Top 12 Things to Do in Curacao

Curacao prides itself on being different than any other Caribbean island because of its cultural, historic diversity mixed with beach, sun, and sand. I agree. You do not serve Curacao any justice if you just stay on your beach chair and don’t take the time to explore the island.

I have been living in Curacao for many years and people often ask me what they should definitely do when while they are visiting. Everybody has a different taste and there is so much more to do, but I can guarantee you if you check off this list of things to do in Curacao, you will truly have a great vacation.

Things to do when you visit Curacao

• Snorkeling: discover underwater life in clear Caribbean water
• Beach hopping: a large variety of beaches and coves
• Historic Willemstad: Colorful picture-perfect buildings
• Day trip to Klein Curacao: Uninhabited Caribbean dream island
• Golfing: tee off right next to the ocean
• Diving: one of the top destinations in the world
• Taste Blue Curacao: a tour of the distillery
• Happy hours: toes in the sand, beer in the hand
• Visit Shete Boca: raw ocean power
• Climb Christoffel mountain: go to the highest peak of Curacao
• Off-roading: explore the rugged North shore
• Flamingo spotting: unique birds at the salt plains

1. Snorkeling

Where?: Pretty much anywhere along the South coast. Fewer people, better snorkeling
What?: Enjoy the beautiful underwater life in clear turquoise waters in the best snorkeling spots
Costs? Free

My tip is to buy decent snorkeling gear on your first day. It’s worth it. Maybe some fins too for your safety as you get much less tired. Always go out snorkeling with a buddy and make sure somebody is watching your stuff on the beach. Basically, the lighter blue the ocean, the more sand, less coral and thus less underwater life. So not ideal snorkeling conditions. The calmer the water, the more you can see. More shallow, more colors. Don’t touch anything as coral is a living organism. A little cut can already give some nasty infections. Coral is sensitive and is likely to die when you touch it. So when you have to stand on the bottom, make sure you find an area with sand.

Take your time while snorkeling and train your eyes. There are so many things to see, even in a couple of square feet. Don’t go past the dark blue drop-off. This is where boats pass and because it is over 30 feet deep there, there isn’t much to see from the surface anyway.

Top spots:

• Cas Abou (stay close to the rocks on the far left or right)
• Klein Curacao (all the way to the right, big chance of turtles)
• Tugboat at Baja Beach (little boat wreck)
• Playa Piskado at Playa Forti (many turtles, please do not touch)
• San Juan (unspoiled)

2. Beach hopping in Bandabou

Where?: Towards the far West side
What?: Amazing coral beaches, in between coastal rock formations
Costs?: Most beaches are free, or charge a small entrance fee

Try and go in that direction a couple of times during your vacation. It is worth it. Don’t stay on the beach until dark. The roads back can get very busy and people drive fast. Not all beaches have a place to get some food or drinks. Take some kind of cooler with some refreshments. There is a big supermarket (Centrum Piscadera) along the way where you can stock up and get some ice. Also cheap!

Best beaches:

• Portomari
• Cas Abou
• Klein and Grote Knip
• Lagun

3. Walk around historic Willemstad

Where?: In the areas of Punda, Otrabanda, Scharloo and Pietermaai
What?: Dutch colonial architecture, Handelskade (UNESCO heritage site) and Kura Hulanda
Costs?: Free, except for a visit to the slave museum.

Park your car in the Renaissance mall (you can also take a bus to Otrabanda bus station) and start your walking tour from there. I’ve been to many Caribbean cities and honestly, Willemstad may be the prettiest of all with its unique architecture and colorful buildings. Competing with the likes of Cartagena and San Juan, I think it matches up well. There is still a lot of work to do but many of the historical buildings have been renovated to its original state.

Walk around freely, ask for information at the little kiosk at the pontoon bridge (pontjesbrug) and just enjoy. Of course, the Handelskade, Kura Hulanda, and the pontoon bridge are iconic highlights. The area of Pietermaai is one of the new hotspots of Willemstad with boutique hotels, fine dining, and unique bars. When leaving Willemstad, drive through the area of Scharloo. This is a business area but most buildings have been beautifully renovated.

4. Day trip to Klein Curacao

Where?: Several tour operators
What?: Boating to an uninhabited island 10 miles off the coast
Costs?: Not cheap but often all-inclusive

There isn’t much to see on land but it definitely is the most beautiful beach in Curacao. Enjoy a day of white sand, crystal clear turquoise waters and nature. There is a big chance you will encounter a turtle as this is a known nesting area. On the right side, there is a lot of coral, making for some good snorkeling. Beware of the current, the waves and flying kite surfers. Walk across the island past the lighthouse to the North shore. Do this right upon arrival because of the heat. Spend the rest of the day in the water.

Read tips for the perfect day trip to Klein Curacao.

5. Seaside golf

Where?: Santa Barbara Plantation and Blue Bay
What?: Playing golf at marvelous locations, full service
Costs?: Fairly expensive

You don’t need a golf certificate to play and you don’t need to pay $1,000 green fees. Also, in the afternoon, often lower rates are offered as is can get quite warm. Within the fee is a golf cart with a little cooler attached.

Both golf courses are unique and can be challenging because of the slopes. Old Quarry is located in sensational surroundings bordering the Table Mountain and the ocean. Blue Bay has the infamous hole 5 where you have to tee over the ocean directly on the green. If you are a golfer, this is a must. If you are not a golfer, just enjoy and don’t care too much about hitting par.

6. Go for a dive

Where?: Many possibilities all around Curacao
What?: Discover the amazing underwater life of one op the top dive destinations in the world
Costs?: Fairly priced. Start with an introduction or refresher dive

Even if you are not into dive or don’t have any ambition to become one, do an introduction dive. It is a once in a lifetime experience. You might love it and you can even get your dive certification in a matter of days. Choosing a dive school is often difficult. There are large ones that are good but it is often the smaller ones that have a unique and personal approach.

When comparing snorkeling and diving, this is basically it: while snorkeling you look into an aquarium from above, with diving you are in the aquarium. You just get a lot more time to enjoy the beauty from up close and really take it all in. For the more advanced divers, I recommend a night dive or diving at the more advanced and hard to get to locations.

7. Taste the original Blue Curacao

Where?: In Saliña, close to downtown Willemstad
What?: Visit the Curacao Liqueur Distillery at Landhuis Chobolobo
Costs?: Free, but be sure to enjoy a cocktail

When people don’t know Curacao, follow up with this question: Do you know Blue Curacao? YES! One of the world’s most famous liqueurs made at the small-scale distillery. On the premises, you can also visit a historic mansion and have a drink and bite in a cozy courtyard. It takes about an hour and taking a guided tour is recommended.

8. Beach bar happy hours

Where?: Anywhere a beach with a bar
What?: Cheap drinking with your toes in the sand
Costs?: Depending on how much you can drink

There are many happy hours to be found daily, but not all are as busy. This is of course not a necessity to have a great time. Zanzibar on Saturday and Wet & Wild on Friday and Sunday have been the most popular for years. Why? Easy: the perfect combination of sand, sea, palm trees, sunset, and music. Check if your particular drinks fall under the happy hour prices and make sure you order a bunch 5 minutes before the happy hour ends. Beer, rum coke, and water are the most popular drinks. Often, the wines are not the best ones. Enjoy responsibly!

9. Big splashes at Shete Boka

Where?: On the way to Westpunt
What?: Rugged Northside with big waves crashing on the shore
Costs?: Cheap

The Southside of Curacao has a calm ocean and beautiful beaches. The North shore, however, is being pounded by waves constantly. This has created several bokas (inlets) that are all unique. At the beginning of the park, you can walk to several viewpoints and there is even a cave (be careful when the ocean is rough). All the way to the right of the park, you will find Boca Pistol. It is only a 10-minute drive and one of the highlights of the park. The ocean created a hole through erosion causing the water to splash to over 60 feet. Just fantastic! Check the ocean forecast to find the most rugged conditions. Usually, the more wind, the better.

10. Climb the Christoffel mountain

Where?: In the direction of Westpunt (before Shete Boca National Park)
What?: The highest point of Curacao with breathtaking views
Costs?: Cheap

Go early in the morning as it is much cooler. The climb plus descent takes about 2 and a half hours. Wear decent walking shoes and take sufficient water. Take your time to look around the Savonet Museum (where you also have to buy your entrance tickets). The walk up to the mountain top is do-able for people with normal, good health. At the very top, it can get a bit challenging but many people do it. In the afternoon take the other route of the park where you can stop at Playa Grandi. This is a nice, secluded beach on the North shore. Unfortunately, it is not possible to swim here.

11. Off-roading to the rugged North shore

Where?: Via various tour operators
What?: Driving in an off-road vehicle through the rugged nature of the Curacao North shore
Costs?: Not cheap, but pretty awesome

Check the online reviews when choosing a tour operator. Some tour operators can get pretty busy and I personally rather pay a bit more for a more personal experience. Bring some sort of bandana to cover your mouth as there is a lot of dust flying around.

12. Photograph the flamingos

Where?: On the way to Kokomo beach, at St Willibrordus or the salt plains of Jan Thiel
What?: Beautiful animals that often flock together
Costs?: Free

The easiest location to spot flamingos is at St Willibrodus, which is on your way to Portomari. You can park your car and walk a bit through the salt plain to take your photograph. The walk to the salt plains of Jan Thiel is longer but the walk up to the flamingos is worth it. Again, go early in the morning as it can get very hot in the afternoon. At Kokomo, the flamingos can be further out and hard to get too. It does not happen often that you see them fly, but it is an amazing sight.

General tips

• Rent a car and drive around Curacao. There is so much to do and see
• Beware of drunk drivers. This includes you!
• If you watch your stuff and be smart/ conscious of your surroundings, the chances of something bad happening are very small
• So don’t leave anything valuable in your car!
• Be respectful of the locals and nature. Curacao is small and has different values and has to preserve its treasures
• Drink a lot of water. The heat and sun can be different than what you are used to at home. Reapply sunscreen lotion about every hour as we are right on the equator. The sun is a beast around these parts

I can almost guarantee you will have a great time in Curacao when you do everything on the list above. There is a lot more to do so if you have a tip, please let us know in the comments below.

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