Overview of Curacao

Selected as one of the top ten destinations in the world for 2010, Curacao is a hidden Caribbean gem. Tiny, but vibrant, Curacao offers endless beauty, wonderful underwater worlds, and world class beaches. The port city offers high end retailers, restaurants and plenty of nightlife. Most of the year, the average high temperature remains in the upper 70's with a dry season running from January to September and a rainy season during the rest of the year.

What language is spoken at the Curacao cruise port? Do they speak English?

Dutch is the official language of the island, but both English and Spanish are widely spoken.

What is the national currency in Curacao?

The Netherlands Antillean Guilder (NAF), also called the Florin, is the national currency, but U.S. dollars (USD) are widely accepted. The Guilder is pegged to the dollar at a stable rate of USD$1 to NAF$1.77 for cash and NAF$1.78 for traveler's checks.

Do they accept US Dollars around the port?

Yes, dollars are accepted just about anywhere. However, US bills of $50 or $100 can be hard to cash. Therefore, be sure to have smaller denominations on hand when going ashore.

Where can I get or exchange money?

For those traveling from the United States, there is virtually no need to exchange money. US Dollars are accepted almost everywhere and the guilder is also tied to the dollar at a stable rate. Euros are accepted at many hotels and restaurants, but are not as widely accepted as dollars. For those who need either dollars or the local currency, look for ATMs and signs that say "Bankomatico" or "Geldautomaat". Most ATMs will dispense money in the currency of your choosing. Exchange rates are listed each day in the paper as well as posted at banks.

• Banks closest to Port: There are numerous banks located on the street of Handelskade on the Punda side of town. Punda is located just a short walk from where the ships dock near the Queen Emma Bridge. The main banks are Mercantil Bank Curacao and Banco Provincil.
• ATMs closest to Port: ATMs are located throughout the country of Curacao including Punda. They accept cards from your banks as well as major credit cards on networks such as Cirrus and Maestro. Look for signs saying "Bankomatico" or "Geldautomaat". In all, there are more than 50 ATMs that dispense money in the local currency.

How do I get around Curacao from the cruise port?

Walking

The cheapest and easiest way to get around town is by using your own two feet. Vacationers who come into either terminal will have an easy walk to the Queen Emma Bridge which connects the two sides of the port. Once in Punda, it is easy to walk around and visit restaurants or do some shopping.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available as soon as you step off the boat. However, passengers should agree on a price before getting in the vehicle. If you intend on taking a taxi on a sightseeing tour, the cost will be about $20/hour.

Buses

Look for vehicles with "Bus" on the license plate. These buses usually run the most common urban routes. A "Buki de Bus" is a brochure of schedules and routes and can be attained while on the island. Most fares are $2.

Rental Car

Avis has rental sites at both ports with rates of about $45/day. Budget Car Rental has rates of $35/day and offers free pickup at either port. Drivers must have a valid driver's license and an international credit card in order to rent a car. Driving is done on the right side of the road.

Trolley

This unique city tour on a trolley will take about an hour and fifteen minutes. The tour begins at Fort Amsterdam and takes in all the major sites.

How can I stay in touch with home? (Ex. Email, phone, etc.)

There are several Internet cafes available for public use in Willemstad. Calling cards are also available to use in order to call home and some cellular providers also offer service on the island. Much of the country is covered by WiFi. UTS, the local phone company, offers public hot spots which are reliable and free.

How can I call home? Are there call centers?

Prepaid calling cards are available from grocery stores for about $6 and can be used to make international calls. International calls can also be made from the numerous Internet cafes on the island. Some Internet cafes even have Skype calling or video chat.

Where are the Internet cafes?

Curacao Internet is available at pretty much any cafe or hotel. If you carry your laptop, iPad or WiFi enabled phone you can get Internet access while you sip on a Blue Lagoon at a local cafe. There are also numerous Internet cafes located in Willemstad, where you can also make international calls.

• Internet Cafe Marie Pampoen,located about 3 miles southeast of the port on Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd 36B, Marie Pampoen (see map), offers Internet, international phone calls, scanner, printer, photocopies and fax - pretty much everything you need.
• Pleincafe Wilhelmina, located just across the bay in Punda, about 2 miles by taxi or just a short walk from where the ships dock near the Queen Emma Bridge at Wilhelminaplein 25 Punda (see map), offers Internet, web cam, scanner, CD burner, fax, photocopy and International calls.

What are the cell phone rates?

Verizon is $1.99/minute and AT&T is between $1.69 and $1.99/minute. Contact your cell phone provider for international roaming rates.

What are the top attractions and must-sees in Curacao? How long will it take me to get there and to explore?

Attractions

• The Kura Hulanda Museum, located within walking distance of the port in Willemstad, houses exhibits from slave trade era of the region. This anthropological museum focuses on Curacao's primary cultures. It also offers a chronicle of the Origin of Man, the African slave trade, West African Empires, Pre-Colombian gold, Mesopotamian relics and Antillean art and is open daily from 9:00am until 5:00pm.
• The Curacao Maritime Museum details the island's rich naval history and is located just on the otherside of the cut, a short 2 mile taxi ride away (see map.) There is over 500 years of history represented at the museum and there are numerous nautical charts, ship models and audiovisual effects as well.
• The Curacao Sea Aquarium, located 4.2 miles from the port (see map), has a Dolphin Academy and allows visitors to swim with dolphins. Built in 1984, the aquarium is great for a family outing. The aquarium is a combination of education, interaction and information. There are several tours and for those who want a little more adventure, you can swim with stingrays, sea turtles and sharks.

  Check out this video of dolphins jumping in the Sea Aquarium show.

Beaches

• Seaquarium Beach, located about 4 miles southwest of the port, is a good choice for families. It has plenty of facilities including shops, restaurants, bars and water sports vendors. This beach is also ideal for children, but be aware that it can get very crowded on weekends and that topless bathing is allowed.
• Westpunt Beach, located 27 miles northeast of the port, is known for its massive cliffs and those who dive off of them into the ocean below. Because this beach is where the fresh catch is brought ashore, it is not ideal for swimming or watersports. Be sure to wear footwear as the pebbles can be unforgiving at this beach.
• Knip Bay Beach, located just south of Westpunt Beach, offers pristine water and a picturesque setting. This beach is one of the most popular with the locals and turns into a party on the weekend with live music and dancing.
• Cas Abao, located 18 miles northwest of the port (see map), offers a refreshment stand, bathrooms and is probably the most modern beach on the island. This beach is also one of the most pristine on the island with beautiful sand and crystal clear waters. Both items make this beach ideal for families and those looking to take part in any number of water sports. There is also a popular daiquiri bar as well as a restaurant in case you get hungry.
• Blauwbaai Beach (Blue Bay Beach), located northwest of the port, offers a wide array of amenities and a place in the shade to get out of the sun. This is the largest beach on the island and both the Hilton and Marriott have resorts nearby. There are also dive and snorkeling shops and dining spots to take advantage of.

Check out this video of the best beaches in Curacao.

Shopping

• The Curacao Promenade Shopping Center is located ten minutes from the docks and offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere for shoppers and visitors alike. Shoppers will find stylish items from around the world as well as an ATM and great restaurants. Shops are normally open from 8AM until 12PM, then re-open at 2PM until 6PM.
• Punda is traditionally the main shopping area of Willemstad. It is located a little over 2 miles away, by taxi or just a short walk from where the ships dock near the Queen Emma Bridge, on the waterfront, next to Fort Amsterdam (see map.) Here you will find a wide variety of international goods, which follows the tradition of Curacao as an international trading port. Shops are normally open from 8AM until 12PM, then re-open at 2PM until 6PM.

  Check out this video view of Punda.

• Renaissance Mall & Rif Fort, located less than half a mile southwest of the port, offers 50 shops, 15 restaurants and bars, and nightlife, including a casino. Surrounded by 19th century architecture, Renaissance Mall is one of the newest shopping areas on Curacao

Golf

• Blue Bay Golf is an 18-hole, par 72 golf course set on the coast of the Caribbean Sea. Greens fees range from $70 to $105 depending on the time of day and the time of year. Club rentals are available. Tee times can be made by email or phone (+5999) 868 1755.
• Old Quarry Golf Course, designed by renown course designer Pete Dye, is an 18-hole, par 72 golf course on the Santa Barbara Plantation - Curacao. Framed by the Caribbean Sea and the mountains of Curacao, this course offers a challenge to golfers of varying skill levels. Greens fees range from $60 to $150. Tee times can be made by email or phone (+5999) 840-6886

Scuba

• The Scuba Store and More can handle all of your scuba needs including rentals, beach wear and more. The Scuba Store and More has several locations in Willemstaad (see map.) You can rent equipment or bring their own. There are also a professional staff to make your visit complete.
• Scuba Do is another scuba store which provides divers with equipment as well as underwater tours. This company offers individual service along with a relaxed atmosphere and flexible scheduling to make your visit something to remember.

Check out this video of a dive off of Curacao.

Tours

• Yellow Jeep Safaris offer a unique way to see the island of Curacao. These tours can take you all over the island with half day tours, big terrain, steep cliffs and breathtaking views. Royal Caribbean, Crystal, Aida and Celebrity Cruise passengers, should book their safaris directly with their cruise line; others can email Yellow Jeep Safaris directly for reservations. Let them know the name of the ship, when it arrives and when it is scheduled to leave.
• The Atlantis Submarines - Seaworld Explorer is a semi-submarine with huge glass windows, which provide spectacular views of Curacao's vibrant marine-life. This guided tour has a diver that swims, alongside the submarine feeding the fish, so there is always plenty to see. The vessel is fully air-conditioned and you will remain dry at all times.
• Curacao Ostrich and Game Farm, located 8.6 miles east of the port (see map), offers a unique experience. This tour will allow you to get up close to these strange, but interesting birds. You will be able to touch, feed and even ride them if you are adventurous enough.

  Check out this video of a man riding an ostrich.

What are the best eats in Curacao?

• Keshi Yena or stuffed cheese, which is typically made with chicken, vegetables, seasonings, and raisins stuffed into a scooped out Edam or Gouda cheese shell.
• Funchi and Tutu (which is basically funchi with black eyed peas and brown sugar) is a popular corn meal mush accompaniment to most any meal in Curacao.
• Fresh fish, shrimp and lobster are also excellent - Curacao is an island after all.

Where are the best places to get them?

• Restaurant & Café Gouverneur de Rouville, located right at the port, is a great place to go for Keshi Yena. It also has a wonderful view of all of the big boats as they make their way through.
• Iguana Café, located across the bay in Punda just a short walk from where the ships dock near the Queen Emma Bridge, offers Caribbean favorites like fish and shrimp.

What are the must-drinks in Curacao?

The best of the drinks on Curacao are all made using Curacao liqueur, which is produced in Chobolobo, and by the way, come in more than just blue.

• The Blue Lagoon, made with one part Vodka, one part Blue Curacao and three parts Lemonade, can be enjoyed straight up or on the rocks.
• The Zombie, made with Apricot Brandy, Bacardi White Rum, Blue Curacao, Dark Rum, Grenadine, Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice, is a colorful and potent concoction.
• The Blue Hawaiian, which is probably the most popular cocktail made with Blue Curacao Liqueur, is made with equal parts of light rum, Blue Curacao, cream of coconut and 2 parts pineapple juice, and garnished with a cherry, pineapple, and the classic tooth pick umbrella.

Where is the best place to get them?

• Hook's Hut, located 3 miles west of the port (see map), is a beach hangout for locals and tourists alike. Happy hour is from 5 to 6 PM and also offers great food.
• Iguana Café, located across the bay in Punda just a short walk from where the ships dock near the Queen Emma Bridge, also offers tasty libations... made to order. The bayside view makes for a lovely experience.
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Which are the best souvenirs to buy in Curacao? Where can I get them?

Under $25:

A bottle or two of The Genuine Señor Curacao of Curacao Liqueur make a delicious gift or souvenir. You can even tour their facilities, while in Curacao. The liqueurs come in several flavors, with the most popular being the blue.

$25-$75

Gouda cheese can be bought by the slice or by the wheel in stores in Punda just a short walk from where the ships dock near the Queen Emma Bridge. Ask about the very old Gouda, which is aged to perfection and more difficult to find in North America.

Over $75

Dutch Delft pottery is a distinctive, easily recognizable blue and white pottery. These hand painted ceramics vary in quality, so make sure to look for the seal of authenticity. Shop for Delft pottery in New Amsterdam, near Punda.

What is the weather like in Curacao?

Current Temperature

Average Monthly Temperatures and Rainfall in Curacao