If you’re investigating things to do in Curacao, you may already have a picture of the island mind.
If not, here’s a good place to start: Imagine the colorful buildings of downtown Willemstad, a UNESCO world heritage site; seaside eateries next to rocky shorelines; small, charming coves and beaches dotting a cactus-covered coast; and abundant marine life right at the shore.
The largest and most populous of the “ABC Islands,” Curacao lies just east of Venezuela. Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao each have unique things to offer, despite all being part of Dutch Caribbean, part of the Netherlands. Though many tourists have Aruba on their radar, Curacao is a more diverse, yet lesser-known vacation destination.
Want to see the difference between Aruba and Curacao? Check out this Aruba vs Curacao guide.
So much activity – both in and out of the water – awaits you on this hip, vibrant and beautiful island – the hardest part may be figuring out what to do first. Pack your trip with these 13 best things to do in Curacao and you won’t be disappointed!
Go scuba diving (or snorkeling)
Curacao is fringed by a reef, and its southern coast is host to a ton of great dive sites. The coral is colorful, the fish are plentiful, and visibility is usually great year-round.
In addition to reef fish and other smaller, colorful creatures, you’re likely to spot turtles and rays. And the best part is, many of the sites are accessible from shore, meaning the reef is just a quick swim out from the beach. This makes it easy for snorkelers to enjoy their time in the water as well. For the family travelers among you, Curacao’s calm waters make it a perfect place to teach your kids to snorkel.
There are lots of great dive companies on the island – for example, Dive Center Pietermaai draws a friendly crowd from the fun, comfortable Scuba Lodge hotel next door. They cruise to dive sites via an unmistakable, bright-red converted school bus.
Go to Playa Porto Mari Beach
Unlike other Caribbean islands known for their long stretches of bright white sand, Curacao has more of a Mediterranean vibe – think smaller, pebbly beaches with chairs for rent, beach shacks with burgers, and crystal-clear waters. While Willemstad has its local beaches, the best ones are in the surrounding countryside. You’ll need to rent a car in Curacao if you want to beach-hop.
There is no shortage of beaches to choose from. But Playa Porto Mari offers just the right combination: a good stretch of sand with plenty of chairs for rent; a nearby café turning out low-fuss grilled fare; and surrounding cliffsides to enhance the drama of the views. Note that the beach entry can be a little rocky so bring sand shoes.
Porto Mari beach is in near the center of the island, about a 35 minute-drive from Willemstad.
Meet the Turtles at Playa Grandi (Playa Piscado)
About 45 minutes from Willemstad, you’ll find another beach with a unique vibe. A short stretch of sand, rock and coral surrounds a small dock where local fishermen haul up and clean their catch. If you stop by for a dip from 10 AM to 4PM, you are virtually guaranteed to see turtles, who swim in close to shore to see if they can snag some scraps.
While touching the turtles is not allowed (or any other marine life for that matter) you can get very close, as they are not at all fearful of the humans splashing around beside them. If you’ve never had a close encounter with these mellow, shelled swimmers before, this is your opportunity. There are chairs available for rent and a handful of restaurants nearby with ocean views.
Wander historic Willemstaad
Say the word Curacao, and those who know of it picture charming capital city, Willemstaad. The entire inner city and harbor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with brightly colored buildings that encircle its Sint Anna Bay that are the focus of endless paintings and postcards.
You can see these pops of color, and much more, in a stroll through downtown. Come prepared with lots of water and ready to stop for gelato – you are still in the Caribbean after all, where walking around gets hot.
Best to start in the Punda neighborhood, whose narrow streets and plazas are adorned with murals and other local artwork. Make your way to the Queen Emma Bridge, a floating landmark which takes you across Sint Anna Bay and offers the best views of the famous Handelskade waterfront. The Otrobanda neighborhood on the Bay’s opposite side offers more shops and local artwork. Also on the west side of the bay is the Kura Hulanda Museum, which focuses on the local slave trade.
A drink at any waterside restaurants or bars will give you a chance to cool off and views of ships departing the nearby cruise terminal.
See the Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue
This is the oldest surviving synagogue in the Western hemisphere. Consecrated back in 1732, the synagogue continues to serve Curacao’s local Jewish population, but also offers tours for guests and a giftshop with locally crafted Judaica items.
In addition to serving as a stunning example of Curacao’s architecture, the synagogue boasts what is likely the second-oldest pipe organ in the Americas. And who doesn’t love a good pipe organ?
your sun, sand, and entertainment.
Bar and restaurant hop in the Petermaii District
On the east side of the bay is the hip Petermaii district, which has what is probably the biggest concentration of bars and restaurants on the island. It’s ancient buildings and narrow streets radiate shabby-chic energy. Inside, you’ll find spots like the Ochenta Cocktail Bar, which is whipping up creative cocktails highlighting elements of Curacao’s history in a refined atmosphere that wouldn’t be out of place in Amsterdam.
Or head to the eclectic Mundo Bizarro, which serves drinks and Caribbean dishes in a space that can only be described as what you would picture if Salvador Dali redecorated a Cuban mansion.
Exciting without being overwhelming (there are only about 10 restaurants in total), Petermaii is a great spot to spend an evening out.
Try the tasting menu at BijBlauw
As a special treat, try a multi-course tasting menu at one of the cornerstones of Curacao’s bourgeoning foodie scene: the hotel and restaurant at BijBlauw.
The food is memorable. The setting is unbeatable.
The restaurant itself is in a sandy, stylish courtyard overlooking a rocky outcropping into the Caribbean sea. At the chef’s table, the kitchen bustles over your shoulder while waves are tumbling just offshore. Dishes are presented with skill and pride, and wine is perfectly paired. There are a lot of dining options in Curacao, but for ambiance alone this one should be at the top of your list. If you can’t fit in dinner, it’s also charming for breakfast.
Hike up Tafelberg Mesa
In Southeastern Curacao, near Santa Barbara beach, you’ll find Tafelberg (Table Mountain), the most iconic mountain in Curacao.
The mountain rises amid mostly flat surroundings to a jagged peak on one side, offering stunning views of nearby Spaanse Water Bay, and the sparsely populated east end of the island. There are two hiking trails that lead to its summit, with the longest covering about 2.5 miles. Rock Climbing Curacao offers guided tours, as well as other climbing and hiking experiences around the island.
Explore the West End
For those seeking natural beauty, Curacao’s western end offer untouched beaches, as well as Shete Boka National Park. The park is a sea turtle sanctuary, but also includes craggy rock formations where you can watch waves shoot up against the cliffs or crash into seaside caves.
A trip out west might be worth it for some the island’s best dive sites. These include the “Mushroom Forest” which is, like it sounds, a maze of coral heads that have taken the shape of giant mushrooms. Another site, the Watamula drift dive, is also a quick boat trip from the Curacao’s west end, but is consistently ranked as one of (if not “the”) best that the island has to offer.
Spend a day at Baoase Luxury Resort
The grounds at Baoase Luxury Resort, a Balinese-inspired retreat, are among of the most tranquil, luxurious settings you will find anywhere in the Caribbean.
If staying at Baoase is not in your budget, you can still visit! A day pass will cost roughly $150 U.S. per day at the time of writing, but Baoase will be a place that you can go back to in your mind whenever life gets dreary, and a day here will feel like the ultimate luxury beach retreat.
Waves dissipate as they enter the hotel’s crystal-clear lagoon. Soft lounge music accompanies you as you wander along wooden pathways. The architecture and landscaping cultivate a feeling of zen and attentive staff will hurry to help you with whatever you need. The only problem with venturing into Baoase is that, at some point, you will have to leave. Note that the day pass includes including lunch and snacks, as well as snorkel and kayak usage.
Even if you’re not in Curacao to dive, the National Park has plenty to offer as a day trip up the island.
Take a trip to Klein Curacao
For those looking for even more pristine beach, a day trip to Klein Curacao (or “Little” Curacao) will fit the bill. The small island is completely uninhabited. The sand is pearly white, the water crystal clear.
The only way to reach Klein Curacao is by boat, and several local operators offer day trips that include lunch. The island has its own website for comparing costs and features before deciding which tour operator to book.
Check out Mambo Beach and the Sea Aquarium
For an epic stretch of white sand and party vibes to go with it, the man-made Mambo Beach is a sure bet. More boulevard than beach, Mambo begins with a open-air mall that includes shops and mid-range restaurants, and a beach club with a lounge-ready pool.
Keep walking down the beach and you’ll pass through Lions Dive Resort, with associated beachside restaurants, and eventually reach the Sea Aquarium, a popular Curacao activity for families.
All of this is fronted by a broad stretch of white sand that would not be out of place in Southern Florida. There are chairs for rent and several small playgrounds for kids. When the sun sets, you can find dance clubs and other nightlife. While more built up than other Curacao beaches, this is an easy place to get
Try (or at least watch) windsurfing
Warm, calm waters and steady breezes make Curacao a great location for kite boarding. Saint Joris Bay, on Curacao’s Atlantic-facing coast, is more of a lake connected to the ocean by canal. It is perfect for new kite boarders looking to try – or just get a sense of – this sport. There are several operators on the island offering lessons.
Grab a kite a give it a shot!
These 13 best things to do in Curacao only just scratch the surface of the island’s offerings. We hear many travelers say that you need at least two weeks in Curacao to hit the island’s highlights. But these activities are the place to start, and we hope you enjoy your Caribbean adventure!