Choose from 20 Fun Things to Do in Curacao
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Curacao Ostrich Farm
Get a taste of Africa in the Caribbean at the Curacao Ostrich Farm. Originally opened in 1995 as a working farm to supply ostrich products to South America, the farm quickly became a popular spot for visitors, and now it’s home to about 400 ostriches—about half of which are newborn chicks. When you visit you can take a safari tour in a truck to see ostriches of all ages, from eggs to full grown adults. The farm is also home to emus, potbellied pigs and Nile crocodiles. And if you’re looking for a little more adventure, you can join a quad tour to go four-wheeling across Curacao’s desert island landscape before grabbing a meal at the on-site Zambezi Restaurant, which serves ostrich steaks, burgers and omelets.
Practical Info
The Curacao Ostrich Farm is located near the southeast coast of the island, about 20 minutes’ drive from downtown Willemstad. Prices for the safari tour start at $16 for adults, $13 for kids, while the quad tours cost $91 for adults and $63 for teenagers age 16 to 18.
Address: Groot St., Joris West z/n, Curacao
Hours: Only available to view/visit with tours.
Admission: Tours Start At: Youth $13, Adults $16
From $ 64
Curacao Liqueur
The island of Curacao may be best known for the alcohol that bears its name. Blue Curacao is a signature—and colorful—liqueur that is steeped in the island’s history, and you can visit the home of the original Blue Curacao at the Curacao Liqueur Distillery. The Triple Sec-style liqueur is made from the peels of the Laraha fruit. Though Laraha evolved from Valencia oranges brought to the island in 1499 by Spanish settlers, this bitter orange is now unique to Curacao because it adapted to the island’s desert like climate, making it inedible when fresh. However, used as a flavoring steeped in the alcohol it releases fragrant oils that create the signature flavor.
Practical Info
The Curacao Liqueur Distillery is about 10 minutes’ drive north of Willemstad, and you can stop by for a free factory visit—hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.—and have a cocktail at Chobolobo Café.
Address: Elias R. A. Moreno Boulevard, Saliña Ariba, Willemstad, Curaçao, Curacao
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
From $ 12
Playa Lagun
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten track beach on Curacao, but don’t want sacrifice on amenities, try Playa Lagun. This protected beach within a deep cove flanked on either side by sheer cliffs is near the northern end of the island, far enough from Willemstad that you can avoid the cruise crowds, and with a small beachfront restaurant that does double duty as a dive shop. Playa Lagun is also well known as one of the best spots for diving and snorkeling from the shore, and you can get scuba tanks or snorkel gear from the dive shop to explore the nearby reefs. And there are plenty of picnic tables where you can relax and have lunch after a morning of swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing.
Practical Info
Playa Lagun is a 37-minute drive northwest of Willemstad and about 7 minutes south of Westpunt. There is parking available at the beach, and no entry fee required to visit here.
Address: Curacao
From $ 49
Punda
The eastern part of Willemstad’s downtown historic district is called Punda, which comes from the Dutch word for “point” because this part of the city sits at the end of a promontory at the mouth of St. Anna Bay. First settled in 1634, the area is a picturesque port area packed with pastel-colored colonial architectural. One of the main attractions here is Fort Amsterdam, built in 1635 as a garrison to protect the city, which is used today as the governor’s palace. Another historic site is the Mikve Israel-Emanuel synagogue, which was built in 1732, making it the oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere. Throughout Punda, you’ll find great shopping, art galleries and restaurants, and you can also take a walk across the Queen Emma Bridge, a floating pontoon bridge called the “Swinging Old Lady,” to explore the Otrabanda side of the historic downtown area.
Practical Info
Punda is easily walkable, and a great place to spend an afternoon shopping or people watching from a café. If you’re coming from another part of the island, you can find parking in a handful of lots within Punda.
Address: Willemstad, Curaçao, Curacao
From $ 49
Otrobanda
Across the mouth of St. Anna Bay from Willemstad’s Punda area is the other of the city’s historic downtown, Otrobanda, which literally means “the other side.” While Punda was settled in 1635, Otrabanda was built about a century later. If you walk from Punda across the Queen Emma Bridge, Otrabanda offers a great view of the iconic and colorful Punda waterfront. One of Otrobanda’s most popular attractions is Riff Fort, which was built in 1828 to help defend the city. Today the fort is a shopping mall where you can buy souvenirs or have a meal at one of the fine dining restaurants with wonderful views of the waterfront. In this area of the city, you’ll also find the Curacao Museum, which exhibits the works of local artists, antique furniture and the cockpit of the SNIP, the Dutch airline KLM’s first airplane to fly from Holland to Curacao.
Practical Info
As in Punda, Otrabanda is quite safe and easy to explore on foot. The main street through the center of the neighborhood is Breedestraat, while Riff Fort sits just south of the Queen Emma Bridge.
Address: Willemstad, Curaçao, Curacao
From $ 39
Queen Juliana Bridge
The Queen Juliana Bridge crosses St. Anna Bay in the Curacao capital of Willemstad. The original structure collapsed in 1967, killing four people, and has since been replaced with the current bridge, which opened on Queen’s Day in 1974. The bridge is a minimalist structure that spans 500 meters in length and stands at over 55 meters at its highest point. It’s the tallest bridge in the Caribbean.
As you cross this four-lane structure, unparalleled views from its apex stretch across Punda, Otrobanda, and the Schottegat, making it one of the most scenic viewpoints on the island. If a ship passes through while you cross the bridge, all the better. Many visitors to Curacao also claim that the views are particularly impressive – if not better – at night.
Practical Info
The Queen Juliana Bridge crosses over St. Anna Bay in Willemstad. Due to weather and structural concerns, the bridge is only open to road traffic so pedestrians and cyclists are unable to cross it.
Address: Willemstad, Curacao
From $ 25
Tugboat Wreck
Tugboat Wreck refers to the site of a tugboat that sank just off Curacao years ago and has since become one of the island’s most popular dive sites. The wreck can be found just five meters beneath the surface of the water and can be easily swam out to from the shore near Caracas Bay. The water is clear, the currents mild, and the wreck itself is in good condition and still well intact. It sits upright with coral and marine sponges growing from it and many species of fish swimming all around it.
Even those who don’t wish to dive or snorkel will be able to see the wreckage from the surface, although the more adventurous will find a rewarding underwater world beyond the wreck itself, where the reef drops off into a steep wall. Here the ocean becomes deeper and the reef more dramatic as one peers down into the depths.
Practical Info
The Tugboat Wreck is located off the shore of Caracas Bay. To locate the wreck, look for the orange mooring buoys; this is where the dive tour boats anchor up.
Address: Caracas Bay, Curacao
From $ 75
Jan Kok
If you’re taking a drive to explore Curacao, plan a stop in Jan Kok, an area along the west coast, about midway between Willemstad and Westpunt. Here you can birdwatch along old salt pans, large shallow ponds used to evaporate salt from seawater, that have become a popular gathering point for pink flamingos as the travel between nearby Bonaire and South America. The birds wade in the warm shallow water grazing on small creatures that live in the water. Also nearby is Landhuis Jan Kok, a former salt plantation from the late 18th century that is now used as a gallery by a local artist.
Practical Info
Jan Kok is a worthwhile stop if you’re driving from Willemstad to the northern beaches around Westupunt. The gallery at Landhuis Jan Kok is about 25 minutes by car from Willemstad, and it’s free to visit.
Address: Jan Kok, Curacao
From $ 49
Museum Kura Hulanda
Colonial relics, maps and Antillean art come together at the Kura Hulanda Museum, with the focus on the museum’s world-class collection of African artifacts. This well-regarded anthropological museum focuses on the cultures that have contributed to Curacao’s make-up over the centuries, including African slaves, West African empires and Pre-Columbian traders.
Guided and audio-guided tours are available, and a self-guided map helps you navigate your way around the exhibits. The museum shop has a good collection of maps, postcards, CDs and African art for sale.
Practical Info
The Kura Hulanda Museum is set on the site of a former slave yard and merchant’s home.
The museum overlooks St. Anna Bay in the center of Willemstad’s historic colonial quarter, Otrabanda.
Address: Klipstraat 9, Willemstad, Curacao
Hours: Open Tues - Sat 10am - 5pm
Admission: Adults: US$9
From $ 10
Curacao (Willemstad) Cruise Port
Located off the coast of Venezuela, Curacao is a tiny island nestled in crystal-blue waters. Once the center of Caribbean commerce, today Curacao still retains influences from its of French, Dutch, and Portuguese colonial past, as seen in its food, architecture, and culture.
The Basics
Curacao shore excursions often explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Willemstad. Join a half-day motorcoach tour to visit the Curacao Museum, Hato Caves, Queen Emma Bridge, Queen Juliana Bridge, Rif Fort, and Chobolobo (where the famous blue Curacao liqueur is made). Meanwhile, water sports–based shore excursions include jet ski rentals or boat tours that offer the chance to snorkel or dive in the coral reefs in the surrounding Caribbean Sea. Nature lovers will enjoy a sightseeing tour through Shete Boka National Park and the Curacao Ostrich Farm.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It’s best to book organized shore excursions—especially those with multiple stops or components—in advance.
- The historic district of Punda, located near the cruise port, is great to see if you’re short on time.
- Shore excursions to Klein Curacao, a tiny uninhabited island 15 miles (24 kilometers) off Curacao’s coast, are full-day excursions. The water tends to be rough, so you may want to bring motion-sickness medication if you’re particularly sensitive.
How to Get Downtown from the Curacao Cruise Port
Most cruise ships visiting Curacao dock in Willemstad, the island’s cosmopolitan capital city. The area is divided into two districts connected by a floating pedestrian bridge, and the tourist-friendly city is full of storefronts and cafes that are easily accessible on foot or by taxi from the cruise port.
Port Information
Although the Netherlands Antillean Florin is the official currency of Curacao, most shops and cafes near port accept US dollars (USD). ATMs and money-exchange offices are easy to find, and English, Dutch, and Spanish are widely spoken on the island.
Address: Willemstad, Curaçao, Curacao
From $ 54
Fort Beekenburg
Unlike Curacao’s more popular colonial-era fortresses, like Rif Fort and Waterfort, Fort Beekenburg is largely abandoned. For many years it was inaccessible, sitting on private property owned by an oil company. But today it’s accessible, and free, to visitors any time. The fort was built in the early 1700s on the south end of the island, where it successfully repelled numerous invaders trying to land in Caracas Bay. Visitors can explore on their own throughout the fort, including the top of the tower, which still holds a handful of cannons and offers great views. But be prepared for a workout, as there are a number of stairs and ladders to climb along the way.
Practical Info
Fort Beekenburg is free and open to visit any time. It’s only about 15-minutes’ drive from the capital of Willemstad, making for an easy, short adventure. Head out in the morning, and you can take a brisk hike, explore colonial-era ruins, and photograph the panoramic views, while still making it back to town for lunch.
Address: Curacao
From $ 65
Curacao Sea Aquarium
A fascinating dive into the beautiful underwater world of the Caribbean, the Curacao Sea Aquarium in Willemstad Curacao has much to discover. Set in an old naval vessel, just stepping into the Curacao Sea Aquarium lets you know that you’re embarking on a unique marine adventure.
Once aboard, visitors can take in the sight of sharks, turtles, stingrays, rockfish, flamingoes and other vibrant sea creatures that constitute the local waters and surrounding shores. Other highlights include the legendary seal and dolphin shows, while the opportunity to swim with dolphins is a family favorite. With all this, the Curacao Sea Aquarium is one of the top attractions in this little corner of the lesser Antilles.
Practical Info
The Curacao Sea Aquarium is located in Bapor Kibra in Willemstad, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $21 for adults and $11 for children aged 5-12.
Address: Bapor Kibra, Willemstad, Curacao
Admission: Adults: $21; Children: $11
From $ 21
Cas Abao Beach
Hit the beach at one of Curacao’s most idyllic sandy shores. Cas Abao Beach is a protected escape on the island’s west side, where you can enjoy the crystal-blue water and gleaming white sand among a convenient collection of amenities. The private beach has plenty of parking, and once you’ve paid the entry fee, you can rent whatever you need on-site, from beach chairs and umbrellas to paddle boats and snorkeling gear. At lunch time, you can get burgers, sandwiches and frozen drinks at the Beach Bar & Restaurant, and if you’re looking for even more relaxation, book a massage at the open-air hut on the beach. The beach also has bathrooms with showers and lifeguards to keep everyone safe as you swim or snorkel.
Practical Info
Cas Abao beach is about 35 minutes by car from Willemstad, and the entry fee costs about $6 per car on weekdays, about $7.25 on weekends. Weekends, especially Sundays, can be quite crowded, so if you prefer a more laid-back beach experience, come during the week.
Address: Curacao
Hours: Daily 8am-6pm
Admission: Weekdays $6, Sat & Sun $7.25
From $ 49
Christoffel National Park
Curacao’s largest nature reserve is Christoffel National Park, the ideal place on the island to see the rare Curacao white-tailed deer, native barn owl and wild orchids.
The best way to explore is by following one of the park’s 8 hiking trails, graded from easy to challenging. The easiest trail is the 20-minute walk through the white-tailed deer sanctuary. If you’re thinking of going on the relatively arduous climb to the top of Mount Christoffel, head off in the early morning so you avoid the heat of the day.
Scenic driving routes lead across the hills to the coastline, or you might like to take a tour of the historic Plantation Savonet within the park’s grounds.
Practical Info
Christoffel National Park runs across the northern tip of Curacao, 40 minutes north of Willemstad in Banda’Bou.
Buses run here from the Otrabanda bus station in Willemstad.
Address: Weg Naar Westpunt, Savonet, Curacao
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Nafl.17.50 for adults
From $ 99
Shete Boka National Park
Shete Boke National park offers rocky coastal views and wild wind-lashed landscapes bordering Christoffel National Park. There are beaches tucked away on the rocky limestone coast, where three species of sea turtles lay their eggs.
At Boka Tabla, wild waves wash into an undersea cavern. Find a sheltered nook at the entrance to the cavern for a bird’s-eye view of the crashing sea.
Scenic one-hour hiking trails wind across the cliff tops for spectacular coastal views.
Practical Info
Shete Boka National Park runs to the coast from Christoffel National Park, on the northern tip of Curacao. It’s 40 minutes north of Willemstad in Banda’Bou.
Buses run to Christoffel National Park from the Otrabanda bus station in Willemstad.
Address: Weg Naar Westpunt, Boca Tabla, Curacao
Hours: Open daily 9am - 5pm
Admission: US$1.50 per person
From $ 65
Kenepa Beach
Kenepa Beach is one of those places that’s worth the drive to get there. Located 50 minutes from Willamsted on the northwestern corner of the island, the white sand beach and turquoise water create a Caribbean tableau that ends up on Curacao postcards. Broken up into two beaches that are separated by rocky cliffs, Kenepa Beach is a popular spot for cliff diving, sunbathing, and snorkeling. While it’s possible to snorkel directly offshore above the sandy bottom, strong swimmers and advanced snorkelers can venture out to the reef. Here, it’s possible to find everything from sea turtles to manta rays accompanying the colorful reef fish, and you can refuel later back on shore at the small, laidback snack bar. Climb the trail to the lookout point on the cliff above the two beaches, or simply relax beneath the shade of a pergola right on the sand. And, since Kenepa Beach is a popular spot with visitors as well as locals, there’s a festive atmosphere up on Curacao’s northwestern coast.
Practical Info
There’s no fee to visit the beach, and the snack bar is usually open on weekends as well as national holidays. There are limited facilities on this end of the island—so be sure to pack your gear with you—although there are restrooms and basic facilities available you can use for a nominal fee.
Address: Grote Knip, Bandabou, Curacao
From $ 49
Queen Emma Bridge
The Queen Emma Bridge is a floating pontoon bridge that connects the waterfronts of Willemstad’s historic neighborhoods Punda and Otrobanda. Nicknamed the “Swinging Old Lady,” the Queen Emma Bridge is hinged with two diesel-driven propellers so that it can swing parallel to the shore to allow boat traffic in and out of St. Anna Bay. Built in 1888, the pedestrian-only bridge is a unique and popular attraction on Curacao, with upwards of 15,000 people walking across it every day. On both the Punda and Otrobanda sides of the bridge, you can find cafés and restaurants lining the waterfront, and the bridge area is a popular and picturesque gathering spot at night when the bridge is lit up with twinkling lights.
Practical Info
While the opening and closing of the bridge only takes a few minutes to allow boats to pass through, there are ferries are on hand that provide free passage across the bay while the bridge is open.
Address: Koningin Emmabrug, Willemstad, Curacao
From $ 25
Hato Caves
Cave paintings, stalactites and stalagmites are a feature of Curacao’s limestone Hano Caves. The indigenous Arawaks used the caves for shelter, and runaway slaves hid here in the colonial days.
These days Curacao’s long-nose fruit bats call the cave home, and dramatic lighting illuminates the cave’s waterfalls, pools and Madonna statue.
Guided tours departing on the hour point out the 1,500-year-old cave paintings and share some of the legends and history of this mysterious underground world.
Practical Info
The Hano Caves are 15 minutes north of Willemstad near the Curacao International Airport, off Roosevelt Weg which runs south to the capital.
Address: Weg naar Hato, Willemstad, Curacao
Hours: Open daily 10am - 5pm
Admission: Adults: US$6.50
From $ 64
Scharloo
Just inland from Willemstad’s city center, Punda, is a historical section of the city called Scharloo, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list, along with the Punda, Otrabanda and Pietermaai neighborhoods. Scharloo served and something of a colonial-era suburb, and today you can still stroll the streets to marvel at the abundance of beautifully restored mansions that sit within easy walking distance of what was the central business district of colonial Willemstad. Some of these restored homes have been converted to hotels and guesthouses.
Practical Info
To visit Scharloo from Punda on foot takes about 15 minutes. To get there, simply walk north along Gouvernementsplein and across the footbridge, then follow Scharlooweg into the heart of Scharloo.
Address: Willemstad, Curaçao, Curacao
From $ 25
Savonet Museum
Take a trip through Curacao’s history at the Savonet Museum, located within one of the island’s oldest plantations at the heart of Christoffel Park. The museum’s exhibits include depictions of local life starting from the original Arawak inhabitants who came to the island about 4,000 years ago, through the Dutch colonial era and modern day. Choose the audio tour to get in-depth details about life on the plantation, or ask for a guided tour from one of the museum’s docents. As you explore, you’ll see historical artifacts, documents, and pictures, and after you’ve looked around the museum, you can take a hike through the surrounding park to spot local wildlife like the Curacao white-tailed deer or the Palabrua, a native barn owl.
Practical Info
The Savonet Museum is location on the north end of the island, within the Christoffel Park nature preserve. To get there, drive north from Willemstad along Weg Naar Westpunt, the main road, for about 40 minutes. The museum is open 7 days a week and costs $7 for adults, $5 for children.
Address: Weg Naar Westpunt, Christoffel Park Nature Preserve, Curacao
Hours: Mon-Sat 7:30am-4pm, Sun 6am-3pm, Hours subject to change, refer to website for up to date times.
Admission: Adults $7, Child $5
From $ 99