A sheltered natural bay on the southeast coast of Curaçao, surrounded by mangroves, villas and marinas. Watersports paradise and starting point for the best boat trips on the island.
The Spanish Water (Spaanse Water in Dutch) is a large, sheltered lagoon on the southeast coast of Curaçao — east of Willemstad. The bay connects to the Caribbean Sea through one narrow passage at Caracas Bay, keeping the inner water almost always flat and calm. That makes it ideal for sailors, paddleboarders and families with kids who want to swim in quiet water.
The name dates back to the Spanish colonial era, when ships anchored here for shelter against storms and attacks. Today the Spanish Water is a watersports mecca, an important ecosystem for mangroves and sea birds, and home base to hundreds of pleasure boats and yachts.
Around the Spanish Water you'll find a mix of mangrove nature reserves, luxury villa areas (including Jan Sofat where 3 Palabrua sits), 4 marinas and historic buildings like the 19th-century Quarantine Building. From the water you have views of the Tafelberg, Seru Boca and Kabrietenberg.
Thanks to the flat water and the constant trade winds, the Spanish Water suits both beginners and experienced sailors. Here's an overview of what you can do.
Trade winds blow year-round at Beaufort 3 to 5. The sheltered water is perfect for learning to sail, while experienced sailors can head out through the passage to open sea.
Glide across calm water on a paddleboard. Between the mangroves there's a great chance to spot sea turtles and pelicans. SUP yoga is also available.
No wind or waves? The bay's flat water is ideal for wakeboarding, kneeboarding and waterskiing — suitable for beginners too.
Take a 160 hp jet ski across the Spanish Water toward the open sea. You'll pass the most beautiful villas and the gorgeous coastline.
Snorkel trips, sunset cruises or day trips to Klein Curaçao. Catamarans and speedboats leave the marinas daily.
Kayak through mangroves or try ZUP-boarding (a mix of bodyboarding and wakeboarding). Both leave from Kima Kalki Marina.
The Spanish Water is the most important yacht harbor on Curaçao. International sailors report to the harbor master on arrival. Each of the four marinas has its own atmosphere.
The largest marina on the Spanish Water. Full sailor facilities: fuel station, restaurant and supermarket. Many international yachts dock here after their Atlantic crossing.
PublicPart of the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort. A quiet marina with a luxury feel, suitable for both yachts and pleasure boats. Direct access to the resort beach.
Resort marinaA smaller, friendly marina at Brakkeput Ariba. Starting point for many watersport activities: ZUP-boarding, jet ski tours and boat rentals. Address: Brakkeput Ariba #62.
Watersport hubExclusive members-only club with some of the most beautiful yachts on the island. Non-members can still refuel. Home base for BlueFinn Charters and the center of local sailing life.
Members onlyThe Spanish Water is more than watersports — it's an important ecosystem surrounded by historic and natural gems.
Most villas around the Spanish Water sit on the hills — great views, but a few minutes walk to the water. 3 Palabrua doesn't. Our villa stands literally on the waterfront in Jan Sofat, with its own terrace and direct access to the shared jetty and beaches.
Quick answers to the most common questions about this unique bay on Curaçao.
The Spanish Water is a large inner bay on the southeast coast of Curaçao, about 10 kilometers east of Willemstad. The bay connects to the Caribbean Sea through one narrow passage at Caracas Bay.
The name dates back to the Spanish colonial era. The bay was used as an anchorage and refuge for Spanish ships due to its narrow entrance and sheltered water.
Yes, in parts of the bay swimming is perfectly possible. At Aqualife Resort and Santa Barbara Beach the water is clear, flat and child-friendly. At the marinas and in mangrove areas swimming is not advised.
Sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, jet ski, wakeboarding, ZUP-boarding, snorkel trips and boat trips to Klein Curaçao. The flat water and constant trade winds make it suitable for both beginners and experienced watersport enthusiasts.
Multiple boat rental companies operate from Seru Boca, Kima Kalki Marina and Santa Barbara Marina. Well-known providers include BlueFinn Charters, Red Snapper, El Capitano, Aluma Sailing and Mermaid Boattrips.
There are 4 marinas: Seru Boca Marina (large and public), Santa Barbara Marina (resort), Kima Kalki Marina (small, watersport-focused) and Curaçao Yacht Club (members only).
Yes. There are multiple villas, apartments and bungalows with direct access to the water. Holiday villa 3 Palabrua in Jan Sofat is literally on the waterfront.
Definitely. The sheltered, flat water is safer than the open sea. Many families choose the Spanish Water for the quiet and the wildlife (turtles, pelicans) that children can spot.
Stay at 3 Palabrua — a renovated villa right on the Spanish Water. From €129 per night, max 4 guests.
