Curaçao Things To Do

Picture an Amsterdam street, with narrow, tile roofed buildings along a canal. Now, decorate this image from a tasteful and harmonious palette of vivid pastel colors, and you have an idea of what Curacao, the largest island in the Netherlands Antilles, looks like.

Great for: beach, windsurfing, diving and Dutch colonial world heritage
Location: Netherlands Antilles, part of ABC Islands
Population: 120,000
Size: 171 sq miles
Capital City: Willemstad
Airport: Hato International Airport, Willemstad, CUR
Language: Dutch
Currency: NL Antillean guilder (Naf or ANG) - check exchange rate
Time zone: UTC -4
Area code: 599

Did you know?
The five islands of Bonaire, Curaçao, St. Eustatius, Saba and St. Maarten (Dutch side) make up the Netherlands Antilles, an autonomous part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Curacao is the largest island in the Netherland Antilles.

Willemstad, capital of Curacao, is a fascinating town with centuries of history, first class photo opportunities, and a floating footbridge that opens to let boats through. Willemstad is the only World Heritage Site in the Caribbean. 

Not to be missed is the Underwater Park, a favorite dive site for divers from around the world. This 12.5-mile coral reef has been granted protected status by the government as a national park.  A semi-submersible submarine provides an alternative viewing of marine life for those who prefer "dry diving".

Beaches

Diving & Snorkeling

Nature & Wildlife

Landmarks

Curacao is truly an island paradise. The climate, the view, the clear, blue water, the lovely beaches all contribute to the charm and desirability of this historically significant island as a vacation destination.

Curacao Beaches:

Westpunt Beach – Best known for the huge cliffs which frame it and the divers who entertain beachgoers by jumping from the cliffs into the ocean below. A favorite of locals and visitors alike, the beach, located on the northwest tip of the island, is open to the public.
 
Knip Bay Beach - Just south of Westpunt Beach, it is one of the island's most photographed sites because of its picturesque setting and dazzling, bright blue water. On weekends, live music and dancing turn the area into one big beach party.
 
Playa Abao - Also on the northern tip of the island, is a more quiet spot that is popular for its clear blue water and perfect stretch of white sand.
 
Daai Booi Bay - A romantic little beach on the southern side of Curacao, surrounded by towering cliffs.
 
Cas Abao - A modern beach, offering a refreshment stand, changing facilities, thatched umbrellas for shelter and a large parking lot.
 
Blauw Bay - One of the largest and most spectacular beaches on the island. It has shade, showers and changing facilities. A small entrance fee is charged.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Curacao:

With over 68 dive sites, many close to shore, Curacao offers some of the best diving opportunities in the Caribbean. The island's "Mushroom Forest" has been recognized as one of the top dives in the world. Children as young as ten can participate in dive programs (PADI certification, resort certification or shallow dives) and children of all ages can see abundant fish and sea life while snorkeling. Underwater visibility is up to 150 feet.

Nature & Wildlife in Curacao:

Christoffel National Park - At Curacao's highest point on the western end of the island is the Christoffel National Park, a protected 4500-acre wildlife preserve and botanical garden. The park is a sanctuary for animal wildlife such as iguanas, rabbits, donkeys, birds, and the whitetail Curacao deer. The landscape is dramatic, stark, and volcanic.  The caves built into these cliffs once served as refuges for the Caiquetio Indians, the island's first inhabitants, and their culture can still be found preserved in the paintings and petroglyphs they left behind. At the entrance to the park is the Savonet Plantation House, one of the oldest plantation homes in Curacao. You may explore the park by foot, horseback, mountain bike, car or jeep. Very hot and arid, guided tours are recommended.
 
Hato Caves - These limestone caverns feature stalactites and stalagmites in unusual formations, as well as underwater ponds, and 1,500 year-old petro glyphs. In the nineteenth century, the Hato Caves were used as hiding places for run-away slaves, and formerly, ancient religious ceremonies were conducted here.  A nature trail on the grounds provides a self-guided tour with 15 interesting plants, trees, animals, and objects (petro glyphs) identified and explained in an accompanying brochure.  Hourly guided tours of the caves are given. (Located in an isolated area, about 10 miles outside of town. Be sure to arrange round trip transportation in advance.)
 
Curacao Sea Aquarium - In 1984, Curacao’s underwater world became accessible to everyone. The Curacao Sea Aquarium was developed directly on the oceanfront with a healthy coral reef near the entrance. This small aquarium offers a variety of indigenous sea life.  Visitors can view feedings of the sea turtles, morays and nurse sharks. There is also a dolphin show. Various dolphin and animal encounters are available at the Sea Aquarium. You can swim, snorkel, dive with the dolphins.

Curacao Landmarks:

Fort Amsterdam - Once the center of town, it now houses the main offices for the government of the Netherlands Antilles. You can see a cannonball lodged in the wall of the fort chapel, a memento of Captain Bligh's 26-day siege in 1804.

Senior Curacao Liqueur Factory - In the early 1500's when the Spaniards arrived in Curacao they planted hundreds of orange trees. These trees did not thrive in the arid climate of Curacao and produced an unusual bitter fruit. The fruit, although inedible, could be used to make aromatic oil, which is today used to make the Curacao liqueur. Tours are offered daily of the distillery. 

• All Americans are required to present a passport to enter and re-enter the United States.
• Non-U.S. citizens, please contact the nearest consulate or embassy of the country to which you are traveling to determine your entry/visa requirements.
• Passport, visa and travel advisory information may be found at the U.S. Department of State's Netherlands Antilles pages. Although most travel to international destinations is completed without incident, Caribbean-TravelDeals.com urges passengers to review travel prohibitions, warnings, announcements and advisories prior to booking.