Klein Curaçao is a small, uninhabited island located approximately 11 kilometers southeast of the coast of Curaçao. This site is known for its untouched coral reefs, abundant fish diversity and biomass, as well as its nesting and breeding grounds for various species of marine reptiles and birds. 

Klein Curaçao was once a verdant home to tropical birds, turtles, and monk seals. However, in the eighteenth century, the Dutch West India Company wreaked havoc on it by using it as a layover quarantine station for enslaved people who had taken ill during the unforgiving journey across the Atlantic. Those who did not survive were buried on the island.

The island played a part in the slave trade. The Dutch West India Company brought many slaves from Africa to Curaçao. Before these slaves came ashore in Curaçao, the sick were placed in quarantine at Klein Curaçao. The remains of this first quarantine building can still be found in the northwest of the island. The slaves, and other passengers who did not survive the voyage, were buried at Klein Curaçao. There are several graves in the southern part of the island. The Dutch West India Company were also given licenses to hunt the now extinct Caribbean monk seals on Klein Curaçao. In 1871, John Godden, an English mining engineer, visited the island, discovering there was a significant vein of phosphate on the island. From 1871 onward until 1886, the Dutch government set up mining operations on the island, with phosphate being mined and exported to Europe.

Source: Wikipedia

For a long time, the lighthouse on Klein Curaçao was the best way to warn ships about the small island. Back then, this little island was not on all ships’ charts, so they were often surprised by the land when it was too late. A strong current made it impossible for ships to swerve when the island came into their path. Therefore, a lighthouse was built in 1849 to facilitate navigation. After a hurricane destroyed the lighthouse in 1877, it was quickly rebuilt. The lighthouse also received a major refurbishment in 1913. Ships got better and better navigational aids, making them less and less dependent on the lighthouse.

Although the larger ships had fewer and fewer problems, in the later years it was the yachts that were still regularly surprised and ended up on the island. Finally, a solar-powered LED system was installed in 2008. Since then, the lighthouse has once again been a beacon of light. By the way, the lighthouse is in a dilapidated state. This gives a somewhat desolate impression, which is precisely its beauty. If you visit Little Curaçao, be sure to admire the lighthouse.

Diving and snorkeling and a beautiful beach

With all the shipwrecks and clear waters, the island’s coastal waters are a wonderful location for diving and snorkeling. A wide palette of marine life can be found, including turtles and colorful fish. Add to that the many wrecks on the bottom and you have a unique setting to swim around in. For experienced divers, there is a cave at a depth of 48 meters in which many sharks can also be found. There is also a beautiful beach, according to many the most beautiful in Curaçao. There too, of course, you can get into the water just fine. Sea turtles also lay eggs here. Many of the ship owners who organize expeditions aar Klein Curaçao also have a beach tent here to make it as pleasant as possible for their guests.

Shipwrecks

While diving and snorkeling you already encounter them, but also from the mainland you can visit shipwrecks. For example, in fairly recent history, despite all the improvements in navigation, a large tanker still ran aground. It has since fallen into disrepair, but is still worth seeing. There are also several yachts moored around the island. On the north side of the island another yacht on the rocky shore that you can touch.

Bird Spotting

Bird lovers will also find what they are looking for on Klein Curaçao. Many seabirds have their nesting place here. After the deforestation at the end of the nineteenth century this declined, but there is still a large bird population of various species on and around Klein Curaçao. Incidentally, the presence of these birds also prompted the mining for phosphate, which had accumulated on the island for centuries and came from bird droppings.

There are two methods of getting to Klein Curaçao. Of the two, by ship is the most obvious. There are a number of shipping companies that sail to the island. This can be done with a somewhat larger ship, but also, for example, with a catamaran or a sailing yacht. You should keep in mind that an excursion to the island costs about $130 – $ 140 for adults and a trip to the island takes at least 1,5 – 2  hours. Your price often includes lunch at one of the beach bars.

Another way to visit the island is by helicopter. An ideal way for people who do not feel like a long boat trip and still want to visit the island. It is even possible to get your gear, should you want to dive, for example, with a ship in advance, so that your gear is ready for you when you have landed on the island. The cost for a helicopter flight is a bit higher, though. You pay around $150 and that’s just for the outward journey. You can, however, return by ship, for example.

In recognition of its ecological importance, Klein Curaçao was identified as a Ramsar site in 2018.

The mission of the Ramsar Convention is the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world.

The Klein Curacao Project aims to develop strategies for the protection of Klein Curaçao’s natural resources while allowing the sustainable use of this area for visitors and residents of Curaçao.

 More information: https://kleincuracao.cw/