Journey Information to the Island of Curaçao; Issues to Do + See

Have you ever ever considered visiting the island of Curaçao? This Dutch Caribbean island is an absolute gem and provides a lot greater than I anticipated. The seashores are beautiful, the structure is wonderful and don’t even get me began on the meals which has each European and West Indian influences.

What nation owns the Island of Curaçao and the place is it?

Curaçao is without doubt one of the three ABC Islands and whereas it’s a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it’s an autonomous island with its personal functioning authorities.

It’s positioned within the Southern Caribbean sea close to  it’s sister islands, Aruba and Bonaire. Curaçao is the largest of the three islands that are all in shut proximity to the coast of Venezuela.

The ABC Islands are additionally a part of a sequence of islands known as the Leeward Antilles.

What’s the island of Curaçao recognized for?

The island of Curaçao is most recognized for it’s assortment of breathtaking seashores.  With greater than 40 seashores dotted alongside the coast, you’ll undoubtedly discover one that you simply love. Lots of the seashores are located in coves creating a peaceful shoreline to wade into and the just about 12 months spherical commerce winds will assist hold you cool.

The island may be very distinctive in that’s has influences from numerous cultures together with Dutch, African and Latin American.

Curaçao is conveniently positioned outdoors the hurricane belt, making it a strong alternative for a low stress trip.

Issues to know earlier than you Go

Languages:

Curaçao’s native language is Papiamentu which is a Creole mix of African, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, French, English, and Arawak Indian.

The official languages in Curaçao are Dutch, Papiamentu, and English.

Key phrases and phrases:

• Danki : Thank You
• Masha Danki : Thanks very a lot
• Bon bini : Welcome
• Bon Dia : Good day
• Mi dushi : My love
• Ayo : Goodbye
• Di nada : You’re welcome

Foreign money:

Netherlands Antillean guilder.

Shops:

The outlet scenario is a bit complicated. I had learn that the retailers had been the identical as American, however my plugs didn’t work within the retailers once I arrived. Fortunately the lodge gave me adapters so it labored out effective, however undoubtedly attain out to the place you’re staying earlier than hand so you already know what you want to carry with you.

Finest Time to Go:

Curaçao actually is a 12 months spherical vacation spot.  The island lies outdoors the hurricane belt and has one of many lowest possibilities of getting hit by a hurricane out of the entire Caribbean islands.

Like most Caribbean locations, the height season for tourism in Curaçao is usually from mid December to mid April. Throughout the remainder of the 12 months journey prices for flights and lodging might be decrease.

Common Temperature :

Common excessive temperatures on the island of Curaçao are within the 80’s and low 90’s and the common lows are within the mid 70s.

Inhabitants:

Round 160,000 individuals reside on the island of Curaçao.

 Authorized Ingesting Age :

The authorized consuming age in Curaçao is eighteen years outdated.

Present Entry Necessities

Present entry necessities from the US to Curaçao are as acknowledged by the Curaçao Vacationer Board:

Vacationers must be in possession of:

• Your passport should not be greater than 10 years outdated.
• Your passport should be legitimate for the entire of your keep.
• You have to have proof you could return to your nation of departure, or transit by one other nation. This might be a passport, residence allow or visa.
• You’ll be able to present proof of the explanation to your keep. As an example, a lodge reservation or an invite from household or associates.
• You have to have the funds for to cowl your keep and another bills.
• You have to have legitimate medical insurance coverage or journey insurance coverage that covers medical bills. The insurance coverage should present protection for medical bills and embrace hospital care, emergency therapy and repatriation (together with within the occasion of loss of life).
• You have to not be thought-about a risk to public order, public well being, nationwide safety or worldwide relations.

Fill Out your Digital Immigration Card

The Curaçao Digital Immigration Card could be discovered right here.

Present proof a Unfavourable Covid Take a look at

All vacationers should have the ability to current a licensed adverse results of a COVID-19 PCR-test taken inside 72 hours of departure from an accredited laboratory. The traveler should carry a printed proof of a adverse PCR-test in addition to add it to www.dicardcuracao.com previous to departure.

Present proof of a Unfavourable Antigen check on day three of journey.

Antigen testing requirement: Vacationers arriving to Curaçao from excessive danger international locations who haven’t been recognized with COVID-19 within the final six months might be required to take an antigen check at a neighborhood laboratory on the third day of their keep. For extra data, please go to www.dicardcuracao.com.

Please be sure to verify the Curaçao Vacationer Board Web site and the CDC to remain updated earlier than your journey.

Is it Costly to Go to the Island of Curaçao?

Coming from NYC, that is all the time a troublesome query for me to reply. Just about the whole lot is cheaper than NYC.

I don’t assume that Curaçao is essentially a “low-cost” island to go to. There are definitely others that may value you much less. Nonetheless, I wasn’t in search of out low-cost eats or doing a price range journey on this event. Foods and drinks costs appeared to be fairly comparable or barely lower than what I might pay for a meal of equal high quality within the U.S. (outdoors of NYC).

Getting Across the Island of Curaçao

Lease a Automobile

Renting a automobile is the most suitable choice for exploring Curacao. They drive on the suitable facet of the street which is a plus for us People.

Take the Bus

The general public transportation on Curaçao may be very restricted –  the island bus firm known as Autobus Bedrijf.

Take a Taxi

At the moment there aren’t any trip sharing providers, however you’ll be able to name a taxi.

Issues to do in Willemstad, Curacao

Go on a Strolling tour by Willemstad (Punda, Otrobanda & Scharloo).

The historic metropolis of Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage website and should see in your time on Curacao.

Otrobanda

Otrobanda is without doubt one of the most historic and necessary quarters of Willemstad. The district was developed within the 18th century and picked up within the early nineteenth century when the as soon as walled metropolis of Punda turned overpopulated. You it’s crammed with murals painted by native artists which you’ll be able to take pleasure in in your exploration.

Punda

Punda district can simply be explored on foot and is residence to a number of the metropolis’s greatest sights together with the Queen Emma Floating Bridge, Wilhelmina Plaza, the Governor’s Mansion and extra.

Scharloo

Scharloo is the place you’ll uncover distinctive structure, historical past and most iconic monuments, together with artwork murals by native and worldwide artists. You’ll see how neighborhood revitalization is happening and the way it’s positively impacting the realm.

Wander the Pietermaii District.

The historic Pietermaii District is a energetic space full or eating places, outlets, bars and extra to take pleasure in.  That is the place Avila Seashore Resort, Miles Jazz Cafe and Saint Tropez Ocean Membership and Suites are positioned.

Marvel on the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge.

The Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge is a pedestrian solely bridge that connects the 2 ends of Willemstad, Punda and Otrobanda. It was fairly cool to witness the bridge swing open to look at boats sail by.

Store on the Floating Market.

South American goodies are introduced over by boat from Venezuela to the island of Curaçao. Store for tropical vegatables and fruits or recent caught fish!

See wonderful Avenue Artwork.

There’s a lot stunning avenue artwork to see in Willemstad! Take a strolling tour to totally admire it.

Go to Queen Wilhelmina Park.

Queen Wilhelmina Park is a small park within the metropolis of Willemstad. That is the place you’ll discover the enormous “Curaçao” signal!

Go to Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue.

That is the oldest surviving synagogue within the Western Hemisphere. It’s a serious vacationer attraction on the island of Curaçao and has sand protecting the within flooring of the construction.

See Fort Amsterdam.

Fort Amsterdam was inbuilt 1635 and  used as a base and navy fort for the Dutch West Indian Firm. In current day it’s  used as a authorities constructing.

Attend a Competition or Occasion on the island of Curaçao. (These occasions will not be occurring in 2021)

• Curacao North Sea Jazz Competition
• Carnival
• Pietermaai Pagara XXL
• Fuikdag
• Professional-Am Golf Match
• Curaçao Restaurant Week

Issues to do on the Island of Curaçao

Go to the west facet of Curaçao island.

Westpunt, or Bándabou in Papiamentu, is the agricultural, western a part of the island. This space is residence to a number of the most stunning seashores in Curaçao, in addition to Shete Boka Nationwide Park and varied plantation homes.

Cease at Shete Boka Nationwide Park.

See awe-inspiring waves at Shete Boka Nationwide Park. The rugged limestone topography has been carved by the highly effective crashing waves. It makes for a terrific photograph opp!

Go kayaking at Playa Piskadó.

Kayaking in Curaçao was one of many highlights of my journey! It’s all the time good to those issues from a unique perspective and the water is simply so calm and blue!

Playa Piskadó is thought for his or her crystal clear waters, sea turtles and colleges of fish. You’ll see numerous small fishing boats right here as effectively.

Cease for unbelievable photographs at Playa Kenepa.

Playa Kenepa is constantly rated Curaçao’s No. 1 seaside. It’s positioned on the western tip of the island in a much less populated and quieter area, it could really feel like you’ve the whole place to your self.

Go to Den Paradera.

‘Den Paradera,’ is a singular backyard on the japanese facet of the island. It was based by Curaçao’s hottest herbalist Dinah Veeris. Lots of the substances present in Dinah’s merchandise really originate from her backyard. Along with the massive numbers of medicinal and helpful herbs grown for manufacturing, the backyard additionally serves an academic operate on the island. Vacationers, in addition to college kids, typically go to to achieve data of the island’s wildlife, and to be amazed by Dinah’s use of herbs.

This was a extremely fascinating tour and I even purchased a jar of a few of right here clay face masks to take residence!

Tour and pattern on the Chobolobo Liquor Manufacturing unit.

“Landhuis Chobolobo” is  a nineteenth century mansion is a singular landmark with colonial structure that exudes a Caribbean appeal. You’ll be able to take a tour by the Curaçao liquor distillery to be taught in regards to the  historical past of Blue Curaçao, in addition to hear about its’ distillation course of.

There’s a bar on the finish so you’ll be able to pattern and style the liquor in some cocktails (or on it’s personal should you desire!).

Go Diving or Snorkeling.

In Curaçao you’ll be able to discover reefs and see underwater wildlife 12 months spherical! There are a number of the high diving places:

• Tugboat
• Watamula
• Director’s Bay
• Beacon Level

Go Seashore Hopping.

There are greater than 30 seashores accessible by automobile and much more by boat!

• Playa Forti
• Playa Kenepa
• Playa Piskado
• Cas Abao Seashore
• Playa Kalki
• Klein Curacao

See the Pigs at Playa Porti.

You’ll be able to go to Playa Porti for some leisure on the sand and also you may get fortunate and see the pigs!

Go mountaineering at Christoffel Nationwide Park.

That is the largest and most numerous park on the island of Curaçao. There are 8 totally different trails to select from! You too can go on a tour, see loads of wildlife or go to the Savonet Museum.

Take photographs at Santa Martha Viewpoint.

The Santa Martha viewpoint is positioned close to the deserted Sundown Waters Resort.

See wild Flamingos at Jan Kok.

It was so cool to see these wonderful pink flamingos of their pure habitat! We pulled over throughout from the Jan Kok Lodges close to Saliña Sint Marie, the salt flats on the southern facet of the street heading towards Playa Portomari to get a fast look.

Discover the Hato Caves.

The Hato Caves are positioned close to the airport and are greater than 300,000 years outdated!

See Fort Beekenburg.

Take a day journey to Klein Curacao.

Klein Curaçao or ‘little Curaçao’ is an uninhabited island the place you’ll be able to take a look at a lighthouse and shipwrecks, snorkel and benefit from the quiet seaside.

Go to Jan Thiel Seashore.

The place to Keep; Resorts, Resorts, Airbnbs

Mondi Lodge

Mondi Lodge is an eco-friendly tropical sanctuary the place you get up each morning in a colourful palapa to the attractive sounds of singing birds. The massive, tropical backyard is crammed with stunning flowers and native wildlife resembling iguanas, lizards, hummingbirds, parakeets and land crabs. And should you’re fortunate you’ll be able to see neighboring flamingos fly over to their nesting space!

The plush property has a shared out of doors kitchen and a pool with seating round it.

Every day began with a tasty, complimentary, do-it-yourself breakfast. Someday I had coconut pancakes with edible flowers on high and the subsequent day I had an egg and cheese scramble. It was all the time made with a lot love!

The workers at Mondi Lodge are so pleasant and I adored the communal environment.

Boho Bohemian Boutique Resort 

I handed by this lodge whereas strolling within the Pietermaii District and it seemed tremendous cute!

Desires Curacao Resort

I didn’t keep at this property, however I’ve stayed on the Desires property in Tulum and it was pretty!

Coral Property Luxurious Resort

We visited this advanced to eat lunch at Karkater and had been blown away by the beautiful waterfront location. The property is immaculate, the meals is scrumptious and the infinity pool is to die for!

Papagayo Seashore Resort

At Papagayo Seashore Resort you’ll be able to keep in trendy rooms, suites, 2 bed room or 3 bed room villas. There are two swimming pools, loads of assembly area and a seaside membership with a restaurant.

Bijblauw Boutique Resort

BijBlauw is an oceanfront boutique lodge with a restaurant, bar and idea retailer positioned in Pietermaai.

Baoase Luxurious Resort

Uncover final luxurious and magnificence at Baoase boutique resort. The 23 suites and rooms boast trendy facilities resembling a a Sonos sound system,  turndown service, ipad mini, good television and a lot extra!

Avila Seashore Resort

Avila Seashore Resort is the oldest working lodge on the island of Curaçao!  The unique constructing of the lodge, the Belle Alliance (now most important entrance and foyer) was constructed round 1780. The lodge has been renovated and up to date many instances since then and is now a multi faceted property providing varied varieties of lodging in addition to trendy facilities.

Avila Seashore Resort has two non-public seashores, an infinity pool, health middle, museum, spa and even their very own 1926 Rolls Royce which you’ll be able to lease to to tour town of Willemstad!

Avila Seashore Resort

The place to Eat; Eating places, Bars and Cafes

 Marshe Bieu

The ethereal Plasa Bieu market is located within the coronary heart of Punda in Willemstad. It’s a rustic market with picnic tables & counters with open kitchens. That is the place to seek out krioyo soul cooking and a variety of native dishes. The substances are bought every day to ensure recent, appetizing meals. Among the favourite dishes embrace stewed salted pork tails, bòkel (salted mackerel), kabes ku higra (head and liver stew), kadushi (cactus soup), bonchi kòra (purple kidney bean soup) and iguana soup. Dishes are served with rice and beans, funchi (polenta), mashed potatoes or French fries.

Beware: the meals could be pika pika (spicy)! Throughout your keep go to to Plasa Bieu, you too can wander round and ask for the specialties in addition to odor the aromas earlier than ordering. Whereas wanting round, you’ll typically see happy expressions on the shoppers’ faces.

Zanzibar Seashore & Restaurant at Jan Thiel Seashore

Zanzibar Seashore & restaurant is positioned on the japanese a part of the island at Jan Thiel Seashore, you’ll find the charming Zanzibar Seashore & Restaurant. Because the identify implies, the bar and the restaurant radiate the heat and coziness of East Africa. Between the beachfront location, breezy palapas and scrumptious meals (the pizza is nice), you’re positive to take pleasure in your evening in Jan Thiel.

 Karkater

At this west facet restaurant, you’ll take pleasure in a scrumptious choice of tapas and sandwiches. The lounge chairs, hammocks and cushions, paired with wonderful white sand and blue sea full the final word Caribbean expertise.

 Maira’s Kitchen

Maira’s Kitchen is impressed by the flavors of the Mediterranean however with a neighborhood, distinctly Curaçaoan contact. Identified for his or her stews, pasta, fish, meat and veggie dishes, there are additionally extra conventional choices like a hamburger.

Mambo Seashore

Hemingway

A seaside bar and restaurant positioned at Lions Dive Resort serving worldwide and Caribbean meals.

Quantity 10

This glorious little café serves recent, easy breakfasts and lunches from a restored mansion on the attractive grounds of Landhuis Bloemhof, essentially the most imaginative artwork gallery within the nation. Stroll across the property (be sure you cease on the spectacular Cathedral of Thorns), then unwind within the restaurant courtyard to take pleasure in scrumptious espresso surrounded by native bushes and birds.

Kokomo Seashore

Kokomo seaside is positioned at Vaarsenbaai alongside a lovely pure bay on the street to Bullenbaai. With its surfers edge and in-water swings, Kokomo Seashore is a well-liked spot to catch the sundown and seize a chew to eat.

Foods and drinks it is best to strive in Curacao:

• Keshi Yena
• Bitterballen
• Oliebollen
• Funchi or Tutu
• Stroopwafels
• Stoba
• Poffertjes
• Blue Curaçao Liquer
• Giambo
• Karni Stoba
• Iguana

What to Pack for a visit to the island of Curaçao:

• Mild clothes
• Bathing fits
• clothes
• hats + sun shades
• 1 mild sweater or denim jacket
• Backpack
• Bug repellent
• Sunscreen
• Snorkel gear

Are you able to ferry to the opposite ABC Islands?

Sadly there aren’t any ferry providers connecting the ABC islands. There was talks about creating a quick ferry between them, however this has not materialized but. 

Issues to do in Bonaire

• Bonaire Nationwide Marine Park
• Go to 1000 steps seaside
• Go to the Donkey Sanctuary
• Go Diving
• Klein Bonaire

Issues to do in Aruba

• Arikok Nationwide Park
• Go to Eagle Seashore
• Aruba’s Pure Pool
• Aruba Aloe Manufacturing unit
• Palm Seashore
• Go on an ATV Tour