Flamingos at Jan Kok

• AreaJan Kok, near Sint Willibrordus
• EntryFree
• Best timeEarly morning or late afternoon
• BringBinoculars or a zoom lens

Curaçao's flamingos are wild birds, not a park attraction, and the most reliable place to see them is the Saliña di Jan Kok: the shallow salt pans just below the village of Sint Willibrordus, overlooked by the old plantation house of Landhuis Jan Kok. Salt was harvested here in colonial times; today the brackish water is full of the tiny shrimp and larvae that give flamingos their pink colour.

Where to watch

The road from Sint Willibrordus towards Daaibooi and the west coast runs right along the salt pans. There is a small viewing spot by the road, and you can usually park on the verge. On a good day you will see dozens of birds wading and filter-feeding, sometimes close to the road, sometimes far out on the water.

• Best time: early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and the birds are active. Midday heat haze makes photos harder.
• Numbers vary: flamingos move around with water levels and food, and some days there are only a handful.
• Other birds: herons, egrets, stilts and sandpipers are common too.

Combine it with

This is a stop rather than an outing: allow 15 to 30 minutes. It fits perfectly on the way to the beaches of the west, such as Cas Abao and Playa Lagun, or on the route to Museo Tula and Westpunt. Look out for the "Williwood" sign on the hill above Sint Willibrordus, a local joke on Hollywood; more about the village in Sint Willibrordus.

Several island tours include a flamingo stop; see GetYourGuide. To explore at your own pace, compare rental cars on DiscoverCars.

Frequently asked questions

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