15 Best Things To Do In Curacao
Located in the southern Caribbean, Curacao looks like the kind of tropical paradise you only see on travel agent’s posters. It is a former Dutch Caribbean island that was originally colonized by the Dutch West India Company and today presents a unique blend of European and Caribbean influences.
The largest of the ABC Islands including Aruba and Bonaire, Curucao’s pristine beaches, iconic pastel-colored architecture, and azure waters welcome cruise ship passengers, honeymooners, and sun-seekers alike.
But there is far more to this island than just picturesque beaches and palm trees.
For those planning a visit to this Caribbean gem, here are the 15 best things to do in Curacao.
1. Hit the Beach!
Let’s be honest, no Caribbean trip is complete without a little (or a lot) of beach time, and Curacao has some of the finest beaches I’ve ever sunk my feet into. Each beach is unique, offering something special to its visitors. Here are some of the best beaches:
Mambo Beach
In the heart of Curacao just walking distance from the capital Willemstad, is Mambo Beach. This is the most popular beach on Curacao with powder white sand, restaurants, beach bars, and a range of watersports. It has a really lively vibe and is always busy with locals and tourists alike, and it is a great place to meet new people.
Right next to the beach is Mambo Beach Boulevard, a shopping and dining hub with a sprawling mall, including a roof terrace that offers panoramic views of the sparkling Caribbean. It’s the perfect spot to drink a cocktail and watch the sun go down.
Blue Bay
Situated on the west coast of Curacao, Blue Bay, or Blauwbaai, is one of the most beloved beaches on the island. It is a picturesque stretch of sand that bends around a sheltered bay to the North-West of Willemstad. Framed with rocky cliffs and a line of palm trees at the back, the beach is the perfect place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of Mambo Beach.
Beyond its shores, the beautiful coral reef is a haven for divers and snorkelers, with scuba diving and snorkel gear available at the Blue Bay Resort that the beach belongs to.
Cas Abao Beach
Most beaches in Curacao’s are actually private beaches but the entrance fee is usually only a few dollars. Cas Abao Beach is one such private beach on the northwest side of Curacao which is very popular. In addition to white sand and crystal waters, Cas Abao Beach has some excellent beach bar and restaurant options, as well as full-body massages available.
Playa Porto Mari
Playa Porto Mari on the west coast of the island is an excellent diving and snorkeling spot due to its double reef. The beach also has a fantastic restaurant, beach umbrellas and chairs, and two friendly, resident pigs which are bonafide island celebrities.
Jan Thiel Beach
Jan Thiel Beach, just south of Willemstad down the rugged coastline, is a favorite among young people and families alike. It has a sandy beach, beach chairs, watersports, and some of the best boutique hotel options nearby.
Kokomo Beach
If you are looking for a white sand beach then this rocky beach may not be your first choice. However, Kokoma Beach is one of the most visited Curacao attractions because of its iconic swing that touches right down in the ocean. Kokomo Beach is also a famous spot for watching the sunset so make sure you get there early to get a seat.
2. Explore the Coral Reefs
Curacao is truly a dream come true for scuba diving enthusiasts. The waters surrounding the island are teeming with vibrant reefs that are home to an array of tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and other captivating marine life. Some of the best dive sites include the straits that run between the Venezuelan coast and the ABCs, Playa Lagun, and Playa Porto Mari, each offering a unique experience for intrepid scuba divers. Playa Lagun was my personal favorite because it has a huge number of squid and sea turtles.
3. Check Out the Marine Life at Curacao Sea Aquarium
Designed to mimic the natural habitats of its inhabitants, the Curacao Sea Aquarium offers visitors an up-close look at various species from the Caribbean Sea. The great thing about this aquarium is that there are many interactive experiences allowing you to feed nurse sharks, touch starfish, and even get up-close to sea turtles. It’s an awesome place to spend the day with kids or to kill a few hours waiting for an afternoon storm to pass.
4. Get Back to Nature at the Christoffel National Park
Sprawling across 2,300 hectares of west Curacao, the Christoffel National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders. The park has lush greenery, endemic plant species, centered around the Christoffel Mountain, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island.
Visitors can choose from several hiking trails and a car trail (car rentals on Curacao are very affordable), each varying in difficulty, to explore the park. Whether you’re keen on bird-watching, hoping to spot white-tailed deer, or just in for a tranquil nature walk, Christoffel National Park is a must-visit. Just remember to start early, especially if you plan to hike up the mountain, as the midday heat can be intense.
5. Explore the Shete Boka National Park
Adjacent to the Christoffel National Park, Shete Boka National Park graces the northern coast of Curacao with its dramatic landscapes. The park gets its name from the seven (Shete in Papiamentu) inlets or ‘bokas’, though there are actually more than ten within the park. It is a stunning location with natural phenomena like the Boka Pistol where waves crash loudly into an underground cavern.
There are a number of well-marked nature trails leading to each boka all of which have incredible views. Shete Boka National Park is also a nesting ground for sea turtles, so during the right season, you can see turtles laying their eggs and even hatchlings making their maiden voyage to the sea.
6. Head to Willemstad
The capital city of Curacao, Willemstad, is a melting pot of rich history and vibrant culture. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, many travelers make their base in Willemstad, staying in one of the many boutique hotels. The main attraction is the old district of Handelskade, where colonial Dutch buildings painted in beautiful pastel colors line the shore of St. Anna Bay. There is also an early-morning floating market where you can buy incredible fresh fish and seafood. The district of Scharloo, also known as Skalo, is also very popular due to the murals that local artists have painted on the buildings.
7. Cross the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge
Dubbed the “Swinging Old Lady” by locals, the floating Queen Emma Bridge is not just a means to cross from one side of Willemstad to the other, but an attraction in itself. This unique pontoon bridge connects the Punda and Otrobanda districts of the capital and opens multiple times a day to allow ships to pass through. When it opens, pedestrians you hop on one of the free ferries that operate during these time or pause on the bridge for amazing views of Handelskade and St. Anna Bay.
8. Take the Kids to Amazonia – The Lost Island
Step into a miniature rainforest right in the heart of Curacao at Amazonia – The Lost Island! Designed with both education and entertainment in mind, visitors can learn about the various tropical plants, come face-to-face with exotic animals, and listen to the harmonious chirps and calls that echo through the trees. There are rope bridges through the jungle canopy, butterfly gardens, mini-waterfalls, swimming pools, and some great restaurants, all of which make Amazonia a great day out for the whole family.
9. Go Back in Time at the Kura Hulanda Museum
Situated in Willemstad, the Kura Hulanda Museum is an essential visit for anyone wanting to understand the deep and complex history of the Atlantic slave trade. The Kuru Hulanda Museum poignantly captures the African experience, showcasing detailed exhibits of African empires, the harrowing middle passage, and the African presence in the Americas and the Caribbean. Set within a restored 18th-century merchant’s home and slave yard, the museum’s artifacts, exhibits, and sculptures paint a vivid picture, making it a moving experience for all visitors.
10. Visit a Landhuis or Plantation Estate
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Curacao’s economy revolved around agriculture, with several plantation houses, or ‘Landhuizen’, scattered across the island. These grand mansions, typically built on hilltops, served as both the home of the plantation owner and the operational center for the estate. Today, many of these Landhuizen have been restored and repurposed as museums, restaurants, or venues.
A visit to the plantations provides further insights into Curacao’s colonial past and offers a glimpse of plantation life. Some notable ones to explore include Landhuis Brievengat, known for its music events, and Landhuis Jan Kok, where you’ll find a gallery showcasing the works of local artist Nena Sanchez.
11. Get a Little Tipsy at the Curacao Liqueur Distillery
The Curacao Liqueur Distillery isn’t just a place to sample the island’s famous blue liqueur, it’s a historical trip back to the origins of this iconic drink. Nestled in a historic mansion, this distillery offers guided tours that take visitors through the production process, explaining the transformation of the Laraha orange peel into the vibrant blue beverage.
After the tour, you can head to the tasting room, where a variety of liqueur flavors await. It’s a must-visit for those keen on understanding the island’s culinary culture and history or for anyone who just wants to get a little tipsy.
12. Check Out the Views at Santa Martha Bay
Santa Martha Bay is a breathtaking vista that captures all of Curacao’s diverse landscapes. With rolling hills on one side and the shimmering Caribbean on the other, the bay offers some of the most panoramic views on the island.
Many visitors like to pack a picnic and spend a day here, simply soaking in the serene beauty. If you’re into photography, the early mornings and late afternoons when the light is just right provide the perfect setting for some breathtaking shots.
13. Take a Day Trip to Klein Curacao
Klein Curacao, or “Little Curacao,” is a small island located about 15 miles off the southeast coast of Curacao. It’s best known for its powdery white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a historic lighthouse offering panoramic views of the surrounding seascape. Day trips to Klein Curacao typically include boat rides, where we were lucky enough to spot dolphins.
Once on the island, you can explore shipwrecks, go snorkeling to discover vibrant marine life, or simply lounge on the beach. Remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and sunblock, as there are no facilities on the island.
14. Explore the Hato Caves
Hidden above the sea in the northern part of Curacao, the Hato Caves are a fascinating underground network of stalactites, stalagmites, and water pools. Formed underwater millions of years ago, these caves offer a glimpse into Curacao’s geological past.
Guided tours lead visitors through illuminated paths, explaining the cave’s history and folklore associated with it. Some chambers even showcase ancient Arawak petroglyphs, making the Hato Caves a must-see for history geeks (like me!)
15. Mikvé Israel Emanuel Synagogue
Mikvé Israel Emanuel Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can learn about the Jewish community’s history on the island, view ancient Torah scrolls, and even attend a service.
The attached museum also provides valuable insights into Jewish life and history in Curacao, but the most striking feature is its sandy floor which is said to symbolize the forty years that biblical Jews spent wandering the desert.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Curacao
So there you have it, our rundown of the best things to do in Curacao!
Honestly, this island really is a hidden gem and I can’t believe it isn’t more widely known.
From the vibrant facades of Willemstad’s colonial buildings to the azure waters and magnificent coral reefs, every corner of the island promises a new adventure. Whether you’re a history buff, beach lover, or an adventure seeker, Curacao offers a rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored.
So, pack your bags and let the island’s charm sweep you off your feet.
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“How boring would the world be if everywhere and everyone were the same. Safe travels and good adventures.” Scuba Jay
