Curacao Mini Travel Guide
Your Mini Travel Guide For Curaçao!
Welcome to the Tropical Paradise of Curaçao!
Curacao, nestled among the Dutch Caribbean ABC islands alongside Aruba and Bonaire, stands out as the largest and perhaps the most vibrant of this trio.
Why Curacao?
Dive into a world of possibilities on this island gem. Curacao offers a diverse range of attractions and activities, enveloped in the quintessential Caribbean island getaway vibe; relaxed, tranquil, warm, and inviting.
Picture palm trees swaying, stunning beaches with turquoise waters for swimming, snorkeling, or diving, abundant sunshine, and lush greenery. Curacao is renowned for its scenic views, white sandy beaches, and rich history.
As we bid farewell to summer, let's turn our gaze toward a tropical Christmas break! It has become a family tradition for us to escape the chilly European holiday season and seek refuge on a faraway island. After exploring destinations like Sri Lanka, Cabo Verde, Cuba, Mexico, the Maldives, and Aruba, we found winter solace in the Caribbean haven of Curacao last year.
If you're planning a warm and sunny vacation this winter, this mini travel guide to Curacao is just what you need!
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Practical Information About Curaçao
Optimal Moments to Embrace Curacao's Charm
In the realm of Curacao, choosing the right time to visit involves a subtle distinction between popularity and perfection. While December to April marks the high season, with an influx of sun-seekers escaping winter in their home countries, the truly ideal months unfold from February to November.
The allure of December to April lies in the universal winter season, attracting a bustling crowd to the island. For some, the vibrant atmosphere during this period is a delightful spectacle.
Regardless of when you decide to indulge in the Caribbean charm, temperatures remain consistently inviting, ranging between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius. Even during October, November, and December the wetter months, the rainfall is mild. Having traversed the ABC islands multiple times during the high season, I can attest to the rarity of encountering rain.
Navigating the Island: Getting Around Curacao
Exploring Curacao is a breeze, offering various transportation options. Whether you opt for organized tours, hotel shuttles to nearby cities, or local transportation, each method has its merits.
However, for the utmost freedom and cost-effectiveness, renting a car reigns supreme. Given that Uber is yet to grace Curacao, and regular taxis can be relatively pricey, having your own wheels is the savvy choice. The island's manageable distances, favorable conditions, and numerous scenic routes make driving a car the ideal way to uncover hidden gems at your own pace and comfort.
Money
The local currency is the Antillean Guilde, you can also pay your way using US Dollars.
Visa
You may not need a visa to enter Curacao however, there are requirements you need to comply with so check that locally, before booking your ticket. Don’t forget to make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months!
Before you book your trip, don’t forget to check out my
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Vitamin Sea Curaçao Style
Where To Stay In Curaçao
There are beautiful resorts and hotels on the island to choose from!
There are also Airbnb apartments available, personally, I am not a fan of this type of accommodation so my recommendations will be for hotels and all-inclusive resorts.
Willemstad, Mambo Beach, and the Jan Thiel area are the best areas to stay at. We chose to stay in the area of Willemstad, not too far from Mambo beach.
The Mangrove Beach Corendon All-inclusive Resort Curio by Hilton is absolutely amazing!
Check it out and reserve directly HERE
For more resort options to browse through and admire CLICK HERE!
Top Things To See And Do In Curaçao
Beautiful Willemstad
Visit Willemstad: This is the capital of the island, do not miss spending at least one day exploring it! The city is beautifully colorful showcasing its colonial architecture and history in a variety of bright colors and monumental buildings.
Things to see in Willemstad ~
Cross the Queen Emma Bridge into the city center while admiring the gorgeous panoramic views.
Wander the streets and alleys to soak in the local culture, music, and atmosphere.
Take a break and have a drink or a bite in one of the cozy cafes and restaurants.
Visit the one-of-kind sand-floored, 17th-century Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue.
Have afternoon drinks in the harbor overlooking the water.
Hire E-scooters with Iguanaride, and go on a guided tour through town including the outskirts where the true magic of Willemstad can be found.
Book a walking tour with the amazing Jacqueline from Dundu Tours! There are pretty neighborhoods to explore, folklore tales to be heard, and gorgeous murals to see. Each mural holds a story within sharing a message about the community in which it stands.
Enjoy street art in the Otro Banda neighboorhood.
Street art in Willemstad
The Jewish synagogue
Take a boat trip to Klein Curacao ~ This smaller uninhabitable island is breathtaking! It is where the water is crazy blue and the sand white. You can spend the day walking around and see the shipwrecks and the lighthouse. You can swim and snorkel and sunbathe. Be aware, there is nothing on the island. Make sure to bring everything with you that you need like food, drinks, and sunscreen.
The boat ride takes about 2 hours each way, and it can get rough on the way over. If you suffer from seasickness be prepared and choose your boat day carefully.
Klein Curaçao
The shipwreck on Klein Curaçao
Klein Curacao
There are many fun activities to do in Curacao. My go-to tour operator is GetYourGuide. I have booked day trips and short activities with them in a number of countries, and their guides have always been reliable, knowledgeable, and professional. Their tours offer great value for money!
Click to browse and book tours directly below
Best beaches to visit ~
Cas Abao: This is a true gem on the southwest coast of Curaçao. It is a full-service beach and it is gorgeous! Turquoise water, white sandy beach, palm trees, and marine life.
Playa Piskado: This is a small fishing beach with a pier. This beach is popular for snorkeling and if you’re lucky, swimming with sea turtles!
Playa Porto Marie: This spectacular beach is located in a white sandy bay offering panoramic views and for extra fun, pigs like to wander the area and engage.
Mambo Beach: A hip and trendy beach day and night. Lots of fun beach clubs to hang around in during the day, and a happening night scene.
Blue Bay
Grote-Klein Knip: Translated from Dutch, it means big and small Knip, two beaches close to each other. Beautiful snorkeling to be had here.
Playa Grand
Playa Jeremi
Play Forti: This was one of my favorites! Sitting in the restaurant on the top of the cliff, looking down at the beach and the water was sensational. We even spotted sea turtles from the top. Cliff jumping is also popular here.
Visit the salt pans in Jan Tiel ~ A beautiful area perfect for bird watching and walking routes to explore. In the shallow waters, you might get lucky and see the flamingos up close.
A great spot to watch the wild flamingos is at the salt lake of Jan Kok. Here you have a great observation viewing point, usually, there are many flamingos to see here.
Watching flamingo’s in Jan Kok
Boca Tabala is a nature park where you can enjoy fun outdoor activities and wonderful island views.
Go on an AquaSafari!
Food Tips!