Today we wanted to circle back to the bays (or baais) that looked like they had good snorkeling so we headed back to the north side of the island. Our first stop was Playa Lagun which looked like a fun place to come back to have lunch. We grabbed our snorkel gear, found a nice rock to leave our clothes and jumped in. Wayne was off to the races and quickly deserted us. But, Matt stuck by my side and we enjoyed the beautiful little bay’s reefs and sea life. This bay is also used for diving and many groups of people were learning how to dive and practicing their dive skills. We met some lovely people who told us about a bay where you can swim with a lot of turtles. So, we added Playa Piskado to our list.
Please don’t swim away, I want to play with you.
On the way to Playa Piskado, we came across Playa Kenepa Chiki where we hopped out, did a quick snorkel and got back on the road.
Playa Piskado
Next, we came across Playa Kenepa Grandi. There were tons of cars and two tour buses letting their passengers experience the amazing photo opp on a large overlook onto the bay. Since this was a pretty crowded place with lots of people on the beach we decided to continue onward.
Playa Kenepa Grandi view from overlook
Posers in our swimwear came in for a photo op and left without snorkeling.
Playa Kenepa Grandi crowded beach below
Playa Piskado which is also known as Playa Grandi is where many local fishermen return with their catch of the day, clean the fish, and toss the left-overs in the water. The interesting thing is that there were not a lot of fish eating the unwanted fish parts (or birds) like we’ve seen before. But rather there were lots of turtles. The young turtles are omnivores and eat both meat and plants. As they get older their diet changes to just plants. We quickly hoped in the water and enjoyed a rare opportunity to swim with large and small turtles alike!
Matt trying to say hello, he did not touch the turtle.
It was getting close to lunch time so we decided to head back to Playa Lagun and try out the restaurant at the top of the cliff called Bahia Beach Bar. We sat down at a table near the railing so we could watch the snorkelers and divers. But what we didn’t know was that the iguanas were going to provide the entertainment for the afternoon. There were a few tables in the direct sun which were occupied by a couple of young ladies. We decided to sit in the shade as we were already burning up. As the food arrived for the girls, the iguanas came out in full force and were pretty aggressive. One jumped on the table and the other sat at their feet like a dog begging for left-overs. It was pretty funny actually, but only because it wasn’t happening to me.
Wayne, the great lizard hunter catching his lunch.
After we left Playa Lagun for the 2nd time, we headed to Playa Santa Cruz where we thought mushroom forest and the famous blue room were located. Mushroom forest is what they named the coral reefs as they appear to be tons of mushrooms on the ocean sea bed. The blue room is a cave that divers usually frequent but we had heard that snorkelers can get there as well. We jumped in the water and snorkeled all around the bay but could not find either of them. Wayne, being the little fish that he is, swam half way to the next bay and came up empty handed. They remain elusive, but I will find them before we leave! It was still an ok snorkel spot, I mean how do you complain when you are snorkeling in Curacao?
We were pretty snorkeled out by the end of the day so we decided to head back into town to check out Mambo Beach. Even though this is a man-made beach, it is really beautiful with its white sand beaches, crystal blue waters. There is a boardwalk with tons and tons of nice shops, bars, and eateries that fit just about anybody’s taste and budget.
Madero Ocean Club on Mambo Beach
Another ocean club on Mambo beach
Can I get this for anyone you love?
We stopped at the Aqua Beach Bar, enjoyed the passing scenery and shenanigans of the beach goers before heading back to the boat.
Enjoying a drink at Aqua Beach Bar.
Great day to be a mermaid!