Nestled between Aruba and Bonaire in the western Caribbean, Curacao is located just 35 miles north of Venezuela and is the most populated (about 170,000 residents) of the Netherlands Antilles. Designed by early Dutch settlers as a tropical miniature Holland, Curacao’s capital city, Willemstad, is today unquestionably one of the most picturesque and colorful of Caribbean cities.
Oil, discovered in Venezuela in 1914, is sent to Curacao where it is refined and stored and shipped worldwide. Willemstad boasts one of the busiest ports in the region and the seventh largest harbor in the world.
But that’s not why thousands of visitors are vacationing here every year. The 37-mile-long and seven-mile-wide island is fringed by exposed layers of lava and coral which have formed caves, grottoes and beaches of coral and volcanic sand. This is the place for superb diving, snorkeling and watersports and, of course, glittering casino and exciting nightlife!
Watersport enthusiasts love the Curacao Underwater Park which occupies 12.5 miles of Curacao’s southern coastline and is filled with gardens of soft and hard corals, tropical sea creatures and two shallow ship wrecks, visible 100 feet into the water. Visit the Hato Caves formed from coral thousands of years ago when the island was still underwater. Another fantastic ‘must see’ is the Curacao Seaquarium, home to more than 400 species of sealife as well as an aquarium where experienced divers feed sharks and other animals.
Whether it’s the nightlife, casinos, watersports or the terrific shopping opportunities (prices are very reasonable as there is no sales tax and low import duty on goods) that draw you to Curacao, everyone is welcomed at one of the Caribbean’s most loved islands.
Curacao Facts
• Climate: Temperatures average in the upper 70s and lower 80s throughout the year.
• Currency: The Netherlands Antilles guilder, but U.S. currency is widely accepted.
• Banking: Hours range from 8:30 a.m. to noon and then from 1:30 to 4:40 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Language: Dutch is the official language as is Papiamento (a combination of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, English, African and Indian). Spanish and English are also commonly spoken.
History
Originally inhibited by the Caiquetio tribe when the Europeans discovered it in 1499, Curacao was a haven from the menacing Carib Indians.
It wasn’t until 1527 that the Spanish returned to settle the island, a century before Holland insisted ownership. Eventually the Spanish governor, Spanish settlers and Indians were banished to Venezuela so the Dutch could establish a trading base with the Caribbean and South America in the capital city of Willemstad.
Curacao’s economy hit a high in 1914 when oil was discovered in Venezuela, making Willemstad a worldwide trading port. Now a part of the kingdom of the Netherlands as is Bonaire, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten, Curacao is the central administration city for the Netherlands Antilles.
Where to Stay
Sonesta Beach Hotel & Casino – Piscadera Bay, 599/9-368800 or 800/SONESTA, 214 rooms and 34 suites with A/C, minibar, TV and phone. Located on the most popular beach in Curacao, this luxurious hotel was built in 1992 and showcases original artwork.
Avila Beach Hotel – Willemstad, 599/9-614377, 80 rooms and 7 suites with TV, A/C, private bathroom, tub, balcony with an ocean view, small refrigerator, phone and a kitchenette in some. Set in a 200-year-old restored mansion built by a English governor during the British occupation.
Curacao Caribbean Hotel & Casino – Piscadera Bay, 599/9-625000 or 800/344-1212, offers 181 rooms and 15 suites with A/C, private balconies, TV and phone. All rooms face either the ocean or a garden and the hotel offers a free bus service to take you into town.
Princess Beach Resort & Casino – Willemstad, 599/9-367888 or 800/327-3286, 341 rooms and 8 suites with A/C, minibar, TV and phone. Set in front of the Curacao Underwater Park and Seaquarium, this hotel is perfect for the watersports lover. Also, tennis courts, two pools and a nine-hole golf course are available.
Coral Cliff Resort & Casino – Santa Martha Bay, 559/9-641610, 55 units with A/C, TV and phone. Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this hotel is perfect for water sports enthusiasts and also offers tennis, minigolf, volleyball, a children’s playground, shuttle service into town, laundry and babysitting.
Holiday Beach Hotel & Casino – Willemstad, 559/9-625400, 200 rooms with A/C, TV, pool, children’s program, room service, laundry and phone. Located on a beach near a grassy peninsula, this hotel has one of the largest casinos on the island.
Hotel Holland – 599/9-688044, 40 rooms and 5 suites with A/C, TV, VCRs, refrigerators, balconies and phone. Just five minutes from the airport, this hotel is suitable for the traveler who doesn’t plan on staying indoors all day.
Lion’s Dive Hotel & Marina – Willemstad, 599/9-618100, 72 rooms with A/C, TV, phone, massage facilities, laundry, babysitting, health club and fitness center, pool and restaurant. This hotel has all you need in one spot – from water sports to a sea view on a balcony or terrace.
Getting Around
Bus
Most hotels offer free bus service into town.
Taxis
Cabs are unmetered and could get expensive unless you’re traveling with a large group.
Rental car
Some international licenses are valid for car rentals.
Top Things to Do
Curacao Underwater Park – 12.5 miles of Curacao’s southern coastline, is filled with gardens of soft and hard corals, tropical sea creatures and two shallow ship wrecks visible 100 feet into the water.
Curacao Museum – Van Leeuwenhoekstraat, 599/9-6238873. More than just your typical museum, as a former quarantine hospital for yellow fever victims, this building is typical of Dutch architecture as well as antique furniture and paintings. Here you can visit a Children’s Museum of Science with hands-on exhibits and an island’s specimen garden.Amstel Brewery – 599/9-612944.Tour the facilities where Curacao beer is brewed from desalinated seawater.
Hato Caves – Rooseveltweg, 599/9-680379. Tour the magnificent caves formed from coral thousands of years ago when the island was still underwater.
Curacao Seaquarium – Bapor Kibra, 599/9-616666. Home to more than 400 species of sealife as well as an aquarium where experienced divers can feed sharks and other animals, the aquarium provides hours of entertainment. Or take a ride in the Seaworld Explorer, a submarine that takes visitors for an hour-long trip into the deep.
Other:
Historic tours
Boating and Windsurfing
Horseback Riding
Golf
Tennis
Most hotels offer water sports programs.
Shopping
Curacao is a great place to load up on international buys because prices are reasonable in the absence of a sales tax and low import duty on goods. You’ find good prices on such items as watches and perfumes, electronics and Italian silks. Stock up on Edam and Gouda cheese. Be sure to visit the Punda, a five-block shopping district. Because of its more than 200 stores, the island is a stop for cruise ships. It is recommended you do your shopping in the morning to beat the crowds. Some of the places you’ll want to visit:
Bert Knubben Black Koral Art Studio – Black coral jewelry and art made by one of the world’s best black coral craftsmen.
Boolchand’s – brand-name watches, cameras, perfume, ties and cashmere sweaters.
Obra Di Man – a variety of local arts and crafts.
The Yellow House (La Casa Aramilla) – Wide array of imported perfumes as well as cosmetics and accessories.
Where to Eat
Here is a sample of the some of the many fine restaurants in Curacao.
Bistro Le Clochard – Riffort -Set in an old Dutch fort, this restaurant features food prepared with French and Swiss style.
De Taveerne – Silena – This exquisite restaurant features fresh seafood dishes prepared with a French touch. Menu changes every five weeks. Closed Sundays.
Wine Cellar – Decorated like an old-fashioned Dutch home, this restaurant’s menu is filled with international meals that will make your mouth water.
Golden Star – Specializing in local food, this is a favourite of the island’s natives.