Where to see Flamingos in Curacao | Jan Kok & Beyond
There is some absolutely stunning scenery around Jan Kok in Curacao, and I can almost guarantee that you’ll spot some Flamingos while down in this area! The magnificent church of Sint Willibrordus soars in the background behind the old salt flat (or saliña) where the flamingos rest peacefully.
The area itself is full of history with a Tula monument nearby the entrance to the salt flat peninsula and Flamingo Reserve. This is my favorite place to see Flamingos in Curacao! Keep reading below, as there are several other places as well.
Where to see Flamingos: Jan Kok Area
History
In 1795, during the first slave revolt, there was still around 13,000 enslaved people on the island of Curacao. Slavery was finally abolished in Curacao after 300 years of abductions of African men, women and children in the year 1873. Doing some quick math, that is only 150 years ago from 2023.
A poignant reminder of the colonization of Curacao is evident in the many historic Landhuizen found on the island. These are large colonial mansions that wealthy Dutch landowners occupied.
Some of the Landhuizen marked the estate of the wealthy owners. They were typically set up on high ground so they could keep an eye on their slave population as they worked the ground.
Nearby is the Landhuis of: Jan Kok, reputed to be the oldest plantation house on the island. This wasn’t a typical plantation house, but a saliña. A saliña is where the salt was gathered for the preservation of the herring and the reason why the Dutch conquered Curaçao in the first place.
The Dutch were fiercely protective of their salt industry to the point where people lost their lives because it.
Read more about The Deadly Business of the Dutch Quest for Salt.
Current Day
Today it is the beautiful art gallery of Nena Sanchez. Here, you can speak to the artist’s mother in residence about her daughters stunning art work. The art has a very Caribbean flavor with bright colors, fantastic animals and quintessential scenes from around the island.
You should definitely make a plan to make a stop here! There are prints to buy, bags, coasters, and magnets. We chose to bring home a beautiful cutting board with a typical Curacao style house on it.
Some of the most spectacular Landhuizen can be found on my other post Travelling to Curacao in the Caribbean | First Time Vistors
Salt Flats
Walking out onto the narrow peninsula past the Tula Monumnet and in-between the salt flats, gets you as close as possible to the flamingos and salt pans, as well as getting the best views of the natural beauty of this place.
The salt flats here are now a designated Nature Reserve specifically for the Pink Flamingos.
Pink Flamingos get their color from the salty food they eat. As a flamingo dines on algae and brine shrimp, its body metabolizes the pigments — turning its feathers pink.
Williwood on the west/central part of the island is home to the most beautiful pink flamingos in the world. They are living on a huge salt bed turned Flamingo Reserve which is home to over 400 birds.
Parking: There is parking all along the road just past the signs to the Jan Kok Landhuis/Gallery.
Other Flamingo Locations
Jan Thiel Flamingos:
There are also other salt flats in the Jan Thiel area of Curacao, about a 40 minute drive from Jan Kok. We have yet to visit this particular area even though we stayed near here last year.
The hot weather is a slight deterrent for us! We find it uncomfortably warm to walk or hike about in the daytime in January (our preferred month of travel).
So, if you do decide to go, I’d suggest going early morning. From what I’ve read, there is some shade from trees and overgrowth on the way into the Jan Thiel saliñas.
Curacao Sea Aquarium Flamingos:
You can also see Flamingos up close and personal at the Curacao Sea Aquarium. They are all rescued animals and very well cared for by the delightful staff at the facility.
There is so much to see and do at the Sea Aquarium; did you want to Swim with Dolphins in Curacao? This is the place to do it!
FAQ
As all of these are natural areas, and so they are completely free to visit. Natural areas in Curacao are still free to visit, and I sure hope it stays that way!
I do recommend visiting the salt flats at Jan Kok in the morning; when it’s not as hot outside. The exposed position of the area can make the sun feel very hot indeed.
Parking is free on the road, and the narrow peninsula is flat although uneven in some places. Sturdy shoes and sun protection are recommended.
It is a great place for families with children young and old! The Art Gallery at Landhuis Jan Kok displaying Nena Sachez’s work is open most days 10-5, but closed on Sundays.
My dream would be to catch the flamingos taking to the air! The best photos I’ve seen online are the flamingos in flight. The area is definitely Instagram worthy!
Food Nearby
Nearby, you can get a bite to eat at the restaurant Marfa’s if you’re desperate, but my in-law’s just had a burger and tacos there and wouldn’t recommend it. Food quality wasn’t the best for the high price tag. I would recommend driving out to Coral Estates and eating at the Karakter Restaurant instead.
Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read my post on where to see Pink Flamingos in Curacao! I hope you’ll consider visiting these fascinating places to see the Flamingos while visiting this beautiful island.
Taking in the peace and natural beauty of the area, but also remembering the people that walked this place before us. Enjoy your stay on the island!
xoxo Tanya
Below is a map showing how you can reach this beautiful spot by car.
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3899.521092207362!2d-69.0555796242197!3d12.212955531055272!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x8e849a4dcf0f74db%3A0x632d212df3df5bb6!2sFlamingos!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sca!4v1710865854214!5m2!1sen!2sca&w=600&h=450]Internet and mobile data in Curacao
I recommend downloading the airalo App (Great for European destinations as well) and connecting ‘Dushi Mobile’. Dushi Mobile works on the Digicel Network in Curacao and has LTE service. Some of the further beaches in the West do not get great reception on the Digicel Network but great coverage in Willemstad. For more information click my affiliate link below. (It doesn’t cost you any more money, but sends a little my way for the shout out).
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