Jan Thiel Beach
A lively white sand beach in Curaçao, known for its water sports, diverse restaurants, bars, and vibrant atmosphere, especially on weekends.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live music and vibrant atmosphere
Jan Thiel Beach
Best Time
Live music and vibrant atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lively white sand beach in Curaçao, known for its water sports, diverse restaurants, bars, and vibrant atmosphere, especially on weekends.
"Found it better than other options (Mambo Beach, etc). Highly recommended."
🚗 Taxi Costs from Airport
Taxis from Curacao airport to Jan Thiel Beach have a fixed price of $55 USD or 99 Guilders. :taxi:
💰 Beach Entry & Day Beds
Expect a small entry fee per person, plus costs for day beds. Prices can be a bit high. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Papagayo Beach Club
Jan Thiel Beach
Relax by the infinity pool or on the white sand beach with crystal-clear water and great cocktails.
Zanzibar Beach & Restaurant
Jan Thiel Beach
Enjoy delicious food, a lively atmosphere, and stunning sunset views from this popular beachfront spot.
Koko's
Jan Thiel Beach
Experience the ultimate beach day with prime location, delicious bites, and perfect views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beach Entry & Day Bed Costs
Vibrant Atmosphere & Dining Options
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Taxi Costs from Airport
Taxis from Curacao airport to Jan Thiel Beach have a fixed price of $55 USD or 99 Guilders. :taxi:
💰 Beach Entry & Day Beds
Expect a small entry fee per person, plus costs for day beds. Prices can be a bit high. :moneybag:
🍽️ Diverse Dining Options
From pizza and ice cream to fine dining, Jan Thiel offers a variety of delicious food choices. :pizza:
🎶 Saturday Night Vibes
Saturdays bring amazing live music and a lively atmosphere to the beach. :musical_note:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Taxi Costs from Airport
Taxis from Curacao airport to Jan Thiel Beach have a fixed price of $55 USD or 99 Guilders. :taxi:
💰 Beach Entry & Day Beds
Expect a small entry fee per person, plus costs for day beds. Prices can be a bit high. :moneybag:
🍽️ Diverse Dining Options
From pizza and ice cream to fine dining, Jan Thiel offers a variety of delicious food choices. :pizza:
🎶 Saturday Night Vibes
Saturdays bring amazing live music and a lively atmosphere to the beach. :musical_note:
🐶 Doggy Beach Exploration
Discover the hidden Doggy Beach for a unique exploration beyond traditional sandy shores. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Jan Thiel Beach is a vibrant and popular destination praised for its clear waters, diverse dining, and lively atmosphere, especially on Saturdays with live music. While some find the prices for entry and beach beds a bit high, the overall experience, including beautiful sunset views and good service, makes it a highly recommended spot for many visitors.
"It is a beautiful small beach full of bars and restaurants all along. There are many venues where you can choose from, to buy a snack or have a drink. There are a couple of swimming pools that belong to the Papagayo Hotel. You must pay for beds on the beach. The prices are a little high and I would say this is the Dutch beach."
Diego Onomátor Rodriguez
"Crystal clear waters. Quiet atmosphere on most days (but Saturday’s have amazing live music). Variety of delicious food options—from pizza and chicken to ice cream and fine dining. What more could you ask for? Went here 3 times during my week in curacao. Found it better than other options (Mambo Beach, etc). Highly recommended"
Ami Spiwak
"$3 per person entry fee, then we rented a day bed for about 35(?) that came with towels and a large water. We ordered other drinks and food. Service was decent. The water is calm. Not as clear as some beaches so not really a snorkeling option… papagayo’s infinity pool is nice. Lots of parking. Several cafes or restaurants or gelato options…"
Jennida Chase
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Taxis from Curacao Airport to Jan Thiel Beach have a fixed rate of $55 USD or 99 Guilders. Consider this cost when planning your arrival.
While public transport options exist on Curaçao, many visitors find taxis or rental cars more convenient for reaching Jan Thiel Beach and exploring the island.
The Jan Thiel Beach area is quite walkable, with many restaurants and shops clustered together. For exploring further afield, a rental car or taxi is recommended.
Yes, there is ample parking available at Jan Thiel Beach, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Many resorts, like Villa Dushi Vibes, are located within a short walking distance or a very short drive to Jan Thiel Beach, making it easily accessible for guests.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is typically a small entry fee per person to access Jan Thiel Beach.
Beach beds are available for rent, with prices varying. Some reviews mention costs around $35, but it's best to check current rates upon arrival.
While not always necessary, booking beach beds in advance, especially during peak season or on weekends, might be a good idea to secure a spot.
Access is generally through the main beach entry, with separate rentals for loungers and umbrellas. Some beach clubs may offer packages.
Day bed rentals often include towels and sometimes a large bottle of water, offering a comfortable setup for your beach day.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Jan Thiel Beach is popular for various water sports, though specific activities can vary. It's a great spot for enjoying the clear waters.
The water at Jan Thiel Beach is generally calm, but it's not typically considered a prime snorkeling spot compared to other beaches on the island.
Popular beach clubs include Papagayo Beach Club, Zanzibar, and Koko's, each offering unique vibes and amenities. 
Yes, the Papagayo Hotel has swimming pools that guests can use, including a nice infinity pool.
Jan Thiel Beach is known for its lively atmosphere, especially on Saturdays with live music, and offers beautiful sunset views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a wide range of dining options, from casual pizza and chicken to fine dining restaurants and gelato shops. +1
Absolutely! Jan Thiel Beach is lined with bars offering refreshing cocktails, perfect for enjoying the sunset.
Yes, there are several venues where you can buy snacks, ice cream, and other treats. +1
Zest and Agave (known for Birria tacos) are highly recommended for their food and vibe. Koko's also offers delicious bites.
Prices at Jan Thiel Beach can be a bit high, especially at the more upscale venues, but there are options for various budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach itself with its clear blue water, the infinity pool at Papagayo, and the sunset views offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone.
Doggy Beach offers a more secluded and natural setting for unique photos, featuring a lagoon.
The golden hour before sunset provides beautiful lighting for beach photography. Midday offers bright, clear shots of the water.
The colorful beach bars and restaurants, along with the expansive ocean views, serve as iconic backdrops for memorable photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Jan Thiel Beach: Beyond the Sand
For those looking for a more relaxed vibe, weekdays offer a quieter setting. The beach is also renowned for its stunning sunset views, making it an ideal spot to unwind with a cocktail after a day of exploration. The presence of restaurants like Zest and Agave, known for its Birria tacos, adds a culinary dimension to the beach experience.
Beyond the main beach area, unique spots like Doggy Beach offer a chance for exploration and a different kind of natural beauty, featuring a lagoon. This variety ensures that Jan Thiel Beach caters to a wide range of preferences, from active beachgoers to those simply seeking relaxation and good food.
Dining and Nightlife at Jan Thiel
For a more refined experience, Papagayo Beach Club offers a sophisticated setting with an infinity pool and a restaurant. Zest is another highly recommended restaurant, known for its quality cuisine and beachfront location. The variety ensures that visitors can find something to suit any palate, from quick snacks to leisurely fine dining.
While not a major nightlife district in the traditional sense, Jan Thiel Beach comes alive on Saturdays with live music and a vibrant party atmosphere at venues like Zanzibar. The bars along the beach are perfect for enjoying cocktails and soaking in the lively ambiance as the sun sets.
Getting Around and Costs
Access to the beach itself typically involves a small entry fee per person. Additionally, renting beach beds incurs further costs, with prices that can be on the higher side, sometimes around $35. It's advisable to confirm these rates upon arrival.
While public transport is available on the island, many visitors find that renting a car or using taxis offers more convenience for exploring Jan Thiel and other parts of Curaçao.
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