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Playa Porto Mari
Photo by Dominik Schilling via wordpress · CC0
Sint WillibrordusBeach

Playa Porto Mari

Double-reef snorkeling and resident pigs

WaterCrystal Clear
SandWhite
VibeSnorkel-friendly & relaxed
WaterCrystal ClearCurrentCalmSandWhiteVibeSnorkel-friendly & relaxed

Playa Porto Mari is best known for what lies underwater: a double reef, two parallel coral ridges separated by a sandy channel, that you can reach straight from the beach. Snorkelers can explore the shallow reef, while divers can continue to the deeper second reef, spotting reef fish, coral and the occasional turtle. It is one of the most rewarding shore-snorkel sites on the island.

Above the water it is an easy, comfortable beach: a tidy stretch of white sand with calm, clear water, a beach bar, loungers, restrooms and a dive centre. The other claim to fame is the resident pigs, which sometimes amble down from behind the beach to the sand and shallows, a quirky local attraction (admire them, but do not feed or crowd them).

Make the most of Porto Mari

  • A small entrance fee applies, with loungers and gear available to rent.
  • Explore the shallow reef from the beach; the dive centre can brief you.
  • Mornings bring the calmest water and best visibility.
  • No lifeguards; the water is generally calm, but the reef edges can be sharp, so watch your footing.

Porto Mari sits beside Sint Willibrordus, a short hop from the polished Playa Cas Abao and the free local cove of Daaibooi Beach. Combine it with either for a full day on the central west coast.

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In pictures

Photo gallery

View from a small hill at Playa Porto Marie beach on Curaçao. The water is turquoise, clear and very calm. There are a few clouds in the blue sky.

Photo by Dominik Schilling via wordpress · CC0

Good to know

Playa Porto Mari questions

What is the double reef at Porto Mari?

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Porto Mari has a double reef off the beach, with shallow areas for snorkelers and deeper areas for divers. Snorkelers can explore the shallow reef, with reef fish, coral and occasional turtles along the way.

Are there really pigs on the beach at Porto Mari?

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Yes. Resident pigs sometimes wander down from behind the beach to the sand and shallows, and they have become a quirky local attraction. Admire them from a respectful distance, but do not feed or crowd them.

Is there an entrance fee at Porto Mari?

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Yes, a small fee of around US$3 per person applies, with loungers and snorkel gear available to rent. A beach bar, restrooms and a dive centre are on site.

Is Porto Mari suitable for beginner snorkelers?

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Yes. The water is generally calm and the dive centre can brief you on the marked snorkel trail. Take care near the reef edges, which can be sharp, and visit in the morning for the calmest water and best visibility.