The Best Tropical Islands: Curacao

Voted one of the best in the Caribbean, Curacao is like being in tropical Holland. The town is built in the Dutch style but the surrounding areas are all tropical. Hit the beaches, lay in the sun, and party the night away. This may not be Gilligan’s Island but what it lacks in privacy it makes up for in romance and fun. The weather is pretty stable here. It’s always hot and usually sunny. If it rains, it’s between November and January. Don’t worry about hurricanes- it’s below the hurricane belt!

Quick Facts
Capital: Willemstad
Population: 133,600
Size: 444 km? (171.4 sq mi)
Power Outlets: 110-130V 50Hz
Official Languages: Dutch
Currency: Guilder
Time Zone: GMT -4
Religion: Christian, Jewish, Hindu.
Calling Code: +599

When to go: As with most of the Caribbean, the peak tourist season is between December and April.

Cost and Budgeting
Curacao is not a cheap destination. Lodging is the biggest expense, especially since most rooms are in high-priced hotels. Travelers looking for a resort vacation should plan on spending at least US$200 a day. This budget will support king-size accommodations, three restaurant meals and car rental. Those who choose more modest accommodation will need US$150 per day. If you hunt down an inexpensive guesthouse or hostel and eat from food stands, you’ll need around US$75 a day.

Though the Antillean guilder is the local currency, US dollars are accepted everywhere. There’s a 7% room tax and 12% service charge added to every hotel bill, and porters expect a 10% tip. Restaurants add a 10% service charge.

Things to See and Do in Curacao
Visit the Museums- Curacao has a number of museums and forts that provide a look at the island’s history and are well worth seeing. The Kura Hulanda museum, Fort Nassau and Fort Amsterdam are very good.
Head to Christoffel National Park- Christoffel National Park is home to Indian caves where you can see paintings left by the Arawak Indians.
Head to Shete Boka National Park- Shete Boka is home to the boca’s. Some of the boca’s serve as sea turtle breeding grounds.
Visit the Curacao Sea Aquarium- One of the most popular attractions in Curacao, there is a Dolphin center that allows you to interact with the animals.
Explore the Hato Caves- Coral and limestone caves that have beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations as well as water pools and a waterfall. The caves are also home to a colony long nose fruit bats.
Scuba Dive/Snorkel- Curacao has some fantastic dive sites, and the clear waters make for excellent visibility. If you don’t want to or can’t dive, the snorkeling is just as good. The waters there are calmest around December.
Rent a Bike - You can discover Curacao, and get some exercise at the same time! Curacao has a beautiful countryside. The cycling tour ends at one of the many beaches on Curacao. You can rent bicycles of all sizes.
Canoe Safaris - Paddle right along the impressive south coast of Banda Abou in canoes. This will allow for plenty of time to enjoy the underwater world and the beauty of Curaçao’s shoreline. You can typically find a guide that will take you to the best snorkeling spots and to visit the best unspoiled beaches.
Fishing - Fishing is a popular sport on the Island. April, May, and June are some of the top months to reel in some really large fish.

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