Curacao Visitors Guide

The capital city of Willemstad, Curacao, is a vibrant melting pot of cultures ready for you to explore. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Willemstad features beautiful Dutch architecture, stunning waterways, tropical scenery, and a buzzing culinary scene. The city is named after Dutch governor Willem II, Prince of Orange, and original historical buildings from both the 17th and 18th centuries remain today. You’ll find trendy sidewalk cafes and waterways reminiscent of those in Amsterdam.

Check out the Pietermaai and Punda areas for fantastic restaurants, galleries, and unique shops. While in Punda, stroll Handelskade, a Colonial Dutch row of buildings painted in bright pinks, oranges, and blues. Check out Old Market during your visit and try delicious local specialties like goat stew.

  Don’t want to explore alone? Check out this top-rated Curacao Highlights Scenic, History and Cultural Tour.

  For a fun way to experience the city, take a Tuk Tuk Tour of Willemstad.

Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge in lively Willemstad was built in 1888 to connect the Otrobanda and Punda neighborhoods. Known as “The Swinging Old Lady,” the bridge is supported by 2diesel engines and 16 pontoon boats. It’s pedestrian-only, so make sure to listen for the siren; once you hear it, watch as the entrance gates close and the bridge begins to sway to accommodate passing ships. This allows boats to come and go out of St. Anna Bay easily. Try to catch the bridge while it’s swinging!

Curacao is known for its pristine white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. Each of the 44 beaches on the island has a distinct look and feel; however, the signature “cove” shape makes Curacao’s beaches unique. You’ll find rugged limestone cliffs that create a sense of seclusion and serve as a beautiful contrast to the radiant white sand beaches and calm turquoise waters.

Mambo Beach, often known as “Sea Aquarium Beach,” is a lively, sparkling shoreline with water sports, fantastic restaurants, unique shopping, and fun bars. If you’re looking for the island’s beach parties and nightlife, head to Mambo Beach.

If you want a more serene and local experience, head to ​​Grote Knip. This beach stands out for its vivid neon turquoise waters, reminiscent of the famous Blue Curacao liqueur. You’ll find the beach nestled between rugged cliffs; this small cove is a local favorite due to its pristine setting. The cliffs surrounding the beach provide a natural barrier that calms the waters. A local family of wild pigs occasionally mingles with beachgoers among the comfortable beach loungers, they’re fun to watch but should be respected as wild animals. Enjoy the natural beauty, cliff jumping and snorkeling at Grote Knip.

The white sand of Cas Abao Beach is a favorite among locals and travelers. Surrounded by beautiful cliffs and lush tropical greenery and shaded by thatched palapas, you can relax on this stunning beach. While snorkeling the calm turquoise waters, watch for colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and spotted eagle rays.

You would never expect that 200,000 to 300,000-year-old  limestone caves are walkable from the Curacao International Airport, but they are! The Hato Caves once acted as a hiding spot for enslaved people who had escaped and would take solace in the cave system for weeks or even months. To enter the cave, you’ll climb up around 49 steps to reach the stunning panoramic terrace.

Take a 45-minute guided tour to see the stalactites, stalagmites, and the bat colony. You can marvel at cave drawings by the Arawaks, which date back over 1,500 years. Take the Indian Trail, which allows you to enjoy Curacao’s beautiful nature and wildlife. Keep an eye out for carvings done by the Caiquetio Indians.

The Hato Caves are open 7 days a week from 9 am to 3 pm, with the last tour departing at 3 pm. You’ll only need to make a reservation in advance if you have a group larger than 8 people. It costs around $10 USD for adults and $8 USD per child ages 4-12.

  Check out this top-rated Hato Caves, Turtles & Beach Tour, where you’ll start your day at the caves, followed by visiting a small fishing village and snorkeling with sea turtles.

To see the true natural beauty of Curacao, hit the trails around the largest National Park on the island, Christoffel National Park. Spanning around 4,600 acres (1,860 hectares), the park was once home to several plantations, including Savonet, Zorgvlied, and Zevenbergen plantations. There are many scenic coastal and mountain trails for every skill level, including a challenging hike to the summit of Christoffel Mountain. Try to visit the Savonet Museum to learn more about the history of slavery and plantation life in Curacao.

While exploring, you’ll see cacti, iguana, rabbit, deer, and stunning rare plant life, like wild orchids. You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. Don’t be discouraged by the rugged terrain; trust us, the view from the top is worth the climb!

If you’ve got a rental car, you can also check out the 2 scenic drives to see the park’s stunning beauty and view the wildlife. Christoffel National Park and the Savonet Museum are open daily from 6 am – 2 pm. It costs around $15 per adult, $2 for children 6-12, and free for children 5 and under.

  Check out this Christoffel National Park Jeep Safari, a 7-hour safari that allows you to immerse yourself fully in the park.

A truly unforgettable snorkeling or scuba diving experience awaits you in Curacao. The fantastic beaches on the island are home to vibrant marine life and thriving coral reefs, which makes it the perfect snorkeling and scuba diving destination. After all, Curacao is known for its wonders and exciting underwater world.

You can dive into the mushroom forest teeming with marine life, including sea turtles, parrotfish, and porcupine fish. The base of the coral here has been eroded by fish, waves, and sponges over time. This creates the appearance of gigantic mushrooms growing on the ocean floor.

Nestled in a beautiful cove along the island’s west coast, you’ll discover Playa Lagun. The calm waters of the cove are the perfect place to snorkel. Visit early in the morning for a greater chance to swim with the green turtles.

Are you interested in diving into a shipwreck? Check out the Tugboat, a shipwreck that sank over 30 years ago in Curacao. Vibrant corals and tube sponges have made the surface of the Tugboat their home. The Tugboat shipwreck is about 5 meters below the surface, so snorkelers and scuba divers can easily explore.

  There are many unique Scuba Diving Tours in Curacao, including this top-rated Discover Diving in Curacao, and this Curacao Guided Underwater Walking Tour.

  Check out these fantastic Curacao Snorkeling Tours, including this award-winning Swimming with Sea Turtles and Grote Knip Beach Tour.

  Or take a look at this fun Curacao Seabob Tour.

Shete Boka National Park covers around 6 miles of Curacao’s rocky northern coast. The name means “7 inlets”, and you’ll find 10 stunning pocket bays and coves. The animals only add to the spectacular scenery, and if you visit at the right time, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of iguanas, along with 3 species of sea turtles that nest there.

While visiting Shete Boka National Park, explore Boka Tabla, the popular inlet. Known for its deep underground cave, Boka Tabla also has a secret blowhole located near Westpunt. Keep in mind the only way to get there is by off-roading.

Shete Boka National Park is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and costs $15 per person and $2 per child ages 6-12 years old.

  Check out the Breath of Curacao Safari, where you’ll explore the best of Shete Boka National Park.

The Kura Hulanda Museum is in the home of a 19th-century merchant and offers an anthropological look into the predominant cultures of Curacao. You’ll find exhibits featuring 18th-century artifacts and scale models of the West African Empires, African slave trade, Mesopotamian relics, and Antillean art.

The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm. It costs $10-$12 USD per adult and $7 USD per child from 6 to 12 years old.

  Check out these Skip the Line: Museum Kurá Hulanda Admission Ticket.

Constructed by the Dutch West India Company between 1635 and 1636, Fort Amsterdam is the oldest fort in Curacao. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the island’s most important fortification and functioned as the regional headquarters of the Dutch West India Company. Fort Amsterdam is one of eight forts spread across the island.

Today, Fort Amsterdam is home to the governor’s house, several government offices, and Fort Kirche, the oldest church in Curacao. The fort is open Monday – Friday from 10.00 am – 1.30 pm and is free to visit.

There are several incredible places that you can kayak in Curacao. Take a leisurely guided paddle through Curacao’s Caracas Bay, which brings you to secluded beaches and historic landmarks, such as Fort Beekenburg.

Or you can kayak among the Mangrove Forests at Spanish Water Bay. The area is a sheltered bay ideal for beginners, thanks to its calm waters. Paddling through the mangrove forests, you’ll observe a world of ecological wonders. The mangroves are not just beautiful but a vital part of Curacao’s ecosystem. They act as nurseries for marine life and birds.

Those looking for a bit more of a challenge can take a trip to Tugboat Beach, where a famous shipwreck lies just 5 meters below the surface. The clear waters make it an excellent spot for both kayaking and snorkeling. After paddling, you can snorkel around the tugboat shipwreck to further explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with fish.

  Check out this Curacao Kayak and Snorkel Adventure, where you’ll explore Curacao’s Caracas Bay.

You can experience the Caribbean’s most colorful celebration in Curacao! The island comes alive with dazzling costumes, spectacular parades, and infectious Caribbean rhythms. The Carnival celebration is held annually in Willemstad and showcases the rich cultural heritage of Curacao. You’ll be able to experience traditional music, energetic street parties, and dancing.

The carnival season begins in early January with various events and competitions, with the main festivities running from Carnival runs from mid-February through the beginning of March. Carnival offers an unforgettable cultural experience, from the thrilling Tumba Festival to the Gran Marcha (Grand Parade). It’s something you’ll never forget!

While you are in Curacao, make sure to visit the Curacao Liqueur Distillery at Landhuis Chobolobo. Take a guided tour through the distillery and be fully immersed in the distillation process of how the world-famous Blue Curacao Liqueur is made. You’ll also get to taste the famous liquor in many flavors at the end of the tour. If you want to spend more time at the distillery, you can opt for a cocktail class to learn how to make your own famous curacao cocktail.

The Curacao Liqueur Distillery is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. There are several tours, including a standard guided tour for $18 USD, a deluxe guided tour for $28, and the Chobolobo Cocktail Workshop for $48 USD.