Beach, Water Activities, Tours and Excursions
There is so much to see and do but so little time…Pick, choose, plan ahead and make it all happen!
Beach Gems – No two beaches are alike in Curaçao; each one is a magnet for ocean lovers on this island of many “bokas.” Swim, surf, snorkel or stroll these private and public beaches for a different experience each and every time.
Klein Curaçao – Take a 2 hour boat trip to this deserted island for solitude, privacy and the only white sand beach in the area. www.bountyadventures.com
Curaçao Sea Aquarium Park – Get up close and personal with Curaçao’s finest underwater gems without even getting wet.
Scuba Diving – Descend into the depths of this island’s live underwater home and garden for the experience of a lifetime and see for yourself why Curaçao is renowned for its many varied diving sites.
Water Activities – Opportunity to enjoy a favorite water sport or try something new abound on the beaches of Curacao. Take your pick…jet ski, kite surf, wind surf, kayak, swim with the dolphins… and build a memory that’ll last a lifetime.
Sailing and Boat Tours – Book an organized tour and set sail in the Caribbean waters that surround this diamond in the ruff. Prepare to let the pampering begin.
Christoffel Park – A treasure just 20 minutes outside Willemstad. Take a guided walking tour, or rent mountain bikes, jeeps and four-wheel drive vehicles.
Hato Caves – Take a walking tour and listen to stories of days gone by.
Bike, Cycle, Scooter and Horseback Ride – Plan an off the beaten path tour of the island. Much of Curacao’s distinctive beauty can’t be reached through regular modes of transportation. Move through miles of Curaçao’s exhilarating backdrop hoisted on the wheels (or horse!) of your choice. We suggest you consider one or more of these to really experience the rugged terrain and exceptional landscape.
Curacao Guided Walking or Bus Tours – If you can think it there’s a tour for it! City walks, nature tours and hiking too! Art & museum, architecture, plantation houses, real estate, Jewish heritage, wine-tasting tours and more.
Annual Festivals and Events
With year round idyllic weather there is ample opportunity to hold outdoor activities and competitions. Register to participate or simply drop by and watch…
The Salsa Tour – Six days of salsa concerts, competitions, workshops and performances in six different indoor and outdoor locations. For information call Heinrich (+599-9) 511-0586 or Sharief (+5999) 516 2223
Heineken Regatta Curaçao – The Regatta starts and finishes in Willemstad on the handelskade so everyone on and offshore can enjoy the Regatta’s beauty. For information email info@heinekenregattacuracao.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Drag Racing – Located at Ronde Kip Curaçao International Raceway is a state-of-the-art track. Come out on Queen’s Day or Labor Day to observe large-scale competitions and watch as international competitors win large cash prizes. For more information visit www.curacaodrag.com
Amstel Race – The Amstel Curaçao Race attracts some very big names in the cycling world. The race is open to both pros and amateurs and offers a variety of festivities the week leading up to the race. This is an annual event. For more information visit www.amstelcuracaorace.com
Carnaval – Carnaval is the most important cultural festival of the Antilles where spirits soar and the soul of the people of this island comes alive in street parties, theater, folklore and history. For dates and times toll free1-800-328-7222 or visit info@curacaocarnival.com
North Sea Jazz Festival – This is a renowned international event. The festival receives approximately seventy thousand visitors annually where international jazz, soul, world beat and Latin artists perform. For more information visit www.curacaonorthseajazz.com
Curaçao Museums
Curaçao has a lively history chock -full of cultural, social, political and economical changes that have been well recorded and maintained…
The Curaçao Museum, housed in a spacious colonial style building, holds geological and pre-Colombian Indian artifacts; maps and charts, a traditional plantation kitchen; antique mahogany furniture (18th and 19th century) and more. Phone: + (5999) 462 3873
Den Paradera means “the place where you feel at home” and it is home to a garden that was begun one plant at a time by Dinah Veeris in 1991. Veeris’ study of and research into the ancient secrets of healing herbs is preserved here. Phone: + (5999) 767 5608
Kurà Hulanda Museum situated exactly where Dutch entrepreneurs traded and shipped African slaves, demonstrates how African and other cultures have influenced Curaçaoan and Caribbean societies. Here the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade is impressively retold through exhibits that span from slave capture in Africa all the way through relocation in the New World. Phone: + (5999) 434 7765
Maritime Museum Historically, Curaçao’s strategic location and natural harbor made it a major seafaring and commercial center. The museum, situated in a beautifully restored 17th century building exhibits include antique miniatures and 17th century ship models and maps, some even dating back to 1500. Phone: + (5999) 465-2327
Mongui Maduro Library This museum presents a fascinating retelling of history with Mr. Maduro’s comprehensive collection of manuscripts, periodicals and so more. New publications are constantly acquired and added making this museum a wonderful source of information on the historical evolution of the island. Phone: + (5999) 737 5119
The Numismatic Museum Numismatics is the study of or collection of currency. The exhibit here illustrates the evolution of the Antillean currency. It is owned and operated by the Bank of the Netherlands Antilles. Phone: + (5999) 462 5912 / 434
Savonet Museum Very recently opened this is the newest museum offering in Curacao. The historical plantation complex is an experience for the entire family where the running theme is the interdependence of humans and nature. Portal to Cristoffel park.Tel: + (5999) 864-0363
Landhuisen and Forts
The plantation houses in Curaçao boast colorful, decorative designs and tropical architecture that are unique in the Caribbean. Some you might want to visit are…
Landhuis Brakkeput May May, circa 1700, phone: + (5999) 767 1500
Landhuis Brievengat, 1750, phone: + (5999) 691 4961
Landhuis Chobolobo, early 19th century, phone: + (5999) 461 3526
Landhuis Daniel, circa 1650, phone: + (5999) 864 8400
Landhuis Groot Davelaar, 1865, phone: + (5999) 738 3300
Landhuis Knip, early 18th century, phone: + (5999) 864 0244
Landhuis Jan Cook, 1840, phone: + (5999) 869 4965
Landhuis Zeelandia, late 18th century, phone: + (5999) 461 6191
During the colonial period Curaçao was a treasured outpost, eight of these forts still remain. These are four of them…
Fort Amsterdam, 1635 – A recognized UNESCO World Heritage site
Fort Beekenburg, 1703 – The island’s most preserved colonial structure
Fort Nassau, 1797 – Houses a restaurant and is highly visited by tourists
The Riffort, 1828 – Home to shops, restaurants, bars and scenic terraces
Artists and Art Galleries
Curaçao is home to many talented artists, painters, photographers, sculptors and designers; view and/or purchase some of their handiwork here…
Kas di Alma Blou – Papiamentu for “Home of the Blue Soul.” Relax and absorb the Curaçao expression of art. Otrobanda, Willemstad Phone: + (5999) 462 8896
Open Atelier – More than an art gallery – Open Atelier is a platform for the development of local talent. Mahuma, Willemstad Phone + (5999) 868 6027
Ritz Gallery – Housed in what was once an ice cream factory, here you will find large stone statues and a shipping depot should you decide to buy. Scharloo, Willemstad Phone: + (5999) 465-9950
Mon Art Gallery – Various exhibits of local artists and artisans covering everything from jewelry to ceramics to mixed media. Otrobanda, Willemstad Phone: + (5999) 462 2977
No Comment