Boka Wandomi/Boka Tabla Loop Trail

Shete Boka National Park,

Curaçao, Netherland Antilles

     The Boka Wandomi Trail, located within Shete Boka National Park on the Caribbean island of Curaçao, takes the hiker on an adventurous 1.5-mile (2.5 km)loop across rugged terrain to view a natural bridge, powerful waves crashing into coastal cliffs, and two beautiful bays, or bokas—Shete Boka means Seven Bays in Papiamentu.

     The hike begins at a well-marked trailhead on the west side of the small parking lot—a sign maps out the route and gives an estimated hiking time of 90 minutes. From this point, you can choose to hike in a clockwise direction following a red dirt road towards the natural bridge first (Boka Wandomi), or in a counter clockwise direction to take in views of the natural sea cave (Boka Tabla) first—either way you will be treated to views of all of these natural highlights if you complete the loop. We chose to hike in a clockwise direction, taking in the sweeping views of the barren, jagged landscape from the unpaved road—eventually, we arrived at Boka Wandomi. A well-placed viewing platform above the bay allows for spectacular views of the stunningly aggressive action of the pounding north coast waves—surge after surge of white-capped waves rush into the inlet, some colliding with limestone cliffs with energy so powerful that it sends the ocean water spraying several feet into the air.

     After taking in the view from the platform, descend the stone stairs down into Boka Wandomi, cross the sandy inlet, and then climb back out via the opposite cliff—once at the top follow the path to a wooden ramp that descends to another platform where you can view waves crashing through the arch of the natural bridge.

     Continuing along the loop, the trail skirts the edge of the high cliffs allowing for amazing views of the pounding waves. Remember, never turn your back on these monsters if you are near the edge of the cliff, as they can come up over the rocks and surprise you with a soaking—or worse, they could sweep you away. In addition to the views of the landscape, be sure to look around for sightings of some of the local wildlife—iguanas, whiptail lizards, and several bird species should be easy to spot.

     The loop ends at another viewing platform, this one high above Boka Tabla, where once again you are treated with fantastic views of the undisturbed coastline. Last up is an excursion to the sea cave at Boka Tabla where you can watch the waves blast into the cave’s interior—we actually had to skip this highlight because a busload of people had swarmed the area and we didn’t want to wait in line to get into the cave. Regardless, we totally enjoyed the easy hike along the Boka Wandomi/Boka Tabla route—don’t miss this hike if you find yourself in Curaçao.