Discover Curaçao's Newest National Park: Seru Largu National Park
Nature lovers have a great destination to explore! Seru Largu National Park, located between Jan Kok, Rif St. Marie, and the historic village of Sint Willibrordus, is Curaçao's newest national park. This beautiful protected area combines spectacular landscapes, fascinating history, rich biodiversity, and outdoor adventure, making it a rewarding stop for both visitors and locals.
The park is managed by the Carmabi Foundation (Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity), a non-profit organization founded in 1955. Originally established as a marine research institute, Carmabi has grown into one of the island's leading conservation organizations, focusing on scientific research, environmental education, and sustainable park management. Besides Seru Largu National Park, Carmabi also manages Christoffel National Park, Shete Boka National Park, Curaçao Rif Mangrove Park, and the Curaçao Marine Park, helping protect some of the island's most valuable natural treasures.
Seru Largu National Park offers much more than scenic hiking trails. The area is steeped in history, with reminders of Curaçao's salt production industry, colonial past, historic lime kilns, and the nearby Jan Kok salt pans. Visitors can walk or mountain bike through diverse landscapes while learning about the island's cultural heritage and unique ecosystems.
One of the park's biggest attractions is its wildlife. Keep an eye out for the Curaçao white-tailed deer, iguanas, and many native bird species. The nearby salt flats are especially famous for their elegant Caribbean flamingos, making this one of the island's favorite flamingo viewing locations. Flamingos can also regularly be spotted at Sint Michiel (Boka Sami), the Pekelmeer area, and other salt lagoons around Curaçao like at Jan Thiel inland bay. These remarkable birds naturally move between Curaçao, Bonaire, Venezuela, and other parts of the southern Caribbean in search of food and suitable breeding habitats.
Whether you're interested in nature photography, birdwatching, hiking, mountain biking, or discovering another side of Curaçao beyond its beaches, Seru Largu National Park is well worth adding to your itinerary.
The official Seru Largu National Park website is available in Dutch. Visit the website to learn more about the park, its activities, guided tours, and conservation efforts. (Website link follows.)