Curaçao is home to a rich and diverse sporting culture influenced by its Caribbean identity, Dutch heritage, and American ties. While baseball is the standout national sport, a variety of other sports are actively played and supported on the island.
Here’s a breakdown of the main types of sports in Curaçao:
1. Baseball (Beisbol) – The National Sport
- Most popular and successful sport on the island.
- Curaçao has produced several Major League Baseball (MLB) stars like Andruw Jones, Kenley Jansen, and Jurickson Profar.
- Youth leagues are highly active; Little League participation is strong.
- Curaçao often competes in the Little League World Series.
2. Football (Soccer)
- Second most popular sport after baseball.
- Curaçao has its own national football team, affiliated with FIFA and CONCACAF.
- Many Curaçaoan players play professionally in the Netherlands and elsewhere.
- The national team has improved significantly in recent years, qualifying for Gold Cup tournaments.
3. Basketball
- Played recreationally and in schools, especially in urban areas.
- Curaçao has a national team and participates in Caribbean tournaments.
- Some players pursue professional or college-level careers in the U.S. or Europe.
4. Volleyball
- Popular, especially among women.
- Played both indoors and as beach volleyball.
- Regular school and community competitions are held.
5. Swimming & Aquatic Sports
- With Curaçao surrounded by ocean, water sports are a natural part of the culture.
- Popular aquatic sports include:
- Swimming
- Water polo
- Snorkeling and scuba diving
- Sailing
- Jet skiing
- Curaçao hosts open water swim competitions, and its coral reefs attract global diving tourism.
6. Athletics (Track and Field)
- Includes sprinting, long-distance running, and field events.
- Curaçao has produced internationally recognized athletes like Churandy Martina, who competed in the Olympics for the Netherlands.
7. Martial Arts
- Sports like judo, karate, taekwondo, and kickboxing are practiced.
- Some Curaçaoan fighters have represented the island or the Netherlands in international competitions.
8. Tennis & Table Tennis
- Tennis is played recreationally and in local tournaments.
- Table tennis is popular among youth in schools and sports clubs.
9. Golf
- Not a mass sport, but Curaçao has a few golf courses catering to locals and tourists, such as the Old Quarry Golf Course.
10. Cycling
- Road cycling and recreational biking are growing in popularity.
- Occasional amateur races and tours take place on the island.
11. Horseback Riding
- Practiced on a small scale, with several ranches and riding schools.
- Often done recreationally or as a tourist activity.
12. Other Recreational Sports
- Fitness, gym training, and CrossFit are increasingly popular.
- Kitesurfing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding are growing due to favorable wind and water conditions.
- Esports and chess have a small but growing community among youth.
Summary Table
| Sport | Popularity | Notable Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | National pride; MLB stars | |
| Football (Soccer) | National team rising in CONCACAF | |
| Basketball | Youth & community level | |
| Volleyball | Beach & indoor variants | |
| Swimming & Diving | Tourism + recreation | |
| Athletics | Olympic-level sprinters | |
| Martial Arts | Active in schools & clubs | |
| Tennis | Limited but organized | |
| Golf & Horseback | Niche or tourism-based | |
| Cycling & Fitness | Rising in popularity |
