curacao tourist board nederland

• 2.1 Climate
• 2.2 Tourist information
• 4.1 By plane
• 4.2 By boat
• 5.2 By taxi
• 5.4 By ferry
• 7.1 Beaches
• 8.2 Shopping
• 9.1.1 Snacks
• 9.1.2 Budget
• 9.1.3 Mid-range
• 9.1.4 Splurge
• 10.1 Alcohol
• 12 Stay safe
• 13.1.1 Coverage
• 13.1.2 Roaming

Curaçao is an island in the Caribbean Sea, among the group known as the ABC Islands alongside Aruba and Bonaire . This trio is located near Venezuela, and is considered to be outside the Caribbean's so-called "hurricane zone"; vacations to the island are rarely disrupted by tropical storms.

Cities [ edit ]

• 12.108 -68.935 1 Willemstad — the capital city of Curaçao.
• Hato — a town close to Curaçao's International Airport.

Understand [ edit ]

One of the most notable things about the island is its unique culture:

• The architecture is distinctively Dutch but with the houses painted in beautiful pastel shades. Visitors often see it as a colorful, tropical version of Amsterdam.
• The lifestyle is very laid back with lots of people just working enough to get by.
• The local language is a creole called Papiamentu (see "Talk" below)

Climate [ edit ]

Curaçao is warm and sunny throughout the year. The average temperature is about 27° C (81° F). Trade winds with a cooling effect blow constantly from the east. The rainy season is between October and February. Showers during the rainy season occur mostly at night and are usually short. Total annual rainfall is around 570 mm (22 inches).

The island lies outside of the hurricane belt, and a hurricane has not made landfall in Curaçao since the United States National Hurricane Center started tracking hurricanes. Prehurricane tropical storms occasionally affect Curaçao; the last one to do so was Tomas in 2010.

Mainstream weather websites are largely inaccurate with Curaçao weather forecasts. One of the most accurate sources for weather is the Curaçao Meterological Department website.

Tourist information [ edit ]

• Curaçao website

Talk [ edit ]

The native language, Papiamentu, is a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish (90%) and Dutch (10%), but with a very basic grammar and a limited vocabulary. It is exclusively spoken on Curaçao, Bonaire , and Aruba (where it is spelled Papiamento ). Official spelling exists, but Aruba has a spelling that is different from Curaçao and Bonaire. Due to the limitations of Papiamentu, in education it is only used in the infant classes. Dutch is used in the higher classes and governmental affairs. One term often encountered is "dushi". "Dushi" is a generic term to describe everything good. It can be translated as "nice" (view), "beautiful", "sexy" (person), "delicious" (food), "honored" (guest). Another important word is "danki", which means "thank you" ("dushi danki" is thus "thank you very much").

Most people from the island also speak Dutch , English, and Spanish .

Get in [ edit ]

Countries eligible for a visa-free entry are shown in green on image to the right.

Other countries require obtaining a visa , which is valid for Aruba , Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the Caribbean Netherlands and allows multiple entry for a maximum period of 90 days within 180 days. The maximum uninterrupted stay in one of the individual countries is 30 days. The visa is not valid for the European part of the Netherlands.

By plane [ edit ]

Those who want to travel by air can enter at Curaçao's airport , Hato International Airport ( CUR  IATA ), located in Plaza Margareth Abraham, not far from the capital of Willemstad . It is served by international and regional carriers.

Before entering the island, a Digital Immigration Card must be filled out at the Curaçao Tourist Board's website . The paper-based ED-cards are no longer available as of 2019. It must be done at least 48 hours prior to departure.

Immigration can take a very, very long time (easily 2 hours). Handicapped people can wait for their turn in a seating area at the far end of the immigration hall (usually hidden by the 10 or so lines of people queuing up).

To get from the airport to Willemstad without a rental car, there are three options:

• There is a public bus (Konvoi) departing once every 1-2 hours from the bus station on your right when exiting Arrivals, past the rental car desks. Cash only, see Get around > By bus.
• Taxi (see Taxi section, including Click app)
• Bus (see Get around section) drivers enter the airport to pick up passengers, though they are not taxis and might be chased away by airport staff. Despite that, they are a great way to get into the city cheaply if you have some cash, light luggage and enjoy an adventure. They usually go to the large Otrobanda bus terminal just west of Pietermaai.

By boat [ edit ]

Cruise ships arrive at Curaçao Mega Pier or the Curaçao Cruise Terminal . From these ports it's a short walk to many of the island's popular tourist destinations. Travelers can also enjoy nearby shopping at duty-free stores. Larger ships will arrive at the Mega Pier, and smaller ships will dock at the Cruise Terminal.

Sailors can enter at ports in Willemstad and has various marinas at which seafaring travelers can dock their ships.

There are no ferry services to other islands or to Venezuela.

Get around [ edit ]

By car [ edit ]

A car is pretty much needed to get around the island. While almost all of Curaçao is accessible by bus, departures are often 1-2 hours in between and getting to many of the spots, especially on the western part of the island, is very hard or impossible.

Cars can be rented for about USD45 per day, from a variety of hirers at Hato Airport and across the island. Driving in Willemstad is pretty similar to most Caribbean locations, with aggressive drivers, loosely enforced traffic laws and driving on the right side. Signs will be in Dutch using a European style. If you are involved in an accident, local laws prohibit moving your car. Dial 199 for road service. Do watch out for road hazards, such as donkeys, goats, and iguanas. If you stay outside of Willemstad, renting a car might be a good option as the taxi fares can be quite expensive and public transport is not very reliable.

By taxi [ edit ]

If public transit isn't your style, and you don't want to rent your own car, taxis are another popular and easy-to-find option. They, too, are marked, and their plates read "TX." Some taxi drivers will even be your tour guide for the day, if you ask. But remember to agree on a fee before heading out.

Click Curaçao is the local ride-sharing app (equivalent to Uber/Lyft) with cheaper fares than regular taxis.

By bus [ edit ]

There are two types of buses on the island, BUS and Konvoi. The easiest way to ride is to go to one of the two bus stations in Willemstad. These include Otrobanda Station, across the street from the Rif Fort (see Willemstad ) and Punda Station, at the post office, across from the Circle Market. For the most part, the Punda bus station serves stops along the eastern side of the ring, and to the east including Salina, Zelandia, Mambo, while the Otrobanda station serves destinations West of the Bay, to include the Airport, Piscadera and even Westpunt. The destinations do not typically overlap, so a 10- to 15-minute walk between stations may be necessary for cross island trips.

• Konvoi are large metro-style buses which run infrequently between major points in the city. Prices and routes are set at about 2 NAf, paid in cash only since the bus card requires residency. The ABC Curaçao app ( Android / iOS ) has a basic route planner and time tables which is helpful when traveling by public buses. 50 and 100 NAf bills are explicitly not accepted, so have smaller change ready.
• BUS. , on the other hand, are 9-12 passenger vans which look a lot like a taxi. You can spot a BUS. by a cardboard cutout in the front windshield listing a number of its stops, instead of the yellow Taxi sign in the windshield or on the roof, and/or by the BUS letters on the license plate.

Unlike taxis, the BUS. prices are not negotiable (1-3 NAf), but the route is. A common practice with bus drivers is to negotiate how close the driver can take you to your destination. Be sure to ask the bus driver if the bus stops near your destination before entering. You can pay the driver while the BUS. is en route, or before exiting the bus. You can board a bus anywhere on the island by waiting at one of the ubiquitous yellow 'Bushalte' signs and waiving at a coming BUS or Konvoi. Taxi drivers will also try to lure you in. So make sure to look at the sign in the window or a license plate (that says BUS.) to avoid paying high taxi fares. The bus schedule varies, from about 6AM-8PM for most stops, and until 11PM or even midnight (and sometimes later) to Salina and Mambo. If you are ever lost during daylight hours, just find a yellow bushalte sign, and the bus should take you to either Punda or Otrobanda.

By ferry [ edit ]

Ferries are a great way for shoppers to get to and from some of the island's main shopping areas.

See [ edit ]

• Willemstad waterfront; a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Westpunt: The westernmost point of the island has restaurants and beautiful small beaches abound.
• Nordpunt: The northernmost point of the island, much rougher sea than at Westpunt but beautiful nature (not recommended for swimming!).
• Watamulu, the "lungs of the island": Between Nordpunt and Westpunt hollow rocks and corals spit out water with every wave. An impressive sight and a must see when in the area. Note that one either needs a car or has to hike from Westpunt.

Do [ edit ]

• Diving and snorkeling : The clear waters and maritime life make it an ideal diving destination. Divers are, after cruise ship tourists, the largest group of tourists. Plenty of dive schools offer courses and certifications.
• Christoffel National Park , ☏ +5999 864-0363 . West Point. A national park that is run by the Carmabi Foundation. Christoffel National Park is home to Boca Grandi, Indian caves where you can see paintings left by the Arawak Indians and Mount Christoffel. (At 1,292 ft (394 m) high, Mount Christoffel is the highest point in Curaçao.)  
• Shete Boka National Park , ☏ +5999 864-0444 . West Point. A national park also run by the Carmabi Foundation, Shete Boka is home to the "7 bocas" including Boca Tabla and Boca Pistol (also known as "The Shooting Pistol") In season, some of the boca's serve as sea turtle breeding grounds.  
• Curaçao Sea Aquarium , ☏ +5999 461-6666 . Bapor Kibra Z/N. Home of the Dolphin Academy. This is one of the most popular attractions in Curaçao. If you wish to do a Dolphin activity book as early as possible! Entry price depends on activity you choose, but paying for an activity (such as something at the Dolphin Academy) gets you entry to all of the Aquarium.  
• Hato Caves , ☏ +5999 868-0379 . F.D. Rooseveltweg Z/N. Open 7 days a week, with tours twice a day. Coral and limestone caves that were carved out below the sea and born when the sea level dropped. There are beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations as well as water pools and a waterfall. The cave is also home to a colony long nose fruit bats. (Because of the colony, photography is limited and not allowed in certain chambers.) ( updated Sep 2019 )
• Snorkeling and Diving at Curaçao's Marine Park . The complete southwestern side of Curaçao is one large coral reef and marine park. In the north you can dive at the Banda Abou National Park, in the center at the Central Curaçao Underwater Park and in the south at the Curacau Underwater Park. Curaçao offers plenty of dive sites, from easy shore dives, pristine coral bay dives to sheer drop-offs especially in the southeast.  
• Curaçao Ostrich & Game Farm , ☏ +5999 747-2777 . Santa Catharina. The Curaçao Ostrich Farm is one of the biggest Ostrich farms outside Africa. The tour takes you around the ostrich pens and incubator. Meat from this farm is shipped to Aruba (Ostrich is a red meat, which is high in protein and low in fat.)  
• 12.2076 -69.025288 1 Kunuku Aqua Resort , ☏ +5999-8644455 , [email protected] . Small all-inclusive resort with lots of water slides, pools and bars. Nice for a day with kids.  

Beaches [ edit ]

Curaçao's public beaches are concentrated on the southern coast, especially the western side. Find these from Rif St. Marie up to Westpunt .

Lots of land on the eastern coast is privately owned and access is prohibited; exploration of these areas is not encouraged as private security services patrol most of the area and are known not to take intrusions lightly.

• Playa Kalki , also known as Alice in Wonderland, is located at the far west end of the island past the town of Westpunt. Ocean Encounters West [dead link] is a full service dive shop. For a small fee, you have use of a dive locker for storage of personal items while diving/snorkeling and use of fresh water showers and equipment cleaning area.
• Playa Grote Kenapa , also known as Big Knip is a large sand beach west of the town of Lagun.
• Playa Kleine Kenapa , also known as Little Knip is another beach past the town of Lagun. It is a nice secluded beach with plenty of shade trees if you desire to stay out of the direct sun. The bar/restaurant on this site operates on a sporadic schedule, so visit prepared.
• Playa Jeremi is a small secluded beach slightly north of Lagun. There are no facilities here.
• Playa Lagun , is a secluded bay towards the western end of the island in the town of Lagun. It is a small sandy beach on a rectangular shaped bay with tall cliffs on each side. The waters adjacent to the cliffs is excellent place for snorkeling. Both sides of the bay along the cliffs are teaming with a wide variety of marine life and corals. The left side of the bay has a greater variety of underwater structure for a better experience.
• Playa Porto Mari is a large beach with a full service restaurant, and a complete dive shop including fresh water showers and restrooms operated by Porto Mari Sports
• Cas Abao is a beach on a plantation. It is a long stretched sandy beach with lots of facilities including huts, beach chairs, restaurant, fresh water showers and bathrooms. [1] [dead link]
• Daaibooi Baai is near Habitat in Rif st. Marie. Limited facilities. Huts, restrooms, grill area. Beautiful protected cove with calm waters. Avg depth: 20m
• Pirate Bay . Is located on the Piscadera Bay. The location is a short drive a few miles west of downtown Willemstad near The Marriott and Hilton hotels. It has many beach amenities including showers/bathrooms, Hook's dive center and an excellent full service restaurant.  
• Habitat Beach is located in Rif St. Marie on the SW coast. It is Curaçao's Newest beach and has a full service Dive Operator, DiveVersity , Habitat Dive Hotel [dead link] , Oceans Restaurant, and in the gated community of Coral Estate .
• Kontiki Beach is about a ten minute drive east from downtown Willemstad near Breezes hotel. Kontiki is a full service beach offering watersports, shops, beach-bar and a restaurant. It is also serviced by Ocean Encounters dive center. Can get very crowded.
• Mambo Beach . Is next door to Kontiki beach and is the place where locals and tourists alike visit for the nightlife partying here.  
• Seaquarium Beach
• Jan Thiel Beach
• Caracasbaai
• Barbara Beach Private beach and future home to the Hyatt Hotel.
• Klein Curaçao is an uninhabited island accessible only by boat.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ]

The Netherlands Antilles guilder or florin , denoted by the symbol " ƒ " or " NAf " is the official currency, but the euro and U.S. dollar are readily accepted.

Coins of the Netherlands Antilles guilder come in denominations of 1-, 5-, 10-, 25 and 50 cents, NAf 1-, NAf 2 1 ⁄ 2 and NAf 5. Banknotes of the Netherlands Antilles guilder come in denominations of NAf 10-, NAf 25-, NAf 50 and NAf 100.

Automatic teller machines are widely available throughout the island, and many machines will dispense guilders and the U.S. dollar. Beware that ATM fees are high (US$10 per withdrawal at MCB, US$6 at RBC as of April 2022), so it might be a good idea to bring cash since you won't need to use it that much – cards are widely accepted.

Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted nearly everywhere on the island, but foreign, non-Dutch, non-Maestro cards will often have to pay in USD. American Express is not widely accepted.

Currency can generally be exchanged at local hotels, casinos and places of business. The exchange rate is generally pegged at about 1.77 NAf to the USD and stable. It is unlikely for tourists to be taken advantage when changing currency, but it is best to be aware of the current rates prior to arrival.

Gas on the other hand requires cash (USD or NAf).

Shopping [ edit ]

There are a plethora of random shops and markets around Willemstad offering clothing, souvenirs, crafts, and other goods. These include a commonly-termed "duty free enclave" in the downtown area. Offerings emphasize European goods, to include jewelry, timepieces/watches and linens, plus the usual collection of souvenir shops. Perhaps not noted for great bargains, you may find items at decent prices you'll see nowhere else in the Caribbean.

A water front market lies on the near north side of the main shopping area. It's packed with fresh foods and flowers, best seen or shopped in the mornings.

On Sundays, however, most businesses other than restaurants in the city are closed.

Eat [ edit ]

Local cuisine in Curaçao is a mixture of European, West-Indian and East Asian (particularly Indonesian) flavors. Dutch influences are found in the use of cheeses, bread and seafood, which are also important in Curaçaoan food. Indonesian cuisine, a migrant from Suriname, another of the Netherlands' former colonies, can be found on the island, and explains the widespread availability of sate and peanut sauce along with the islands more Caribbean fare. Also, Chinese "snacks" can be found all over the island serving cheap Chinese food. They cater mostly to locals, but most serve good food.

If you are not staying close to the city center, buying groceries on one of the local supermarkets (Centrum supermarket, for example) might be cheaper than eating out.

Restaurants [ edit ]

Snacks [ edit ].

Curaçao is littered with 'Snacks,' small bar restaurants which serve Chinese food. These are typically inexpensive, double as convenience stores and bars, and are typically open later than most other restaurants which cater to local (rather than European) patrons.

Budget [ edit ]

• Plasa Bieu, located in Punda, about 300 meters ENE of the floating bridge in Punda, is the favorite lunch spot of most, if not all, of the island's local-born population working in Punda. Open M-F, 10AM-3PM, the Plasa Bieu has about five restaurants within it, serving Chinese, Jamaican and Krioyo (local) food. Try the Cabritu Stoba (stewed goat) at Grasia di Dios, for an excellent example of the island's local cuisine, at one of the only restaurants in Punda which offer it. 8-14 NAf
• Downtown Cafe at the Hotel Estoril Breedestraat 179 (O), located 200 west of the Arti Supermarket, on the Otrobanda Side's main shopping strip (the Breedestrat/Roodeweg) Open seven days per week 7AM-8PM, 'el Estoril,' as the locals calls it, packs its seven or so tables full from about 10AM-4PM, with Venezuelan, Colombian and Dominican expats. The Estoril serves a mix of local and Latin dishes, all served in a more typically Latin style. Order at the bar and sit down when a seat becomes available. You'll be expected to share a table if your party cannot fill it. 8-20 NAf.
• Seaside Terrace is located next to Breezes Hotel and close to Lions Dive Hotel and Mambo Beach near the end of Penstraat. Seaside Terrace has a limited menu, but serves delicious fresh fish (red snapper, dradu, tuna, etc.) and, if available, very well prepared lobster against very fair prices. The owner "Amigo" is very friendly and makes you feel at home right away.

Mid-range [ edit ]

• On y va picnic sells picnic baskets to take to the beach. Order your favorite basket one day in advance and pick it up along the way to the beach, or they will deliver it. Located on the way to the beaches on the west side of the island. 26-45 NAf
• Gouverneur de Rouville is a popular restaurant in Willemstad that serves a variety of continental European dishes in a wonderful atmosphere. Ot is just north of the floating bridge on the Otrobanda Side, 25-45 NAf.
• Oceans Restaurant , Habitat Dive Resort in Rif. St. Marie on the SW coast. Serves a wide variety of international and regional cuisine. Overlooks the Caribbean Sea in an open air casual decor. Has full service bar. 15-35 NAf
• Wilhelmina Plein Cafe is 200 meters east of the Floating Bridge in Punda; this cafe is a favorite among the island's many Dutch interns and businessmen. Wilhelmina Plein Cafe offers exclusively outside seating along a major pedestrian thoroughfare, with good food and one of the island's better beer selections. 18-28 NAf
• Vincent's Cafe Copa Cabana is a relatively hidden cafe just east of the Iguana Lounge's Main bar along the water on the Punda side of the bay. Skip the overpriced and mediocre waterfront restaurants on the Punda side and go to Vincent's for great sandwiches and a number of good daily special entrees. Vincent's is an outdoor cafe under the shade of a number of trees and the two buildings between which it is sandwiched, which also create a very pleasant breeze. 8-20 NAf. M-Sa Lunch - 6:30PM.
• Old Dutch Cafe on the Pietermaaiweg 500 m east of the Bay on the Punda Side, the Old Dutch Cafe serves inexpensive Dutch cuisine with a kitchen that stays open late into the night. 15-28 NAf. Closed Sundays.
• Kontiki Beach Club is a seaside restaurant offering good food in an idyllic location right on the beach. It is a little outside of the city, but it is well worth the short drive.
• La Granja is a Peruvian influenced chain restaurant with a very local feel, serving great Latin cuisine, including excellent whole chicken, Lomo Saltado, and other great dishes. Sta Rosaweg 15-25 NAf. Open 7 days.

• Il Forno is a popular Italian/pizza restaurant with two locations, (Caracasbaai location and Doormanweg location) serving European (though not Italian) style pizzas with fresh and delicious ingredients. 15-30 NAf.
• Kasbanini located in the Rif Fort, 100m south of the floating bridge on the Otrobanda Side, is probably the best of the Rif Fort's five or so mid-level restaurants. Offering typical seafood and chops with a bit of local flair. 30-40 NAf. 7 days/week, lunch and dinner.
• La Pergola , in the Old Fort on the southwest side of Punda, is likely the island's best Italian restaurant. Offering good pasta dishes as well as a few innovative 'secondi', La Pergola's quaint waterfront view completes an excellent dining experience. 25-40 NAf.
• Ay Caramba is an American restaurant offering excellent American pub-grub with Tex Mex offerings. Located just below the Governeur Restaurant.
• Golden Star , on the Dr. W.P. Maalweg, on the way to Salinja. It serves local creole food and drinks, and is a good value for the amount of food you get. Prices vary from 15-25 NAf for a main course with sides.

Splurge [ edit ]

• Bistro le Clochard, located in the Rif Fort, offers outstanding French Cuisine with a beautiful waterfront view. Open daily. ANG50-80
• Sculpture Garden Restaurant located in the Kura Hulanda Hotel one block West of the Governeur Restaurant. Excellent international cuisine with some very innovative specials

Drink [ edit ]

Tap water , which comes from a large seawater desalination distillation plant, is excellent tasting and perfectly safe for consumption.

Alcohol [ edit ]

Popular alcoholic drinks include:

Amstel Bright beer , which used to be locally brewed by Antillaanse Brouwerij, a subsidy of Heineken International. It is a pale style lager, usually served with a wedge of lime.

Polar Beer , which is brewed in neighbouring Venezuela. It is a 5% abv lager beer.

Brion beer is the official local beer, though it is brewed on Barbados.

Curaçao is famous for the alcoholic beverage of the same name, Blue Curaçao , Orange Curaçao , Green Curaçao and White Curaçao . It is made from bitter oranges grown on the island and, except for the white one, food coloring. It is mostly used in cocktails, though, and rarely drunk straight.

Sleep [ edit ]

• Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino . Has excellent restaurants such as the Portofino Restaurant and the Seabreeze Bar and Grill, which specialize in local dishes and fresh seafood.  
• Flamingo Villa , St. Willibrordus , [email protected] . Luxury villa that sleeps 12 people with a private pool and overlooks the magnificent Caribbean Sea.  
• Pietermaai Smal Apartments , Pietermaai Smal 51 ( 20 meters away from the Caribbean sea ), ☏ +5999 465 0478 . In a 200-year-old renovated country house surrounded with an stylish swimming pool, you will find boutique hotel style apartments. Apartments with a distinctive design.  
• Seaside Curaçao , St. Willibrordus, Banda Abou . 10+ private villas to choose from. New beach-bar and restaurant, private pools. It sleeps 4-10 in a pure countryside setting with friendly security.  
• Westhill Bungalows , Westpunt ( west from Willemstad ). A place for a short or extended stay. Just up from Playa Forti and a short drive from other great beaches, each of the 2 bedroom bungalows are well equipped and all have kitchens. Nice grounds, pool and wonderful owners. 100 NAf .  

Stay safe [ edit ]

Safety is not a big issue on Curaçao. The locals are friendly, welcoming, and willing to give assistance. After all, a major part of their island's income comes from tourists. Just take normal precautions for a tropical island and use common sense.

Car break-ins are a reoccurring problem so that some car rental agencies even prohibit parking rental cars at some specific places. In general it is a good idea to never ever leave valuables in a car.

Connect [ edit ]

Cellular phones [ edit ].

Curaçao has two main cell providers, UTS and Digicel . International roaming is also available for many carriers but it is usually cheaper to purchase a prepaid SIM card from one of the local providers. Prepaid local SIM cards will need to be purchased at either a UTS Store [dead link] or a Digicel Store . Refill cards can be bought at many stores and supermarkets around the island or it can be done online for both carriers.

Coverage [ edit ]

Both carriers have good coverage around the island although UTS is slightly better. Both carriers have started deploying LTE and it now covers most of the island.

Roaming [ edit ]

UTS offers roaming at no extra charge to countries in what they market as Chippieland. In addition to Curaçao, this includes, Bonaire, Saba, St. Eustatius, Dutch St. Maarten, French St. Martin, and St. Barts.

Digicel offers roaming at no extra charge to Aruba and Bonaire.

Cope [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ].

Leaving Curaçao will require you to pay an exit tax not included in your flight ticket with most airlines. As of 2016, it's USD39 for international flights (Visa and MasterCard accepted), USD10 to USD20 for flights to Aruba, and Bonaire, and USD5 for connections (in cash only). See the airport's website for the most up-to-date information.

• Aruba (a few minutes away by air)
• Bonaire (a paradise for divers)
• Guyana (a former British colony in South America, known for its pristine jungle and impressive waterfalls)
• Saint Martin (a former member of the Netherlands Antilles, with many gourmet, shopping, and beach options)
• Suriname (a former Dutch colony in South America, culturally linked to the Dutch Caribbean)

Airport security in the departure area stops working after the last scheduled departure, no matter whether some flights are delayed by hours. If you have not cleared security by then there is no way to board your plane. Thus, even for heavily delayed flights, checking in and then heading out to a beach or into town is not a viable option.

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Discover the Netherlands in the Caribbean

Curaçao packs plenty to do beyond the beachfront resorts.

Sitting just under 40 miles off the Venezuelan coast , the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao stretches close to 40 miles itself, from north to south. And though most of the action happens at beachfront resorts and sandy expanses crowded with cruise ship passengers, the isle offers myriad (and less-traveled) historical, creative, and natural spaces that will satisfy gourmands, nature lovers, and art and architecture aficionados alike.

Here’s the thoughtful traveler’s guide to getting beyond the beach in Curaçao:

Curaçao’s green—and not-so-green—landscapes were a bit of a mystery to me until my guide, Terence, pointed out wonders that were right under my nose. To ensure that locals and visitors don’t miss these treasures, he works with Uniek Curaçao (Unique Curaçao), a volunteer organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the island’s natural assets.

Rooi Rincon Park is littered with massive limestone boulders, forming grottoes that once sheltered island natives in prehistoric times. The early dwellers left behind evidence of their presence in the form of rocky shelves used to store items of value, such as the ocher they used to paint symbols on cave walls.

Dominated by mesquite and prickly pear, the wind-sculpted Hato Plains are ideal for mountain biking. Beyond a tangle of shrubbery, Kueba di Pachi (Old Man’s Cave) is inhabited by bats that flit above the cave’s most curious feature: zombie eggs, small globes formed from calcium-laden water runoff.

The sprawling Jan Thiel Lagoon is set in a landscape dominated by massive man-made salt flats and columnar cacti. Though the soil’s high saline content prevents most anything else from growing in the area, there is another sign of life: flamingos alighting on the waters to catch shrimp, the crustacean that lends the trademark pink hue to the birds’ naturally gray feathers.

And a cliff top fronting Ascension Bay provides an ideal platform for spotting another kind of wildlife, imperiled Hawksbill and loggerhead turtles , which swim into the cove to feed on seaweed.

Architecture

The Dutch influence is easy to spot in many areas of downtown Willemstad.

For 30 years, architect Anko van der Woude has been leading walking tours of Otrobanda, a pastel-hued neighborhood in Willemstad, Curaçao’s capital city. The colorful historic district is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site designated in the colonial town, along with neighboring Punda, the oldest part of Willemstad.

Van der Woude explained that the twisty lanes and alleys of Otrabanda resulted from residents widening their properties, sacrificing backyard gardens to add quarters for maids or growing families. Small craftsmen made their shops in the smaller houses along the alleys, creating the idiosyncratic mix of mansions and humble stores and dwellings that typifies the neighborhood.

On my tour, van der Woude stopped in front of the 18th-century Sebastopol House to point out how the mansion illustrates the evolution of local architecture. Rather than expensive brick, the facade was constructed of coral and mud, plastered over and painted ocher. (This building and most others in the city were once whitewashed, until the 1800s when Governor Kikkert declared the glare off the white visually unappealing, making colorful exteriors the new norm.)

Instead of relying on the sash windows brought over from Holland—hardly appropriate for the Caribbean’s bright sunlight and wind-blown rain—a gallery porch with louver-like shutters was added later, providing access to the cool trade winds plus better shade and protection from the elements.

Stefan Onrust and Talitha Maria co-own Cristal , a bright, welcoming restaurant, with walls hung with vibrant silkscreen prints depicting fishermen bringing in their catch and other scenes of life in Curaçao and an impressive wine list.

Onrust has created a stellar French-Mediterranean menu that changes weekly, with multi-course dinner options available. Signature dishes include the scallops with truffle risotto and a variation on a classic croque-madame made with duck liver and homemade brioche.

The mansion may be historic—the gable date reads 1742—but the food concept at Restaurant No5 couldn’t be more novel: Chef Aram Van de Water prepares French cuisine with international influences, forgoing a menu in favor of cooking individual small dishes based on the taste preferences of each table.

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As I’m a pescatarian, Van de Water whipped up mahi mahi ceviche with pineapple juice; salmon marinated in vodka, and red-beet mousse topped with smoked mackerel salad. Meat lovers will find plenty to satisfy their appetites: Noteworthy dishes include grilled rack of lamb with eggplant, and slow-cooked duck breast accompanied by a curry-mango chutney.

Artist Herman van Bergen has a favorite medium: the twisted branches of Vachellia tortuosa. The thorny tree, which began to thrive in Curaçao after European colonists wiped out vast swaths of hardwoods, plays a vital part in his evolving creation, “The Cathedral of Thorns.”

The monumental outdoor sculpture serves as a commentary on the painful history of the enslavement of the island’s original inhabitants—the Arawak people—at the hands of conquering Europeans as well as a celebration of life-sustaining nature. Visitors can navigate van Bergen’s labyrinthine work—which is still in progress—hemmed in by towering walls of thorns at Landhuis Bloemhof, an old plantation house that has been converted into a cultural center.

And on a wild, two-acre parcel of land, jewelry designer and ceramicist Evelien Sipkes has fashioned a comfortable and multi-functional space, serving as her home, atelier, gallery, and classroom. Her art greets visitors just inside the gate: whimsical bird sculptures fashioned from gourds perch on the pavement and ceramic flower petals huddle among live blossoms.

Working primarily in porcelain and natural materials (such as seeds and branches), Sipkes creates wearable, avant-garde art (necklaces, rings and earrings) that reflect and transform the many-faceted forms and colors of the island’s plants and sea creatures. She also offers art workshops that include lunch or high tea; everything is handmade, from the bread to the dishware.

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Curaçao welcomed 265,000 stayover visitors in 2021.

WILLEMSTAD- January 10, 2022 – The Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) is reporting 265,000 stayover visitor arrivals for the year 2021. Overall stayover arrivals performance started slow in the first 5 months of the year. CTB saw an increase in stayover arrivals as of June 2021, especially from our main producing country The Netherlands. We recorded record breaking number of visitors from Holland in combination with visitor arrivals from other main regions, resulting in a spectacular second half of the year. With these arrivals, the year 2021 achieved 57% of the pre-pandemic arrivals of the 2019 year-round arrivals, when we welcomed 463,683 stayover visitors.

December 2021

Overall, we have welcomed 42,281 stayover arrivals in December 2021, which is 95% recovery rate of December 2019. December is no exception, recording another record breaking number of stayover arrivals from The Netherlands, a total of 24,062 Dutch visitors were welcomed in December 2021. For the sixth consecutive month, arrivals from the Netherlands in 2021 are surpassing arrivals in the same months in 2019. Altogether we registered 27,399 stayover visitors out of Europe. Information gathered from the Immigration Cards show that European visitors stayed 12.5 nights on average in December 2021, while the average night spent in December 2019 was 10 nights. Of these European visitors, 56% stayed in resort hotels in December.

From the North American region, we welcomed 7,719 visitors. Respectively, 6,229 and 1,490 visitors from USA and Canada. North American visitors stayed 68% in resort hotels. The average nights spent in Curaçao was 8.2, while the same month in 2019 North American visitors spent 7.4 nights.

From the South American region, we welcomed 4,808 visitors. The average nights spent in Curaçao was 8.4, while the same month in 2019 was 7.9. Of the South America arrivals, 53% and 19% came from Colombia and Brazil, respectively.

Out of the Caribbean region, we have welcomed 1,549 stayover visitors in December, primarily from the Dutch Kingdom islands.

There were 34 cruise ship calls and 61,550 cruise visitors for the month of December.

The stayover visitor arrivals performance continues to exceed the previous months. With December 2021 reaching above 40,000 stayover visitors we can proudly announce tourism recovery is on the right track, showing another best performing month in line with our pre-pandemic seasonality. We are satisfied with the progress made in the last months of the year, recuperating from the slow start. The collective effort from our local stakeholders combined with our international partners in our main markets made the last six months of the year a success. Assuming the trend continues, we forecast an even better tourism performance in 2022.

Figure 1 Tourism Performance 2021

Recent News

• 17/04 - CHATA celebrates Stars of the Industry – Stars of Q1 2024
• 12/04 - A New Chapter for Chata: Anuschka Cova Announced as CEO
• 21/02 - Curaçao’s hotels achieved a 76.3% average room occupancy in January 2024 with a 14% growth in Revenue Per Available Room.

Recent Activities

March 2024 sets new milestone as best tourism month ever, with 63,556 stayover arrivals

April 19, 2024

WILLEMSTAD – April 19, 2024 – The Curaçao Tourist Board is excited to report a significant growth in stayover tourism for March 2024. The island saw an impressive 38% rise in arrivals compared to March of the previous year, welcoming a total of 63,556 stayover visitors. March 2024 holds the best month ever in stayover arrivals. It is the fourth consecutive month of welcoming at least 60,000 stayover arrivals in a single month. The 60K plus streak started in December 2023, and has so far reached its peak in March 2024. The last weekend of March is when the peak of arrivals was measured, showing a great demand for tourists who chose to spend their Easter Holiday in Curaçao. This achievement further cements Curaçao’s growing popularity as a top travel destination in the Caribbean.

Curaçao continues to attract a diverse visitor base, with Europe leading the way at 40% of the market share. North America follows closely, contributing 38%, reflecting the island’s appeal to U.S. and Canadian travelers. South America accounts for 17% of visitors, while the Caribbean region contributes 4%. These figures highlight Curaçao’s broad global appeal and solidify its reputation as a premier travel destination.

Top 5 Source Markets Performance

The Netherlands, holds Curaçao’s primary source market welcoming 19,295 Dutch arrivals, recording a notable 18% growth in March. Twenty-two percent of the Dutch visitors reside in South Holland, 20% in North Holland and 13% are North Brabant residents. Furthermore, the age distribution of Dutch visitors reflects a diverse range, with 38% falling between 45 and 64 years old, and 32% between 25 and 44 years old. In terms of accommodation preferences, most Dutch visitors opted for other lodgings (54%), while the remaining 46% stayed at a resort during their stay.

Record-breaking number of arrivals are registered out of the United States of America in March, for the first time, we’ve welcomed more than 18,000 US visitors in a single month. A total of 18,741 US visitors were greeted, recording a strong 58% increase compared to last year. Additionally, it’s the first time the gap between Dutch and US visitor arrivals was less than 1,000 visitors in the same month, with only 561 stayover arrivals separating the two markets. The US market is solidifying its position as a key top source market for Curaçao. Eighteen percent of the US visitors reside in New York, 7% in Florida and 6% in New Jersey and North Carolina each. The age distribution of US visitors is primary between 45 and 64 years old (36%), followed by visitors between 25 and 44 years old (33%). In terms of accommodation preferences, 68% of the US visitors favored resort hotels, while the remaining 32% opted for other lodging options available on the island. On average US visitors stayed 6.2 nights in Curaçao.

Canada grew recording 34% increase in March, with a total of 5,144 stayover arrivals recorded. This marks the third consecutive month where stayover arrivals have exceeded five thousand in a single month. On average, Canadian visitors spent 8.1 nights in March, with a preference for resort hotels as their chosen accommodation (58%).

The fourth top performing country in absolute numbers, Colombia , witnessed remarkable growth recording 54% increase in stayover arrivals, totaling 4,228 visitors. On average, Colombian visitors spent 5.4 nights in March, with 41% choosing resort hotels for their stay, while the remaining 59% opted for alternative accommodations on the island.

Brazil experienced remarkable growth, highlighting an impressive 150% increase in stayover arrivals, reaching a total of 3,329 visitors. This signifies a substantial rise from the 1,329 Brazilians welcomed the previous year. On average, Brazilian visitors spent 7.0 nights in March. In terms of accommodation choices, 56% of Brazilian visitors opted for resort hotels.

Key Highlights March 2024

Resort Stays : Overall, 54% of stayover visitors opted for the diverse range of accommodations offered by resort hotels, including large, small, all-inclusive, and bungalow resorts, 46% opted to stay at other lodgings on island.

Demographic Insights : The largest portion, comprising 36% of visitors, belonged to the 25 to 44 age group, closely followed by the 45 to 64 age group, which represented 35% of the total arrivals.

Average nights : In total stayover visitors spent 8.4 nights in March, a 5% decrease compared to last year.

Cruise arrivals : In March, Curaçao saw a total of 42 cruise ship calls, welcoming an impressive 107,436 cruise visitors. A stable performance from the cruise industry compared to last year, when the Curaçao Ports Authority reported 42 cruise ship calls and hosted 107,607 cruise passengers.

Year to date highlights of 2024

The year started on a strong note, with a total of 184,696 stayover arrivals in the first quarter, marking a 35% growth compared to the same period last year. All markets of focus have been contributing to this growth and the Curaçao Tourist Board sees promising opportunities for the remainder of the year. The approach to further enhance its tourism success involves forming strategic partnerships and encouraging collaboration between the public and private sectors. This aims to improve accessibility and position Curaçao as the premier Caribbean destination visitors should visit to “Feel it for yourself”.

Most recent

Mart 2024 a registrá un rèkòrt nobo, komo e mihó luna pa turismo den historia ku 63.556 turista di estadia

Ofisina di Turismo di Kòrsou (CTB) ta kontentu pa anunsiá un kresementu signifikante den kantidat di turista di estadia na mart 2024.

40 travel agents from Argentina explore Curaçao

April 12, 2024

Recently, a delegation of 40 travel agents from Argentina visited Curaçao

40 agente di biahe for di Argentina a eksplorá Kòrsou

Resientemente un delegashon di 40 agente di biahe prosedente di Argentina a bishitá Kòrsou

Aruba is ready to join Caribbean Pinks All Out 2024 in Curaçao

April 11, 2024

The Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB), along with Jacky Circuit, recently visited Aruba to provide all information about Caribbean Pinks All Out 2024.

Curaçao Tourist Board

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Getting to Curaçao

• How do I get to Curaçao?
• When is the best time of year to visit Curaçao?
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Curaçao Island Guide for First-time Visitors 

Curaçao island is the perfect Caribbean destination if you’re up for something unique in a tropical setting. Although each Caribbean Island has its characteristics, I can confidently say that Curaçao is one of a kind.

Curaçao island is located in the southern part of the Caribbean , right above Venezuela and in-between the islands of Aruba and Bonaire. The capital of the island is Willemstad, with the districts of Punda, Otrobanda Pietermaai and Scharloo as the vibrant city center.

Curaçao is part of The Kingdom of the Netherlands and this is mainly reflected in culture and architecture.

When you walk through downtown Willemstad, it seems as if you have arrived in the colorful version of Amsterdam. The cotton candy-colored buildings on the Handelskade resemble the stately canal houses you can find in Amsterdam.

The History of Curaçao

Let me introduce you to the history of Curaçao in a nutshell. The first and original inhabitants were the Arawak Indians . In 1499 a Spanish expedition arrived on the island, enslaved most of the Arawak folk, and transported them to do forced labor in their colonies.

The island itself brought the Spaniards little fortune. Agriculture was almost impossible due to the hard subsoil and dry climate. Not many precious metals and raw materials were mined in Curaçao either. The Spaniards called Curaçao the ‘useless island’ and were not aware of the possibilities that the Dutch did see.

In 1634, The Dutch West India Company invaded the island, and Dutch Colonists started settling on Curaçao island. The Dutch founded the capital of Willemstad around the natural harbor that they called Schottegat. The island turned out to be the perfect place for trade and commerce.

Curaçao became an important center in the Caribbean for the slave trade. Most of the time, ships with slaves from West Africa arrived to the island before selling them elsewhere in the Caribbean region.

The Island rose affluent from the slave trade. Colonial buildings were built and plantations sprang up like mushrooms. The city of Willemstad became a vibrant hub in the Caribbean.

Led by the enslaved man Tula, in 1795 a major slave revolt took place. Slaves from several plantations around the northwest coast rebelled against slavery and demanded freedom. The revolt lasted about a month after which the slaves lost this battle.

It wasn’t until 1863 that slavery in Curaçao was abolished and the economy of the island experienced a downfall.

When oil was discovered in Venezuela , in the early 20th century, the economy of Curaçao island gained a huge benefit from this event. The supply of crude oil to the refinery in Curacao provided many jobs and further development of the island.

In 1954, Curaçao joined Aruba, Bonaire, Saint Martin, Statia and Saba in becoming the Netherlands Antilles . A little over 50 years later, on October 10, 2010, Curaçao island became a country within The Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The global outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020 has hit the island hard. Curaçao went into lockdown. There were no more flights and cruise ships to Curaçao island. This had disastrous consequences for an island dependent on tourism.

The capital of Curaçao island is called Willemstad . The lively city center quarters of Punda and Otrobanda are connected by the Queen Emma Bridge, the famous floating bridge that opens regularly to enable the passage of vessels into the St. Anna Bay.

The neighborhood of Pietermaai is the scene of many bright-colored townhouses and cozy restaurants. Colonial district Scharloo , with its baroque-style buildings, is just one block away.

Spoken Languages

What language do they speak in Curaçao? Hold on tight, there are three official languages in Curaçao. This is Dutch, English, and the local creole language Papiamentu. Spanish is also widely spoken. Read: Learn Papiamentu with our free guide.

Curaçao island Currency

Prices in supermarkets, shops, and restaurants are stated in the national currency, the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) . US Dollars are also widely accepted, but keep in mind the possibility that you will be given change in Guilders. The Antillean Guilder is fixed to the Dollar. 1 US Dollar is equal to 1.77 Nafl,-

Also read: The Best Currency to Use in Curaçao

Country Size

The size of Curaçao island is 444 km² and with that, the island is more than twice the size of Aruba. The island is about 38 miles long and about 7 miles wide at its widest point. It would take you a bit less than one hour to drive from east to west.

The Climate of Curaçao

Curaçao island has a tropical semi-arid climate with warm temperatures all year round. During the day the temperature fluctuates between 29 °C (84 °F) and 32 °C (90°F) at night it often does not get colder than 25 °C (77°F).

The temperature is constant throughout the year, with occasional fluctuations during the dry and rainy seasons.

Curaçao island is located outside of the hurricane belt , and the island rarely experiences tropical storms.

Curaçao Culture

The culture of Curaçao is a vibrant mix of various nationalities, backgrounds, and movements. Curaçao island is home to a majority of Afro-Caribbean people. The Dutch form the second largest community, followed up by a significant number of Latin-American and Asian folk.

Dozens of nationalities live on this island and they all add new features to the existing culture.

Celebrating and having a good time is the common thread in our culture. Holidays and events such as Carnival, King’s Day, Dia di Bandera (Day of the flag), Dia di País Korsou (Day of the country), Christmas, and New Year are celebrated exuberantly.

Local dishes, live music, and fireworks are pretty common during all kinds of celebrations.

Would you like a taste of the real Curaçao island culture? The event of Punda Vibes on Thursdays has become a periodic gathering of local artists, creators, and groups to celebrate our culture.

The streets and alleys of Punda are the scene of live music, dance, and art with a folkloric touch. During this evening you can enjoy the happy hours, there are specials in stores and restaurants, lots of activities for kids, fireworks, and that is just the tip of the iceberg!

Things to do

In terms of activities, there is much to experience on the island. There are many excursions and sights that cater to diverse interests.

You can participate in various water sports, and visit mesmerizing beaches and immersive museums. Willemstad is the bustling center of various sights and attractions. In the areas of Westpunt and St. Willibrordus , you will find many beautiful beaches, exhibitions, and nature parks.

Also read: 15 Budget-Friendly things to do in Curaçao

For an extensive and detailed overview, I refer to the activities category on this website.

Curaçao island Beaches

The beaches of Curaçao island are amongst the most beautiful ones in the Caribbean. This is because most of the beaches are located in pristine scenic coves.

The island has many sandy beaches, with Grote Knip as the island’s showpiece. However, there are also pebble beaches where it is advisable to wear water shoes.

The water is crystal clear and coral grows in many bays. this makes the island a paradise for divers and snorkelers.

Check our latest blog: 15 Amazing Free Beaches in Curaçao , for an extensive list of beaches that are free to access.

Hotels and Resorts

There’s no place like home, but when you’ve found the right accommodation, it might come close to that. Curaçao island has countless beach resorts and hotels that can meet your needs.

There are several resorts where you can opt for an all-inclusive concept, but lodging-based hotels are the most common in Curaçao.

You can choose from a wide variety of accommodations such as Beach Resorts, Boutique Hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, Airbnb, Hostels, and everything in between.

One thing is for sure: Wherever you decide to stay, you will be welcomed with a smile.

Restaurants

Curaçao is a small island that is big on food . Upscale dining? Check. Beach restaurants? Check. Late-night comfort food? Check. Varied cooking from all over the world, in a dreamy, Caribbean setting? Check!

Foodies will love the Curaçao kitchen. There is so much variety in flavors and traditions, Which makes Curaçao island the perfect destination if you’d like to try something new every day. overall, Curaçao island hosts an international kitchen with all sorts of restaurants, beach shacks, and takeaways.

The local food is called Krioyo and I’ll tell you more about that in the next section.

Local dishes

Taste the authentic local kitchen when you visit the island. It’s a must if you want to get the real Curaçao experience. Our local food Krioyo (Curaçao island food of African origin) is a feast for the eyes- and even more so for the stomach.

Enjoy amazing treats like

• Keshi Yena : a ball of cheese stuffed with meat
• Funchi: a kind of Polenta
• Kabritu Stoba : a goat stew
• Pastechies: Pastries with various fillings
• Bolo di Kashupete : Cashew cake
• Arepa di Pampuna: Pumpkin pancakes

There are many places where you can eat Krioyo food, but the most authentic place is the Plasa Bieu , a large covered hall with 6 open kitchens. You can find the Plasa Bieu in Punda, next to the round market.

Curaçao art scene

Curaçao island has a fascinating combination of tradition and tropical vibes; its history and culture blends beautifully with an eclectic, colorful atmosphere, and this extends to its art scene. There is something for all kinds of art lovers.

The island is well known for its brightly colored murals and paintings . All over Curaçao, you will find murals that depict the island’s daily life, its citizens, and culture. The streets and alleys of Willemstad are a canvas for talented painters and collectives. Most of the murals can be found in the districts of Punda and Otrobanda.

Read: Curacao Murals: What to See and Where to Go

A different kind of art object is the  Chichi ® . This sculpture of a beautiful curvaceous lady is a popular souvenir on the island and represents a strong and proud Caribbean woman. The Chichi ® was first designed and created by artist Serena Israel. On Fridays, you can join a workshop and paint your own Chichi ® at Serena’s Art Factory (next to the Aloë plantation).

Can’t wait to dance the night away? Let me tell you something about the amazing places you need to check out when the sun goes down. The island’s nightlife has a lot to offer.

For instance, you can visit one of the many Happy Hours . Live music, great offers on drinks, and smiling people. Could things get any better? The best Happy Hours can be found at several beach clubs at Mambo Beach and Jan Thiel beach.

Lovers of salsa and merengue are completely at home. You can visit one of the many weekly salsa events on the island. Thursdays are for Mundo Bizarro’s Salsa night; on Friday you can find live music at the Riffort. Sunday is the day to dance on the beach at Hemingway.

Moving your hips under the stars while your bare feet touch the sand is like a Caribbean dream come true. Enjoy every moment of it. This is where memories are made that will last a lifetime.

Shopping malls in Curaçao

Curaçao offers you a decent diversity of shopping experiences. The best places to go shopping on the island include shopping malls, fashion boutiques, and plenty of souvenir shops.

Downtown Punda is the flourishing center of boutiques and souvenir shops. In this part of town, you can find various clothing, cosmetics, and electronics stores.

Sambil is the biggest shopping mall on the island. With over 100 stores and brands, there’s no need to say that you can’t spend an entire afternoon shopping and dining in this place. There is an extended food court with over 25 mini restaurants and coffee shops. You can also go bowling or watch a movie at the cinema.

Zuikertuin mall, Bloempot shopping center , and Riffort village could be labeled as small-scale and cozy shopping experiences. Both Zuikertuin and Bloempot offer a variety of Dutch stores, boutiques, and high street international brands. Riffort Village is home to several well-known brands and high-end fashion- and jewelry stores.

Getting around in Curaçao

Curaçao island is not the best place to get from A to B on foot. Therefore, most tourists rent a car to get around during their stay.

Taxis in Curaçao are clean and safe. Drivers are very friendly and will get you to your destination in an efficient way. The taxis in Curaçao have fixed rates for several zones.

Local transportation is limited, but kind of okay if you need to get to Willemstad. You can find bus stations in Punda and Otrobanda, it just depends on which side of the island you will depart.

East side buses will drive to Punda. West side buses will drive to Otrobanda.

The large buses run once an hour. The small buses run more frequently, but they don’t have a schedule or bus stops. Just raise your hand when you want to get in and tell the driver where you would like to go.

In general, Curacao island is safe. The level of crime is not significantly high. The most common form of crime is (car)theft. Keep an eye on your belongings and don’t leave any valuables in your car.

Be streetwise and use common sense. With these skills, you can keep potential dangers to a minimum and you can simply enjoy a carefree holiday

Klein Curaçao Island

Soak up the sun during a day trip to Klein Curaçao island. This uninhabited island is truly a piece of paradise if you enjoy the pearly white sands and turquoise waters of the Caribbean. You can book an all-inclusive trip with one of the few charter boats.

On the island, you can discover various shipwrecks or visit the lighthouse. You can also choose to relax on the beach or snorkel with turtles (if they show up).

Most organizations serve a barbecue lunch. Check the conditions and facilities when booking your excursion.

Book an excursion

Are you looking forward to your vacation? Visit our Excursion page where you can find an extensive overview of various tours and activities. By booking an excursion through this website you support Exploring Curaçao at no cost to you.

Roxanne Verheesen

Hi there! My name is Roxanne , 30 years old and born in the Netherlands, I've visited Curaçao for the first time in 2011 and moved to the island one year later. Love to write, snorkel and watch pinky-orangish sunsets at the beach.

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Curaçao : Tourism Insights

Industry Insights: Curaçao Tourist Board

Marketing Curaçao as a leisure and business destination, thereby assuring sustainable benefits and attracting more visitors to the island, is the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB).

CTB was established in 1915 to develop Curaçao’s travel and tourism industry, the latter of which has been growing ever since as the country has become a popular Caribbean tourist destination.

The quality of the overall tourist experience is the main measure of success for CTB, whose tourism product development activities contribute to a better experience for visitors.

Curaçao’s top three markets – the Netherlands, US, and Colombia – continue to perform well when it comes to stayover visits, as the island bounces back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indeed, CTB has reported more than 400,000 stayover visitors in the first 10 months of 2022, surpassing the number of arrivals registered during the same period of 2019.

We learn about what is set to be a record-breaking year for Curaçaoan tourism with Hugo Clarinda, Deputy Director of CTB, who details

Outlook Travel (OT): What are the current travel trends in Curaçao? We understand you have welcomed a record number of stayover arrivals this year?

Hugo   Clarinda, Deputy Director (HC):  North American travellers are quickly becoming privy to how dynamic and inviting a destination such as Curaçao is, with activities that cater to visitors with any type of interest.

Travel trends on the island are quite varied, but some of the most influential include off-the-beaten path adventures, authentic cultural immersions, and unique luxury experiences. Also, with the COVID-19 pandemic moving companies to remote work, we are also seeing an influx of extended stays for those that can work from anywhere.

Our motto continues to encourage consumers to “Feel it for Yourself” to find what truly resonates with them out of the many unique offerings found on the island. 

OT: What about Curaçao’s growing popularity with US travellers? Why has there been such success in the US market in particular?

HC:  Curaçao’s growing popularity within the US market is largely to do with the increase of airlift from most major US cities. 

The rich culture and unique experiences that the island offers are also a major draw for travellers, such as the iconic Dutch colonial architecture and European-esque capital city, as well as the stunning turquoise blue waters. The addition of global hotel brands with loyalty programmes incentivises US travellers to visit this hidden gem of the Caribbean.

OT: Equally, how has Curaçao’s tourism product changed over time? What trends are transforming the tourism industry?

HC:  The evolution of Curaçao’s tourism product is rooted in expansion. With some significant new hotel openings in 2021, ranging from luxury boutique properties to global name-brand favourites, the island offers accommodations for every type of traveller and the experience they are looking for. 

Through the evolution and development of the island, we have strived to maintain its authenticity, preserving some of the oldest hotels that are still in operation with loyal guests from both Europe and the US coming back year after year.

OT: How imminent is the need for sustainable and responsible tourism in Curaçao, to preserve natural resources such as your coral reefs?

HC:  Sustainable tourism is important throughout the world for all destinations, but especially island nations with precious and endangered ocean life.

In Curaçao, both the private and public sectors understand this and do their part to help visitors travel responsibly. On-island sustainability efforts range from the Reef Renewal Project led by Ocean Encounters, to recycled plastic product brand Limpi, and of course, hotel specific efforts to conserve water and use sustainable materials. 

OT: Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Curaçao?

HC:  As our motto says, feel it for yourself! On top of the rich culture, history, world-class cuisine, and unparalleled beaches, Curaçao has a tonne of activities ideal for solo travelers, couples, families, and group getaways. Many of our visitors continue to flock to the island year after year because no trip is the same with all of our diverse offerings.

OT: What differentiates Curaçao as a tourist destination from other Caribbean islands?

HC:  Curaçao is unique in the sense that locals and travellers are constantly interacting. There is no specific “tourist area” or “tourist attractions” on the island – and oftentimes you’ll find a local, Dutch expat, and US vacationer all sitting beside each other at a bar or one of the cove-like beaches.

Travellers are constantly getting that authentic Curaçaoan experience, and truly seeing the blend of over 55 distinct nationalities on the island influencing art, food, and attractions. Local influence has allowed the hospitality industry to develop in a way that appeals distinctly to trendy and savvy visitors looking for an authentic escape.

OT: What are some of Curaçao’s most overlooked or underrated landmarks?

HC:  On top of more than 35 stunning cove-like beaches (some that are virtually untouched), we have natural wonders like Skete Boca National Park on the rugged western side of the island, which has a surprising desert landscape.

The Salt Flats of Jan Thiel, another iconic landmark, is said to have special healing properties. We invite travellers to understand our history with a visit to the critically acclaimed Kura Hulanda, which is home to relics and ancient artifacts, and Kas di Pal’i Maishi, a traditional adobe house which dates back to 1888 and is home to a small museum showcasing the Afro-Curaçaoan heritage.

OT: How do you forecast tourism developing in Curaçao in 2023? 

HC:  The outlook for 2023 looks very promising with strong demand out of our source markets in North America, Europe and South America. With 2022 already breaking records, we expect to even exceed arrival numbers in 2023 as we forecast to finally surpass the 500,000 stayover visitors in the upcoming year.

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Curaçao achieves remarkable tourism success in 2023

WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) proudly announces a historic milestone in tourism, marking 2023 as the best record-breaking year for stayover tourism arrivals. In total Curaçao welcomed 582,409 stayover visitor arrivals in 2023, which is a 19% growth compared to the year 2022. December 2023 stands out as the most exceptional month in terms of visitation, with a stunning surge in arrivals, setting an all-time high in one single month. CTB registered a total of 63,390 stayover arrivals in December, a 41% growth compared to December 2022 .    

The image below shows the monthly performance of 2023 compared to the monthly target and 2022 arrivals.  

December 2023, a month of triumph:   

December 2023 proved to be a crowning achievement, with a record-breaking 63,390 stayover arrivals. This remarkable figure reflects a substantial 41% increase compared to December 2022, solidifying Curaçao’s position as a top-tier travel destination during the festive season .  Key factors driving this growth are airline contributions, new product offering, consistent marketing promotions, strategic collaboration between the public and private sector to name a few .      

The Netherlands visitors: The primary source market played a significant role in the December success, recording an outstanding 29% growth in stayover arrivals. A total of 23,108 Dutch arrivals were greeted in December 2023. The newest addition on the Amsterdam route with Corendon Airlines, played a pivotal role in the heightened December performance. Collaborative efforts of KLM and TUI, who expanded their services during the peak month, further contributed to the positive outcome of the Dutch market. The outcome of the additional flights out of Amsterdam is exciting after months of downfall in performance out of the Netherlands. The Dutch market accounts for 36.5% of all the tourists who traveled to Curaçao in December, holding its position of being the main source market for Curaçao.   

United States of America Visitors: From the United States of America, the market has set a new high in total arrivals of 14,714 visitors in December, a 41% growth compared to December 2022. The share of the second source market was 23.2% in December. Curaçao has welcomed a remarkable total of 141,175 US arrivals in 2023. The growth out of the US market is 51% compared to 2022, contributing to a spectacular record-breaking tourism year for Curaçao. Air service development out of the USA was notable during the year, with JetBlue servicing Curaçao with 5 weekly flights instead of 3. At the end of the year, we celebrated the return of Delta Air Lines connecting Atlanta with Curaçao. United Airlines starting the service to Curaçao earlier this winter, and American Airlines connecting Charlotte daily instead of once weekly .    

Colombia Visitors: The Colombian market celebrated a triumphant conclusion to the year, achieving record-breaking arrivals in December with an outstanding 76% growth, totaling 5,405 Colombians visitors. The overall annual arrivals for Colombian visitors in 2023 reached an impressive 39,414 stayover arrivals (38% growth), showcasing a substantial increase in affinity for Curaçao among Colombian visitors. Avianca amped its service since October from 8 to 11 weekly flights out of Bogota, and Copa went from 4 weekly to daily end of April 2023.    

Canada Visitors: The fourth source market, Canada, recorded an extraordinary total of 32,256 arrivals in 2023, marking an impressive 165% growth. December proved to be a strong month, with 4,674 Canadians visitors, reflecting a 35% increase compared to December 2022. The great performance out of Canada is mainly because of consistent promotion commitment towards the market with year-round three weekly service out of Toronto with Air Canada. In addition, the increase capacity with Air Canada and WestJet in the last months of the year showed a great spike in stayover arrivals.    

Brazilian Visitors: The fifth source market, Brazil, concluded the year with a notable 26,815 Brazilian visitors, a 164% growth in comparison with the year 2022. Out of Brazil we have welcomed a total of 3,665 stayover visitors in December 2023, which is a 257% increase compared to December 2022. The success in the Brazilian market can be attributed to consistent promotional efforts, with 2023 witnessing the inaugural of Azul airlines. Azul's direct service from Belo Horizonte started with a weekly frequency and expanded to 2x weekly service by the end of the year. This strategic move has significantly contributed to positive results, showcasing the fruitful collaboration of all stakeholders working together. Next to Azul Airlines other connecting options through Panama with Copa or Bogota with Avianca, shows positive outcome for Curaçao .    

The images below show the performance of each region compared to 2022, including the share of the total arrivals and the performance of the top 5 countries, including their top 3 states of residence of our visitors .    

Stayover, cruise, and day trippers:  

Altogether 180,526 visitors were welcomed in December 2023. As mentioned before 63,390 stayover arrivals were registered arriving through CUR airport. These visitors stayed at least one night with a maximum of 90 days . Another 2,452 arrivals were registered via CUR airport, however departing the same day of arrival, also known as day trippers.  

According to the Curaçao Ports Authority, a total of 114,684 cruise visitors are registered in December. The total number of arrivals in December is 20% more compared to December 2022 when we welcomed a total of 95,891 visitors.      

During the year 2023, the total number of arrivals amounted to 1.3 million consisting of (582,409 stayover, 19,763-day trippers and 710,769 cruise visitors). In 2022 we recorded a total of 1 million visitors.   

To conclude, Curaçao celebrates the diversity of its source markets and the collaborative efforts with all stakeholders that have led to these remarkable achievements in 2023. The continuous growth in arrivals from all source markets exemplifies the global appeal and accessibility to our island. 2023 has been a year, where we have opened new air service gateways to our island and expended more frequency from existing gateways. We have broadened our product offering with new accommodations, restaurants, and attractions, diversifying options for all our visitors. All of this in combination with strategic partnerships contributed to the success of 2023. As we reflect, we look forward to building upon these achievements and welcoming even more visitors from around the world in 2024.  

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