The Curaçao Rif Mangrove Park is a unique city park in Otrobanda that brings people closer to one of the island’s most important ecosystems: the mangrove forest. Covering 12 hectares, the park offers a peaceful green space right in the heart of Willemstad, located between the Courtyard Marriott and Corendon Mangrove Beach Resort.

Mangroves play a crucial role in Curaçao’s coastal protection. They serve as nurseries for marine life, provide food and shelter for fish and birds, and help safeguard shorelines during storms. The park allows visitors to learn about these natural defenders through elevated boardwalks, lookout points, and an observation tower with views across the forest.

Opened on July 1, 2022, and managed by the Carmabi Foundation, the park focuses on three themes:

• Nature conservation
• Environmental education
• Recreation for residents and visitors

Guests can explore a 1.08 km accessible boardwalk, ideal for families, seniors, and wheelchair users, or choose guided hikes and kayak tours to experience the mangroves from the water. Kayaking offers a close-up view of the roots, fish, birds, and wildlife that depend on this habitat.

The Curaçao Rif Mangrove Park supports SDG 14: Life Below Water, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 13: Climate Action by protecting biodiversity, restoring ecosystems, and educating the community about sustainable interaction with nature.

This city park is a reminder of how resilient nature can be when given care and protection, and it offers residents and visitors a peaceful space to reconnect with the island’s natural heritage.