Discover things to do on the colorful Caribbean island of Curaçao
Curaçao, located off the coast of Venezuela, is an island in the southern Caribbean Sea belonging to the Dutch Kingdom of the Netherlands. Famous for its stunning 38 world-class beaches, Curaçao offers a wealth of snorkeling and diving opportunities, making it a prime destination for those seeking a tropical getaway. However, the true spirit of this island is revealed through its local cuisine and rich cultural history.
Learn why Curaçao is often regarded as a melting pot of cultures featuring influences from Dutch, Spanish, and Caribbean heritages. Explore Curaçao Like a Local – Travel Guide will help you embrace the warmth of the local greetings, such as “Pasa un bon dia” (Have a good day) and guide you as you embark on your journey through this enchanting island paradise.
Explore Curaçao Like a Local – Travel Guide
Discover Willemstad: A UNESCO World Heritage Gem
At the heart of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Queen Emma Bridge stands out. This historic pontoon bridge connects the districts of Punda and Otrabanda. Known affectionately as the “Swinging Old Lady,” this bridge, built in 1888, swivels open to allow ship traffic to pass through St. Anna Bay. Both locals and visitors gather to witness boats glide under the bridge and is especially enchanting during the evening when its lights twinkle against the night sky.
Willemstad is the capital and largest city of Curaçao. It’s a lively waterfront district characterized by a row of colorfully painted traditional houses. This captivating area, a former Dutch trading settlement from the 1600s, showcases distinctive Dutch colonial architecture infused with tropical Caribbean elements. Originally painted white, these buildings transformed into a myriad of vibrant colors in 1817 following a law enacted by Governor-General Albert who cited the harsh glare of the white structures as a cause for his frequent headaches. Talk about a colorful solution!
Visitors can stroll along the charming waterfront, reminiscent of the canals in Amsterdam, taking in the colorful architecture while exploring various art galleries and indulging in local culinary delights. At the northern end of Handelskade, don’t miss the floating market, where fishing boats from nearby Venezuela, a mere 40 miles away, arrive with fresh fruits and vegetables adding a bustling charm to this waterfront scene.
Another bridge, the Queen Juliana, named after Juliana of the Netherlands, is the highest bridge in the Caribbean, soaring to a height of 56.4 meters (185 feet) above sea level. This impressive structure facilitates car traffic between Punda and Otrabanda while also accommodating larger vessels entering the harbor.
History of Curaçao: A Colorful Tapestry of Cultures
Curaçao, a gem of the Caribbean, is not just known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife; it also boasts a rich historical tapestry that showcases the island’s cultural diversity. Originally inhabited by the Arawaks, an indigenous Amerindian people from the South American mainland, Curaçao has seen a variety of influences over the centuries.
In 1499, the winds of change blew in with the arrival of European explorers. By 1527, Spanish settlers had established a foothold on the island. However, it wasn’t until the Netherlands declared independence from Spain in 1581 that Curaçao truly began to flourish. The Dutch recognized the island’s exceptional harbor and strategic location, transforming it into a bustling trade center for the Dutch West India Company. This era connected Curaçao to vital trade routes with Europe, Venezuela, and other Caribbean islands, primarily for salt and various commodities.
Sadly, this period also marked the beginning of slavery on the island. Thousands of Africans were brought to Curaçao, sold in the docks of Willemstad, and many were subsequently transported to Central and South America. This dark chapter in history has had a lasting impact on the island’s present-day culture.
Following the bankruptcy of the Dutch West India Company in 1791, Curaçao officially became a Dutch colony.
Curacao’s Language
One of the most exciting aspects of visiting Curaçao is its rich tapestry of language and culture. While Dutch and English are widely spoken, you’ll often hear Spanish as well. The local dialect, Papiamentu, is a delightful blend of elements from Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, French, and English—a true reflection of the island’s diverse heritage.
To connect with the locals, why not learn a few basic phrases? They’ll surely appreciate your effort, and you may find yourself making even more friends along the way!
- Bon dia – Good morning
- Ayo – Goodbye
- Por fabor – Please
- Danki – Thank you
- Di nada – You’re welcome
- Bon tardi – Good afternoon
- Kon ta bai? – How are you?
- Bon nochi – Good evening
Explore Curaçao Like a Local – Travel Guide
Restaurants and Shopping
When it comes to immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Curaçao, there’s no better way than to dive into its rich culinary scene. The island is dotted with restaurants serving up local flavors, making it an adventure for your taste buds!
Get ready to indulge in the island’s unofficial national dish: keshi yena. This scrumptious creation features a round ball of traditional Dutch cheese, such as Gouda or Edam, stuffed with a mixture of spiced meat. It’s either steamed or baked to perfection. The origins of this dish are steeped in history, believed to have been invented by slaves who creatively used leftover rinds of cheese to make the meal a bit more filling.
Another must-try is Kabritu Stoba, a delightful Dutch Antilles goat stew. This dish is a labor of love; the meat is simmered slowly with garlic, tomatoes, lime juice, peppers, and paprika until it’s tender and infused with a depth of flavor that is nothing short of spectacular. You won’t be able to resist the tender meat that falls right off the bone!
Looking for something a bit different? Don’t miss out on cactus soup (kadushi) and iguana stew, two unique offerings found in many local restaurants. The nutritious cactus, abundant on the island, makes for a tasty and healthy soup. As for iguana, it has a storied past as a staple food during slavery, and locals still cherish it today, often claiming it has healing properties. With a taste reminiscent of chicken, it’s definitely worth a try in stew or soup form.
And of course, save room for dessert! Dutch stroopwafel cookies are a delightful treat consisting of a gooey caramel-like syrup nestled between two thin waffles. They’re crispy on the outside and sweetly delectable on the inside. Pair one with a refreshing Batido—a local fruit smoothie that packs a punch of flavor from the island’s freshest fruits.
As you explore the charming city of Willemstad, keep an eye out for the signs reading “Uitverkoop” (which means “Sale” in Dutch). It’s the perfect opportunity to hunt for Caribbean handicrafts and artwork, the most cherished souvenirs to take back home from your trip.
So, whether you’re indulging in local delights or shopping for unique treasures, Curaçao offers a taste of the Caribbean that you will remember long after you leave! Happy exploring!
Explore Curaçao Like a Local – Travel Guide
Discover the Vibrant Art Scene
When visiting the beautiful island of Curacao, there is no shortage of things to do and see. One of the highlights of a trip to Curacao is exploring its vibrant art scene. From galleries to street art, the island is bursting with creativity and talent waiting to be discovered.
Galleries and Street Art
Visitors don’t need to venture inside a museum to see creative works of art in Curacao. Numerous galleries showcase the artistic talent of the island. Oftentimes, art is prevalent on the streets and sidewalks throughout the city. Artists showcase their skills through colorful murals and intricate chalk art, bringing life to the city streets.
Art Tours and Local Artists
Embark on a tour in Curacao to learn about the local artists who call the island home. Meet talented individuals like Hortence Brown, a skilled sculptor, and Shon May Henriquez, a pioneer in the Curacao art scene. These artists bring their unique perspectives and techniques to their work, adding depth and diversity to the artistic landscape of the island.
Art tours provide comprehensive and immersive experience of Curacao’s vibrant culture and history through a guided walking tour of the Punda and Otrabanda districts. Led by knowledgeable local guides, visitors can explore the colorful Dutch architecture, murals, forts, street arts, markets, and even a rum distillery. The tour also provides opportunities to learn about local customs, making it a truly authentic and unforgettable experience.
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Curacao’s Colorful History Walking Tour
Cathedral of Thorns: A Unique Art Installation
One of the most striking art installations in Curacao is the Cathedral of Thorns, created by artist Herman van Bergen. This impressive structure is made up of 30 million thorns from the Acacia Tortuosa bush tree, paying tribute to mother nature and the free spirit. Visitors on this tour can marvel at this one-of-a-kind masterpiece, experiencing the artist’s dedication to his craft and his connection to the natural world.
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Explore Curaçao Like a Local – Travel Guide
Snorkeling
Have you ever dreamed of snorkeling in crystal clear waters, surrounded by colorful marine life? Curacao offers the perfect opportunity to make that dream a reality. With its stunning coral reefs, vibrant fish species, and calm waters, Curacao is a snorkeler’s paradise waiting to be explored.
Snorkeling Over a Sunken Tugboat
One of the best ways to experience snorkeling in Curacao is by joining a tour to the tugboat wreck. This eco-friendly adventure allows you to explore the island’s natural beauty. With no huge groups to contend with, you can enjoy the open Caribbean Sea at your own pace, soaking in the beauty of the underwater world.
Tugboat Beach is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and abundance of marine life. As you snorkel along the coral reefs, you will be greeted by colorful fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional manta ray. The wreck of a tugboat lies just beneath the surface, providing a unique underwater experience for adventure seekers.
Tour participants set sail in Caracas Bay. The sun changes the ocean’s color from turquoise – to teal – to emerald green, a beauty only unique to the Caribbean. Fort Beekenburg peeks from atop a rocky outcropping where green iguanas and royal terns nest. In 1703 the fort protected Caracas Bay and continued to prove its service by keeping the British and pirates out of Curaçao in the early 19th century.
Once at Baya (also called Tugboat Beach), this rock and coral covered beach provides the launch site for snorkeling to a purposely sunken tugboat a few yards offshore. A guide leads visitors to an underwater world yielding big healthy elkhorn corals, purple sea fans, and sponges. As if in an aquarium, stealthy blue tang, curious trumpetfish, and angelfish flurry in and out of the tug boat crevices.
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Explore Curaçao Like a Local – Travel Guide
Beaches
With 38 beaches in Curaçao, choosing which one to visit can be a challenge. Beach hopping is a favorite pastime, and each offers its own unique experience. Some feature vast stretches of sand with swaying palm trees, ideal for relaxation, while others provide a wide range of activities such as jet skiing and windsurfing for those seeking adventure.
Cas Abou Beach, renowned for its scenic beauty and voted one of the 21 best beaches in the world, is a popular choice. It boasts an expansive white sandy beach, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of shade from palm trees.
For kiteboarders, Sint Joris Bay Beach is the most active. With clear waters and a rocky backdrop, it’s the perfect spot to watch kiteboarders perform tricks or to learn how to kiteboard yourself.
Klein Curacao is a designated nature reserve on an outlying island and is a popular destination for diving and snorkeling. There are several tour operators that offer a variety of options for visiting this uninhabited island.
The Sunset, Swim, and BBQ tour offers a relaxing catamaran excursion for those eager to explore Klein Curacao. Upon arrival, visitors can choose to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, sunbathe on the soft sands, or explore the island’s iconic pink lighthouse, wrecks and ruins. The tour includes an extensive BBQ lunch buffet on board the catamaran and as you sail back towards Curacao, you’ll be treated to a mesmerizing Sunset Cruise along the island’s east coast. The attentive crew pampers guests with refreshing drinks and vibrant music, creating the perfect ambiance for an unforgettable evening.
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Klein Curacao Sunset Cruise with Open Bar and BBQ
The Adventure Day Trip tour the leaves in the morning, should you prefer an earlier start to your day.
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Klein Curacao Adventure Day Trip
Explore Curaçao Like a Local – Travel Guide
Hato Caves
The geological history of Curaçao is evident in the 300,000-year-old Hato Caves. The Hato Caves provides access to awe-inspiring marine coral limestone formations, small waterfalls, and a colony of long-nose fruit bats. Petroglyphs depicting ancient tribal life, estimated to be approximately 1500 years old, are visible on the cave walls.
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Hato Caves, Turtles & Beach tour
Chobolobo
No visit to the island is complete without a stop at Chobolobo. This 17th-century plantation house Chobolobo distillery offers visitors a chance to experience the production and distillation of the famous blue-colored liquor, Blue Curaçao. This liquor is made from the dried peels of the unique Laraha orange, a bitter citrus fruit native to Curaçao.
After the island was conquered in 1499, the Spaniards intended to develop agriculture and brought Valencia orange plants with them from Spain. However, the blazing sun and arid climate rendered the sweet Valencia orange bitter and inedible. Growers began experimenting with the new Laraha orange, determined not to waste their crops. By thoroughly drying the peels in the sun, they produced an oil with an extraordinarily pleasing fragrance. After some experimentation, Blue Curaçao was created. One of the many ways to enjoy this tasty liquor is by mixing it with rum, vodka, and pineapple juice to create a delightful Blue Curaçao cocktail.
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Curacao Liquor Distillery Tour
Curaçao Ostrich Farm
A visit to the Curacao Ostrich Farm, one of the largest breeding farms outside of Africa, is a must. The farm is home to 400 ostriches, ranging from chicks to adults. Visitors can take part in a jeep safari to learn everything about ostriches, from egg to adult. Originally established to export ostrich eggs, chicks, and meat to South America, the farm has proved to be an educational experience for both young and old alike.
ATV Tour
Another popular pastime is embarking on an exhilarating ATV tour. Get off the beaten path and enjoy the spectacular viewpoints without crowds. This tour makes stops at the Aloe Vera Plantation, as well as the the Ostrich Farm, Playa Kanoa Beach, and an opportunity to explore a cave.
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Curacao Half Day ATV East Adventure Tour
With its white sand beaches and year-round tropical warmth, it’s hard not to feel happy on this island. Curaçao is a place where visitors can sip Blue Curaçao on the beach after a day filled with new cultural experiences and exciting adventures.
If you love adventure travel and off the beaten path destinations, visit and my blog boulevardsandbyways.com when planning your next trip.
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Danki, (thank you in Papiamentu) for taking the time to read this article.