Playa Porto Mari Curaçao Review: What You Need to Know

Are you wondering if Playa Porto Mari in Curaçao is worth visiting? Then you are in the right spot.

First of all, Porto Marie Beach is one of our favorite beaches on the island. So it is definitely worth visiting.

We have been there so many times, and there are a few interesting things you should know before you go!

To help you plan your first visit, I have created this helpful guide for you!

Let’s get to it!

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How to Get to Playa Porto Mari

To get to Playa Porto Mari from Willemstad, you’ll want to grab a car, as it’s the easiest way.

Just head northwest out of Willemstad on Weg Naar Westpunt. Keep following this road; it’ll turn into Weg Naar Soto. When you reach Soto, turn left onto Weg Naar Porto Mari. From there, it is easy to find.

The drive is about 40 minutes, and it’s a pretty straightforward route. You’ll pass by a beautiful church and even the flamingo reservoir on your way there. Pretty nice!

Opening Times & Entrance Fees

Entrance Fee: USD 3,00 per person

Beach Chair: USD 3,50 per person

Opening Times: Daily from 9.30 a.m. till 18.30 p.m.

Amenities at Playa Porto Mari

Things To Do at Porto Mari

1. Check Out The Restaurant Willywood

Willywood Restaurant in Porto Marie Beach is a great place for breakfast, lunch, or early dinner. The restaurant is located in a big hut, so you can also hide there from the occasional rain shower.

They have a great choice of dishes throughout the day. You need to try their special BBQ dishes from the Green Egg – super delicious.

We also love heading there early for pancakes and a coffee for breakfast.

And, of course, you can buy yummy cocktails throughout the day.

2. Visit Willy & Woody – The Cute Swimming Pigs

One of the reasons why Playa Porto Mari is so popular is because of the two swimming pigs you can see on the beach. They almost remind me a bit of the famous beach in the Bahamas.

Willy & Woody are permanent residents on the beach. They have a small, muddy lair behind the parking lot.

But they regularly make their way over to the water for a refreshing swim or some sunbathing. Super cute!

3. Create Driftwood Art at Gilmar’s Hut

Gilmar is an awesome local artist who has a small workshop set up at Porto Marie Beach. You can join him for a fun project right there on the beach.

You just need to pay for the piece of cleaned driftwood and he will help you turn it into a masterpiece. This is such a great spot for making your own souvenir.

We totally loved the workshop (even my non-creative husband) and he also told us a lot about the country and its history. We even had a small spectator while painting, as you can see below.

4. Snorkel at The Famous Double Reef

Snorkeling at Playa Porto Mari is a real treat – and you should definitely try it out! This beach in Curaçao is famous for its clear, turquoise waters and a unique double reef.

When we went snorkeling there, we always saw loads of colorful fish and sometimes even sea turtles. The two reefs are separated by a sandy valley, which is super cool to explore as well.

Playa Porto Mari definitely offers beginner-friendly snorkeling. Make sure to bring some water shoes, there are some dead corals in the water.

5. Go Diving at The Valley

Diving at Playa Porto Mari is just as amazing as snorkeling! The dive site there, known as “The Valley,” is famous. Especially for its stunning coral formations.

For renting gear, you’re also in luck. There’s a dive shop right at Playa Porto Mari. They offer everything you need – from rental equipment to dive courses.

So, whether you’re a seasoned diver or trying it for the first time, they’ve got you covered. You can just show up, gear up, and dive into an underwater adventure.

I am not big on diving myself, but I have heard from friends that it is well worth it.

6. Take a Hike At One Of The Amazing Trails

Porto Mari Beach has three awesome hiking trails. They vary in length, so there’s something for everyone. They are all pretty unique but offer some stunning views.

Serpentarium Trail: This is the shortest trail, ideal if you’re looking for a quick and easy walk. It takes you through a cactus-rich area, so wear good shoes.

History Trail: As the name suggests, this trail offers a glimpse into the island’s past. It’s a bit longer and takes you past some historical sites.

Bird Trail: This one is for the bird watchers! It’s the longest of the three trails and takes you through areas where you can spot various bird species.

7. Shop Fancy Beachwear at the Store

Playa Porto Mari is home to a super cute store. They sell fancy beachwear, towels, and everything you need for a day in the sun.

Admittedly, the stuff is a bit expensive. But most products are one of a kind, so you can get something really unique there!

8. Get a Beach Massage

Lastly, no relaxing beach day is complete without a massage.

Head over to the small massage parlor on the beach and treat yourself to a relaxing session.

They are usually on sale, so you can get a great deal.

Playa Portomari Review – My Honest Opinion

Playa Porto Mari is truly one of my favorite beaches on the island. It is beautiful for swimming and snorkeling, and the pigs are so cute.

One thing I dislike about this beach is the lack of umbrellas. You really need to show up early for a good spot.

The entrance fee is fair, and the beach chairs are also pretty cheap. The restaurant also has fair prices for the island. The food is great, and the view is awesome!

All in all, the money-value relation of this beach is definitely good, and you should plan to spend at least one day there.

Explore More Curacao Beaches

🌴 Playa Porto Mari Curaçao Review

🌴 Cas Abao Beach Curacao

🌴 Mambo Beach Curacao

🌴 Playa Gipy Curacao

🌴 Daaibooi Beach Curacao

Wrap Up: Playa Porto Mari Curacao Review

All in all, this is one of my favorite beaches in Curacao. The water quality is amazing, the vibe is fun and the restaurant is great. Of course, the pigs are super cute!

The beach is awesome for snorkeling and diving, you absolutely need to see the famous double reef!

As I mentioned, get there early, because there are not enough umbrellas.

This beach definitely needs to be on your Curacao bucket list for sure. If you are looking for more inspiration, check out Cas Abao Beach and Mambo Beach, as well as Playa Gipy.

Frequently Asked Questions