Top 10 Things to Do in Curacao

Curaçao is a beautiful country in the Caribbean Sea, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Like its sister islands, Bonaire and Aruba, it offers unforgettable tropical vacations. It houses spectacular beaches, top-rated resorts and hotels, and amazing tourist attractions. You can expect lots of relaxation and water adventures on this island. Moreover, it perfectly caters to the diverse preferences of visitors. Whether you are a solo traveler or traveling in groups, there are many things to do in Curacao. You can have a nice beach day in its beautiful beaches. You can also explore the island’s culinary specialties in its restaurants. In addition, you can learn about the islanders’ culture, history, and traditions and interact with them. Locals are friendly and welcoming and will always assist tourists in their time of need. This also makes this island country one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean.

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Snorkel in Klein Curaçao

• Address: Curacao; Google Map
• Things To Do: Snorkeling, Swimming, Yacht trips

We start our list with Klein Curaçao, a little island in Curacao. This uninhabited gem is about an hour and 45-minute boat ride 10 kilometers southeast of Curacao. Its pearly white beach, calm waters, and colorful coral reefs invite thousands of visitors ashore. Klein Curaçao is also ideal for water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming.

Little Island was significant during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Dutch West India Company used it as a quarantine island for sick slaves. In the late 19th century, it was used for phosphate mining. This island has become a tropical getaway for visitors and locals. You can book a catamaran or boat trip to the island. Some also offer snorkeling options with tours.

Check Out These Handpicked Activities:

• Klein Curaçao catamaran trip with small breakfast and lunch
• Irie catamaran sailing experience at sunset
• Klein Curacao Supreme Tour with Lunch and Open Bar

Set Sail on Bluefinn Catamaran

• Duration: 3 hours onwards
• Price Range: $75 onwards
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook

Are you ready for an unforgettable voyage aboard Bluefinn Catamaran? BlueFinn Charters Curacao offers the most diverse boat tours at various rates on the island. It offers the best sail across its 75 ft sailing catamaran, 80 ft sailing catamaran, and 42 ft motor yacht. You can book a ride that fits your schedule and budget and enjoy a relaxing trip around various locations.

BlueFinn offers all-inclusive, crewed charters. It delivers the ultimate all-inclusive cruise on the water with a professional captain and crew on board. The latter will ensure you have a safe and successful voyage. Moreover, the company offers catamaran trips and sunset cruises to Klein Curacao. These tours can range from 3 hours to half-day and 9 hours of journey. It also offers a 3-in-1 exclusive snorkel trip.

See These Handpicked Activities:

• Klein Curaçao BlueFinn catamaran trip with BBQ and happy hour
• 3-in-1 snorkeling trip with BlueFinn catamaran
• Sunset cruise with BlueFinn catamaran in Curaçao
• Klein Curaçao sunset catamaran trip with BBQ and open bar

Discover Scuba Diving in Curaçao

• Duration: $119 onwards
• Price Range: 1-3.5 hours

Among the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao), Curacao is the largest at 171 square miles. It is known for its beaches, colorful marine life, coral reefs, and intriguing underwater formations. Its calm waters and abundant corals make it a top scuba-diving destination. Divers of any level can adapt to this island’s waters and enjoy an unforgettable underwater adventure.

Divers will discover rich marine life under the water, including colorful fish, seahorses, turtles, and vibrant coral gardens. Many tourists often hire underwater photographers to capture the picturesque environment. Furthermore, this island has many dive shops and resorts, offering experienced guides, equipment rentals, and certification courses for beginners. Hence, scuba diving is a must-do in Curacao.

Check Out These Handpicked Activities:

• Private 2 Tank Guided Experience in Curaçao for certified divers
• Private Discover Scuba Dive Experience in Curaçao
• PADI Discover Scuba Dive at Coral Divers Curacao

Explore Curaçao in Jeep Safari

• Duration: 3.5-4 hours
• Price Range: $85 onwards

Curacao is not only about the sea and beaches. It also offers plenty of land activities, such as off-road safaris through its rugged terrains. You will find many off-road tours at various prices. All you need is a driver’s license; you are set to hit the road. You will drive through rugged ways, leaving behind a trail of red dust clouds.

Off-road tours include a drive in a jeep, ATV, or UTV. Visitors can choose the vehicle of their preference and set for a memorable adventure. You can visit the East or the West side of the island. A guide will usually lead you throughout the tour. You will also visit a hidden cave or the rugged coastline and pass through the sandy planes. Your off-road excursion might include snorkeling, swimming, or other water activities.

Look At These Handpicked Activities:

• West Island and Jeep Safari Adventure in Curaçao
• Half-Day Off-Road Safari and Snorkel Experience in East Curaçao
• UTV expedition through the West Coast of Curaçao

Enjoy a Caribbean Getaway to The Punda District

• Address: Willemstad, Curacao; Google Map
• Things To Do: Sightseeing, Walking, Shopping
• Social Media: Official Facebook, Official Instagram

We are halfway through our list of things to do in Curacao, and it’s time for the Punda district. The capital, Willemstad, is divided into two parts: Punda and Otrobanda. The former means Point and was established in 1634 under the Dutch West India Company’s rule. Today, it is one of the most popular areas on the island, with many quaint streets and cobblestoned alleys.

This district’s pedestrian-only streets are lively throughout the year. They house many shops and vendors selling everything from local goods to rare antiques. You can buy jewelry, cosmetics, Irish crystal, Gouda and Edam cheeses, Caribbean-made rum, Curacao liqueurs, men’s and women’s fashion, electronics, and local souvenirs. In addition, you can snap beautiful pictures in its vibrant streets.

See These Handpicked Activities:

• Punda City Walking Tour
• Curaçao self-guided island road trip

Tour Around Otrobanda

• Address: Willemstad, Curacao; Google Map
• Things To Do: Sightseeing, Walking, Snapping Pictures
• Top Destinations: The Curacao Museum, Kura Hulanda Museum

After exploring the colorful Punda district, move to Otrobando. It means ‘the other side,’ indicating its location on the other side of the water. It was founded in 1707 and is a UNESCO Heritage Site. Moreover, this district takes visitors back to colonial times with its restored colonial buildings and run-down alleys covered in fading murals. Locals have tried to restore many historic buildings and this area’s charm.

This place has a 19th-century defense monument, The Rift Fort, which once defended the island against enemy invasions and pirates. It now houses a shopping complex with fresco eateries and a palm-shaded courtyard. Furthermore, this district is home to The Curacao Museum and Kura Hulanda Museum. The former houses a large Colonial art and finery collection, while the latter specializes in the Atlantic slave trade.

Check Out These Handpicked Activities:

• Otrobanda guided walking tour
• Destination Zero Waste Curaçao Beach Day Experience

Snap Photos at Queen Emma Bridge

• Address: Kon. Emmabrug, Willemstad, Curaçao; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 24 hours

The magnificent Queen Emma Bridge connects Willemstad’s Punda and Otrobanda districts. Also known as The Swinging Old Lady, it was built in 1888 and has undergone renovations several times. This pontoon bridge is named after the Netherlands Queen Emma of Waldeck and Pyrmont, a famous member of the Dutch Royal Family.

Sixteen pontoon boats and two motors support this iconic bridge, which opens regularly to accommodate passing ships. This 168-meter bridge’s dreamy opening and closing is a sight to behold, and many pedestrians and tourists come here to see and take pictures. The Swinging Old Lady also allows container ships and international cruises permission to enter the harbor.

Marvel at The Hato Cave

• Address: 53J2+3Q3, Franklin D. Rooseveltweg, Willemstad, Curaçao; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 9 AM – 3 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook

Experience adventure like no other through the Hato Cave’s mythical corridors. It is open seven days a week from 9 AM to 3 PM. This historic cave is over 300,000 years old and has been open to the public since 1991. It has marine coral limestone that is over millions of years old. Initially, it was used by runaway slaves as a hideaway and by Indigenous Arawaks for shelter.

Visitors will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide leading them through the cave. These guides offer tours in English, Papiamento, Spanish, and Dutch. They will point to the creative formations, stalagmites, and stalactites and tell the imaginary stories and history behind them. You will be shocked to find that what looks like an old cave has a significant cultural impact on the locals. In addition, you may encounter rare bats hanging from the ceiling.

Look At These Handpicked Activities:

• Curacao: Hato Caves Flamingo & Kokomo Beach Tour
• Western snorkel & swim Trip

Escape to The Shete Boka National Park

• Address: 9V9M+27X, Weg Naar Westpunt, Willemstad, Curaçao; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Shete Boka National Park was established in 1994 and covers almost 10 kilometers of the rocky wave-exposed north coast of the island. It was initially founded to protect important nesting areas for sea turtles. Moreover, its ten pocket bays are nesting sites for three species of sea turtles. Throughout the nesting season, the Carmabi Foundation researchers monitor the area to understand the behavior of these sea animals.

The park begins at the stunning Boka Tabla, where you can see huge waves thunder into an underground cavern. The rocky steps will lead you to the entrance of the cavern. Moreover, two hiking trails are leading to the hotspots in the national park. Boka Pistol Trail is an hour-long journey through Boka Kalki. Likewise, the Boka Wandomi Trail is a one-hour walk down to Boka Wandomi and eventually a natural bridge.

Enjoy Liquor Tasting at Landhuis Chobolobo

• Address: Saliña Ariba, Willemstad, Elias R. A. Moreno Boulevard, Willemstad, Curaçao; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Instagram, Official Facebook

Curacao is known for its colorful buildings, including the bright yellow Landhuis Chobolobo. This iconic 19th-century country mansion is a popular tourist attraction. Numerous visitors visit the Curacao Liqueur Distillery and taste the world-famous Blue Curacao Liqueur. This place offers two tours: Standard Guided Tour and Deluxe Guided Tour. The former is 45-60 minutes long and allows visitors to learn about the history and distillation process.

The Deluxe Guided Tour is 45-60 minutes long and explains everything about Blue Curacao Liqueur. It also offers two cocktails, one locally made ice cream, and tastings of various flavors of Curacao Liqueur. Moreover, visitors can join the Chobolobo Cocktail Workshop and learn how to make exotic cocktails.

Our handpicked things to do in Curacao only barely cover the surface of everything this island offers. In addition to beaches, it houses many historical sites and cultural landmarks. Curacao’s capital, Willemstad, is one of the UNESCO Heritage Sites known for its colorful colonial architecture. It also houses the best restaurants and resorts on the island.

One thing to remember while preparing your Curacao itinerary is that it is an expensive destination. You can expect to spend around $332 per day on your vacation. Likewise, the average price for a two-week vacation is $4,651. Here, the food price is pretty costly, and you can expect to spend between $5 to $10 for lunch. Hence, if you are budget-conscious, you might have to choose cheaper options for accommodation, food, and transport.