Vacation In Curacao

Vacation In Curacao is one of the best places to enjoy a vacation, for those who are looking for a touristic place and have the opportunity to visit the Caribbean.

Curacao, a Caribbean island north of Venezuela, is a tropical oasis for vacationers seeking an exotic vacation. Here, visitors can scuba dive in warm water and snorkel to see tropical fish and coral reefs. Cruise ships dock at the Willemstad harbor from all over the world, offering non-stop entertainment and shopping. After dark, throngs of cruise ship passengers head for downtown Willemstad for more partying.

Curacao’s beautiful beaches and world-famous restaurants make it one of the most sought after vacation destinations in the Caribbean. It is an island paradise located just north of the Venezuelan coast. Curacao has a well-deserved reputation for being some of the cleanest, safest and most pristine beaches in the Caribbean. The island boasts 54 stunning white sand beaches. Visitors love to swim, snorkel, scuba dive and windsurf on Curacao’s pristine beaches and azure waters.

Curacao may not be as popular destination destination for Americans, but that’s exactly what draws so many tourists to this island nation each year. If you had a chance to visit Curacao, wouldn’t you want to know what’s worth seeing and what you should probably leave out of your itinerary? I’m going to share with you the best things to do in Curacao, but fair warning — these are just my opinions!

Best Months to Visit

The best time to visit Curaçao is from May to November, during the off-peak season. During these months, you’ll find the lowest airfares and hotel rates, with rooms often priced up to 50 percent lower than they are in the high season (especially during summer). Plus, you won’t be vying for beach chairs with throngs of other vacationers. What’s more, Curaçao doesn’t suffer the wrath of hurricane season. Curaçao’s weather tends to be sunny even throughout the months that other Caribbean islands experience torrential rains. Only 12 degrees north of the equator, Curaçao’s average temperature rests in the mid-80s all year. Most vacationers head to Curaçao between December and April, causing hotel rates and airfare to skyrocket. If you’ve come to dive or snorkel, you’ll enjoy good visibility throughout the year. Because the island is located outside the hurricane belt, its marine life is unaffected by seasonal changes.

Weather in Curacao

What You Need to Know

No hurricanes here!On the outer fringe of the hurricane belt, Curaçao remains warm and sunny all year – but keep an eye on the weather, just in case.
Look, don’t touch Curaçao’s coral reefs are gorgeous, but they are also extremely delicate. One slight graze from a human hand can have detrimental effects – plus, coral’s surface can be sharper than it looks.
Dollar-friendly Although the official currency of Curaçao is the Antillean guilder, American dollars are widely accepted.

How to Save Money in Curacao

Visit in the offseason A summertime trip can save you up to 50 percent on hotels and flights.
Limit your taxi rides For short trips around Willemstad, taxis are a convenient option, but for longer journeys it makes more economic sense to rent a car as the cab fares are expensive.
Stick to market food Restaurants in Willemstad tend to cater to travelers with large budgets. Peruse the markets for local cuisine at a fraction of the price.

Culture & Customs

Because of Curaçao’s role in the slave trade, many of today’s Curaçaoans identify deeply with their African heritage, as evidenced in their language and cuisine. Remnants of Dutch colonization are plainly visible as well, especially in the architecture in Willemstad and the countryside’s Dutch plantation houses. Whether their ancestors came from Africa, the Netherlands or both, most of Curaçao’s population speak Papiamentu, a Creole language derived from Portuguese, English, Spanish, Dutch, French as well as African and Indian dialects. English is widely spoken throughout the island, but throwing a bon dia (“good day”) or a danki (“thank you”) into your daily interactions won’t hurt.

A large portion of Curaçao’s population is Roman Catholic, and holidays are taken very seriously. Carnival, in particular, is huge here, lasting for more than a month. If you’re visiting in January or February, be prepared for colorful masquerades and loud processions through the streets. The predominance of Catholicism also means that most businesses on the island are closed on Sundays.

The Netherlands Antilles guilder (ANG) – also called the Florin – is the official currency of Curaçao. One guilder equals roughly $0.56, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout the island. What’s more, many ATMs dispense American tender. Dollars or guilders, most taxi drivers and waiters expect a 10 percent tip, but make sure to check your restaurant bill first – if you notice a 10 percent “service charge,” then you don’t need to leave additional gratuity.

Crime is not a big issue in Curaçao, but you should still keep an eye on your belongings. Look after your valuables on the beach, always lock your car, and stay alert for pickpockets in urban and touristy areas.

READ MORE

Getting Around Curacao

The best way to get around Curaçao is by car. Some of Curaçao’s hotels offer area shuttles, and the public buses cover the majority of the island, but service is infrequent, especially outside of Willemstad. If you want to explore the island on your own time, then you’ll want your own set of wheels. Taxis are available from Curaçao’s major airport, Curaçao International Airport (CUR), about 8 miles northwest of Willemstad. However, cabs can be expensive, especially if you are planning to use them frequently.

Check with your hotel to see if it offers an airport shuttle service. Otherwise, expect to pay around $30 for a one-way taxi ride from the airport to Willemstad. Major airlines, such as American Airlines, JetBlue and Air Canada, service the Curacao airport.

See details for Getting Around

Entry & Exit Requirements

You will need to present a valid passport to enter and leave Curaçao, and you may be asked to show your return ticket and proof of sufficient funds, as well as proof of lodging. Upon departure to the U.S., you will be required to pay an airport departure fee of $42. If you are continuing on to Aruba or St. Martin, you will be charged a $30 fee, or $15 if you’re going to Bonaire. Some airlines, however, include these fees in the ticket price. You’ll also be asked to complete an Embarkation and Disembarkation Card (ED-Card), which will most likely be handed out on the plane ride to Curacao. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department’s website.

Vacation In Curacao