QUICK JUMP TO: Diving & snorkelling / Watersports, submarines & aquariums / Sports / Relax / Shopping, Arts & Culture
Top Things To Do
Every corner of the island awaits to amaze you with its incredible richness, whether through its bountiful and unique heritage, or its breathtaking natural wonders. Start by getting acquainted with Curaçao’s unique roots by wandering through the 750 historic buildings that gained Willemstad its UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Then, venture out and explore Curaçao’s raw beauty, through its fascinating national parks, turtle sanctuary, and underground lake, before heading out off-shore and at the heart of the local marine life contained in the island's many captivating diving and snorkelling sites.
WILLEMSTAD
Wander the streets of Curaçao's colourful capital and admire the island's rich heritage through a vibrant display of edifices and culture. From the harbour's area, where visitors can admire the restored Rif Fort, browse around the shop or taste the local cuisine before crossing the Koningin Emmabrug Pontoon bridge to the Punta district, filled with independent artisan shops and famous retailers alike. Whilst in Punda, head over to the Mercado Flotante, a colourful floating market bursting with fresh local produces from fruit and vegetables to the day's catch.
SHETE BOKA NATIONAL PARK & CURAÇAO'S WEST END
Although Willemstad is a great place to get a feel of Curaçao's heartbeat, its true roots are located in the core of the island's West end. There, travellers can explore Curaçao's practically unspoiled wildlife, a raw display of fauna and flora to explore by car or by foot, on your own or as part of a guided tour, taking you through arid landscapes and coastline formations resulting from years of erosion.
HATO CAVES
Formed below sea levels millions of years ago, these 4900m2 caves display beautiful limestone formations, waterfalls, and natural pools. It is also home to the famous Madonna statue and to long nose fruit bats.
OSTRICH AND GAME FARM
Hop on the hourly safari ride to the farm corals for a chance to get acquainted with the big birds: feed them, touch them and, for the more adventurous, ride them! On site, enjoy the Zambezi restaurant's relaxed African atmosphere or browse the Art of Africa Shop for unique gifts and souvenirs.
TROLLEY TRAIN TOUR
This all-encompassing tour takes you through all the city's historic points of interest: the 1635 Fort Amsterdam, the 1880s Scharloo neighbourhood, the colourful Bolo di Bruit (also known as the Wedding Cake House), Pietermaai Cathedral, Floating Market, Mikve Israel Emmanuel Synagogue (the oldest synagogue in uninterrupted use in the western hemisphere), the cultural Queen Wihelmina Park, and the impressive Waterfront Arches fortress.
CURALOE ECOCITY
Constituting a great part of Curaçao's flora, aloe vera plants have been used on the island as a natural remedy to various diseases for generations. Nowadays, visitors are invited to learn more about the healing powers of this plant, by exploring the island's eco-conscious plantation at Curaloe Ecocity through a casual tour explaining the virtues of Aloe Vera as well as the processes involved in cultivating andmaking the most of this valuable resource by turning it into day to day products.
CHRISTOFFEL NATIONAL PARK
In the heart of the northern tip of the island is Christoffel National Park, a 4450 acres wide wildlife preserve boasting some of the most splendid landscapes Curaçao has to offer. There, nature lovers will find a choice of hiking trails varying in length and difficulty, giving them a chance to observe and explore the island's fauna and flora, through both luscious gardens and desert sceneries.
“ ”
diving & snorkelling
DIVING & SNORKELLING
One of the great aspects of Curaçao enjoyed by many is the fact that snorkelling and diving often don't require a boat trip and can be done right offshore, such as in Playa Jeremi, a quite beach on the northwest coast, or on the popular and stunning Cas Abou.
THE VALLEY (PORT MARIE)
A great spot for divers and snorkelers, considered to be one of Curaçao's 10 top sites, due to the variety of marine life it is home to, with many species rarely spotted at other dive sites. Look out for spotted eagle rays, large schools of creole wrasse, and pairs of cornetfish.
SMOKEY (PUNT'I SANCHI)
Considered to be one of the Caribbean's best sites, rivalling with Belize's finest, Smokey is the site that gained Curaçao its reputation amongst divers. Rough sea conditions have kept Smokey well off the tourist path, preserving its delicate marine life to a pristine state that is rare to find nowadays.
SS ORANJE NASSAU
Accessible from the Seaquarium area, a 3 minutes southeast swim will take you to the wreck of this Royal West India Company 1884 steamship, grounded in 1906 during a heavy storm. There you will be able to observe plenty of small reef fish, healthy coral, as well as morays.
HELL'S CORNER
Great steep wall dive with brain coral, large gorgonians, mushroom heads, tube sponges, as well as sea turtles, barracudas, schooling jacks, lobsters, and spotted and green morays.
LIGHT TOWER
A stunning, adventurous site for divers experienced in strong currents, rough wave action and difficult boat entries and exit.
WATAMULA
Derived from the Dutch word "Watermolen" (water mill), this site's name comes from the unusual way the currents that surround it flow: North to South, South to North, or even in a circle. Whatever the current, the site remains a spectacular display of soft and hard corals, housing an equally mind-blowing marine life with schools of Porcupine fish and Chubbs fish, as well as Ocean Trigger Fish.
DIVING & SNORKELLING
However, travellers wishing to enjoy the best submarine wildlife offered by Curaçao's waters should hop on a charter boat and head to Klein Curaçao, for a great snorkelling, diving and sailing experience.
BARRACUDA POINT
Also known as Punt'i Piku and home to curious barracudas, this site is located across from Barbara Beach and near Spanish Water.
BLACK ROCK
Also known as Piedra Pretu, this impressive dive involves a colourful shallow terrace followed by a 37 meters deep steep wall.
SUPERIOR PRODUCER
Sitting upright at 30 meters deep, this wreck of over 30 years is now covered in varieties of coral, tube and orange cup sponges, and is home to tarpons and great barracudas. Once rated one of the Caribbean's best wreck dives by Sport Diver Magazine.
SANTU PRETU, MUSHROOM FOREST & THE CAVE
This amazing dive site starts at the black sand beach of Santu Pretu, where the old volcanic sand leads you to the Catharine, a shipwreck lying upside down, surrounded by brain corals and garden eels. From there, the southerly current takes you to the beautiful Mushroom Forest, one of the island's most famous dives, a mushroom-shaped coral formation that houses an amazing variety of marine wildlife.
BOKA DI SORSAKA
A 5,000 years old formation just off the Jan Thiel lagoon, which has several other sites reachable from the beach or by boat, such as the large and shallow Sandy's Plateau.
SELDOM REEF & BULLENBAAI
For intermediate and advanced divers, these two sites offer more than the average wall dive, with Seldom Reef boasting a 27 meters wall, and Bullenbaai being considered one of the island's best sites.
AIRPLANE WRECK
Situated in Babonneau, this site offers a variety of entertaining activities for the whole family to enjoy. Among those, a relaxing canopy tram ride with beautiful panoramic views of the island, or an 18 platforms zip-lining track with Tarzan Swing, Tarantula Nest and Floating Stairs for a more adrenaline fuelled exploration.
BASORA
The most eastern dive site of the island. Although displaying a beautiful variety of fish and coral species, the currents there can shift quickly, making the waves unpredictable.
KATHY'S PARADISE
A dive at Smokey often ends by drifting towards the stunning Kathy's Paradise, where divers can enjoy great visibility and observe large healthy corals, as well as sharks and stingrays.
TUGBOAT
Great for both snorkelers and divers, with a little tugboat wreck sitting at just 5 meters, this site is one of Curaçao's most famous.
DIVERS LEAP AND PIEDRA SOMBRE
Another steep wall dive with sea horses, pillar coral, small reef and deep-water fish.
RIF SINT MARIE
Healthy reef located at Coral Estate, where divers can spot parrot fish, sea turtles, barracudas, trumpet fish, puffer fish, amongst others. Check in with the local dive shop before using the pier and heading to the reef.
OTHER DIVING SITES AVAILABLE AROUND THE ISLAND
Daaibooi Beach (Willibrordus area), Boka Grandi, Playa Mansaliña, Playa Largu, Snake Bay (southeast end of Boka St Michiel), Kaap Mal Meeuw, Double Reef, Eel Valley, Halfway, Kabayé and Small Wall, Kabes di Baranka, Vaersenbaai and the Car Wrecks, Mako's Mountain, No Way site, Car Pile at Pier Baai, Lost Anchor at Playa Hundu, Playa Kenepa & Playa Grandi, Playa Lagun, Playa Piscado & Playa Forti, Saba, Playa Hulu, Sponge Forest, Black Coral Garden, Rediho, and the Crash.
“ ”
WATERSPORTS, SUBMARINES & AQUARIUMS
ADRENALINE PUMPING
Many operators around the island offer a variety of tours and rentals including jet ski, kayak, tubing, banana rides, water skiing, wake boarding, knee boarding, windsurfing and parasailing.
SUBSTATION CURAÇAO
Another perfectly dry way to explore the island's sub-aquatic world is with Substation Curaçao's Curasub. This mini submarine takes you from Bapor Kibra, down the island's clear waters, where you will discover a mix of colourful fish, coral and mysterious shipwrecks, with a visibility of over 30 meters.
CURAÇAO SEA AQUARIUM
Established in 1984, this aquarium boasts one of the most extensive collection of Caribbean sea life, as well as many activities and experiences for the whole family to enjoy.
BOATING & SAILING
For a more relaxed experience, fishing trips, catamaran sailing, snorkelling and diving boat trips, as well as chartered boats to the stunning Klein Curaçao are also available from specialised operators.
AQUAFARI
An additional alternative to scuba-diving is Curaçao's fun Aquafari, a great activity to enjoy with the whole family and that does not require any scuba diving experience. Hop on a submersible scooter and glide alongside the island's sub-aquatic wildlife.
ZAPATA FLYBOARD
If you're after some new adrenaline-fuelled sensations, then give the Flyboard a go, and learn how to fly above the waters and dive like a dolphin.
ATLANTIS ADVENTURES
Departs from Willemstad and hop on the Sea Explorer for a narrated submarine tour along the island's southern coral reefs, where you'll witness the colourful likes of parrotfish, yellowtail snappers, queen angelfish, and sergeant majors.
“ ”
SPORTS
GOLF
Curaçao's great climate offers the ideal conditions for a game of golf at one of the following locations.
BLUE BAY GOLF
A stunning, surprising and challenging 18 holes par 72 professional golf course set over 6 kilometres of dramatic coastal landscape, and opened to non-members. On site facilities include driving range, lessons and clinics at the blue Bay Golf Academy, a pro-shop, clubhouse, and regular tournaments and events.
MANEGE SOCIETE HIPPIQUE CURACAO
Riding classes by professional and experienced instructors, with a wide selection of horses and featuring a covered riding course, jumping pit, lunging pit, as well as a cafeteria.
OLD QUARRY AT SANTA BARBARA BEACH & GOLF RESORT
Set in the Spanish Water bay, this course features an on-site pro-shop, locker rooms, restaurant and lounge.
HORSEBACK RIDING
A guided horseback riding tour could be an unforgettable way of discovering Curaçao, taking you through some of the island's most unspoiled trails.
CURACAO GOLF & SQUASH CLUB
A dynamic club of about 600 members with an 18-holes par 70 course set over 10 greens, and matches organised on a daily basis.
FINCA CASIU
A tropical Finca providing a variety of services, whether you're an experienced rider or a total novice looking to take lessons.
“ ”
RELAX
LAMAN SPA & WELLNESS
The island's most recent spa and wellness centre is located at the Jan Thiel Beach Plaza
B YOGA
Located in Biesheuvel, this Hatha Yoga studio offers group classes as well as one-to-one yoga therapy.
YOGA CENTRUM CURACAO
Yvonne Martin offers individual and group yoga classes, restorative yoga, breathing therapies, meditation, mindfulness, Ayurvedic massages, retreat days, workshops. Located in Soto.
ATABEI SPA AT SANTA BARBARA BEACH & GOLF RESORT
A spa inspired by the ancient culture and rituals of the Arawak people, with four treatment rooms and indoor/outdoor rain shower and relaxation patio.
WELZIJN SPA
The only Garra Ruffa feet treatment Spa in the Caribbean. Relax your feet in a pool of hot spring water filled with hundreds of Garra Ruffa fish rejuvenating your feet by ridding you of any dead skin.
MAZZAI SPA AT MORENA RESORT
A selection of massages, facials and other relaxing treatments to choose from. The Mazzai Spa also lets you pick the colour and music for your treatment.
SANTAI SPA AT AVILA BEACH HOTEL
Named after the Indonesian word for "relaxation", this spa offers a variety of treatments to be enjoyed on your own, or as a pair.
“ ”
SHOPPING, ART & CULTURE
OTRABANDA
Translating as "the other side", the 18th century district sits opposite St Anna Bay and its main shopping area is located between Kura Hulanda and the Riffort, both setting a picturesque and historic backdrop for your shopping stroll around Breedestraat, stopping for a refreshing break in a café terrace on Brionplein, the centrepiece of Otrabanda waterfront.
SALINJA & SALIÑA GALLERIES
The town and shopping mall offer a selection of shops selling a wide variety of goods, including books, hardware and cars, as wells as clothing, shoes, underwear, cosmetics, and even exotic flowers. A selection of Indian, French, Italian and American restaurants are also available.
ZUIKERTUIN PARK
Located in a 1870 colonial plantation house, this mall offers a wide variety of restaurants and shops and is the island's only fully air-conditioned shopping centre. Over 25 brand-named stores, 5 restaurants, a food court as well as an Italian gelateria, and located a ten minutes drive from Punda.
ANGIOLA RICCI'S SANDAL DESIGN STUDIO
For ladies wishing to treat themselves to the ultimate souvenir: choose a design, select your favourite ornament to create a bespoke pair of leather sandals crafted just for you.
OCTAGON MUSEUM
A very eye-catching building for its vibrant colour and unusual roof, this small museum commemorates its connection to the Venezuelean "Libertador", the famous Simón Bolívar, who spent time in this very building before gathering the troops and forces that would help him rid South America from the Spanish colonial domination.
RIF FORT MUSEUM
At the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site that is historic Willemstad, the Rif Fort museum puts visitors back into a perspective, by adding an extra dimension of what once was the fort's reality, one that now feels so distant from the modern reality of a bright and busy shopping centre.
BLOEMPOT SHOPPING CENTRE
A variety of stores selling jewellery, lingerie, children's clothing, shoes and haute couture, and featuring two hair salons and a café serving light bites and refreshments.
PROMENADE SHOPPING CENTRE
Located in Willemstad, this open-air shopping centre offers international brands stores selling items of clothing for men, women and children, as well as shoes, jewellery, lingerie, beachwear and watches.
RENAISSANCE MALL & RIFF FORT
A unique shopping and dining experience in the heart of Willemstad, in this 19th century, UNESCO World Heritage Site, redeveloped into a historic and artistic hub buzzing with entertainments in the shape of events, restaurants, bars, and luxurious shops.
SAMBIL CURAÇAO
Close to the Megapier and located 15 minutes away from the Curaçao International Airport, this site not only offers more than 90 stores, and a wide variety of dining options, but also some entertainment fit for the whole family, such as a trampoline park, a bowling club, a cinema, as well as a kids park and a baby corner.
CHICHI CURAÇAO SERENA'S ART FACTORY
Founded by Serena Janet Israel, the factory is situated near the Aloe Plantation and the Ostrich Farm, on the East side of the island. Browse through a collection of unique items that will make the perfect souvenir or gift, as well as sculptures, dresses, bags, hats and paintings, or attend one of the factory's lively workshop to paint your own souvenir.
SAVONET MUSEUM
Located in the Landhuis Savonet at the heart of the Christoffelpark, Curaçao's largest natural reserve, this museum traces the life of the island, from its very first occupants, the Arawak Indians, 4,000 years ago, to our modern times. A diverse collection in the shape of photographs, documents, artefacts, and restored antiques connecting the rich natural, cultural and human heritage of the island.
PAPAGAYO BEACH PLAZA
A luxurious mix of high-end fashion shops for men and women, fine dining restaurants and upscale bars, alongside an Italian ice-cream parlour, a classy casino, and a spa - all made even more special by the beautiful ocean views.
PUNDA
With a variety of reputed stores selling high quality goods from around the world, a reflection of Punda's traditional position as Willemstad's main shopping area, as it is there that international trade would historically take place, across the now exclusively pedestrian area which, alongside its many terraces, creates a relaxed and enjoyable shopping experience.
CURAÇAO LIQUEUR FACTORY
A trip to Curaçao wouldn't be complete without a taste of its world famous liqueur, and there's obviously no better place than the liqueur's very factory to get it from. Located in Salina, in the beautiful property of Landhuis Chobolobo and surrounded by 10,500m2 of land, a trip to the liqueur's factory is a journey through time, taking you back to a traditional method that has been used to produce the exact same taste since 1896.
GALLERY ALMA BLOU
Featuring authentic Curaçao and Caribbean art, this gallery is also the country's oldest and largest. Its name translate from papiamentu as "Gallery of the Blue Soul". Located in the 18th century Landhuis Habaai, it features the work of local and foreign artists inspired by Curaçao's culture and natural beauty.
PUNDA MUSEUM
A collection of photos, slide shows and scale models of Punda in the sixties show the evolution of the island's oldest neighbourhood from vibrant cultural and living quarter, to a shopping area filled with banks.
“ ”