General
Information
Curaçao
is the largest island in the Netherlands Antilles,
and is part of the Dutch Leeward Islands, also known
as the Dutch Antilles. Willemstad, the capital,
is noted for its brightly colored, Dutch-style houses
and Cunucu dwellings (based on African-style mud
and wattle huts). It is one of the finest shopping
centres in the Caribbean. The harbor has a floating
market where colorful barges full of agricultural
produce are moored. Nearby is the new market building,
the design of which is very striking. St Christoffel
National Park, occupying the most northwestern part
of the island, is a nature reserve dominated by
the mountain of the same name. There are several
caves decorated with Arawak Indian paintings, some
unusual rock formations and fine views across the
countryside. Lucky visitors may spy iguanas and
shy Curaçao deer. Traditional Dutch food
is popular, as well as the exciting flavors of Creole
food, criollo, which makes good use of fresh fish.
There are several discos run by hotels on the island
some of which also have a casino.
Sun worshipers enjoy Curacao's many beautiful and
diverse white sand beaches, tiny and private to
enormous sweeps of sand. Golfers shouldn't miss
playing at Blue Bay, the island's challenging new
18-hole golf course which takes advantage of seaside
terrain and Caribbean vistas.
Curaçao offers many choices of places to
stay, at many price levels: luxury resorts operated
by international chains, one-of-a-kind boutique
hotels, fully equipped vacation apartments and convenient,
affordable properties. Roads are excellent and public
transportation reliable; a hospitable, multilingual
population makes visitors feel welcomed.
But Curacao's most amazing secrets lie beneath the
water. Curaçao diving is unique for many
reasons. It is set apart from other Caribbean destinations
by its diversity and its density of sea life, its
many underwater landscapes, and its reef's proximity
to shore. Reefs surround the island, attaching to
the shore like a narrow fringe. Massive coral formations
extend into the depths with deep-water fish patrolling
the plunging walls. The reef walls on Curaçao
vary from moderate 45 degree angles to steep 90
degree angles. There is plenty to see, be it dolphins
playing, turtles sunning, or even pilot whales migrating.
Even the most experienced diver will find the fish
life of Curaçao entertaining. even sometimes
dramatic. Instead of exploring the whole reef in
one dive, choose one coral-covered spot and just
float above the coral heads and watch life go on.
There are over 500 species of fish inhabiting these
Caribbean reefs, so you are sure to see plenty of
activity.
Climate: Summer 85F 29C Winter 75F 24C
Water Temp 78 - 83F 25 -28C
Visibility 50 - 100 ft 15 - 30 m
Dive
Centers & Accommodations
New
Travel Regulations
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)
The proposed implementation timeline has two
phases:
Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including
U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the
United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and
South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will
be required to present a valid passport, Air
NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner
Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form
I-551, if applicable.
As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including
U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and
Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the
Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including
ferries), may be required to present a valid
passport or other documents as determined by
the Department of Homeland Security. While recent
legislative changes permit a later deadline,
the Departments of State and Homeland Security
are working to meet all requirements as soon
as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided
to enable the public to obtain passports or
passport cards for land/sea entries.
The passport requirement
does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to
or returning directly from a U.S. territory.
U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S.
territory are not considered to have left the
United States and do not need to present a passport.
U.S. territories include the following: Guam,
Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American
Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of
the Northern Mariana Islands. More
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Getting
There
Travel By Air
There are a number of airlines which service Curacao,
allowing travel any day of the week.
Aeropostal
American
Airlines
From Miami with connection to most major US cities
American
Eagle
Daily from San Juan Puerto Rico
Air
Jamaica
Easy Same-Day connections from 12 U.S. Gateways
Avianca
KLM
From Amsterdam: Daily
Martinair
From Amsterdam: Tuesday & Thursday
Servivensa
Airlines
Sobelair
From Brussels in cooperation with van der Valk Travel:
every Wednesday
Cruise Lines
Air Tours/Sun Cruise, Deutsche Sectouristik, Carnival
Cruises, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Norwegian
Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Royal Cruise
Line all serve Curacao.
Entry Requirements
Generally
tourists holding a passport may enter the Netherlands
Antilles without a written permit and remain with
us for a period of fourteen to thirty days. However,
several nationalities (e.g. Colombia, Cuba, Haiti,
India, Peru) are required to present a tourist visa
to enter the Netherlands Antilles. A visa should be
applied for at least one month in advance at any representation
of the Netherlands (in the concerning country). As
from January 1st 2007, US visitors will require a
passport to get back into the USA.
Tourists
should be in possession of:
Valid passport
A return or outward ticket on arrival
Sufficient funds for accommodations and food
The necessary documents for returning to the country
of origin, or further travel elsewhere
The
following nationalities require a Visa to enter Curaçao:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbeidzjan;
Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Burundi,
Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Burkina Faso;
Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, China/
except holders from Hong Kong
Hong-Kong SAR en BNO Flying document holders, Colombia,
Comoro, Congo
Democratic Republic (Zaire), Congo (Brazzaville),
Cuba;
Djibouti, Dominican Republic;
Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia;
Fiji Island Philippines;
Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau;
Haiti;
India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Ivory;
Jordan;
Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyz, Kiribati, Kuwait, Korea
(North);
Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Latvia;
Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Marshall
Islands, Mauritania,
Mauritius, Micronesia, Moldavia, Mongolia, Mozambique,
Myanmar;
Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria;
Oman, East –Timor;
Pakistan, Palau, Palestine Authority, Papua New Guinea,
Peru;
Qatar;
Russian Federation, Rwanda;
Salomon’s Islands, Samoa (West), Saudi-Arabia,
Sao Tome en Principe, Senegal
Serbia en Montenegro (Yugoslavia), Seychelles, Sierra
Leone, Somali, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland,
Syria;
Tadzjikistan, Taiwan (Republic of China), Tanzania,
Thailand, Turkmenistan, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey,
Tuvalu;
Uganda, Ukraine, United Arabian Emirates, Uzbekistan;
Vanuatu, Vietnam;
Yemen;
Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Travel Tips
Electricity
Electricity is 110 - 130 volts/50 cycles, similar
but not identical to the US standard. Most 60 cycle
electrical appliances from the United States will
function properly, although appliances that have internal
time mechanisms will not keep the correct time and
hairdryers and curling irons may overheat if used
for too long. Dual voltage appliances from Europe
and South America will need an adapter plug, readily
available on the island. Although electrical current
is generally reliable, consider using a surge regulator
for sensitive electronic devices and computers. It's
a good idea to charge underwater strobes and videos
on the regulated systems at dive shops and photo centers.
Getting Around
While taxis are available in Curacao, a rental car
will be helpful in getting around and is a necessity
to explore Curacao’s various shore diving locations.
Several resorts offer transportation to the downtown
area.
Taxis
Taxi's are easy to recognize by their signs and the
TX on their registration plates. The prices are based
for 1-4 people from 6 am-11pm. A fifth person costs
25% more. After 11pm there is 25% surcharge. Passengers
should agree on a price for the journey with the driver
first. There are taxi stands at the airport, hotels
and Sha Caprileskade in Punda.
Rental Cars
Avis, Hertz, National, Budget and a number of local
companies are available. There are a choice of models
available and rates range from about $25. for a compact
to $45. for a jeep.
Climate
Average temperature is 80-82 F. Annual rainfall is
about 20 inches. Curacao is a dry, windy island. Cactus
and parrots are a common site. Water temperature is
around 80-84 degrees. Curacao, like Bonaire is south
of the Hurricane belt and is therefore a good destination
for late summer/Fall travel.
Time
Curacao is on Atlantic Standard Time, which is one
hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Dress
Temperatures are warm throughout the year, so light,
casual tropical wear is in order. Remember to protect
yourself from sunburn. Most indoor establishments
are air conditioned so if you chill easily, you may
need a lightweight jacket or long sleeves. Some restaurants
prohibit shorts or sandals; some casinos also require
jackets for men. Overly revealing clothes and bathing
suits are not appropriate, except on the beach. If
you plan to walk in the countryside, wear sturdy shoes
and long pants to protect your legs from the cacti.
Language and Culture
Dutch is the official language on Curacao, but Papiamento
is the local language. English and Spanish are widely
spoken.
Water
Curacao distills water from the sea and it is excellent.
No problems here.
Tipping
Visitors generally tip 10 to 15 % in restaurants unless
a gratuity is added.
Activities (when you are not diving)
Shopping
Curaçao is a shopper's paradise. Some 200 shops
line the major shopping streets such as Heerenstraat
and Breedestraat. Right in the heart of Willemstad
is the 5-block Punda shopping district. Most stores
are open Monday through Saturday from 8am to noon
and 2 to 6pm (some from 8am-6pm). When cruise ships
are in port, stores are also open for a few hours
on Sunday and holidays. To avoid the cruise-ship crowds,
do your shopping in the morning.
Look for good buys on French perfumes, Dutch Delft
blue souvenirs, finely woven Italian silks, Japanese
and German cameras, jewelry, silver, Swiss watches,
linens, leather goods, liquor, and island-made rum
and liqueurs, especially Curaçao liqueur, some
of which has a distinctive blue color. The island
is famous for its 5-pound wheels of Gouda and Edam
cheeses. You'll also see wooden shoes, although we're
not sure what you'd do with them. Some of the stores
also stock some deals on intricate lacework imported
from Portugal, China, and everywhere in between. If
you're a street shopper and want something colorful,
consider one of the wood carvings or flamboyant paintings
from Haiti or the Dominican Republic. Both are hawked
by street vendors at any of the main plazas.
Restaurants
Curaçao has a large selection of international
restaurants, with a wide variety of cuisine. The local
food includes delicious seafood, meats and side dishes.
Some of the local sea food is Dradu (Mahi Mahi), Piska
Kora (Red Snapper), Karko (conch meat), shrimp, and
lobster. Kabritu Stoba (goat meat) is also a local
specialty. Plantains (fried bananas) are usually served
as vegetables or side dishes. Keshi Yena is also very
delicious and means "filled cheese"; the
cheese is filled with chicken, raisins, beans, and
many other good things. Funchi is another specialty
and is made out of corn; it's similar to corn bread
and is usually fried like french fries. Another local
specialty is Iguana soup. Typical side dishes are
rice with beans, white rice, french fries, or baked
potatoes.
A note on dress: beachwear is not appropriate except
for beach bars and takeout, shorts and sandals for
men are not acceptable at many places. Expect locals
to dress very fashionably. Many restaurants are air-conditioned;
you may want to bring a light jacket or coverup. Most
restaurants add a 10% service charge beside the government
5% sales tax.. You may leave an additional tip if
you are pleased with the service.
Museums
The Curaçao Museum is located in the western
part of Otrobanda in an historic building dating from
1853. This spacious museum, Curaçao's largest,
showcases works by traditional as well as contemporary
local and foreign artists. A permanent collection
of antique period furniture, including some exquisite
mahogany pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries,
antique maps of Curaçao and the Caribbean,
and Indian art are also on display. Special exhibitions
are organized regularly. The large shaded grounds
are a pleasant place to stroll; children love the
real locomotive.
In addition there are other museums including Maritime
Museum, Jewish Cultural Historical Museum, Postal
Museum, Fort Church Museum, Numismatic Museum and
Tele Museum.
Beaches
Curaçao has some thirty public and private
beaches, ranging from intimate rocky coves to long
strands bustling with activity. Almost all of the
swimming beaches are scattered along the sheltered
southwestern coast, where the waters are generally
calm and crystal clear. The northern coast, with its
powerful surf and strong undertow, is not suitable
for swimming. Topless bathing is officially prohibited
on all public beaches and some private ones, although
tacitly accepted in some places.
Deep Sea Fishing
The marlin, Dolphin, sailfish, tuna, and wahoo, Barracuda,
Snapper in nearby waters provide an exciting challenge
even for seasoned anglers.
Horseback Riding
Ashari's Ranch and Rancho Alegre provide guided tours
on horseback for beginning as well as experienced
riders.
Hiking/Running
Trails run throughout the 4,500 acres of Christoffel
Park, and the 2-mile Rif Recreation Area offers a
surfaced track for jogging.
Windsurfing
With year-round winds of over 13 knots, Curaçao
offers excellent opportunities for windsurfing operations.
Skilled professionals are on hand to offer instruction
for beginners.
Sailing
Curaçao is home to a number of sailing regattas
throughout the year, and Hobbie-Cat and Sunfish equipment
are always available for rent.
Sightseeing
The Seaquarium displays many fish and sea-life and
the under-water observatory lets even non-divers observe
the aquatic world. While driving out to Westpoint,
a stop at Boca Tabla (see below) is highly recommended.
Landhouses are worth a visit for their architecture
and history, especially landhouse Brievengat, Chobolobo,
and Knip. Many old buildings in Punda and Otrabanda
have been restored and renovated and give a nice insight
into the early settlers' lives. Curaçao is
also the home of the oldest Synagogue in the Western
Hemisphere and an old Jewish cemetery. For hiking
fans, the Christoffel Park is a nice but hot place
to visit. A tour of the Curaçao Ostrich Farm
will reveal details on how these giant birds grow
up. The Hato Caves (see below) are a great place to
learn more about Curaçao's geological history.
Last, but not least, simply walking around in Punda,
crossing the Emma bridge, looking at the waterfront,
and observing people and their activities is a nice
way to pick up the flavor of the Caribbean and Curaçao.
Boca Tabla
On the northern side of the island the rough sea water
has been smashing against the rocky coastline for
centuries and has built several caves and little inlets
into the rock. The most interesting one to see is
probably Boca Tabla which is located close to Westpoint
on the north-western end of the island. Visitors can
walk over the massive volcanic rocks and observe the
wild sea and listen to the wind. It's exciting to
climb down into the cave to observe the waves clashing
against its walls. On weekends simple but good local
food is offered and people can sit in the cool shade
of Divi-Divi trees and eat.
Hato Caves
These are limestone caves located close to the Curaçao
airport. The cave has been commercialized in the early
90s and is now open to the public. Joining one of
the hourly tours, visitors can enter the cave and
learn more about Curaçao's geological history.
The Hato Caves were formed below sea level thousands
of years ago and as the water level dropped with the
Ice Ages the cave became exposed. Like in other sea
caves, shells and corals can be recognized in the
stone. The cave is still active and stalactites (icicle
shaped rocks hanging from the roof) and stalagmites
(inverted stalactites on the floor) are growing to
form columns. Flowstone and dripstone, curtain formations,
lime ribs, and terrace formations suggest that the
cave has been wetter in earlier times. Movements of
the earth about 4000 years ago caused cracks (visible
by lime deposits) and rocks fell down from the roof
of the cave creating a small opening. This opening
is used by the few hundred bats living in the cave
to leave at night and hunt for food. Outside the cave
Caquetios Indians carved Petroglyphs into the rock
wall indicating that some of their religious ceremonies
took place there about 1500 years ago.
Carnival
Carnival is a main event in Curaçao which usually
takes place in late February. Many carnival groups
come up with unique and interesting themes, colorful
costumes, and large floats that they display during
the parade. Preparations always start several months
in advance. The carnival is not government funded
and groups have their own way of raising money. One
of the main fund raisers every year are the so called
Jump-Ups that start in January. Bands on trucks playing
carnival music followed by a dancing crowd move through
the streets of Willemstad and party.
Participants have to purchase a T-Shirt and get music,
drinks, and fun in return. Most importantly, everybody
is getting into the carnival mood and bands can practice
their carnival songs for the year. The actual carnival
parade usually takes several hours and is done twice,
once during the day and once at night, resulting in
two very different looking displays. Every year one
of the groups participating is chosen to be the winner
based on their theme and their appearance. In addition
to those groups, popular bands on trucks and drumming
groups are contributing with live music, and floats
with Miss Curaçao etc. are participating. Carnival
is known to be the busiest time of the island since
many international spectators come to visit.
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