Beautiful, Fascinating & Fun, Curaçao Is the Total Package

[rohny jones]

The most interesting island of the Dutch West Indies offers friendly people, beautiful beaches, fantastic snorkeling, fascinating historic sites, culture, delicious dining, and fun nightlife, along with yett other atttractions. Capital Willemstad appeals with colorful Dutch colonial buildings (below), with country estates outside the town built in the same style - like a pastel version of Amsterdam).

Also out on the island, other attractions include the caves of Hato, the neo-Gothic church of St. Willibrodus, and the salt pans of Jan Kok, and the Curaçao Liqueur Distillery. For beach lovers, I recommend Playa Kenepa Grandi (aka Grote Knip) because of the breathtaking view and because I like to snorkel there; Cas Abou on the southwest coast and also greatt for snorkeling; and close to Willemstad, Mambo Beach for its party atmosphere. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts should also not miss Tug Boat and Playa Kalki. The beaches on the west side of the island are especially great.


MTMelenzez


For those who like adventure and want to be active, I recommend Christoffel Park, where you can climb Christoffel Mountain but also hike at the foot of the mountain (both are great for taking beautiful pictures for your social media or photo book).  At Shete Boka National Park, most visitors love Boka Tabla (rocks and a sea cave where huge waves crash spectacularly), Boka Pistol (another set of rocks hammered by waves making sounds likened to a firing pistol), and of course Supladó (dubbed "the natural jacuzzi"). Some of these places can only be reached with special vehicles, so a guided tour is normally the best and most enjoyable way to do this. The power of nature you see in the park is so impressive!

For many, one of the favorite activities on Curaçao is swimming with dolphins (top) under the guidance of experienced instructors at the Dolphin Academy on Jan Thiel Bay. You will also learn to give the dolphins different signals to get them sing, wave, and turn for you. At the end comes the dorsal ride where you hold the dorsal fins of two dolphins and are pulled through the water like a javelin (the minimum age is eight years and minimum height 1.30 meters).

Near the dolphin encounter, there's also the fine Curaçao Sea Aquarium, which in addition to the exhibits you'd expect includes animal encounters with sea lions, marine turtles, even donning a snorkel and mask to feed sharks (through a plexiglass barrier).

In short, there is the proverbial something for everyone!


For more great recommendations and insight, check out MiCuraVida.com, the blog of Curaçao-based Dutch travel blogger Moony, for an excellent and detailed look at this singular island.