Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Curaçao for an Unforgettable Experience

A slender and elongated island that forms the mid-point of the ABC Islands, Curaçao presents itself as a distinctive Caribbean destination.

Surrounded by idyllic beaches and rugged headlands adorned with occasional blooms of palm trees and sea grasses, alongside spiny cacti and divi-divi groves, the landscape deviates from the typical soft sands and jungles.

It is somewhat more sculpted, featuring concealed coves like Playa Lagun where sunbathers relax between two rocky outcrops, alongside the salt-battered Shete Boka park, which portrays the untamed nature of the tropics.

Additionally, the vibrant capital of Willemstad, situated on the southwestern coastline of the island, injects a historical and cultural aspect into the experience.

Here, one can find ancient Flemish townhouses, pontoon bridges, historical forts (including one named after Amsterdam), and numerous captivating museums.

Indeed, there is an abundance of activities to engage in on sunlit Curaçao! Explore the highlights below.

1. Witness natural wonders in the Christoffel National Park

Bats flutter amidst the branches of divi-divi trees in the early evening as the Caribbean sun sinks behind the magnificent silhouette of Christoffel Mountain, which rises like the chiseled Matterhorn of the tropics.

This national park, which spans an impressive 4,500 acres in the north, offers a truly breathtaking environment.

Visitors can traverse the rocky hiking trails and ascend the massive stone peak—a trek that typically requires about two hours from base to summit.

Additionally, nature enthusiasts may wish to search for cottontail rabbits, rare deer, the fragrant Lady of the Night orchid, and the diverse array of hummingbirds that inhabit the region.

2. Wander through the Otrobanda and Punda at Willemstad

The historically significant area of Otrobanda serves as the focal point of Willemstad, the island’s capital.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its abundance of elegant Dutch-style homes and pastel-colored Flemish-inspired townhouses, it exudes a unique charm.

Stroll through its streets, enjoy the handsome stretches of Brionplein adjacent to St. Anna Bay, and view the painted colonial houses along Hoogstraat.

Crossing the water leads you to the Punda district, where the ornate facades of the Penha Building, dating back to 1708, and the palm-fringed lawns of Wilhelminapark await your discovery.

3. Delve into island history at the Savonet Museum

Located within the picturesque Christoffel National Park, where the notable peak rises above the surrounding jungle, the Savonet Museum is an essential destination for those interested in the history of Curaçao and the wider ABC Islands.

Housed within a restored plantation building—once the Savonet Plantation, one of the oldest estates on the island—the museum features collections that chronicle the long history of human activity in these lands.

Visitors can expect narratives spanning from the Arawak Indians over four millennia ago to tales of piracy on the high seas, alongside insights into the interaction between Curaçao’s tropical environment and its inhabitants over centuries.

4. Attend the Curaçao Carnival

Prepare for a vibrant explosion of color and creativity at the Curaçao Carnival.

This grand cultural event, developed over centuries, stands out as one of the most immersive celebrations in the region.

Annually occurring in the early spring, it draws local samba dancers into the streets, adorning themselves in bright Caribbean-inspired attire.

Alongside an abundance of Calypso and the island’s own Tumba music, the festivities include intriguing masquerades and lively dance processions.

This occasion also provides an opportunity to witness the ceremonial burning of King Momo, whose effigy is set ablaze amid fireworks to conclude the festivities.

5. See turtles in the coves of Shete Boka National Park

Adjacent to the more renowned Christoffel reserve, Shete Boka National Park extends from the cacti-covered hills on the island’s northern side down to the rugged coastline where the powerful Caribbean Sea crashes onto the inlets.

Renowned for its series of small coves, this area is a prominent nesting ground for turtles.

Visitors travel from distant places to witness the endangered green sea turtles and other marine creatures.

Furthermore, there are opportunities to traverse the rough cliffs and limpet-speckled headlands on foot, following well-maintained trails such as the Wandomi Trail or the Pistol Trail.

6. Cross the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge

This pontoon bridge connects the two historic segments of Willemstad—Otrobanda and Punda—and has become an emblem of Curaçao.

Originally constructed in 1888 as a toll bridge, it now allows travelers to enjoy stunning views of the vibrant mansions and Dutch-style architecture that decorates the waterfront.

One can also observe the bridge pivoting to allow vessels to navigate in and out of the harbor, a charming quirk that has earned it the affectionate nickname “Our Swinging Old Lady.”

7. Sunbathe between the cliffs at Playa Lagun

Ensure you bring your snorkeling gear, sunscreen, and swimwear for a visit to Playa Lagun, situated on the northwestern coast of the island.

This serene and secluded stretch of Caribbean beach lies nestled between two towering rocky headlands.

Coral reefs offshore host an abundance of marine life, including squid and pipefish, while a scattering of reclining chairs along the beach provide comfortable spots to relax.

Moreover, the beach offers excellent opportunities for people-watching as locals navigate the bay in their colorful fishing boats from morning till night.

8. Dive underwater on a SCUBA excursion

Diving in the waters between the ABC Islands and the southern coast of Venezuela promises a SCUBA experience unparalleled in the Caribbean.

With the arid, desert-like climate prevailing, there are minimal rivers and streams entering the ocean, leading to exceptionally clear waters devoid of brackish intrusions or unpredictable currents.

Numerous remarkable dive sites await, such as the urchin-encrusted wreck of the Superior Producer, the unique underwater vegetation of the Alice in Wonderland site in Kalki, or Snake Bay, teeming with dolphins, rays, and turtles!

9. Between the turquoise sea and sparkling sand on Playa Cas Abou

Arguably the most quintessentially Caribbean expanse of sand on the island, the picturesque stretch of Playa Cas Abou invites relaxation, swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing amid the tropical warmth.

Numerous thatched umbrellas and sizable granite boulders offer shade, while various water sports operators facilitate sea kayaking adventures and even an outdoor playground for families with children.

Nonetheless, it is the vibrant bars that attract crowds, where cocktails are served at the Daiquiri Bar well into the evening.

10. Dine in style at Baoase

Part culinary masterclass and part luxury resort, Baoase is situated mere moments from the boulder-fringed coastline of Curaçao, just south of Willemstad.

This restaurant boasts sweeping views of the hotel’s private lagoon and Bibi’s Island, with decks and thatched cabanas setting the scene for al fresco dining.

The menu, featuring a harmonious blend of refined Caribbean cuisine infused with European elements, consistently impresses.

Anticipate dishes such as lionfish and avocado combinations, wagyu beef, and tuna tartare, complemented by vibrant Asian-themed evenings and cooking workshops.

11. Boat across to Klein Curaçao

A small island situated amidst the Caribbean waters between southern Curaçao and Bonaire, Klein Curaçao serves as an excellent destination for maritime excursions.

Set sail to witness its sun-drenched shoreline of low sandy flats and gently swaying sea grasses.

You will encounter thatched tropical huts, numerous bobbing fishing boats operated by locals, and many sunbathers enjoying the unspoiled beaches.

Moreover, the presence of dolphin pods and rays beneath the ocean’s surface enhances the appeal, promising exciting marine adventures.

12. Enjoy pretty Blauwbaai

Situated within the palm gardens and golf courses of the Blue Bay Resort, just north of Willemstad, Blauwbaai is an exceptionally charming beach.

Beloved by both locals and visitors, the bay is bordered by palm gardens swaying in the breeze and small cliffs.

While the sandy shores offer ample sunbathing opportunities, it is the underwater world that truly draws the crowds.

A variety of corals carpet the ocean floor, and an abundance of colorful tropical fish make this cove a popular destination for snorkelers and swimmers.

13. Tour Fort Amsterdam

Though the impressive structures of Fort Amsterdam continue to serve as governmental offices for Curaçao, they remain open for public visits a short distance from the historic waterfront of the capital.

Adorned in attractive mustard-yellow tones, the elegant facades that define this UNESCO World Heritage Site resemble the architecture of a Low Country city.

Entering the central courtyard provides excellent photographic opportunities, and visitors should not miss the historic Protestant church dating back to 1786 that is adjacent to the complex.

14. Understand the darker side of the island at the Kura Hulanda Museum

Established within the grounds of a historic trading building located in Willemstad, this renowned museum offers a poignant and often jarring insight into the era when the slave trade heavily influenced the region’s economy.

The exhibits highlight the treatment of individuals kidnapped across the Atlantic during this tumultuous period, as well as the lasting impact of this dark history on Curaçao’s culture.

In addition, artifacts from Mesopotamia and materials relating to the Arawak Indians, who inhabited the island prior to Columbus’s arrival, are also on display.

15. Go subterranean at the Hato Caves

Adorned with petroglyphs and featuring monumental stalactites and stalagmites, the Hato Caves tell a compelling story about Curaçao’s past.

Once a refuge for indigenous tribes and later for escaped slaves from plantations, these extensive underground caverns are now accessible for guided tours.

Visitors can observe the uniquely shaped rock formations illuminated by careful lighting and sometimes by natural openings that connect the caves to the surface above.