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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
Getting
There
By
Air
There are a number of airlines
which service Curaçao,
allowing travel any day of
the week.
To / from North America
American Airlines
Local Office: Promenade Shopping
Ctr
Website: www.aa.com
Continental Airlines
Local Office: Plasa Margareth
Abraham
Website: www.continental.com
Delta Airlines
No physical presence.
Book through website or call.
Website: www.delta.com
Insel Air
Local Office: Dokweg 19, Maduro
Plaza
Website: www.fly-inselair.com
To / from Europe
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Local Office: Promenade Shopping
Ctr
Website: www.klm.com
Martinair
Local Office: Promenade Shopping
Ctr
Website: www.martinair.com
Arkefly
Local Office: Schottegatweg
Oost 78
Website: www.arkefly.an
To / from Latin America
Aires
Local Office: Plasa Margareth
Abraham
Website: www.aires.aero
Avianca
Local Office: Hato International
Airport
Website: www.avianca.com
Gol
Website: www.voegol.com.br
Surinam Airways
Local Office: F.D. Rooseveltweg
505
Website: www.flyslm.com
To / from Caribbean
Air Jamaica
Local Office: Hato International
Airport
Website: www.airjamaica.com
Aserca Airlines
Local Office: Plasa Margareth
Abraham
Website: www.asercaairlines.com
Avior Airlines
Local Office: Hato International
Aiport
WebSite: www.aviorairlines.com
Divi Divi Air
Local Office: Hato International
Airport
Website: www.flydivi.com
Dutch Antilles Express
(DAE)
Local Office: Hato International
Airport
Website: www.flydae.com
E-Liner Airways
Local Office: Hato International
Airport
Website: www.e-liner.net
Insel Air
Local Office: Dokweg 19, Maduro
Plaza
Website: www.fly-inselair.com
Liat Airline
No physical presence.
Website: www.liatairline.com
Tiara Air
Local Office: Hato International
Airport
Website: www.tiara-air.com
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).
US visitors 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.
Cruise
Operators Serving Curaçao
Norwegian
Cruise Lines
Royal
Caribbean
Holland
America
Ocean
Village
Cunard
Line
Residensea
Sea
Cloud Cruises
Radisson
Seven Seas Cruises
Celebrity
Cruises
Aida
Cruises
Fred
Olsen Cruises
Pullman
Tours
P
& O
Princess
Cruises
For a complete list of ship
arrival dates and times, please
visit:
http://www.curports.com/research.html
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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