food, and rentals, and Porto Mari becomes the perfect blend of adventure and convenience for families.
Best For: Families who want marine life + modern facilities
Not Ideal If: You’re looking for a quiet, rustic experience like Little Knip
