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History of Curaçao



Things to do in Curaçao
You can be active outdoors in Curaçao year-round and enjoy many beautiful and exciting attractions. Discover all that Curaçao has to offer you!Beaches

- Playa Forti is perfect for thrill seekers and allows visitors to jump off a ten-meter high cliff into the water below.
- Kenepa Beach is a small cove with lots of white sand and shade located on the west side of the island. It is one of the prettiest beaches on the island. If you venture to the drop-off near the cliffs you may see gorgonian coral, small caves, and schools of fingerling fish. Kenepa Beach is comprised of Playa Kenepa Grandi (Grote Knip) and Playa Kenepa Chiki (Klein Knip). It is also very popular with the locals
- Playa Porto Marie is located on the west coast on the private estate of Plantages Porto Mari. It has a beautiful bay with a white coral beach and calm water. Access the unique double reef from the shore for an interesting snorkel or dive. There are also three nature trails which start in the beach’s parking lot for hiking or biking.
- Cas Abao Beach has a white sandy beach and crystal-clear waters for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. There are many palm trees and gazebos for shade set in a country setting with all the conveniences of a full-service beach.
- Playa Lagun is set in a small bay on the northwest of the island near the village of Lagoon (Lagun). It is a good starting point for snorkeling. There are concrete huts for shelter
- Playa Piscado, also known as Playa Grandi, is a fascinating dive site near Westpunt. It is translated as “Fisherman’s Beach.” The waters are covered with amazing fields of corals, turtles, trumpet fish, and snappers. Swim in the waters to view the statue of King Neptune as he watches over his underwater kingdom. Locals anchor their boats off-shore and sell the daily catch on the small dock. The fish remains attracted the turtles who became residents of the beach and can also be viewed in the shallow water about five meters deep.
- Playa Jeremi is near Willemstad and it is a narrow and picturesque cove that is not very crowded most days. You can reach the beach via uneven steps cut into the rocks from the parking area. This beach has a different sand structure in the water that is composed of tiny lava stones.
- Blue Bay Beach is a wide, sandy beach with sparkling blue water and palm trees. It is approximately ten minutes from Willemstad with restaurants, watersports, and other amenities available.
- Daaibooi Beach is a quite beach with shallow water that is perfect for snorkeling. There are some palapas available for shade. This beach was formerly used as a harbor for boats that collected salt at nearby plantations before the salt was transferred to Willemstad as cargo for Europe. There are old walls that the Dutch settlers used to protect the bay.
- Kokomo Beach is located near Willemstad and is the perfect beach to enjoy a quiet beach day. There are lounges and arguably the best beach chairs on the island. There is also a professional dive center that will help you explore the remarkable underwater world.
- Playa Kalki is located near Westpunt and has a sandy beach with limestone cliffs. Kalki means limestone in Papiamentu. Explore the mushroom-shaped, white coral and limestone formations which gave the beach the nickname as the “Alice in Wonderland” beach.
- Playa Boka Santu Pretu is a secluded beach and one of the few with black sand on the island.
- Mambo Beach is located on the Caribbean and represents urban living at its best. There is a white sandy beach, a variety of restaurants, watersports, entertainment, and unique island shops. The official name of Mambo Beach is Seaquarium Beach and it is separated into two sections, the westside with more formalized seating arrangements and the more relaxed eastside.
- Jan Thiel Beach is located near Willemstad. There is not a lot of sand but beachgoers lounge on cement quays near the open bay. Enjoy the semi-closed wading area that is similar to a swimming pool. There are four unique restaurants, beach tennis, diving, flyboarding, and deep-sea fishing available for your enjoyment.
- Playa Santa Cruz is located near Lagoon (or Lagun). It is a wide beach with beach cabins.
- Cabana Beach, also known as Kontiki Beach, has azure waters, beautiful palm trees, and live entertainment. Enjoy the large umbrellas with colored lights at the restaurant and lounge. Enjoy watersports, shopping, and scuba diving. There is a wave breaker which tames the surf and calms the sea for children to play in the water.
- Playa Gipy is located on the northern tip of the island and it is close to the village of Westpunt. The beach is rocky and small though it is often visited by loggerhead sea turtles.
Water Sport Activities

- The Tugboat is a famous diving and snorkeling location which is only five meters below the surface. It accidentally sand and is now home to many different fish.
- The Blue Room is a hidden cave that is located slightly below sea level. Inside the cave, the blue water reflects sunlight on the ceiling and walls.
- Dolphin Academy Curaçao has trained dolphins that you can swim with, even in the wild if you have a diver’s certificate. Without a certificate, you can remain in the natural lagoon.
- The Underwater Marine Park was established in 1983 and is located off the southeast coast. The park stretches along 12.4 miles of shoreline from Willemstad to the eastern tip of the island and extends to a depth of 60 meters. It includes 600 hectares of fringing reefs and 436 hectares of inland bays, mangroves, and seagrass beds.
- Watamula Hole is located on the northern tip of the island in Westpunt. It is a vast blowhole within the rock formations that shoots the sea water out like a geyser when the waves crash against the formations. Visitors can watch as the ocean waters shoot high in the air. There are dozens of smaller blowholes that almost sound like the island is breathing.
- The Mushroom Forest is a famous dive site where the coral formations have grown to resemble mushrooms. There is a wealth of marine life beneath these formations which you can observe and photograph.
- Scuba Diving:
- The Dive Bus
- Scubacao Diving Adventures
- CURious2DIVE
- Relaxed Guided Dives
- Caribbean Sea Sports Dive Shop
- Duikcentrum van de Ven
- The Diveshop Curaçao
- Jan Thiel Diving
- Curaçao Surf and Sunchild Watersports
- Atlantis Diving
- B Diving & Watersports
- Scuba Lodge Dive Center Pietermaai
- Twin Divers Curaçao
- Goby Divers
- Blue Bay Dive & Watersports
- Porto Mari Sports
- Coral Divers
- Discover Scuba Diving in Curaçao
- PADI Discover Scuba Diving
- Snorkeling and boating:
- Snorkel Tour by Jet Ski or Aquaboat – explore the southern coast’s sandy beaches, tranquil coves, and mangrove forests
- Tugboat and Reef Snorkel – accessible by land for those who may suffer from seasickness
- Sea Aquarium Snorkel with Stingrays and Feed the Sharks
- Shete Boka National Park and Playa Lagun Snorkel Adventure – travel in an open 4X4 vehicle to access Curaçao’s remote areas
- Powerboat Caribbean – travel by powerboat 15 miles to Klein Curaçao, an uninhabited island famous for sea turtles and its white sandy beaches.
- Breeze Boattrips – spoil yourself with a yacht trip to Klein Curaçao, the Mushroom Forest, a dive trip to East Point, or a Spanish Water sunset sail
- BlueFinn Charters – visit the West Coast, snorkel with dolphins, or enjoy Klein Curaçao on this 75-foot Catamaran.
- Blue Room and Beach Tour by Speedboat – travel by speedboat to view the scenic coastline and stop at the Spanish Water Lagoon for a break
- Sunset BBQ Trip – board the boat and travel to the Spanish Waters and Fuik Bay then enjoy a delicious barbecue. After dinner, enjoy the sunset and music while returning to the Spanish Waters.
- Kayak and Snorkel Adventure – journey to a secluded beach and view historical landmarks and the beautiful coastline.
- Curaçao Snorkel Adventure – explore Curaçao’s undersea world
- Private Deep Sea Fishing Trip – fish for Mahi Mahi, Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo, and Giant Barracuda aboard a 45-foot sport fisherman yacht with outstanding fishing equipment.
- Snorkel Tour – discover the underwater world with a private snorkeling excursion.
- Guided Snorkel Tour at Blue Bay House Reef
- Private Charter on Casador, a luxury 68 foot sailing yacht.
- Sailing Adventure to Klein Curaçao – all-inclusive sailing and water sport day.
- Private Deep Sea Fishing Trip – explore the Spanish Waters and Fuik Bay while fishing for barracuda, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and Marlin.
- Miscellaneous Water Activities
- Substation Curaçao – enjoy the deep without getting wet on this submarine that takes you down 500 feet to view the variety of life at this depth.
- Zapata Flyboard Caribbean – fly high above the water or dive like a dolphin on this exciting flyboarding adventure.
- Curaçao Actief – enjoy everything Curaçao has to offer like snorkeling, visiting natural wonders, private tours, and water tours.
- Paddle Board Adventure or Kitesurfing – experience sightseeing by paddling from beach to beach in the sparkling waters. Visit pristine reefs and enjoy the great climate year-round as you enjoy the sights of birds and other animals.
Land-based Activities

- Christoffel Mountain is the highest point on the island (372 meters) and you can enjoy the view from the top. It is an intense climb and it is recommended to start climbing early in the morning before it gets too hot.
- Sea Aquarium is distinctive and internationally renowned because the tanks are in direct contact with the ocean and provides an environment which is as natural as possible.
- The Salt Pans of Jan Thiel were an important salt plantation but now, you can enjoy hiking, jogging, or cycling. Watch for flamingos which are attracted to the salt lake.
- Curaçao Jeep Experience allows you to discover the beauty of the island on an off-road excursion where you can relax on beautiful beaches, snorkel with turtles, and savor delicious, homemade barbecue.
- ATV and Buggy Tours you can choose an exciting ATV or Buggy Tour to enjoy many beautiful parts of the island.
- TukTuk City Tour will help you learn about the history and culture of the island as you travel around in a unique TukTuk.
- WannaBike tours let you ride through nature on a mountain bike to enjoy the beauty of the trails and learn about the rich history of the island.
Natural Parks
Enjoy the natural beauty of Curaçao at one of their many natural parks:- Shete Boka has over 200 hectares and a coastline of ten kilometers with seven coves and bays where sea turtles lay their eggs. Hike the trails to the natural bridge, or Boka Tabla, beaches filled with hermit crabs, the geyser at Boka Pistol, and a cave where you can experience the waves crashing.
- Hato Caves are more than 300,000 years old and consist of coral limestone. The caves are reached by walking up 49 steps. Inside the cave is fully illuminated and pathways are lined with handrails.
- Flamingo Sanctuary is located at Sint Willibrordus and allows you to view flamingoes in the wild as they scavenge for food in the shallow salt lake.
- Queen Wilhelmina Park
- Dinah’s Botanic and Historic Garden, also known as Den Paradera, is an herbal garden which contains healing herbs that preserve the knowledge of prior generations.
Historical and Cultural Sights

- Willemstad is the capital city of Curaçao and a UNESCO World Heritage City. It is divided into two parts, Punda (east) and Otrobanda (west) which are linked by the Queen Emma Bridge. Take time to see Handelskade, the historical waterfront street with a row of colonial Dutch houses. The pastel colors are required by law due to a former Governor who blamed his headaches on the glare of white houses.
- The Pietermaai District is also a colorful neighborhood filled with cafés, small shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
- The Queen Emma Bridge is a floating pontoon bridge. It opens throughout the day to let ships pass. Make sure you watch for the unique way the bridge opens and moves.
- Explore the history and culture of Curaçao with a visit to one of their lovely museums:
- The Octagon is an old building where Simón Bolivar stayed to prepare for the battle against Spanish colonial rule.
- The Curaçao Museum houses objects from the 18th to the 21st century, similar to a time capsule. View art, traditional furniture, and the cockpit from the first KLM plane that flew from the Netherlands to Curaçao.
- The Kura Hulanda Museum is located in the 19th century home of a merchant and slave owner. The museum traces the history of the African slave trade along with collections of Mesopotamian relics, pre-Columbian gold, and Antillean art.
Things to See
Curaçao has a lot of interesting sights and attractions which you won’t want to miss!- Landhuis Chololobo is the birthplace of Blue Curaçao, a popular blue liqueur which is internationally famous. Watch how the drink gets produced and enjoy a tasting.
- Barter at the Floating Market where most products arrive by boat. Vendors mostly set up stalls on the dock to sell vegetables, fruit, and fish and you will experience a multitude of languages being spoken such as English, Papiamento, Dutch, and Spanish.
- The Queen Juliana Bridge is parallel to the Queen Emma Bridge but it is 56 meters high and was constructed for automobile traffic and high enough for most ships to sail underneath.
- The Mikve Israel Emanuel Synagogue is both the oldest synagogue in the Caribbean and in South America. It attracts worldwide visitors and its floor is covered in sand. The Synagogue illustrates the vast influence the Jewish community had on the island.