Curaçao Island is a gem of the Caribbean. It has an area of 444 km² and a population of just over 165,000. The largest island of the Netherlands Antilles was once a colony of Spain and the Netherlands, but since 2010, it has been a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The main holiday! October 10 is Curaçao’s Independence Day.
The island was discovered in the late 15th century by the navigator Alonso de Ojeda, after which a Spanish protectorate was established over it. The mother country used the colony as a naval base, but due to the arid climate and lack of water, it soon lost interest, and for over 10 years, it was unclear which country owned the island of Curaçao.
During this period, a broken dam in the Netherlands flooded the fields, creating a urgent need for new agricultural land. The problem was solved by the East India Company, which took control of Curaçao in 1634. A large number of slaves were brought to the island, and they began to grow fruits, nuts, and corn, as well as to produce salt for export to the Netherlands and other countries around the world.
Need to know! The national currency of Curaçao is the Dutch Antilles guilder, but many shops and museums in the country accept dollars or credit cards.
As strange as it may sound, the abolition of slavery in the mid-19th century led to a decline in the island’s economy. It wasn’t until 50 years later, when oil reserves were discovered in Curaçao and a refinery was built, that the first improvements began to emerge.
In the second half of the 20th century, the island became a popular vacation spot for Americans and Western Europeans, but by the 2000s, it had fallen into disrepair. Today, about 30% of the local infrastructure is abandoned, which is most evident on the wild beaches of Curaçao.
What are the prices for vacations on the island, and where can I go? Where are the best beaches in Curaçao, and do I need a visa to visit the country? Our article provides answers to these and other questions you may have.
Interesting facts about Curacao
- According to legend, the name of the island comes from the word “cura”, which means”healing” in Spanish. When Ojeda first sailed to the island, he left behind his crew, who were hopelessly ill with scurvy. A few years later, when he again stopped off the coast of Curacao, he not only did not find their graves, but also personally heard from the sailors about the unique plants that saved their lives – they contained vitamin C in high concentrations, necessary for the treatment of scurvy.
- Curaçao was one of the largest slave markets in the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Papiamento is the official language of the country and is a mixture of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, and English. Today, it is spoken by almost 80% of the island’s population.
- 72% of the population of Curaçao is Roman Catholic.
- If you are traveling to Curaçao from the United States, you are in luck! Although the official currency of Curaçao is the Netherlands Antilles Guilder (ANG), US dollars are accepted everywhere on the island.
- Despite a population of around 165,000, 16 MLB players have hailed from Curaçao over the past three decades. This means the highest number of players per capita in the world. The sport gained popularity when Hensley “Bam Bam” Möhleins made his debut for the New York Yankees in 1989, and many have followed in his footsteps since.
- If you have ever wondered why the colors of the Curaçao flag are blue and yellow, wonder no more! The blue represents the sea and the sky, while the yellow center represents the sun.
- When you explore the island of Curaçao, you will likely encounter the word “dushi” in Papiamento at least once. So… what does it mean? Although “dushi” can have multiple meanings, it typically refers to something sweet, good, or pleasant, such as a beautiful place, delicious food, or a close friend.
- As painful as it is to say, iguana is considered a delicacy in Curaçao! It is usually served as “stoba yoana” (iguana stew).
- Curaçao is home to the laranja, a bitter Seville orange that was brought to the island from Spain in the 1500s. Although these oranges were initially considered useless due to their extremely bitter taste, it was later discovered that a unique aromatic oil could be extracted from their unripe peels. This oil eventually became the basis for the modern-day Curaçao liqueur.
- Did you know that the shiny blue color of Blue Curacao liqueur actually has no flavor? Curacao liqueur is naturally colorless, so despite its appearance, the taste of Blue Curacao is exactly the same as its original and clear counterpart. Therefore, regardless of whether the bottle you purchase contains clear or blue liqueur, the taste will be similar to the bitter orange peel of laraha, which gives it its flavor! In fact, blue (or green, or red, or orange) food coloring is added to this popular liqueur solely for marketing purposes, as people tend to be more inclined to buy alcohol in bright colors.
- While tap water can sometimes be difficult to order depending on where you are in the world, it is perfect to drink in Curaçao! This is because in Curaçao, the water is distilled straight from the sea. Also, to refresh yourself, you can ask for “ava di lamunchi” water, which will contain a little sugar and a squeeze of lime.
- “The most colorful Caribbean capital” is a status that Willemstad doesn’t take seriously! At first glance, you’ll quickly realize that the capital of Curaçao has more than just one or two bustling streets.
- Of the seven major turtle species worldwide, Curacao is home to three of them: the green sea turtle, the cephalopod (carreta), and the bissa.
Attractions and Entertainment in Curaçao
Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge
According to tourists, this floating bridge is the most amazing attraction on the island, and there is no other similar bridge in any other country. Since 1888, it has connected the northern and southern parts of Willemstad (the capital of Curaçao) and has become its iconic symbol.
“The swaying old lady” is what the locals call the bridge because of its unstable supports, which simply lie on the water and follow the movement of the waves. The key feature of the bridge is not that it barely rises above sea level, but the way it allows ships to pass through.
Usually, when a ship approaches, the bridge opens in the middle and rises up, but here it’s much simpler: the operator detaches one of the parts and turns on the motor on the other, causing the obstacle to split in two.
Tourists visiting Curaçao love this bridge because it is beautifully illuminated at night, and during the day, it offers a postcard-worthy view of both parts of the city.
Laws of the past! In the past, anyone who wanted to use the bridge had to pay a tax. Due to the high cost of passage, which was unaffordable for many residents, the authorities introduced an unusual law: anyone who walked barefoot could cross the bridge for free.
Punda District and Hendelskade Embankment
Punda is the most popular area of Willemstad, and its postcard-worthy views are a symbol of the island of Curaçao. In the center of the city, visitors can explore vibrant examples of Dutch architecture in the form of colorful houses, numerous cafes, souvenir shops, and a local market. Although many of the buildings in this area date back to the 17th century and are in poor condition, UNESCO’s efforts and funding have led to the gradual reconstruction of the area.
Punda is also decorated with a beautiful waterfront, from which tourists often watch the pontoon bridge. This area is a great place to take beautiful photos on the island of Curaçao.
Kur Huland Museum
You can learn about the history of the people of Curaçao and other countries in the Caribbean and Atlantic basin at the Kura Huladna Anthropology Museum. It was opened in 1999 in the south of the island, near St. Anne’s Bay. The largest private museum in Curaçao covers an area of approximately 1.5 square kilometers, and its exhibits are housed in 15 buildings, each representing a different period of world history.
The Kura-Khuladna Museum provides detailed information about the island’s settlement, the rise of slavery and colonial imperialism, and the role of witchcraft and religion in the cultures of the Caribbean and Europe.
All the signs in the museum are written in Papiamento, Dutch, and English, and group tours must be booked in advance. At the entrance to the attraction, you can rent an audio guide in German or English, and you can also buy a souvenir at the themed store.
- Kura-Hulanda is located at Klipstraat 9.
- It is open every day except Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Admission price: full ticket – $10, $7 for pensioners and children under 12, and $8 for students.
- Official website: www.kurahulanda.com.
Dolphin Academy
The most unusual attraction in the country was opened in 2002 and has been delighting and surprising visitors to the island of Curaçao for over 20 years. The Academy’s residents include not only dolphins but also sea lions, turtles, sharks, and even stingrays, all of which can be seen up close, fed, and even swum with in the same bay!
Care comes first! The main advantage of the Dolphin Academy is that all of its students live in the open sea, not in aquariums, so they feel free and are not afraid of people.
The ticket price is \$15 per person ($7 per child), which includes a tour of the Academy and a dolphin training session. For an additional fee, you can book a private scuba diving session with the dolphins or join a group of up to 6 other visitors. To receive photos and videos taken during the session, you will need to pay an additional \$40.
- The country’s largest dolphinarium is located in the open sea, at Bapor Kibra.
- Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Swimming with dolphins in a group costs $174 or $194, depending on the day.
- Important! Before going to the dolphinarium, book your place in the group on the official website of the Academy — www.dolphin-academy.com.
Shete Boka National Park
The Shete Boka National Park is an area adjacent to the Christoffel Park, covering almost 10 kilometers of the island’s rocky northern coastline, which is exposed to waves. The park has approximately 10 pocket bays, where three species of sea turtles are known to lay their eggs. A detailed map of the pocket bays can be purchased at the entrance to the park.
The park begins at Boca Tabela, where huge waves crash into an underground cave. Steps carved into the rocks lead directly to the cave’s entrance; you can sit on the edge and watch the waves crash. After exploring the cave, you can walk along the limestone cliffs above to enjoy breathtaking views of Curaçao’s rugged northern coast. The park’s entrances are protected breeding grounds for turtles.
The territory of the national park is a desert of stones and rocks with 4 observation decks and walking paths connecting them. At the entrance, there is a small cafe with low prices, and a full lunch can be ordered for \$10-15 per person.
- The park is open every day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (the cafe is open until 3 p.m.).
- Admission price: $10, for children aged 6-12: $1.50.
- The name of the attraction in Pampamento is Boka Tabla.
- Website: www.shetebokapark.org.
Tips before visiting
- It is better to arrive at the park by car or bicycle, as the distance between the main attractions can be one to two kilometers.
- Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as most of the area is covered with rocks of various sizes.
- Bring a hat, as there is absolutely no shade in the park, and bring drinking water.
Mount Christopher
The highest point in the country is Mount Sint-Christopher. More than 10 years ago, a wildlife park of the same name was opened on its territory. Climbing to the top is not an activity for everyone who comes to Curaçao on vacation, as the scorching sun often bothers travelers and the steep climb is difficult. Usually, tourists reach their destination in 1-2 hours, overcoming rivers, fallen trees, and slippery rocks along the way, to see the most beautiful view of the island of Curaçao from a height of 372 meters.
It is better to climb the mountain at 7-8 in the morning, so that you don’t get sunburned in the bright sun. Make sure to bring plenty of water, a hat, and comfortable shoes, and many travelers recommend wearing trousers or knee protection, as you will be climbing over rocks for the last 20 minutes of the journey.
The mountain is located in the Christoffel National Park. The entrance fee is $15. For an additional fee, you can use the services of a guide who will tell you about the flora, fauna, geological formations and historical artifacts.
Diving and snorkeling
Scuba diving is a favorite activity for many people who come to Curacao for a vacation. There are many coral reefs close to the shore, dolphins, turtles, and various fish, and the visibility in this area of the Caribbean Sea is over 30 meters. The best places for diving and snorkeling on the island are:
- Playa Calqui. Just a few hundred meters from the shore, there are three coral reefs where sea turtles, rays, and lobsters hide.
- Caracasbaai. A few years ago, a small tugboat sank off the coast of the Caribbean, and it has since become a popular diving spot. Located at a depth of only 5 meters, it is home to moray eels, angelfish, and even anemones.
- Kas Abao. A place where you can meet seahorses, parrotfish, rays, moray eels, and sea sponges.
The island’s favorite underwater shipwrecks include:
- Tow Beach,
- Wreckage of the Saga tugboat (near Jan Thiel Bay),
- Aircraft wreckage (in Santa Marta Bay),
- The wreckage of the ship “Catherine” (black sand beach, Santa Cruz plantation),
- The most famous shipwreck probably occurred at Tugboat Beach, one of the best diving beaches in Curaçao.
Tip! The largest water equipment rental center on the island is Gowestdiving. You can check out their prices and selection on their website, www.gowestdiving.com.
Beaches
A vacation in Curaçao would not be complete without spending at least a day at one of the country’s beaches and swimming in the blue Caribbean Sea. There are more than 30 beaches on the island, many of which are wild. The most amazing thing about Curaçao is that no two beaches are the same. Instead, there is something for every traveler, whether you prefer lively spots, secluded coves, or something in between.
Kenepa
The popular sandy beach of Willemstad has clear and calm water. The entrance to the beach is free, and if you arrive early in the morning, you can grab one of the sunbeds and umbrellas that are left behind.
There is a small cafe on the beach with reasonable prices, and an unguarded parking lot is nearby. The bottom is rocky, so it is best to wear special swimming shoes. The water is shallow, and there are rocks on the right side where you can jump into the sea.
Aruba – the main things about a vacation on the Flamingo Island
Porto Maria
The beach with the most developed infrastructure is located on the western coast of the city. This is the best place for a family vacation in Curaçao: there is a gradual entry into the water, no waves, plenty of shade, and a soft bottom.
Porto Maria has a cafe, a shower, a changing room, and toilets, as well as a snorkeling equipment rental area and free parking. Visitors can also enjoy massages. There is a wooden walkway along the beach for entering the water, and the coast is clean.
Kleine Knip
It’s a peaceful little beach and a great place for snorkeling. The water is rocky, the sea is clean, and the only amenities are umbrellas and sun loungers. Sometimes, locals come here and set up a small cafe selling snacks and light alcohol. The beach is slightly dirty because it’s less frequently cleaned, and it’s located on the country’s northwest coast, making it challenging to access.
Cas Abao
A private beach with a slightly rocky entry into the water. The sea is calm and very clean, which cannot be said about the shore – there are many vacationers and few garbage cans. There is a cafe on the beach, as well as sunbeds and umbrellas (the rental price is $3 for each), and toilets.
Cas Abao is not the best place for snorkeling, as the underwater world is quite poor. There is a parking lot near the beach, and the cost of a car is \$6.
Important! This place is not suitable for families with children, as it is surrounded by poisonous manzanias, which are marked with signs warning visitors not to touch them.
Mambo
The most noisy, developed, and expensive beach in the country. It belongs to several hotels, and the entrance fee is $3 per person. There are several restaurants and bars on the beach, as well as free toilets, an inflatable playground for children ($10), changing rooms, and showers. Like other beaches on the island, it has a sandy surface, but the entrance to the water is rocky. It is a great place for snorkeling.
Please note! Due to the fact that Mambo belongs to different hotels, the prices for renting sunbeds and umbrellas vary from 3 to 15 dollars.
Accomodation
There are no high-rise hotels or skyscraper-style hotels in Curaçao, and most of the accommodations are apartments in the form of houses and private villas.
Accommodation prices on the island start at $35 per night for a double room in a three-star hotel and go up to $60 and $100 for four- and five-star hotels. Apartments with a pool for two or three people can be rented for an average of $70.
Food
There are a lot of bars and restaurants on the island – they are on almost every beach and street. Most of them offer delicious food at a low price, in a medium-level cafe you can have a full meal for $10 per person, and a dinner for two in a restaurant will cost $45. The best institutions of the island are considered Wandu Café, La Boheme and Plein Café Wilhelmina.
Weather and climate
Curaçao Island is an excellent destination for a vacation between October and May. As in other areas with a tropical maritime climate, it is always hot and sunny here, and even in winter, the temperature does not drop below +27°C. It is not recommended to visit the island during the summer, as it is during the rainy season, and we also advise against staying on the northern coast, as it is often windy.
If you’ve ever worried about traveling to the Caribbean due to concerns about the hurricane season, we have good news for you! Given Curaçao’s location in the chain of Leeward Antilles islands, the island is outside the hurricane belt. As a result, the winds here (although sometimes strong) are rarely a cause for concern.
Although it is impossible to guarantee optimal conditions every day, if you travel here from January to September, you can take advantage of the dry season on the island.
Visa information
Since Curaçao is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it is part of the Schengen Area. To enter the country, Russians need to apply for a short-term Caribbean visa (called the “Single Caribbean Visa”) or have an already open Schengen multi-entry visa.
Please note! Having a Schengen visa allows you to visit not all the islands of the Caribbean zone, but only those that are part of the Netherlands – Curaçao, Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius.
How to get
As of today, there are no direct flights between the island and the CIS countries. The most convenient and fastest way to get to Curaçao is to fly to the country with a stopover in Amsterdam. The journey time is approximately 13 hours.
Please note! The Federation Islands of the Netherlands are not connected by ferry, and the only way to travel from one island to another is by plane.
Curacao Island is a beautiful place where everyone can find something to enjoy. Have a safe trip!
