Back to news
5 November 2026

Second free GPX trail: Caracasbaai Eiland Trail 1, riding through history

The second free mountain bike route is Caracasbaai Eiland Trail 1. A short route, but definitely worth it if you love history — and easy to combine with the Jan Thiel routes.

Aerial photo of the round Fort Beekenburg on the rocks at Caracasbaai, with cacti and the bay in the background

The second route I'm sharing with you is Caracasbaai Eiland Trail 1. On this 'island' — the peninsula at Caracasbaai, east of Willemstad — you can see historic buildings.

The best known is Fort Beekenburg, built in the early 18th century to protect the bay from attacks by sea. The round fort still stands on the rocks above the water. Later an oil terminal was located here too; you'll still see traces of it along the way.

It's a short route (± 5.3 km), but definitely worth it if you love history. You'll pass Tugboat Bar and Directeursbaai.

This route combines well with the Jan Thiel routes: ride Jan Thiel Trail 1 first, then continue to Caracasbaai.

Along the way you can also stop for a delicious coffee at Coffee Bike.

The map below shows the route of Caracasbaai Eiland Trail 1. Bring enough water and ride in the morning or late afternoon. Enjoy the ride!

Satellite map of Caracasbaai Eiland Trail 1 with the GPS route past Tugboat Bar and Directeursbaai