🇨🇼 Curaçao

Discover Curaçao

Curaçao is a vibrant Dutch Caribbean island located outside the hurricane belt, known for its UNESCO-listed capital Willemstad with iconic pastel-colored buildings, pristine beaches, world-class diving, and rich cultural heritage. The largest of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao), this diverse destination blends European sophistication with Caribbean warmth and African influences.

From the floating Queen Emma Bridge to hidden cove beaches, coral reefs teeming with marine life, and a thriving arts scene, Curaçao offers authentic Caribbean experiences. With year-round sunshine, over 35 beaches, fascinating history, and the famous blue Curaçao liqueur, the island delivers culture, adventure, and relaxation in equal measure.

Award-Winning Excellence

Notable Award-Winning Properties & Services

• Sandals Royal Curaçao - Caribbean's Leading Dive Resort 2025 & Curaçao's Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025
• Avila Beach Hotel - Curaçao's Leading Resort 2025
• Papagayo Beach Hotel - Curaçao's Leading Hotel 2025
• Irie Tours - Curaçao's Leading Tour Operator 2025
• Tourism Management Curacao - Curaçao's Leading Destination Management Company 2025
• Hertz - Curaçao's Leading Car Rental Company 2025

Top Attractions & Things to Do

• Willemstad - UNESCO World Heritage capital with colorful Dutch colonial architecture, floating bridges, and vibrant Handelskade waterfront
• Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge - Historic floating pedestrian bridge that swings open for ships, connecting Punda and Otrobanda districts
• Playa Kenepa (Knip Beach) - Stunning turquoise bay with powdery white sand, consistently ranked among the Caribbean's best beaches
• Christoffel National Park - 4,500-acre nature reserve with hiking trails, Mount Christoffel (highest point), wildlife, and indigenous cave paintings
• Shete Boka National Park - Dramatic rocky coastline with natural blowholes, crashing waves, and sea turtle nesting sites
• Curaçao Sea Aquarium - Interactive marine park with dolphin encounters, sea lion shows, and underwater observatory
• Hato Caves - Ancient limestone caves with stalactites, stalagmites, indigenous petroglyphs, and natural pools
• Blue Curaçao Distillery - Tour the Landhuis Chobolobo estate and taste the famous blue liqueur made from laraha oranges
• Tugboat Dive Site - Easily accessible shore dive featuring a sunken tugboat covered in coral at 16 feet
• Mambo Beach - Popular beach boulevard with restaurants, bars, water sports, and beach clubs
• Klein Curaçao - Uninhabited island day trip with pristine beaches, lighthouse ruins, and excellent snorkeling
• Floating Market - Colorful Venezuelan boats selling fresh produce, fish, and goods at Willemstad's waterfront

Beach Paradise

Diving & Snorkeling

Curaçao is a world-class diving destination with over 65 dive sites accessible from shore, healthy coral reefs, dramatic walls, caves, and diverse marine life. Crystal-clear visibility (typically 60-100 feet) and year-round warm waters make every dive exceptional.

Highlights include the Mushroom Forest's giant coral formations, Tugboat wreck, Blue Room cave, and Superior Producer shipwreck. See sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, seahorses, octopus, and over 500 fish species. The award-winning Sandals Royal Curaçao offers PADI dive resort facilities.

Curaçao Culture & Cuisine

Curaçao's culture is a unique blend of over 55 nationalities with Dutch, African, Latin American, and Caribbean influences. Papiamentu, a Creole language mixing Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and African words, is widely spoken alongside Dutch and English.

The culinary scene reflects this diversity with local specialties like keshi yena (stuffed cheese), stobá (stew), funchi (polenta), fresh seafood, and Dutch treats like poffertjes. Don't miss the Old Market (Plasa Bieu) for authentic local food, or fine dining at Willemstad's waterfront restaurants. Sample blue Curaçao liqueur at its birthplace.

Travel Tips

• Entry Requirements: US citizens need valid passport. No visa required for stays under 90 days
• Getting There: Curaçao International Airport (CUR) with direct flights from Miami, Atlanta, Newark, Houston, and other US cities
• Getting Around: Rent a car (essential for exploring beaches). Drive on right side. Taxis available but expensive. Limited public transportation
• Currency: Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) pegged at 1.79 to USD. US dollars widely accepted. Credit cards common
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round destination outside hurricane belt. Peak season December-April. Shoulder season offers lower rates
• Language: English widely spoken in tourist areas. Learn basic Papiamentu phrases - locals appreciate it
• Beach Entry Fees: Some beaches charge $3-5 entry. West coast beaches often have small fees for facilities
• What to Pack: Reef-safe sunscreen, rental car GPS, snorkel gear (or rent), light clothing, water shoes, sun protection
• Tipping: 10-15% standard. Some restaurants add 10% service charge
• Safety: Generally safe. Use normal precautions in Willemstad at night. Strong sun requires protection