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Top Things To Do
Party at carnival
Costumed partygoers fill the streets during Curaçao's Carnival season, when ancient Catholic rites and African-Caribbean traditions fuse, creating a riot of colour, pomp, and revelry. One of the largest and longest lasting carnival spectacles in the Caribbean, merrymaking begins early January and continues until late February/early March. Hike in Shete Boka National Park Delve into a string of hiking trails in this compact bird-filled nature reserve that boasts gasp-inducing views of Curaçao's rugged north coast. Sea turtles breed in the protected waters below, and the conservation zone is renowned for its other-worldly limestone grottoes and fossilised caves. Explore St Christoffel National Park This nature reserve in the north-western part of the island is dominated by the St Christoffel Mountain. Visit several caves decorated with Arawak Indian paintings and wonder at the park's unusual rock formations, exotic birdlife, iguanas and timid Curaçao deer. Drink Curaçao No visit to the island is complete without tasting Curaçao's famous eponymous liqueur, made using dried peel from the Laraha orange. For a complimentary tipple, head to the Willemstad distillery and sample a glass of the original Senior family recipe, dating back to 1886. Go golfing At Blue Bay Golf Club, mischievous sea breezes make the par-72, 18-hole course a battle of wills, with lagoons, small lakes and a plunge ravine into the sea. Have a camera ready for the signature fifth hole, with a setting of rugged clifftops and open skies. Try some waterports Try your hand at Curaçao's array of watersports - from swimming off the sheltered beaches on the island's south-western coast, to windsurfing, sailing, snorkelling, scuba-diving, deep-sea fishing and waterskiing. Willemstad trolley tour See historic Willemstad on an hour-long narrated trolley tour aboard an open-sided 'locomotive' - a clanging bell signifies the off at Fort Amsterdam near the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge. The train then journeys downtown through Willemstad's pretty pastel-coloured, red-roofed Colonial streets for stunning views of this fine UNESCO-listed historic centre. Submerge in a submarine On a journey to the sea's depths in a semi-submersible Seaworld Explorer submarine, passengers of all ages will enjoy a magnificent hour-long underwater voyage through offshore wrecks and coral reefs. Huge shoals of rainbow-hued tropical fish dart around the windows, allowing privileged views of sponge gardens and marine life. Relax in a beach bar Kick back and relax Caribbean-style at a beach bar. Try Hooks Hut on Piscadera Bay (www.hookshut.com) for chilled drinks, wooden decking and fresh seafood. Take a tour To get the best overview of the island take an organised tour from a main tour operator, or, for a group, try arranging a sightseeing tour through a taxi company. For more information see Curaçao Tourism (www.curacao.com) for more details. See Contact Addresses for further tourist information. |
