Mambo Beach

Mambo Beach is the easygoing, family-friendly counterpart to the beach clubs along this coast. The calm, shallow bay is partly man-made and protected by breakwaters, so the water stays gentle and clear, ideal for young children and casual swimmers. Behind the sand runs the Mambo Beach Boulevard, an open-air strip of shops, restaurants, ice-cream stands and bars that keeps everyone happy between dips.

Because it sits beside the Sea Aquarium and close to Willemstad, Mambo is one of the most convenient beaches on the island, busy, social and well served. You can rent a lounger, snorkel in the protected shallows, grab lunch on the boulevard and let kids play in safe water, all in one spot. It is more developed than the wild west-coast coves, which is exactly its appeal for families and first-time visitors.

Good to know

• Entrance and lounger fees apply; the boulevard behind the beach is free to wander.
• The shallow, sheltered water is excellent for children and nervous swimmers.
• Plenty of food, drink and shopping mean you can stay all day without packing much.
• It gets crowded on weekends and cruise days; mornings are calmer.

Mambo sits right beside Jan Thiel Beach, so the two are easy to combine, family swimming and the boulevard at Mambo, sundowners and dinner at Jan Thiel. The coves of Spanish Water are a short drive on for quieter snorkeling.