You don’t have to travel far to get a good feel of Curaçao in its most authentic form. Nature, wildlife, culture, great food and drinks, hiking trails and a beach not overrun by tourists are all within about two kilometres of Mondi Lodge.
I love sharing this area with visitors because it still feels genuinely local. It hasn’t been taken over by beach clubs and tour buses, and I hope it stays that way. So here’s my personal guide to making the most of it.
Get out and hike
The hills and coastline around Klein Sint Michiel and Boka Samí are made for walking. There are trails for every level, from a gentle stroll along the saliñas (salt pans) to a proper climb up the Sint Michielsberg, with panoramic views that’ll make your jaw drop.
My honest advice? Go early. The Curaçao sun is no joke by mid-morning, so bring more water than you think you need.
- Sint Michielsberg summit trail: about 2 km, moderate, stunning panoramas
- Saliña coastal walk: about 4 km, easy, flamingo spotting
- Boka Samí cliff path: about 3 km, moderate, sea views
- Malpais: about 3 km, easy, deer spotting
Local tip: if you want personalised trail recommendations, whether you’re after a gentle walk or a proper challenge, talk to Danita. She knows these trails inside out and can point you in exactly the right direction based on your fitness, your time and what you most want to see.
Spot the flamingos
Yes, Curaçao has flamingos, and the salt flats near Klein Sint Michiel are one of the best places to see them. There’s something magical about watching these tall, rose-pink birds wade through the shimmering water. It never gets old, no matter how many times I’ve seen it.
Arrive early to avoid the crowds, keep your voice low and don’t rush towards them. Give them space and they’ll go about their business completely unbothered. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Boka Samí, my absolute favourite
I could write a whole blog about Boka Samí alone. This small fishing village is one of the most charming and authentic spots on the island, and the fact that it hasn’t been overrun by tourism makes it even more special.
There are no beach bars and no rows of sun loungers. Instead you’ll find colourful fishing boats bobbing in the bay, locals going about their day and a pace of life that reminds you what the Caribbean was like before mass tourism. The water is calm and clear, in that blue-green shade Curaçao does so well. Bring your own snacks, lay down a towel and just breathe.
Don’t forget your snorkel. Hawksbill and green sea turtles graze on the sea grass in the bay. Drift slowly and quietly and there’s a very good chance one will glide right past you. But never, ever touch them, as this can harm them.
Please treat Boka Samí with the respect it deserves. Take your rubbish with you and leave it exactly as you found it.
Try Aquafari, seriously
If you’ve never tried an underwater scooter, Aquafari is where to do it. You ride along the seabed breathing normally through a full-face mask, with no dive certificate or experience needed. You’ll glide past coral gardens and shoals of colourful fish, and if you’re lucky, a ray or a turtle. The guides make it feel relaxed, even if you’re a little nervous at first.
Sunset at The Niffo Huts
My perfect Klein Sint Michiel evening: head to The Niffo Huts about 30 minutes before sunset and have dinner with your feet in the sand. Favourites are the tuna burger or tuna salad, and the grilled picanha.
Or find a spot on the rocks: cross the bridge and take the hiking trail up to the old fort, and watch the sky turn every shade of orange, pink and purple over the Caribbean Sea. It is one of the best sunset spots I know on the island.
Happy hour at Kokomo Beach
On Sundays, make your way to Kokomo for happy hour: cold drinks, live music, friendly faces and that end-of-the-weekend energy only Sunday evenings in the tropics seem to have. Arrive early for a spot with a view, order some snacks and a bucket of beer, and let the evening take care of itself.
Want to wake up in the middle of all this? Our palapas are just minutes from every spot on this list.