Little Curaçao

Little Curaçao, an uninhabited island southeast of Curaçao, offers more than meets the eye within its 1.7 square kilometers. On this desert island, you can swim with sea turtles in clear waters, explore the ruins of a 17th-century quarantine station, or photograph the wreckage of the Maria Bianca Guidesman tanker. A day trip from the main island allows you to experience the isolation of Little Curaçao's secluded shores and discover its rich marine life.

Geography and Climate of Little Curaçao

Little Curaçao is located 10 kilometers southeast of Curaçao in the Dutch Caribbean. The island has a desert climate with minimal vegetation, save for a few coconut palms scattered across the landscape. At 1.7 square kilometers, you can walk across the entire island during a single day trip. The flat terrain makes exploration on foot easy and accessible.

Diving and Underwater Exploration

The waters surrounding Little Curaçao contain healthy coral reefs and underwater caves, suitable for both novice and experienced divers. You can swim among various marine species in clear waters, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and occasionally dolphins. The calm waters on the leeward side of the island are ideal for snorkeling, allowing you to observe the underwater ecosystem without scuba gear.

Coastal Features and Shipwrecks

The windward coast of Little Curaçao is strewn with the remains of several shipwrecks, including the Maria Bianca Guidesman, a small tanker that ran aground in 1988. These wrecks demonstrate the dangerous nature of the surrounding waters and create an unusual coastal landscape. While swimming is not recommended on this side due to strong currents, you can take photographs and explore the rocky shoreline.

Wildlife and Conservation Efforts

Despite its barren appearance, Little Curaçao is an important habitat for seabirds and sea turtles. The island is designated as a Ramsar site and an Important Bird Area, recognizing its role as a nesting ground for least terns and a stopover for migratory waders. Hawksbill, loggerhead, and green sea turtles use the island's beaches for nesting. Conservation efforts, including the removal of invasive species like goats and feral cats, have helped restore the island's ecological balance. The CARMABI Marine Research Station is currently working on reforestation projects to further improve the island's habitat.

Historical Significance of Little Curaçao

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Dutch West India Company used Little Curaçao as a quarantine station for enslaved Africans before transporting them to the main island of Curaçao. You can still find the remains of the first quarantine building in the northwest part of the island, a reminder of this dark period in history. Later, in the late 19th century, phosphate mining operations on Little Curaçao significantly changed its landscape and ecosystem.

Visiting Little Curaçao

Many tourists staying on Curaçao take day trips to Little Curaçao. Several tour operators offer boat excursions that typically include snorkeling gear, lunch, and time to explore the island. On the island, you'll find a few basic amenities, including a beach house and several huts for shade. The old lighthouse is a prominent landmark worth visiting. Remember to bring plenty of sunscreen, water, and any other supplies you might need, as the island has no permanent inhabitants or services.