Curaçao Marine Life
Curaçao's fringing reef teems with life: green and hawksbill turtles, parrotfish, angelfish, moray eels, seahorses, rays and the occasional reef shark.
The island sits outside the hurricane belt and its leeward reefs are relatively healthy, with hard and soft corals, sponges and gorgonians. Lucky snorkellers spot seahorses clinging to sea grass, while divers find frogfish and octopus on the walls. Turtles are common at several beaches. Responsible viewing — no touching, chasing or standing on coral — keeps it that way.
Good to know
- Turtles are most reliable at Piskado, Lagun and Blue Bay.
- Look for seahorses in sea grass and around piers.
- Never touch marine life or coral.
Questions & answers
Are there sharks in Curaçao?
Reef sharks are present but encounters are rare and non-threatening; the reefs are considered very safe for swimmers and divers.
Stay in the heart of it all
Majestic City Palace — a restored 1892 monument in Punda, steps from everything in this guide.