A Guide to visiting Playa Kalki, Curaçao
Playa Kalki in Curacao, Caribbean
A guide to Playa Kalki in Curaçao - Also known as Alice in Wonderland
If you're looking for a relaxed beach experience, look no further than Playa Kalki Beach in Curaçao. This secluded beach is also known as Alice in Wonderland, and for good reason - it's like stepping into a fairytale.
The sparkling white sand and clear blue water are straight out of a postcard, and the cliffs that surround the beach only add to its beauty. You can find plenty of secluded spots to relax and enjoy the stunning views or take a swim in the refreshing water. If you're feeling adventurous, there are also plenty of activities like diving and snorkeling.
Cliffside views - Playa Kalki, Curaçao
Where is Playa Kalki?
Playa Kalki is a stunning beach located just 7 minutes away from the Northernmost point of Curaçao. The beach sits on the island's west side, surrounded by the South Caribbean sea.
Being up the far northside the area is relatively isolated, with just a few houses and Air BnB’s dotted along the cliffside above. When planning your trip, be prepared that the closest petrol station to Playa Kalki is a 15-minute drive away and so is the nearest ATM.
If you want to know how to get there from Jan Theil, Blue Bay, or Mambo beach we’ve included a map for each.
Directions - click on the links below for google map directions
Jan Thiel Beach To Playa Kalki
Blue Bay Resort to Playa Kalki
Parking at Playa Kalki
You’ll find off-street parking at the Estacionamiento parking lot. Once you turn left off Westpunt G you will drive for about 350 meters and see the car park clearly marked. It’s not very big so we recommend arriving early.
Tip: Don’t leave your valuables in your car as vehicles often get broken into in this area. Large lockers are available for hire for $5 the whole day at the dive shop on the beach.
Amenities and Facilities available at Playa Kalki, Curaçao
Playa Kalki is a smaller beach, but it’s usually not that busy, making it easy to find a palapa or spot under the trees for shade.
There are 6 large palapas, so if the shade is an absolute must for you, we recommend bringing your own just in case.
Lockers are available for rent from the dive shop, this also gives you access to their bathroom and shower for the day. The dive shop also sells small light refreshments like water, soda, snacks, and some beach essentials such as sunscreen, bug spray, and anti-fog.
Go West dive shop rents high-quality snorkel gear, and can organize guided snorkeling tours if emailed in advance.
Trees providing shade at entrance to Playa Kalki
Alice in Wonderland - Snorkeling at Playa Kalki
Snorkeling at Alice in Wonderland is an absolute must when visiting Curacao. The offshore reefs are teeming with life.
The depth is quite shallow, around 9 meters maximum, and crystal clear once you are away from the shoreline. It’s an easy spot to traverse, and you’ll enjoy coasting along, with the cliffside above and the spectacular array of coral formations below.
The name Alice in Wonderland comes from the dramatic mushroom forest of coral. With layers of gorgonian corals and star corals, as well as some elkhorn corals. Gliding above the layered coral gardens feels surreal.
As for marine life, you’ll see some hawksbill sea turtles, parrotfish, lionfish, trumpetfish, and an array of butterfly fish.
Online there are a few low reviews for Alice in Wonderland and Kalki saying it’s “cloudy”, what most visitors don’t realize is that you need to swim out past where the waves break and along to get to the right spot.
Head out at least 3-5 meters from the shoreline, don’t worry it stays shallow. Just make sure to check the conditions of the water and tides before you go. I’ve circled the area we recommend in the picture below.
We’ve also included a short drone video at the end of this article so you can see the area.
Diving at Playa Kalki
Alice in Wonderland is an easily accessible shallow shore dive. There is a dive shop on shore for equipment rental, if you are on the island longer you can book a series of dives with the Go West dive shop, they have boat tours that regularly head to the best diving spots on Curaçao. All of Go West’s dive packages include a free shore dive at Alice in Wonderland.
A reference rope for the dive runs from the end of the pier, right down to the reef. You will see the beautiful coral landscape of Alice in Wonderland and may see a few larger marine animals like rays, eels, turtles, and lobsters.
Go West Dive Shop and wharf at Playa Kalki
Restaurants Near Playa Kalki
Restaurants near Playa Kalki that we recommend are:
Sol Food
Restaurant Playa Forti
If you're looking for a delicious and convenient meal option near Playa Kalki, try Sol Food restaurant. Just a 2-minute drive away, this eatery boasts stunning beach views and offers casual comfort food like pizza, fresh seafood, and ice cream. No matter what you're in the mood for, Sol Food is sure to have something to tantalize your taste buds. Plus, with such close proximity to Playa Kalki, you can enjoy a meal here and then head back to the beach for some more fun in the sun.
If you're looking for a breathtaking view while enjoying some casual Curaçao cuisine, then a stop at Restaurant Playa Forte is a must. This restaurant is perched atop a cliff, offering stunning views of the coast below. You'll be able to watch local cliff divers take the plunge off the cliff as you enjoy your meal, making for a truly unique dining experience.
Restaurant Playa Forti - A great restaurant stop near Playa Kalki
Playa Kalki Aerial Video
For more of Curacao’s best snorkeling and dive sites read our latest list - Curaçao Snorkeling and Dive Spots: Your Ultimate Off-Shore Guide.
Or read our detailed 5-day Curacao itinerary to help plan your trip.