Pelicans at Breakfast: Wildlife Spotting Opportunities on Avila’s Twin Beaches

If you love nature with your morning coffee, Pelicans at Breakfast is the daily show you don’t want to miss at Avila Beach Hotel. From the comfort of our two calm, private beaches in Willemstad, Curaçao, guests often watch resident pelicans glide, hover, and dive for fish as the day begins—an effortless wildlife encounter you can enjoy right from the shoreline or The Pen Restaurant & Terrace.

In this guide, you’ll learn when and where to spot pelicans, how to watch respectfully, and what else to look for in and around our twin bays, including easy snorkeling just steps from your room.

Where to See Pelicans at Breakfast on Avila’s Twin Beaches

Avila Beach Hotel is set on two private, protected bays with calm water, ample loungers, and snorkeling reefs. These peaceful conditions make our shoreline an inviting feeding ground for pelicans—and an ideal place for you to watch them.

• The Pen Restaurant & Terrace: Start your day at our oceanfront terrace (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and keep an eye on the water between sips of coffee.
• Shoreline vantage points: Wander the sand of either bay and stand near the water’s edge to see pelicans patrol, hover, and plunge-dive for fish.
• Relaxed viewing from loungers: With complimentary sun loungers and umbrellas on the beach, you can settle in and let the birds come to you.

Best time to watch

• Early mornings during breakfast hours are the most consistent for seeing pelicans actively feeding. Pelicans commonly take advantage of calm surface waters and schooling fish at first light.

What you’ll see

• Aerial hovering and plunge-diving: Pelicans often scan from above, then tuck their wings and dive, using their expandable pouch to scoop fish.
• Short rest periods: Between dives, they may raft on the surface or perch nearby before taking off again.

Why Pelicans Love Avila’s Bays

Avila’s two private beaches border sheltered swimming areas with consistently calm water. Protected bays can concentrate smaller fish close to shore, and gentle conditions make hunting more efficient for diving birds. The result: reliable, close-to-shore sightings that are easy to observe without special equipment.

• Calm, protected water: Reduces wave energy and improves water clarity, making it easier for pelicans to spot prey.
• Abundant nearshore activity: The transition zone where the protected area meets the open water can attract baitfish and, in turn, predators like pelicans.

A Quick Pelican‑Watching Guide

Simple etiquette for respectful viewing

• Keep a comfortable distance so birds can feed naturally.
• Avoid sudden movements or crowding, especially if a bird lands nearby.
• Do not feed wildlife—human food disrupts natural behavior and can be harmful.

Beyond the Birds: Snorkeling Right Off the Beach

When the pelican show wraps, slip into the water. Snorkeling is possible directly from our beaches, and conditions just outside the protected zone are excellent for spotting marine life. The calm, clear bays are well‑suited to beginners, while more confident swimmers can explore adjacent reef areas.

Practical snorkeling notes:

• Enter from the sandy shoreline and keep your fins away from rocks and corals.
• Swim with a buddy and stay within your comfort zone.
• Avoid touching corals or standing on reefs to protect delicate marine life.

Make a Morning of It

Build a relaxed wildlife‑and‑wellness ritual around Pelicans at Breakfast:

1. Sunrise shoreline stroll along Avila’s twin private beaches.
2. Watch pelicans glide and dive as light builds across the bays.
3. Enjoy breakfast at The Pen Restaurant & Terrace with oceanfront views.
4. Snorkel session from the beach to spot marine life near the protected zone.
5. Unwind poolside at the outdoor infinity pool or under a beach umbrella.
6. Restore and recharge with a massage at the Cloud Nine Spa or a workout at the Avila Fitness Center, featuring TechnoGym equipment and a panoramic sea view. Complimentary yoga and other fitness classes are also scheduled for guests.

For evenings, trade seabirds for swing at Blues Restaurant, where dinner comes with live jazz, or choose a romantic Dinner on the Beach under the stars.

Family‑Friendly and Effortless

Avila Beach Hotel welcomes families, and children of all ages can enjoy the gentle, protected bays. For added convenience:

• Up to two children under 12 can stay free using existing beds in a parent’s room.
• The free shuttle service provides easy access to the city center for exploring Punda & Otrobanda on a walking tour.
• Prefer to roam at your own pace? A Budget Car Rental desk operates within the hotel.

Practical Tips for Better Sightings

• Arrive a little early: Claim a terrace table at The Pen or a beach lounger before peak breakfast time.
• Face the open water: You’ll better see flight lines and dives along the edges of the protected swimming areas.
• Use polarized sunglasses: Cut surface glare to spot birds and baitfish just below the water.
• Keep your camera ready: Pelican dives happen fast—use burst mode on a phone for action sequences.
• Stay flexible: If activity slows in one bay, stroll to the other—Avila’s twin beaches are only steps apart.

Fast Answers (Great for Featured Snippets)

• When is the best time to see pelicans on Avila’s beaches? Early mornings during breakfast hours.
• Where should I watch from? Along the shoreline of either private bay or at The Pen Restaurant & Terrace.
• Do I need special gear? No. Sunglasses and a phone camera are enough; binoculars are optional.
• Can I snorkel after watching? Yes. Snorkeling is possible directly from the beaches, with excellent marine life just outside the protected zone.

More Ways to Connect Your Day

Round out your nature‑first morning with on‑site options that keep you close to the sea:

• The Pen Restaurant & Terrace for breakfast by the water
• Blues Restaurant for dinner with live jazz
• Schooner Bar and Pool Bar for relaxed bites and drinks
• Cloud Nine Spa for treatments and a hot‑tub wind‑down
• Wellness Activities like outdoor yoga and Pilates
• Water Activities arranged via our Tour Desk

All of this sits within walking distance of the historic city center, so you can blend beach time with culture and dining nearby.

Conclusion: See the Island’s Wild Side, Steps from Your Room

Pelicans at Breakfast captures what makes Avila Beach Hotel special: two private, calm bays where wildlife and relaxation meet. From oceanfront breakfast and effortless birdwatching to easy snorkeling and wellness experiences, your morning can unfold at your own pace—without leaving the resort.

Ready to plan your stay? Book direct on our website to enjoy the best available rate guarantee, a complimentary US$50 resort credit, flexible cancellation, a free shared airport shuttle, and a tree planted for each night of your stay. Then pack your sunglasses, charge your camera, and meet us at the water’s edge.

Looking for related reads? Explore our pages on The Pen Restaurant & Terrace, Blues Restaurant, Dinner on the Beach, Water Activities, Wellness Activities, the Avila Fitness Center, and our Walking Tour of Punda & Otrobanda for cityside adventures after the beach.