There is no doubt Curacao is a must see island that is often overshadowed by its more popular neighbor island Aruba. This beautiful Caribbean island is part of the ABC Islands ( Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao ). It is known for its breathtaking beaches, diverse history, rich culture, and world-class diving. Curacao is like no other Caribbean island we have been to. The colorful capital, Willemstad is full of charming pastel-colored colonial architecture, shopping, restaurants, and the floating Queen Emma bridge. Visiting Curacao is a must and another highlight of the island is that it’s located outside of the “hurricane belt” which makes it perfect to visit all year long.
Willemstad
We did not spend too much time touring Willemstad. It was beautiful, especially at night with all the lights, but we wanted a little more adventure. We hit the hot spots and then headed to the beach.
- Queen Emma Floating Bridge: This walking bridge, originally built-in 1888 connects Willemstad to the Otrobanda neighborhood and frequently swings open to allow boats to pass by! If you need to get to the other side while the bridge is open, you can take a free ferry to the other side.
- Old Market: (Plasa Bieu) Here you can sample local delicacies at local prices. Dishes are served with rice and beans, polenta, or mashed potatoes. Favorite staples include cactus soup, stewed salted pork tails, salted mackerel, goat and iguana soup.
- Street Art: You’ll notice colorful local street art surrounding the neighborhood and all around Curacao.
- Shopping: Local shops and international brands along the streets here and be sure not to miss Penha Perfumery near the Queen Emma Bridge. It is the most photographed building and has a great example of Dutch colonial architecture.
The beaches in Curacao blew me away! Curacao has over 40 beaches and each has its own character and charm, protected by cliffs and coves. It is the first island I have been to where I saw divers walk right off the beach to dive. To travel around the island, you must rent a car. Just when you think you are off the beaten path and lost, a breathtaking view will surprise you. Here are some of our favorite beaches.
- Playa Grandi (Piscado): Best day ever, swimming with the sea turtles. Snorkeling is fantastic here. The local fisherman clean their catch which attracts lots of underwater life, including sea turtles. They will swim right up to you and you can even see them from the pier. The beach is small, but very clean.
- Playa Lagun: This is an all around great spot to spend the day. It is a small beach where you can rent chairs for a small fee, great snorkeling for any level swimmer and has an awesome restaurant with an amazing view. Guaranteed to see lots of iguanas and birds.
- Playa Porto Marie: Playa Porto Marie is another large relaxed beach with soft sand and turquoise waters. What makes this one unique are the wild pigs that roam the beach. Tons of underwater life here as soon as you step off the beach, its like swimming in an aquarium. There are large “reef balls” around which offer lots of fish and overgrown with corals. This beach offers a nice restaurant as well.
- Playa Forti: Known for its cliff jumping, it’s a big drop and a decent swim back to shore. Offers a nice restaurant and if you aren’t up for the jump, you can always observe the adventurous ones who are.
- Tug Boat Beach: This is the most well-known snorkel spot on Curacao. This location is famous for the Tugboat wreck, which is full of marine life and coral. It is not a picturesque beach for hanging out on, being small and rocky. Be sure to check out Fort Beekenburg on your way out, which is a 1703 Dutch military stronghold.
- Jan Thiel: Probably the liveliest beach in Curacao, has a “spring break” vibe to it. Jan Thiel is more like a beach club offering great energy with a bohemian vibe, with different bars, restaurants, activities, and events for a truly unique day at the beach.
- Mt. Christoffel: A strenuous but rewarding hike and climb that you must start before 10am do to the humidity. It takes roughly 2-3 hours to complete the hike, takes lots of water and proper shoes (very rocky climb near the top). Although the trail is challenging, a unique and spectacular view of the island rewards you at the top and the breeze if very refreshing.
- Stete Boka National Park: This national park is one to visit! The bokas (inlets) along the ocean are full of surprises. There’s a cave to go inside, a boka pistol that shoots water high into the air, as well as many trails. Take plenty of water as it gets very hot with full sun and no shade.
- Salt Lake Willembrordus: Home to amazing pink flamingos which are a must see. We parked on the road and walked into the salt flats to see the birds. It gets kinda muddy in places, but its a great hike with amazing views.
- Watamula Hole: Off the beaten path, it’s an adventure just to drive to it, the road gets rough and bumpy. Not a tourist spot, you will be walking on sort-of a field of jagged, sharp rocks (or coral). The views are amazing and you can try to drive part of the way to the Noordpunt Lighthouse also.
Helpful Tips
- Rent a car: It’s a small island with lots of places to explore. Just FYI, when you stop to fill your tank up, everyone pulls in the same way and you must have cash.
- Visiting Beaches: Many of the beaches are just a few minutes from each other. It is easy to hit a few a day if you are short on time and want to explore.
- Curacao Language: 4 languages widely spoken: Papiamentu, English, Dutch, and Spanish. Some useful words to know are:
- Bon Dia: Good Morning
- Bon Biní: Welcome
- Danki: Thank you
- Ayó: Good-Bye
- Curacao Currency: The Netherlands-Antillean Guilder
- Curacao Weather: Curacao is a very sunny destination year-round with little precipitation and an average temperature of 86F. You’ll notice plenty of dry Cacti thrive in this climate.
What to Pack
- Snorkel Gear: If you plan on doing lots of snorkeling, I would pack your own snorkel gear. You’ll save some money in the long run vs renting gear at every beach! Plus, some of the secluded beaches won’t have the option to rent gear.
- Water Shoes: Because of the rocky surfaces in some of the Curacao beaches, water shoes will help you enter and exit the beaches. These worked great because they are so thin and don’t take up much room.
- Sunscreen: To help protect your skin from the sun.
- GoPro: If you want to photograph the amazing underwater sea life during a swim, a Go Pro waterproof camera is a must!
Where we Stayed
Royal Sea Aquarium Resort was a nice, quiet getaway. It is a small resort with a lot to offer. We could walk right out our patio to the pool and small restaurant which overlooked the water. The Curacao Sea Aquarium is right next door, offering some behind the scenes training you won’t want to miss. We watched them training dolphins during breakfast one morning. There is also a private beach that is perfect for relaxing, watching the sun set or cooling off and snorkeling.
