There are many beaches on Curaçao that everyone knows about and that can get very crowded. However, there are several hidden gems. Directors Bay is one of them. This small beach, also known as Director’s Bay, Directeursbaai or Directeuren Baai, was once an exclusive retreat for the top executives of Shell. For years, the beach was strictly off-limits to island residents, a well-kept secret behind closed gates. When Shell left in 1985, Directors Bay became accessible to everyone. But the quiet, secluded atmosphere from those days still lingers. If you’re looking for a peaceful, special spot during your stay on Curaçao, be sure to visit this former Shell beach.
Where to find Directors Bay exactly
Directors Bay is located on the southern side of the Caracasbaai peninsula, a relatively untouched nature and recreation area perfect for hiking. If you park your car at Playa Caracasbaai, you can walk through the nature reserve to the secluded beach in about 30 minutes. Directors Bay is also easily accessible by car. You can park right next to the beach, on top of the cliff. From there, you can descend to the beach via a staircase. Note: the access road to this part of the peninsula is unpaved in some places, with large holes and gullies—good to know beforehand.
Does Directors Bay have soft sand?
Directors Bay does not have a soft, white sandy beach like many other spots on Curaçao. The ground here mainly consists of coral and coarse stones, with some patches of sand or gravel here and there. The beach itself is quite narrow and is surrounded by rocks, trees and shrubs, giving it a rugged, almost untouched character. Water shoes are definitely recommended if you want to enter the water here. If you’re not put off by this, you’ll find the perfect place to relax in complete peace. It’s also a great area for spotting wildlife on Curaçao. Snorkelers often encounter sea turtles here and I have also seen pelicans floating in the water when I was on the beach myself.
Snorkeling at Directors Bay
For snorkelers, Directors Bay is a true paradise. The sea is usually calm and clear here. Right along the rocky shore, a lively underwater world begins with corals, sponges and tropical fish. It’s one of those places on Curaçao where you can simply walk into the water from the shore—no boat or guide needed—and immediately find yourself in a beautiful underwater world. If you’re an experienced swimmer and the sea is calm, you can swim along the rocky shore towards Tugboat, one of the island’s best-known snorkel spots.
Tips for visiting Directors Bay
Lying on a towel on the beach at Directors Bay is not very comfortable, so it’s better to bring a mat or a beach chair for sunbathing. Also, keep in mind that there are no facilities at the beach itself. If you prefer some amenities, head to Tugboat Beach Bar, where you can enjoy a cold drink, some food and rent beach beds. Moreover, the famous Tugboat shipwreck lies just off the coast, making it easy to snorkel there from the beach.
