WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Rif Mangrove Park saw its visitor numbers nearly double in 2025, with more than 40,000 people entering the nature reserve compared with approximately 21,500 a year earlier.
The increase of nearly 88 percent represents significant growth for the park, with international visitors accounting for the overwhelming majority of admissions.
The figures are included in Carmabi’s 2025 annual report. The nature conservation organization manages the Rif Mangrove Park as well as several other protected areas on Curaçao.
Of the more than 40,000 visitors recorded last year, approximately 7,000 were Curaçao residents, while some 33,000 came from outside the island. This means international visitors represented nearly 83 percent of total attendance.
According to Carmabi, the sharp increase was supported by the introduction of new activities and more targeted promotion of the park.
The organization expanded its kayak tours and introduced nighttime excursions, including an experience that uses ultraviolet light to explore aspects of the mangrove ecosystem after dark.
Combination tickets have also become part of the park’s strategy, including packages offered through companies such as Corendon and Mondi.
The increase in visitors is also helping improve the park’s financial position.
Carmabi said higher attendance and more efficient use of available resources are bringing the Rif Mangrove Park increasingly closer to operating on a cost-covering basis.
The organization does not describe the park as profitable. However, revenue generated from entrance fees, kayak excursions, evening activities and combination tickets is helping narrow the gap between operating income and expenses.
The figures also underline the Rif Mangrove Park’s growing role as a tourist attraction close to Willemstad.
Located on the western side of the Anna Bay near Otrobanda, the park protects an important mangrove ecosystem. Mangroves serve as nursery habitats for fish and other marine species while also playing an important role in coastal protection.
The challenge for Carmabi will be balancing the park’s growing popularity with its primary conservation function as visitor numbers continue to rise.
In addition to the Rif Mangrove Park, Carmabi manages natural areas including Christoffel Park, Shete Boka National Park and the Curaçao Marine Park.