Ten minutes on foot from the villa, a working fishing village where the day's catch comes straight off the boats.
Ten minutes on foot from the villa, the road drops to a small bay where the day’s catch is still coming in. Playa Piskadó is not a resort beach. It is a working fishing village, and that is exactly why it is worth the walk.
Fish straight from the boat
Walk down in the morning and you can buy directly from the fishermen as they weigh and clean their catch. Depending on the day you might find barracuda, mahi mahi, blacktail or yellowfin tuna, red snapper, wahoo, amberjack, black grouper, lobster, octopus and lionfish. Nothing is fresher, and nothing is closer to the villa kitchen.
Bring cash, a cooler bag, and a little patience. Prices are friendly, the conversation is half the pleasure, and what you buy at nine will be on the grill by dinner.
A village founded by sailors from Bonaire
Playa Piskadó was settled in the early twentieth century by a group of fishermen who crossed over from the neighbouring island of Bonaire. Locals still tell of a benevolent spirit who watches over these waters: a fisherman who gave his life in a storm to save his companions, and who is said to bless their nets and guide the boats home in bad weather.
Some fishermen still pour a few drops of rum into the sea before casting their lines, a small tribute to the Guardian Fisherman.
Look for the golden turtle
Another local story speaks of a great golden turtle that swims off the bay and appears only to those with pure hearts. You may not meet the golden one, but sea turtles are regular visitors, so bring a mask and snorkel. Please give them space: look, don’t touch, and never chase.
Making a morning of it
Go early, buy your fish, swim with the turtles, and wander back to the villa along the coast for a late breakfast by the pool. It is one of the simplest and most rewarding mornings you can have in Westpunt.
