Curacao Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Curacao Travel & Tourism, Free Curacao Travel Guide Online

Curacao Travel Guide: Discount & Cheap Curacao Travel & Tourism, Free Curacao Travel Guide Online

Picture an Amsterdam street, with narrow, tile roofed buildings along a canal. Now, decorate this image from a tasteful and harmonious palette of vivid pastel colors, and you have an idea of what Curacao looks like. Willemstad, capital of Curacao, is a fascinating town with centuries of history, first class photo opportunities, and a floating footbridge that opens to let boats through. Willemstad is the only World Heritage Site in the Caribbean, and is a place where visitors can walk the streets in safety, on their own, while enjoying shopping and sightseeing. In Willemstad can be found the oldest synagogue in the hemisphere, the Queen Emma floating bridge, and a world-class museum, the Kura Hulanda.

Curacao is the largest island in the Netherland Antilles. It is located in the Caribbean Sea, near Venezuela. The island is about 40 miles long and about 10 miles wide. The administrative capital of the Netherlands Antilles, Willemstad lies on the southern coast overlooking the St. Anna Bay. The climate, the view, the clear, blue water, the lovely beaches all contribute to the charm and desirability of this historically significant island as a vacation destination. The accommodations range from small hotels to some recently added resorts and casinos.

The crest of Mt. Christoffel rises up from the northwest corner of the island to form the highest peak in Curaçao. The landscape is dramatic, stark, and volcanic. The caves built into these cliffs once served as refuges for the Caiquetio Indians, the island's first inhabitants, and their culture can still be found preserved in the paintings and petroglyphs they left behind. The 4,500 acres of wilderness area surrounding this point have been designated by the government as a natural preserve. The park has become home to a wide variety of plants and animals, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. Tall cacti, rare orchids, and many other floral species dot the landscape. A herd of over 100 white-tailed Curaçao deer, originally brought over by the Caiquetios from South America in the 14th and 15th centuries, roam the grounds, along with wild goats and neon-blue iguanas. Hummingbirds, parrots, bats, and Trupial birds contribute to the park's vibrant ecosystem by helping to pollinate the many varieties of plants and trees.

The former Savonet plantation house at the entrance to the park serves as a nature conservancy and visitors' center and houses the new Museum of Natural and Cultural History.

Not to be missed is the Underwater Park, a favorite dive site for divers from around the world. This 12.5 mile coral reef has been granted protected status by the government as a national park. A semi-submersible submarine provides an alternative viewing of marine life for those who prefer "dry diving."

Deep sea diving, windsurfing, golf, tennis, horseback riding, and hiking are all available. Nightlife is varied with dancing to tumba, reggae, salsa, and popular music at the island's many discotheques. Some of the nightclubs feature floorshows. Curacao is a treasure. It is one of the few remaining havens of natural beauty where the seascapes and beaches have not been obscured by high-rise construction projects. It is truly an island paradise.

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Curacao

Sea Aquarium

(5999) 461 6666

8.30 - 5.30

Admission charged.

In 1984, Curacao's underwater world, became accessible to everyone. The Curacao Sea Aquarium was developed directly on the oceanfront with a healthy coral reef near the entrance.

Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue

Age, sand, and a powerful 139-year-old pipe organ are what distinguish Mikve Israel-Emanuel, one of Curaçao's historic treasures. Occupying almost an entire block in the heart of downtown Willemstad, capital of the Netherlands Antilles, the lemon-colored building is the Western Hemisphere's oldest continuously operated synagogue.

Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge

The bridge pulls apart and swings to the shore to let boats go through. The bridge separates the two parts of Willemstad, Punda and Otrabanda, swinging open several times a day to allow access to Curacao's port.

Christoffel

National Park

At Curacao's highest point on the western end of the island is the Christoffel National Park, a protected 4500-acre wildlife preserve and botanical garden. The park is a sanctuary for animal wildlife such as iguanas, rabbits, donkeys, birds, and the whitetail Curacao deer. At the entrance to the park is the Savonet Plantation House, one of the oldest plantation homes in Curacao. You may explore the park by foot, horseback, mountain bike, car or jeep. Very hot and arid, guided tours are recommended (offered between 4 and 6:30 pm).

Museum

of National and Cultural History

Located in Christoffel National Park.

Kura

Hulanda Museum

Kura Hulanda is the largest collection of African slavery history in the world. While touring the museum, parents have the option to take younger children to the Kura Hulanda Children's Center. This center provides interaction between touring children and the children of Curacao.

Fort

Amsterdam

Once the center of town, it now houses the main offices for the government of the Netherlands Antilles. You can see a cannonball lodged in the wall of the fort chapel, a memento of Captain Bligh's 26-day siege in 1804.

Floating market

The name comes from the proximity to the water, though they are on shore. Vendors make the sea trip from Venezuela every morning with fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood.

The Riffort

a defensive post on the entrance to the sea, has been used as a telegraph station, radio station, desalination plant, WWII officers' quarters and hall are still visible.

Curacao

Museum

The Curacao Museum in western Otrobanda is housed in a 19th-century sailors' hospital. Displays include paintings by early-20th-century Dutch masters, a carillon and other musical instruments, and a hat-making diorama (hats were a source of income for many women up until WWI). There are also exhibitions on the local Indian population and the geology of the ABC islands.

Senior Curacao Liqueur Factory

In the early 1500's when the Spaniards arrived in Curacao they planted hundreds of orange trees. These trees did not thrive in the arid climate of Curacao and produced an unusual bitter fruit. The fruit, although inedible, could be used to make aromatic oil, which is today used to make the Curacao liqueur. Tours are offered daily of the distillery.

Hato

Caves

Located in an isolated area about 10 miles outside of town. Café on Premises

Be sure to arrange round trip transportation in advance.

These limestone caverns feature stalactites and stalagmites in unusual formations, as well as underwater ponds, and 1,500 year-old petroglyphs. In the nineteenth century, the Hato Caves were used as hiding places for run-away slaves, and formerly, ancient religious ceremonies were conducted here. A nature trail on the grounds provides a self-guided tour with 15 interesting plants, trees, animals, and objects (petroglyphs) identified and explained in an accompanying brochure. Hourly guided tours of the caves are given.

Beaches

Westpunt

Beach

is best known for the huge cliffs which frame it and the divers who entertain beachgoers by jumping from the cliffs into the ocean below. A favorite of locals and visitors alike, the beach, located on the northwest tip of the island, is open to the public at no charge.

Knip Bay Beach

is just south of Westpunt Beach and is one of the island's most photographed sites because of its picturesque setting and dazzling, bright blue water. On weekends, live music and dancing turn the area into one big beach party. Changing facilities and refreshments are available during specified hours.

Playa Abao, also on the northern tip of the island, is a more quiet spot that is popular for its clear blue water and perfect stretch of white sand.

Daai Booi Bay

is a romantic little beach on the southern side of Curacao, surrounded by towering cliffs.

Cas Abao

is a modern beach, offering a refreshment stand, changing facilities, thatched umbrellas for shelter and a large parking lot.

Blauw

Bay

is one of the largest and most spectacular beaches on the island, It has shade, showers and changing facilities. A small entrance fee is charged.

Curacao Events: Curacao Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Curacao Travel & Tourism, Free Curacao Travel Guide Online

Events and Holidays

January

1 New Year's Day

(Official Holiday)

Early January Official Opening of Carnival

Eight weeks of Carnival festivities begin with a full program of activities in Willemstad, highlighted by revelers, in costume, dancing in the streets. (599-9) 462-3652

Late January

Election of Carnival King & Queen, Prince & Pancho: The official Carnival representatives are elected.

Late January

Children Carnival King & Queen Election:

Late January

Annual Curaçao International Sailing Regatta

Contact: Friends of Regatta at (599-9) 561-9292/561-2612

February

Early February

Carnival Tumba Contest:

The island's finest composers, musicians and singers compete in a unique Curaçao festival. The winning Tumba song will have the honor of being the Carnival Road March Song. Held at the festival Center. Contact: Curacao Music Association. (599-9) 737-6343

Early February

Juve Morning:

Originally the ‘Juve Morning' celebration was mean for participants to join in their night dress or pajamas, but the Curacao population has opted to participate in their T-shirts and jeans. This parade is popular with revelers who enjoy living it up from late at night to sunrise, while the streets fill up with spectators who come to dance &cheer on the participants.

Contact: F.O.KA. (Fundashon pa Organisashon di Karnaval). Located at Pietermaai 20c , Phone number: (599-9) 462-3652

Early February

Children's Tumba Festival:

Talented local youth belt out original tunes, one of which will be selected as the Children's Road March. Held at the Curacao Festival Center.

Contact: F.O.KA. (Fundashon pa Organisashon di Karnaval). Located at Pietermaai 20c , Phone number: (599-9) 462-3652

Early February

Teenagers Carnival King & Queen Election

: The Queen, Prince and Pancho are elected for the teenagers Parade. Contact: F.O.KA. (Fundashon pa Organisashon di Karnaval). Located at Pietermaai 20c , Phone number: (599-9) 462-3652

Mid- February

International Tennis Tournament (Davis Cup

) Tel. 523-3739

Mid-February

Horse Parade:

All the riding schools and private horse owners participate to show off their animals and their skills. Contact: F.O.KA. (Fundashon pa Organisashon di Karnaval). Located at Pietermaai 20c , Phone number: (599-9) 462-3652

Mid-February

Carnival Calypso Contest:

The Calypso contest is a special event that draws many people who hail back to the Windward Islands where Calypso is king. Many local singers and steel bands compete, as well as participants from the neighboring islands, where the calypso is quite popular.

Contact: F.O.KA. (Fundashon pa Organisashon di Karnaval). Located at Pietermaai 20c , Phone number: (599-9) 462-3652

Mid-February

Children's Carnival Parade

Toddlers up to 6th graders take to the streets of Willemstad for their own full-scale parade.

Late February

Ban Topa Karnaval & Tourist Parade

: Contact: F.O.KA. (Fundashon pa Organisashon di Karnaval). Located at Pietermaai 20c , Phone number: (599-9) 462-3652 Cell number: (599-9) 565-5750 Fax number: (599-9) 465-0683 .

Late February

Teen Carnival Parade

Young people are in the spotlight with their own Carnival Parade in Willemstad.

Late February Carnival Parade at Banda Bou

: In the scenic countryside of the western part of the island a full day of revelry takes place in the streets of Banda Bou villages.

Late February Traditional "Midnight Ban Topa" in Otrobanda

.

The streets are closed; there are bands, dancing, and vendors selling food and drink. Everyone joins in the festivities.

Late February "Midnight" Kaya Grandi Festival in Punda

Same as Otrobanda; The Pietermaai street is closed, there are lots of bands, everybody dances and vendors sell food and drink. Everyone joins in the festivities.

March

Mid- March

Annual International Blue Marlin Release

Late March

International Bowling Tournament

: Participating countries; Ecuador , Venezuela , Puerto Rico ,

Santo Domingo & Aruba . Contact: Mr. Gilbert Snijders at tel. (599-9) 767-2812

March or April

Good Friday: Official Holiday

:

Late March International Open Tennis Tournament:

Contact: Mr. Kenneth Hennep. Tel. 523-3739

March or April

Easter Monday (Official Holiday ) Harvest (Seu) Parade

Parade through the streets of Otrobanda, symbolizing the "Feast of the Harvest", featuring all the folkloric groups on the island. Contact: Fundashon Séu Korsou at: tel. (599-9)737-3585/737-3591/562-7036

April

Late April - 1 May Curacao International Drag Races:

More than 7,500 spectators from Curaçao and abroad will attend several events during this exciting weekend. In addition to the races there will be live music, with island cuisine and other activities creating a festival atmosphere The track is located at Ronde Klip on the north side of the island. Contact Mr. William Silvanie at tel. (5999) 461-8832

30 April

Queen's Birthday (Official Holiday ):

Celebration of Queen's Birthday

30 April

The Séu Harvest Parade at the country site Banda Bou

30 April - 1 May

International Food, Beverage and Cultural Festival:

More than 50 stands create a banquet of international and local cuisine and native beverages. Live entertainment is highlighted by local and international dance groups, fashion shows, bands, DJs, and Children playgrounds;

May

1 May Labor Day:

Official Holiday: An official holiday when government and labor union organize marches and other activities.

40 days after Easter

Ascension Day (Official Holiday ):

Late May

Annual Curaçao Jazz Festival:

A two - day jazz extravaganza organized by the Curaçao Jazz Foundation, and drawing top international performers as well as local talents. Contact: Curaçao Jazz Foundation at tel. (599-9) 461-1866 or visit us at www.curacaojazz.com

Late May

International Caribbean Gospel Festival:

Gospel Music lovers arrive from throughout the region to hear performances by popular gospel singers at the Holiday Beach Hotel. Contact:Caribbean Gospel Foundation at tel. (599-9) 737-1200/666-7081

July

Early July

Curaçao Flag Day:

Official Holiday

. Celebrated with official ceremonies and cultural events at Plaza Brion and the Village of Barber Contact: Kas di Kultura at tel. (599-9) 461-7355

Early July

Drag Racing Competition:

More than 7,500 spectators from Curaçao and abroad attend events during the holidays. The track is located at Rondeklip on the north side of the island. For more information contact Mr. William Silvanie at tel. (5999)-569-8805/461-8832

Early July

Trupiaal Youth Invitational Games 2004: Participating Countries: Puerto Rico, Aruba, Trinidad , USA , Barbados , St. Maarten, and Santto.Domingo & Venezuela.

26 July

Curaçao Da

y: commemorate the discovery of Curaçao by Alonzo de Ojeda, in 1499, with a variety of folkloric activities in the inner city and the countryside. Contact: Kas di Kultura at tel. (599-9) 461-7355.

August

Early August

Curaçao Salsa Tour Festival

Mid-August

Slave Uprising Anniversary

; The 1795 slave uprising, the most important in Curaçao's history, is remembered with musical and cultural events on the Rif waterfront, and at Landhuis Kenepa at the western en of the island.

October

2 October

Banda Bou Day

: Inhabitants of the Banda Bou region, on the scenic west coast, will celebrate the day of Banda Bou, with music, folkloric shows, vendors selling typical food and drink. Everyone joins in the festivities. Contact Mr. Rudy Rooij at tel: 560-9763/ 864-1838/864-1132/563-1097

October

Rosh Hashanah: Jewish New Year

. Jewish owned shops and banks are closed. Contact: Mikve Israel-Emanuel at tel. (599-9) 461-1067

Early October

International " Drag Races " October Clash

: More than 100 Participants, 7500 spectators from throughout the region and Curaçao will attend these 3-day events.

October

Yom Kippur: Jewish day of atonement

. Jewish owned shops and banks are closed

Contact: Mikve Israel-Emanuel at tel. (599-9) 461-1067

21 October

Antillean Day

: Official Holiday . A celebration of the unity of the five islands of the Netherlands Antilles .

November

EarlyNovember

Caribbean Tourism Day

: Contact: Curacao Tourist Board (599-9) 434-8200

Mid- November

Dutch Santa Claus (St. Nicholas) sails into St. Anna Bay

: This legendary Dutch patriarch sails into St. Anna Bay, supposedly from Spain, with his white horse and entourage of helpers, all named Zwarte Piet (goblin). Families gather in Otrobanda where a festival atmosphere prevails. Contact: Mrs. Poppy Cratz at Curaçao Parades and festival foundation (599-9) 666-6712

Late November

Christmas Showcase

: Held at the World Trade Center Curaçao. This Tradeshow displays a range of new products for Christmas and New Year season. A continuous fashion show will also be presented with international and local models. For more information please call Mrs. Bakhuis (599-9) 463-6178

December

5 Dec

St Nicholas Day

; On St. Nicholas Eve all children place a bucket of water and a shoe filled with hay for St. Nicholas' big white horse. If they have been good all year, they will wake to find their shoes filled with gifts. Those who haven't are afraid a goblin called " Zwarte Piet" (Black Peter) will carry them back to Spain in a sack.

25 & 26 December

Christmas Day (Official Holiday)

31 December

New Year's Eve:

Official Holiday (Half- day)

Curacao Facts: Curacao Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Curacao Travel & Tourism, Free Curacao Travel Guide Online

Population:

120,000

Time Zone

: Netherlands Antilles. When it is noon in New York City, it is 1:00 PM in Curacao. However, Daylight Saving Time is not observed in Curacao. Therefore, it will be the same time in both places from April-October.

Official Language

: Dutch

International Dialing Code for Netherlands Antilles is +599

. Note: there are no area codes for individual towns and cities in Netherlands Antilles.

Average Temperatures

:

When to Visit:

Sunshine amounts are high throughout the year. The climate is warm, but the trade winds gently cool the air to a comfortable temperature.

Getting There

By Air

From the US: Air Aruba, ALM, American Airlines, Guyana Airways and United have frequent flights to the island from Miami, Atlanta, Chicago and New York. From Europe: KLM offers daily service from Amsterdam while TAP Air Portugal has flights from Lisbon. Most other flights from Europe require a change in the Puerto Rican capital of San Juan. Air Aruba and ALM fly between Curacao and Aruba and Bonaire, while Avensa has daily flights to the Venezuelan capital, Caracas. There's an air departure tax of USD10.00 for international destination.

Hato International Airport

is 7 miles northwest of Willemstad. There are rental car agencies at the airport and taxis and buses waiting to take you into the city; several hotels provide their guests with free transport from the airport.

By Ship:

A number of cruise lines put into port at Willemstad. They dock within walking distance of the town, but public transportation is available at the quay. A small marketplace and post office are also in the area of the docks.

Getting Around

Most visitors to Curacao rent a car or jeep to be able to get to the best beaches and dive spots. There are rental agencies at the airport and at several of the larger hotels. You will need a valid driver's license from your home country.

For getting around Willemstad us Konvoois, the reliable, yellow public buses. Buses and minibuses depart from near the waterfront near the post office. Public minibuses marked 'BUS' on their license plate. Taxis are plentiful in the capital and have TX plates. City fares are set though taxis can also be hired for longer trips around the island at negotiated rates.

Visas are usually not required on Curacao. US and Canadian citizens can visit with a valid passport. A roundtrip or onward ticket is required.

Curacao Kids Activities: Curacao Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Curacao Travel & Tourism, Free Curacao Travel Guide Online

Adventure on the Bounty

This replica of an ancient sailing vessel, offers a pirate adventure. A combination lunch and snorkel trip,

Sea Aquarium

465-8900

This small aquarium offers a variety of indigenous sea life. Visitors can view feedings of the sea turtles, morays and nurse sharks. There is also a dolphin show.

Various dolphin and animal encounters are available at the Sea Aquarium. You can swim, snorkel, dive with the dolphins. Older children can swim with the dolphins .

Beaches

There are 38 beaches located in Curacao. The water is clear and blue. Some of the more popular beaches include: Barbara Beach, Caracas Bay, Cas Abao, Daaibooi Bay, Jan Thiel, Play Abao, Playa Kalki, Playa Kenepa, Playa Porto Marie, and Westpunt Bay.

Hato

Caves

The location is isolated, about 10 miles outside of town. Be sure to arrange round trip transportation in advance. Cafe on premises.

These limestone caverns feature stalactites and stalagmites in unusual formations, as well as underwater ponds, and 1,500 year-old petroglyphs. In the nineteenth century, the Hato Caves were used as hiding places for run-away slaves, and formerly, ancient religious ceremonies were conducted there. A nature trail on the grounds provides a self-guided tour with 15 interesting plants, trees, animals, and objects (petroglyphs) identified and explained in an accompanying brochure. Hourly guided tours of the caves are given.

Maritime Museum

Located in a renovated mansion on the Waaigat inlet just above the floating market, the Maritime Museum's exhibits trace chronologically the History of Curacao. Important artifacts such as antique miniatures, 17th century ship models and maps from the 1500's are on display. This may not hold the interest of younger children.

Ostrich & Game Farm

Visit an ostrich family and get a chance to see how the ostrich develops from the egg to the biggest and the fastest bird in the world.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

With over 68 dive sites, many close to shore, Curacao offers some of the best diving opportunities in the Caribbean. The island's "Mushroom Forest" has been recognized as one of the top dives in the world. Children as young as ten can participate in dive programs (PADI certification, resort certification or shallow dives) and children of all ages can see abundant fish and sea life while snorkeling. Underwater visibility is up to 150 feet.

Seaworld Explorer

A semi-submersible submarine offers passengers a close-up view of Curacao's stunning coral reefs and sea life.

Shete Boka

Shete Boka, meaning seven inlets in Papiamentu, is the island's newest national park. Visitors may hike along the rugged cliffs where the cliffs have carved out dramatic caverns. At the Boka Tabla there's a wide cavern underneath a limestone terrace where you can watch and listen as the surf rolls in.

Christoffel

Park

At Curacao's highest point on the western end of the island is the Christoffel National Park, a protected 4500-acre wildlife preserve and botanical garden. The park is a sanctuary for animal wildlife such as iguanas, rabbits, donkeys, birds, and the whitetail Curacao deer. At the entrance to the park is the Savonet Plantation House, one of the oldest plantation homes in Curacao and home to the new Museum of National and Cultural History.

Willemstad, Curacao

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