European-influenced Curaçao dazzles with Dutch-Caribbean architecture, hidden beaches, and spectacular snorkeling and diving just offshore. The candy-colored waterfront architecture of Willemstad, the capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and other sights—such as the floating Queen Emma Bridge and the rocky coastline at Shete Boka National Park—are well worth your while, too. But many argue that the island’s best scenery lies beneath the surface of its azure waves. Snorkeling and diving sites (including more than 65 individual dive sites around the island) are easily accessible from the shore, and boat tours out to top sites make it easy to plumb the water’s depths. Snorkel near a sunken tugboat or coral-encrusted pillars, where—if you’re lucky—you might catch a glimpse of a sea horse. You can even dip into the lagoon at the Curacao Sea Aquarium on a tour (snorkeling equipment and aquarium entry fee included) for the chance to swim among stingrays and tropical fish. If you’d rather remain on dry land, off-road tours in dune buggies or ATVs are a popular way to conquer the undeveloped western shore, which is home to historic fishing villages and challenging, hilly terrain. From Willemstad, nearby Klein Curaçao is a popular day trip—reachable by boat, the pristine, uninhabited island is ideal for a day of snorkeling and exploring.
You might recognize Curacao as a cocktail ingredient rather than a Caribbean island. The nation’s popular export—an orange-flavored liqueur—appears in classic concoctions like the Blue Hawaiian. Made using the peels of the island's Laraha orange, the original liqueur is clear but can be dyed blue, green, red, and orange.
...MoreCuracao offers both land and sea adventures. Travelers can explore the candy-colored waterfront architecture of the island’s capital Willemstad, as well as the Queen Emma Bridge and Shete Boka National Park. As snorkeling and diving sites are easily accessible from the island’s shore, Curacao is a popular destination for underwater excursions.
...MoreMost travelers spend three to four days in Curacao, especially if you plan to go scuba diving. The island serves as a popular stop for cruise ships, so it is possible to see Curacao in one day. But it’s best enjoyed as a long weekend or part of an island-hopping vacation.
...MoreYes. Residents usually speak English, Dutch, Spanish, and Papiamentu, which is the island’s official language, a form of creole based on Portuguese. Due to the recent influx of Brazilian visitors, Portuguese has also become a prominent spoken language. English is widely used among staff in hotels and restaurants.
...MoreWander around Willemstad to see the colorful buildings and street art. Swing by Queen Emma Bridge (a wooden pontoon bridge). Visit the Curacao Liqueur Distillery at Landhuis Chobolobo—it's free to roam (or pay for a guided tour). And view local artist Nena Sanchez's work at the historic plantation building Landhuis Jan Kok.
...MoreYes. Like many island destinations, accommodations are limited on Curacao, meaning there are fewer budget-friendly options, and meals tend to be pricey because supplies are imported onto the island. But if you stick with local restaurants serving island specialties like keshi yena (which means "stuffed cheese"), you can save money.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 24 |
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Number of Tours | 178 |
Number of Reviews | 9,564 |
Currency | USD |
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