curacao vacation things to do

2021/05/21

Traveling the Dominican Republic with Kids, 10 Best Places to Scuba Dive in the World, 35 Cool Things To Do in Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. If youre feeling really adventurous, theres a trail to the west end of the beach that leads to the countryside. kalki playa curacao tripadvisor Stop over at Dagaz Gelato in Punda to choose from 25 different flavors of ice cream made fresh every day with imported Italian ingredients. Visit a Landhuis or Plantation Estate, 17. Find your serenity at Karakter Curaao, a tropical dining spot known and loved for its relaxing atmosphere. Antique furniture adds to the ambiance of this location and theres lots of remodelled areas including the stables and barns that have been converted into an archive, library, and reading room. NOTE: Most beaches in Curacao are not public beaches i.e. The turtles are used to human beings and arent afraid to get close! Want something cold and delicious? If youre lucky, you might even see them swimming! Diving is possible here, and theres even a dive operator on the beach. A family business by design, Shelterrock Paradise has been in existence since 2016. Sambil Curaao is a shopping mall with over 100 stores located within 10 minutes of the airport and cruise terminal in an area known as Veeris. Once you jump into the water you can swim back to the beach and take the stairs to get back up. Of that list, the one with highest prominence is Fort Amsterdam; it is included in UNESCOs World Heritage list. Entry: 27 ANG (US$15) per adult and 12 ANG (US$7) for kids 5-12 years old. You can watch a video of the production process while youre there and also get information about the plantation and products from the attendants. You can now create your personalized list of your top 10 (or 20) favorite things to do on this tropical island destination! Klein Curaao is an uninhabited island lying 15 miles (10km) south-east of Curacao. When we were there, they were lounging in the mud and snoozing away. They really make sure youre kept entertained by providing info sessions and lots of programs. Grab a seat at Iguana Cafe and watch the Queen Emma Bridgeswing open to let ships into the harbor. Born on the tropical island that is Saint Lucia affords a never-ending source of inspiration. If youve already got a pen in hand and youre ready to start jotting down things to do in Curacao, hold tight, because this will be quite the ride! You are almost guaranteed to see them as they know theres food (fishermen clean up their catch on the beach and toss the remains back into the sea). If youve got the guts, walk out to the ledge of Restaurant Playa Forti, and take a leap into the clear turquoise sea. The latter is great for snorkelling. Check room rates. (its a photo by the end of the article. One of the best places to sip a cocktail and watch the sun disappear over the horizon is Mambo Beach, the nearest beach to Willemstad. This beach is popular with fishermen as well. The island gained independence from the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010. This is a great spot if youre looking for a trending ocean club where you can enjoy sunbathing, socializing, or just relaxing on a poolside daybed with a cocktail. Playa Jeremi is a beautiful little cove with stunning views. The Hato Caves make for a great exploring point to start off with while in Curaao. Theres a viewpoint perched on the top of a winding road, which offers a view of the inland bay. This restaurant where creative freedom reigns is located in the historical district of Pietermaai, Kome, and it is most definitely worth a visit while in Curaao. Curaao has a tropical climate year round. Riff Fort in Otrobanda was constructed in 1828 and is now a shopping center. Its also a popular sunset spot, though the beach closes at 6pm. This is where you go to immerse in the lush greenery of Curacao and see unique species like the giant columnar cacti (kadushi), white-tailed deer and green iguana. The building which houses this museum has a colonial style, and inside you can find out more about the geological history of Curaao, or view pre-Colombian Indian artifacts, antique furniture (18th and 19th century), paintings by local and international artists, various maps and charts of America and the Caribbean region, and more. The hike is gorgeous and rather easy even our 5-year-old could do it with no difficulties. Watch where youre jumping as theres rocks on the bottom. On your way back to Willemstad, be sure to stop by a landhuis or plantation estate. The vivid yellow, blue, and white colors perfectly reflect the liveliness of Curaao. Check rates here. A visit to Shete Boka National Park will be a mellow way to spend your day while in Curaao. A few minutes drive from Playa Piskado, youll reach Playa Forti, one of the rare few public beaches in Curacao (free!). This beach is sometimes referred to by divers as Alice in Wonderland for its mushroom-shaped coral formations. Just a 10-minute drive from Grote Knip is the Playa Piskado (or Kenepa Grandi), famous for the turtles that live in the area. Curacao is one of the few places that has had relatively low infection rates throughout the pandemic (check current stats here). Theyre often found right next to the road. Theres no entrance fee required, and youll have access to beach chairs for lounging and a dive center. Both of these beaches are super private, and relatively isolated. One of the most popular museums on the island is Curaao Museum in west Otrobanda. A glimpse at the beautiful Kokomo beach in Curaao says it could very well be with its peaceful ambiance and stunning waterside views. Their prices are reasonable and customer service is top notch. It has since been upgraded to a modern food court. Not too far from Hato Caves is Kokomo Beach, a secluded cove in Vaersenbaai thats free to enter. Look out for my review. There are 8 hiking trails at Christoffel and most are relatively easy to navigate. Another plus is that theres lots of sights and sounds around this area as well, so you can make a stop here part of your wider exploration of the city. From there, cross from Punda to Kura Huland Village and admire the beautiful architecture left behind by the Spanish, Portuguese and Dutch. Right from the start, Sandals focused on perfecting the ultimate couple's vacation, and by doing so, rocketed in popularity for couples from all over the wor, Sun, sea, and sand are part of the appeal of Jamaica and Punta Cana (a town in the eastern part of the Dominican Republic), making them two of the most popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean. If you didnt rent a car, you can book a Tugboat snorkeling trip that leaves from Willemstad. This farm makes it possible to see all stages of ostrich life, from egg, all the way up to an adult. Tours often include snorkelling, refreshments, and a picnic or barbecue lunch. Many people arent aware that Curaao has quite the interesting Jewish history. If you plan on traveling during peak season, its a good idea to book your trip at least six months in advance. For more details, check outmy travel tips resource page. I'm an adventure travel blogger, book author, and new mum on a quest to visit every country in the world! Whether it is, or it isnt, Kokomo Beach is a special place, and perfect for a couples date. Here you can see how the famous and colorful Chichi sculptures are made by Serena and her always inspired team. Alonso de Ojeda, a lieutenant to Christopher Columbus, discovered the island in 1499. 17th-century colonial Dutch buildings painted in pastel colors line the waters of St. Anna Bay. Youll also find the most concentration of AirBnBs and boutique hotels in Jan Thiel. The best way to get around Curacao is definitely by car rental, as public transport is few and far between. Not only is this one of the best beaches in Curaao, it is also one of the safer cliff jumping areas. It is located near the airport, and the caves here are said to have formed millions of years ago beneath the ocean. Which Sandals Resort Is Best For You? It is a constituent country that is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The entire Dolphin Academy experience lasts about one and a half hours, with 30 minutes spent in the water.

Plantation houses are commonly found all over the Caribbean built by the colonizers in the 17th century in sugar and salt plantations. .reading-box-container-2 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-2 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.7;}. About 65km off the Venezuelan coast, this small island of just over 150,000 people is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Its said to have the best beaches in the area. In the past 13 years, Kylie loved to work with various newspapers, magazines and blogs in the Caribbean.

brievengat landhuis curacao Its most famous for the two feral pigs that hang around here: Willy and Woody. This is a pontoon bridge, and it opens at various intervals to accommodate passing ships. Feeling sporty? Fort Nassau was built in 1797 and served for years as a signal post and control tower. Whats better than a restaurant where the chefs cook things that make them happy, that very likely will make you happy too? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date. The best beaches lie along the northwest coast. Right next to the airport, youll find the Hato Caves which can only be visited on guided tours.

The Montana Bierhuis Village is a family-friendly tourist attraction. See Blowholes at the Shete Boka National Park, 11. Its hard to miss. So familiar are locals to this long existing bridge that it even has a nickname: Our Swinging Old Lady. Willemstad is divided into several districts, with many of the citys most tastefully restored buildings concentrated in Pietermaai. Islands like Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaao and known for their amazing underwater experiences with plenty of coral reefs, walls, and sunken ships to discover. Near the plantation houses mentioned lies the Santa Martha Bay, with its undulating hills and winding waterways. It takes about 30 minutes to get here from Willemstad by car. We spent around $400 for our 2-week car rental. Nature here is pristine and the shoreline mostly untouched. Ahead of planning a trip to Curaao or even once youre arrived, you can pen down some of places you most want to go lest your vacation speed past with you not having done the things you were most excited about. In either case, this is still one of the oldest plantation houses in Curaao. This island is known as Klein Curaao and it is uninhabited. The Kura Hulanda Museum is located in central Willemstad, right at the harbor. It goes without saying that one should explore the capital city of any destination as doing so can provide valuable insight into the lifestyle and culture of the people.

You can walk around Willemstad, but you definitely need to rent a car if you want to explore outside of the city. A former plantation house, Landhuis Habaai (Habaai Mansion) is considered one of the most beautiful in Curaao. The variety of birds (especially the rainbow-colored macaws and cuckatoos) is impressive. Here are 24 best things to do in Curacao, including the best beaches, hikes and museums. The prices here are decent and the menu selection wide and varied. If hiking isnt your speed, then you can get a tour arranged to explore the scenery at Christoffel by jeep, mountain bike, or on horseback. This fort houses the Governors office as well as the Council of Ministers and government offices in Curaao. This land house is named after the 18th century slave master Jan Kok who was known for his cruelty. My daughter loved climbing up to the swing and she could stay there all day. This is a simple, casual spot in Piscadera that serves the freshest, juiciest shrimps Ive ever had. But most people come here for that Instagram shot. Bring along your towel, swimsuit, and sunblock and youll be good to go. Jamaica vs. Punta Cana: Which Is Better For Your Caribbean Getaway? The fort kept the British and pirates out of Curacao. If you go here to unwind or have a meal, you can choose from options including chicken, stewed meat, goat, shrimp, fish, vegetarian or seafood mix. At this old plantation, several significant features still remain including an old slave bell. Landhuis Bloemhof is a small plantation that today is used for exhibitions, workshops, lectures, and other events. At the Willemstad Floating Market youll be able to shop around for fresh fruits and vegetables at low prices. This museum is housed in a restored 1729 mansion near the floating market. Ribs and Tex-Mex food are specialty items served up at the Ribs Factory in Salinja. While in Curaao, you might even get a chance to take in a concert, book or poetry reading, or another artsy event here. It is just a few minutes from Willemstad, and during a tour here youll learn about the production process and even get to taste some of the different flavors produced at the distillery. You can visit this lunch spot if you want to try authentic Curaao cuisine and local delicacies including iguana meat if youre feeling particularly adventurous. Now that you know what to do in Curacao, stay on and continue reading the rest of my articles on Curacao. Undoubtedly, one of the best things to do in Curacao is to swim with the turtles here. Landhuis Klein Santa Martha was recently converted into a boutique hotel and restaurant that overlooks the stunning Santa Martha bay. Sculptures here are hand-painted by a group of over 60 women under the guidance of Serena and her team. Karakter also offers seafood and vegetarian friendly options. Plasa Bieu was once an old market in Willemstad where women sold food. Part of the attraction here is the climb up Christoffel mountain, which rises some 350 meters/1150 ft. Grote Knip is the most expensive, at 12.50 ANG (US$14) per adult and beach bench. The beach itself is beautiful and clean and you can rent out umbrellas and beach chairs to enjoy the view from a shady vantage. Jan Thiel Beach is a commercial beach (i.e. At Boka Tabla, you can sit on the observation deck and watch the surf roll in, or take a peek inside the cave. Its easy to make your way back and forth between the two by way of the Queen Emma Bridge. Afull-scale revitalizationeffort began in 1999, and now almost all of the historic buildings have been converted into boutique hotels, restaurants, galleries and bars in this district. As part of this tour, youll ride around the farm in a safari vehicle and learn about the African Ostrich and the Etmu. This property was already in operation in the 17th century with a land house having been built around the late 18th century. If youd like to read more on Curacao, check out my articles on the Dutch Caribbean island here: Have a dushi time in Curacao! 5. Theres also a few emu on the farm as well. grill king curacao steakhouse seafood A fusion of dining, entertainment, music, fashion, art, and technology collide at the Madero Ocean Club. As history tells it, this small island once had the biggest Jewish population in all of the Americas. Curacao has a vibrant restaurant scene, with lots of local seafood stands and cool upscale restaurants. There is a contrasting historical account which says this plantation was actually named after Daniel Ellis, an Englishman who worked with the Dutch West Indian company that constructed the plantation house. as the best beach on Curacao. Most dive sites in Curaao are accessible from shore. One such show that gets underway here involves the adorable sea lions, and you dont want to miss out on it while there. Sometimes this bridge moves about to make way for passing boats, but when its stationary, it can make for a romantic stroll with cool views. Itll be quite a sight to behold, and youll for sure leave with lots of amazing photos. This is a beachside lounge and restaurant with great food including Dutch, Caribbean and European cuisine. The Greenhouse Bar & Restaurant is a cool spot to watch games and enjoy delicious snacks, sandwiches, and drinks with good company. This is a great one-stop location where you can find brands like Bath and Body Works, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Aldo, Victorias Secret, US Polo, American Eagle, The Childrens Place, and more. Price: 12 ANG (US$6 per adult + bench). It is not allowed to start your climb after 10 am (as it gets too hot). Because of the geography of Curacao, you wont find miles-long stretches of beach instead there are a series of coves and lagoons tucked amidst rocky sandstone cliffs. It is also one of the oldest. Multiple languages are spoken in Curaao including Dutch, Spanish, English and the native language, Papiamentu. Miss Ann Boat Trips run day trips on their private yachts every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. But its about a 2-hour choppy boat ride from Curacao, and day tours cost around $100 per person. Playa Porto Mari is one of those beaches in Curaao that does not disappoint. Note that COVID measures can change anytime, please refer to this website for the latest updates. At this location you can visit a beer brewery and museum, as well as play on the billiard tables and mingle with locals. Also in the eastern part of the island, Jan Thiel is an up-and-coming beach town popular with families and young travelers. The sand here is dazzlingly white, and the water calm and inviting. The pluses of going all-inclusive include the fact that everything is included in the cost you pay upfront for your package, including food, drinks, and accommodation. Landhuis Chobolobo is located in Punda and many describe its history as sketchy. It was built in the early 1800s and is thought to have been a country residence for wealthy merchants at one time. This park opens around 7:30 a.m. on weekdays, and 6 a.m. on weekends. We waited in line for 15 mins to get in, but it was easy to see why this place has such a loyal following. Playa Kalki is popular for both snorkelling and scuba diving. The Dolphin Academy works with dolphins in the open sea, and as part of their open swim youll get to swim side by side with dolphins that choose for themselves when they want to swim with you! Italian bio-milk, vegan and sugar free options can also be enjoyed as part of this unique experience. Dont let your Curaao experience pass you by without visiting Savonet Museum, one of the newest in town. Turtles are drawn to this area because of all the fishing activity and youll see many of them around the dock while the fishermen undertake their fish cleaning duties. Its open to visitors, who are check out the crafts on sale. Punda in Willemstad is a great place to shop. Curaloe is an aloe vera plantation in Curaao. Check rates here. The most well-known and favorite inlet for visitors isBoka Pistola, where the waves are the biggest. Another hotel with a great location in Willemstad, this resort (pictured) has two private beaches and modern five-star hotel facilities. Its hard to turn down a scuba diving opportunity in the Caribbean, and it will be even more so to do that in Curaao. My absolute favorite place to eat in Curacao was De Visserij. There are ragged sandstone cliffs along the whole coast, but the ones overlooking Playa Forti are the best for diving. Check rates here. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details. Theres also a beachside restaurant and bar. Grote Knip is lauded by many (including myself!) This is a better option than trying to climb back up the cliffside where theres often sea urchins. The gorgeous white sand and translucent waters at Cas Abao Beach are part of the lure here, as are the swaying palms and shady gazebos.