Cas Abao Beach and Plantation
Cas Abao Beach, also spelled Cas Abou, has been proclaimed to be the most beautiful beach of Curaçao and is also in the top 5 of most beautiful beaches of the world.
According to Forbes: Cas Abao is one of the “Best Caribbean Beaches“
“With its clear turquoise water, waving palm trees and white sandy beach, Cas Abao is a true paradise. Located at the northwest coast of Curaçao, the beach is and ideal spot for shore diving, snorkeling, and swimming because of the spectacular shallows leading to the healthy fringing reef. Runners-up include Kenepa Grandi, Playa Kalki, Playa Porto Mari, Klein Curacao, and Kleine Kenepa.”
Traveler Tip: Guests are welcome to bring their own cooler with food and drinks, but if you don’t want to lug around a jug, that’s not a problem because the Cas Abao Beach Bar is ready to provide you great meals, snacks and tasty beverages! Cas Abao Beach is also equipped with shower and restroom facilities located right next to the bar. Coins for the showers are available at the bar for 1 guilder each.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling at Cas Abao
B Diving & Watersports is located on-site at Cas Abao. They offer a complete diving and watersports service that allows you to explore the easily accessible fringing reef system that is a few fin kicks away from the beach. Cas Abao is home for all kinds of sea animals like Eagle Rays, Stingrays, Turtles, Morays, Seahorses, Frogfish and many more.
B Diving is PADI (Professional Associations of Diving Instructors) 5 Star Dive resort offering Introduction Dives, guided dives and a wide range of PADI Courses for beginners and advanced divers. This includes Freediving with the latest diving equipment. They also have premium Cressi diving equipment for rental plus snorkeling equipment, stand up paddle boards and kayaks.
Cas Abao Beach has all facilities needed for a great day on the beach like a restaurant, toilets and showers, sunbeds and a little beach shop with a big variety of things you need on the beach.
Dive Site Recommendations
- Dive Type: Shore
- Snorkel Site: Yes
- Experience Level: Open Water (min)
- Depth: 40 -120ft (12-36m)
Special Notes
Due to recreational & commercial boat traffic, an inflated surface marker buoy is mandatory when shore diving. Consult B Diving and Watersports for additional details & recommendations.
Location of Cas Abao
Freediving at Cas Abao
Take a PADI Freediving Course in Curaçao
If you think freediving is just like snorkeling (but going really deep) – think again. Freediving is an entirely different way to experience the underwater world. You’ll dive deeper, stay down longer, and feel part of the ocean itself.
Freediving can also be a competitive sport. Divers around the world train for years to set world records in static apnea, dynamic apnea, free immersion and constant weight freediving.
What is Freediving?
Diving into deep waters on one breath and without any breathing apparatus is referred to as ‘freediving’. Freedivers use inward control, discipline and power to descend into the ocean while holding their breath until they resurface. Freediving is both a recreational and competitive sport, with many freediving competitions being held regularly around the world.
Are you interested taking a Freediving course in Curaçao – CLICK HERE!
‘What is Freediving?’ and Other Frequently Asked Questions – CLICK HERE!
History of the Area
“Cas Abou Beach, Curaçao: Ringed by reefs, Curaçao hides a Caribbean underwater wonderland, and this beach is one of the few sandy ones on the arid island, with a bar and a shop to rent snorkel gear. Slip straight into the shallow crystalline bay alive with sea fans and coral, tropical fish, sponges, sea turtles, and more.” says Kimberley Lovato from National Geographic
The Cas Abao plantation has existed in Curacao since the 17th century and used to include almost a thousand acres of land. It used to be named Engelenberg after its owner, Willebrord van Engelen, who also owned the Van Engelen plantation in the heart of Willemstad.
The main activity was agriculture, while salt mining was also practiced. The plantation incurred heavy damage during the slave rebellion of 1795 and the English sackings which took place some 14 years later. It was completely restored around 1970, at which time a number of modifications were applied to facades, dormers and windows.
