Located in the Dutch Caribbean, Curaçao is a charming, gorgeous destination. With a vibrant culture, a sense of adventure around every corner and exceptional food choices, there are many reasons to visit. With its southern Caribbean Sea location, this often underrated island paradise is great for those who want a blend of history, relaxation and diversity. Like the many other warm weather destinations in the region, Curaçao offers sunshine year-round, making it perfect for a tropical escape.
Planning a big Caribbean trip like this is certainly fun, but it can be a complicated task. With so many things to do and see and some restrictions and rules to follow, it can be hard to know where to get started. Below, we detail the 19 best things to do in Curaçao for your upcoming trip. You’ll find everything you need to book an exciting and memorable trip right in this list.
1. Explore Willemstad
Willemstad is the capital of Curaçao and a vibrant, culturally vital region of the island. It’s a smaller area, but it has a treasure in the old town center. This is where Dutch colonial architecture remains vibrant and, as such, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll immediately notice the bright yellow, blue and green buildings lining the waterways. There are also several hotels and resorts near Willemstad, ideal for those who want to be in this area.
Once you arrive, Willemstad will keep you busy for a day or longer. It is the center for trade on the island, with various events throughout the year. While here, explore the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge, which connects the Otrobanda and Punda neighborhoods. This floating pedestrian bridge has long been a symbol of the community.
2. Museum Kura Hulanda
Located in the Otrobanda neighborhood, the Museum Kura Hulanda is its own cultural experience. It is one of the only museums like it, with its origin of man story. It breaks down the good and bad that helped form Curaçao over centuries, including the area’s role in the Atlantic slave trade. The museum isn’t for the light-hearted. It’s raw and authentic, with numerous exhibits and displays that tell the story of the people who lived here.
The museum is on the city-center harbor, an important location. This is where the Dutch ships would land and trade enslaved Africans. Today, it is a wonderful testament to the people of the area and a welcoming place. This anthropological museum isn’t one to be missed.
3. Visit Rif Fort in Willemstad
Rif Fort was established in 1828 in Willemstad. It sits right on the entrance of the St. Anna Bay. Today, it is a mixed-use destination where you’ll find restaurants and shops of all types to explore. Back when it was built, it was a stronghold for the protection of the bay itself and critical to protecting the people who lived here.
Visiting Rif Fort today means spending time tasting fabulous treats at the locally owned bakeries. You’ll likely find new friends at the area bars and pubs in this area as well. Rift Fort is part of the larger Renaissance Mall region, offering excellent access to luxury and high-end brands, both European and American. There’s always something planned in this area.
4. Observe nature at Shete Boka National Park
Located on the northern side of the island, Shete Boka National Park is a picture-perfect area to visit. It’s a pocket bay, creating a sheltered area that’s quite mesmerizing to watch as the waves crash against the walls surrounding it. Often included on a day tour of the island, this park has something for everyone to enjoy, from trails to bird-watching.
The park itself is a wave-swept area known for its blowholes and sea turtle nesting areas. The beaches in this area are calmer than on the south side, but the area is easily one of the best locations to visit for its coastline views.
5. Take in the Ocean at Boka Tabla
Boka Tabla is a component of the Shete Boka National Park and is well worth a visit on its own. It’s a large, open cave area. The waves crash into this cave, creating an incredible spectacle with each strike. The surrounding landscape is stunning. The roar and thunder of the massive waves striking this underground cavern are hard to imagine without seeing it first.
While there is not much to do aside from watching the waves, the experience of seeking out this sea cave and watching the power of nature is well worth the journey.
6. Swim in the Blue Room
The Blue Room has no connection to a hotel or building in the area. Rather, it is an underwater cave that is known for its bright, beautiful blue light. The light is created as sunlight reflects off the crystal-clear waters in the area and bounces from the interior walls of the cave. You’ll be able to take a boat into the cave to see the mesmerizing color display.
If you’re looking for more adventure while visiting this area, consider hiking into the cave from the Playa Santa Cruz. You can also set up a snorkeling tour and dive into the area to see the Blue Room from a very different vantage point. Private Blue Room tours are an excellent way to explore the area and learn a bit about its history.
7. Wander the Pietermaai District in Willemstad
Willemstad has numerous nooks to explore and the Pietermaai District is one you do not want to miss. It’s often where visitors stay on the island, as numerous boutique hotels are located in this smaller neighborhood. While quite modernized with shops and eateries, there’s also a strong history to explore here.
The area began to gain prominence in the late 17th century and is named after Pieter de Meij, one of the last settlers to arrive from Brazil. The homes here, built by the captain and generations to come, are still in excellent condition. You can see them as you explore the shops and bars located within the area. Each has its own story to tell.
8. Experience the Watamula Blow Hole
Another of the best things to do in Curaçao is to see the Watamula Blow Hole. Yes, many people travel to the northernmost tip of the island just to see a hole in the ground – and it is well worth the experience. It’s situated in Sabana Westpunt and to get there, you’ll follow a dirt road that takes you through dense bushes.
Once you reach it, the blow hole is very impressive. As the waves crash into the cavern located within the blow hole and spray water from the sea up through it, it creates tiny rainbows in the light. The turquoise water and bright sunlight combine to create a stunning experience.
9. Slow down at Sabana Westpunt
Sabana Westpunt is a small town located in the Bandabou District. It’s in the northwestern portion of the country and perhaps best known for its stunning beaches. As one of the top things to do in Curaçao, you’ll want to plan to spend at least a day exploring this small area. It’s only home to around 750 people, but it is one of the most popular areas and it is full of activity.
While here, explore the beaches, including the Playa Kalki and Playa Forti. The beaches are well-maintained and the water is the perfect color of blue.
10. See the wildlife at the Flamingo Habitat
Nature is everywhere in this area of the world, but the Flamingo Habitat is well worth seeing if you care to support some of the planet’s most delicate animals. This protected area is where hundreds of flamingos live. Most of the time, when you visit, you’ll see dozens of them wading through the water, seemingly unimpressed by the people nearby.
It’s a quick stop on your way to the waterfront and it's worth sitting and watching for a while. As a wildlife refuge, you’ll want to pay close attention to the environment and regulations when visiting.
11. Take it Easy at Playa Porto Mari
Of all the Curaçao things to do on vacation, many visitors will spend time on the beaches. There are several that are exceptional and Playa Porto Mari is one of them. This is an excellent sandy beach as well as a dive site. It’s known for its double reef, which isn’t found in much of the area. It’s also known for the wild pigs that sometimes roam the beaches. They are not necessarily dangerous, especially if you leave them alone, but they do make an appearance.
The beach offers umbrellas and lounge chairs and you’ll find a small beach bar and restaurant available. Dutch Kroketten is often on the menu. This beach is a beautiful one, easily one of the more accessible options from the shoreline and an excellent choice for those traveling with kids who need direct access to the amenities.
12. Unwind at Grote Knip Beach
Another of the beaches to explore here is Grote Knip Beach, located at the west end of the island, between the villages of Westpunt and Lagun. This beach is freely accessible to anyone and that often means there are more visitors than at some of the more private beaches. It’s often noted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world thanks to the clean, clear waters and white sands.
While not always recommended, cliff jumping is something that many visitors come to try here. It’s somewhat of a rocky beach, with areas to climb and explore. However, it’s not as commercialized as other nearby areas, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an authentic experience.
13. Practice your Golfing at Landhuis Blauw
Located in the Sint Michiel district of the island is a historical destination. Today, it’s also a top golf course that offers some of the most challenging and tranquil rounds of golf on the island.
What makes it unique is that it was founded in 1700 as a plantation. The plantation produced blue dye. There are stories of the unique indigo blue powder found on the plantation years ago and although that is no longer present, you can still discover some fantastic history in the architecture here.
14. See something new in District Scharloo
The District Scharloo area is the youngest of the four districts that make up this area. It is on the list of top things to do in Curaçao for many reasons, including its stunning architectural design. It was once an area for shipbuilding and farming, but it later became the home of the wealthiest merchants.
Many of their mansions are restored today, either as hotels or museums and often, you can explore them. Be sure to consider some of the guided tours for these buildings. You’ll find eateries and art galleries around each corner, too.
15. Enjoy the Serentiy of Boka St. Michiel
If you enjoy the waterfront from a more nature-focused perspective, a trip to Boka St. Michiel is in order. Boka Sami is a fishing village here that has long served the region. It’s the ideal place to enjoy an aquafari ride, as the locals call it.
For some of the best experiences, plan to enjoy dinner at one of the waterfront destinations or on a boat right at sunset. It’s a vibrant experience.
16. Hike at Christoffel Park
Christoffel Park is the largest national park on the island, making it one of the most important things to do in Curaçao during your vacation. It’s diverse, with birds and plants only known to the area. A species of wild orchid only grows here, for example.
You’ll also see white-tailed deer and the Calabria, a native barn owl, also makes its home here. Take a walking tour of the area to experience the natural wonders of the island.
17. Learn at the Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum is one of the best things to do in Curaçao if you want to learn about the area’s maritime culture. This historic building, a mansion built in 1729, is an exhibit that brings this area’s history to life.
It’s located in the Waaigat Inlet near the floating market. Many antiques and treasures are on display, including model ships from 17th-century vessels. You’ll also find old maps that were once used to help those exploring the region plan their trade routes. Plan to spend a few hours learning about the area’s rich maritime history here.
18. Snorkel at DaaiBooi
Another of the area’s best beaches is DaaiBooi, a location that’s close to town. For those who enjoy snorkeling, this beach is one of the ideal locations. That’s thanks to the rocky ledges and deep underwater reefs.
You can also spend the day on the clean sand, wading into the water. There’s a snack bar and a few smaller restaurants nearby to enjoy. Also, consider a walk along the trail that leads out into the countryside surrounding the bay.
19. Tour the Surroundings of Hofi Mango
Once a mango plantation, Hofi Mango is a remarkable site that is perfect for those who want to enjoy something sweet while learning about the area's history.
There are often white-tailed deer that come along the paths and scenic trails that lead you to the plantation. Once you get there, you’ll see the historic building built in 1707. There’s a large surrounding park to explore and when you arrive early enough and climb up the hill, you’ll have a marvelous sunrise to watch.
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