Playa Grandi (Playa Piskado)

Playa Grandi, widely called Playa Piskado (piskado means fisherman in Papiamentu), is a small, unpolished cove that draws snorkelers for one reason: green sea turtles. Local fishermen clean their catch at the pier here, and the scraps pull in turtles that feed and rest in the shallow, calm water just off the beach. Slip on a mask in the early morning and you can often watch several glide past within arm's reach.

This is not a swimming-and-lounging beach. The sand is narrow, the cove is a working fishing spot with boats coming and going, and there are no real facilities. People come specifically to snorkel with the turtles and then move on. The calm, sheltered water makes the encounter easy even for beginners, and you rarely need to swim far from shore.

Snorkel responsibly

• Keep your distance, never touch or chase the turtles, and avoid blocking their path to the surface to breathe.
• Mornings are best, when the fishermen are working and the water is calmest.
• Bring your own gear; there are no rentals and minimal shade.
• Watch for boat traffic near the pier and stay clear of the fishing area.

Because it is tiny, Piskado is best combined with the nearby white-sand Playa Kenepa Grandi and the cliffs at Playa Forti for a full Westpunt morning. See the turtles first, then move to a proper beach to swim and relax.