12 Top-Secret Tips for Finding the Very Best of Curacao
!! CURACAO LOVE !!
Travel bloggers and writers lo ve to co me to Curacao. Â
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HIS T E S U A C BE RKY I U Q , T N A VIBR ES D I V O R P IS LAN D AL! I R E T A M EN DLESS
Photo by Captain Kimo (www.flickr.com/photos/captainkimo/15052483398/)
G N I T S E R E FROM INT ONS I T A S R E V CON S…. L A C O L H WI T
Photo by Richard Scoop (www.flickr.com/photos/rascoop/3746590063/)
IC T C E L C E T O AN TH R O W E N I CUIS . … T U O B A WRITING
Photo by disign2006 (www.flickr.com/photos/ulydisign/288524511/)
ING N N U T S O T . … S P O O T PHO
Photo by Louish Pixel (www.flickr.com/photos/louish/15161319797/)
TO A ST ORIED DUTCH/ CARIBB EAN HISTOR Y TO INVEST IGATE …
Photo by Phil Comeau (www.flickr.com/photos/philfromottawa/398809700/)
TO A ST ORIED DUTCH/ CARIBB EAN HISTOR Y TO INVEST IGATE …
CURACAO MAKES FOR A COMPELLING SUBJECT! Photo by Phil Comeau (www.flickr.com/photos/philfromottawa/398809700/)
IF YOU’RE CHECKING OUT OUR VACATION RENTAL SITE (WWW.VILLASEASHELL.COM), CHANCES ARE THAT, LIKE TRAVEL WRITERS, YOU’RE THE TYPE TO “THINK OUTSIDE THE BEACH RESORT” AND VALUE AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES WHEN YOU TRAVEL.
TO SAVE YOU THE TROUBLE OF COMBING THE INTERNE T, WE’VE GATHERED O UR FAVORITE C URACAO TIPS FROM T HE TRAVEL GURUS WHO HAVE VISITED AN D WRITTEN ABOUT CURA CAO (OR LIVE HERE!).
E S E H T E V O E S U A WE L C E B S E RT Z E I P L X E IA C E P S E H Y T E H T NG I T A C O L A N F I O T ND H EAR A N IO T A N H I T T I S W E D IT G N I . S S HAR R E O TH
Curacao’s Beaches
FIRST, LET’S TALK BEACHES.
Curacao’s Beaches
NOT ONLY DO WE HAVE DOZENS TO CHOOSE FROM FOR YOUR SUN-DRENCHED DAYS ON THE CARIBBEAN, EACH BEACH IS A SHADE DIFFERENT.
Curacao’s Beaches
HERE ARE TWO TRAVEL BLOGGERS ON THE SUBJECT.
Curacao’s Beaches
TIP 1
From Tamilee of Tammilee Tips
“There are over 40 beaches on the island of Curacao ranging from white sand beaches to rocky pebbled beaches. All of the beaches are cove or lagoon beaches” Photo by cmgramse (www.flickr.com/photos/cmgramse/1569626938/)
Curacao’s Beaches
TIP 1
From Tamilee of Tammilee Tips
“You won’t find huge stretches of white sand beaches on this island. Many beaches charge a daily entrance fee.” Photo by cmgramse (www.flickr.com/photos/cmgramse/1569626938/)
Curacao’s Beaches
TIP 1
From Tamilee of Tammilee Tips
“There is also a fee for chairs or palapas [thatched-roof, open-air cabanas] on many beaches.”
Photo by Juska Wendland (www.flickr.com/photos/juska/2155342922/)
Curacao’s Beaches
TIP 1
From Tamilee of Tammilee Tips
“Most beaches are accessible by dirt roads but there is good signage telling you where to go.”
Photo by Juska Wendland (www.flickr.com/photos/juska/2155342922/)
Curacao’s Beaches
TIP 2
From Jasper of The Traveling Dutchman.
If you are looking for a particular splendid beach: “Klein Curacao (which translates to ‘Little Curacao’) is a small, uninhabited island about two hours off the mainland by boat.”
Curacao’s Beaches
TIP 2
From Jasper of The Traveling Dutchman.
“It’s a must visit. The first thing that comes into sight when approaching the island is its old lighthouse.
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You can climb up the tower to enjoy the view. Be careful though, the building isn’t in great shape so mind your steps”
Curacao’s Beaches
TIP 2
From Jasper of The Traveling Dutchman.
“Trips to Klein Curacao can be booked with Mermaid Boat Trips or Miss Ann Boat Trips. Costs are about $100 per adult, $50 for children under 10 years old and include lunch, non-alcoholic drinks and snorkeling equipment.”
Family-Friendly Curacao CURACAO IS PERFECT FOR FORWA RDTHINKING F AMILIES WHO WANT T O S HARE A FUN AN D ME ANINGFUL EXPERIENCE WITH THEIR KIDS.
Photo by nokhoog_buchachon (www. FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
Family-Friendly Curacao
TIP 3
From Chuck of Chuck on Tour
“For families a great outing is the The Curacao Sea Aquarium. Here you can snorkel or scuba dive and hand feed stingrays, sea turtles, sharks and many other colorful tropical fish.” Photo by Mattijs T. (www.flickr.com/photos/kiswanto/3050761398/)
Family-Friendly Curacao
TIP 3
From Chuck of Chuck on Tour
“The aquarium also has interactive programs like the Dolphin Encounter, Sea Lion Encounter Dolphin Swim, Dolphin Snorkel and Dolphin Dive.”
Family-Friendly Curacao
TIP 4
From Chuck of Chuck on Tour
“Now for something completely different why not visit the Ostrich Farm The tour will give you the lowdown on these big birds, you 'll find out the strength of an ostrich egg by standing on one, do you know it can support your weight without breaking!”
Budget-Friendly Curacao OF E N O S I TT A M C I D A NOM OST M S ’ T E N R THE INTE EL V A R T N W WELL-KNO BEEN S ’ E H . S R BLOGGE RE. E H W Y R E EV ! E! R E H W Y R EVE , Y L S U O I R SE H HIS T I W S E R A AN D H E S H JOY N E O T W HO READERS ET. G D U B A ON D L R O W E TH
Budget-Friendly Curacao UP N W O D A AH E O G L L ’ E W TO IT: VED O L T T A M GH U O H T N E EV DLY N E I R F E TH MEETING VE O L T ’ N D I E D H , S L A C O L CURACAO NO T S ’ T I — D A T M O N E R ’ E (W ). E N O Y R E V FOR E
Budget-Friendly Curacao
TIP 5
From Nomadic Matt
“Have a BBQ – BBQ-ing on the beach is a popular local activity and can help you save a lot of money on food.” [We love this tip!]
Budget-Friendly Curacao
“Skip the taxis – The taxis here are very, very expensive. They should be avoided at all costs.” Photo by Calvin Lee (www.flickr.com/photos/clee130/5188230909/)
TIP 6
From Nomadic Matt
Budget-Friendly Curacao
TIP 7
From Nomadic Matt
“Rent a car — Getting your own set of wheels is the most economical and convenient way to get around to the far parts of the island.
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Not renting one was my biggest mistake when I visited Curacao.” Photo by Ducks United Curacao (http://ducksunited.com/curacao/)
Gay-Friendly Curacao DID YOU KNOW CU RACAO I GROWIN S A G LGBT Q DESTI NATION? TRAVEL EXPERTS CREDIT OPEN, AC ITS CEPTING , AN D AL AROUN D LRELAXED ATTITUD THE IS LA E OF N D. IN FACT , CURAC AO JUST CONCLUD ED ITS S ECON D-A PRIDE F N N U AL ESTIVAL IN S EPT WI TH MO EMBER, RE EVEN TS ON TH E WAY.
Gay-Friendly Curacao
TIP 8
Gay Travel had this to say:
“There is no gay neighborhood and only one gay bar on the island Lyric’s - but Curacao seems to pride itself on being welcoming and inclusive.”
Eat in Curacao URE T L U C D OO F S ’ O A C M O R CURA F E C UEN L F N I S TAKE NY A M , Y N TS THE MA I F O S E ITI L A N O I T NA S. T N E D I S RE TO , M ! E H T F O E V I F FORT Y. T C A X E BE
Eat in Curacao RE’S U T L U C D E R A THE FOO S R O LAV F T N A N D A N A DOMI , N A E IBB R A C , H , N A DUTC I S E N DO N I F O S H T A E M SPLAS E LIK S E L P A ND A S T WI TH ST I U L FR A C I P O G N I AN D TR D N U O ES R L B A T E VEG ES. T A L P E OUT TH
Eat in Curacao
R E G G BLO O W T E S TO E HERE AR C A L P ED D N E M M RECO TRY.
Eat in Curacao
TIP 8
From local and Curaçao expert Sheedia Jansen
“My tip would be to have lunch at Plasa Bieu.
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It is definitely a place where you can experience a lot of the Curacao culture in just an hour or two. “ Photo by Roger Wollstadt (www.flickr.com/photos/24736216@N07/12754957863/)
Eat in Curacao
TIP 9
From local and Curaçao expert Sheedia Jansen
“Island visitors can see how locals interact with each other, hear Papiamentu being spoken and of course taste some delicious local food.“ Photo by ichweisswo.com
Eat in Curacao
TIP 9
From local and Curaçao expert Sheedia Jansen
“I personally love to order some stoba (stew).
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There are all kinds of variety of stoba. So dig in and enjoy.”
Eat in Curacao
TIP 10
From Rachelle The Travel Bite
“Located on a small horse farm, Equus exudes a rustic simplicity that’s perfect for kicking off the weekend in a relaxed style.”
Eat in Curacao
TIP 10
From Rachelle The Travel Bite
“There’s a maybe a dozen candlelit outdoor picnic tables situated around a brick fire pit where the owner is grilling cubes of chicken and beef on skewers.
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In the corner you’ll find a bar offering buckets of local beer and a tasty wine selection.”
Eat in Curacao
FOR MORE T IPS AN D ( AFFORDABL E) RESTAURANT SUGGESTIO NS, CHECK OUT THIS EN TRY FROM OUR OWN CU RACAO BLOG. Photo by Arina van Beers
Drink in Curacao
LIKELY YOU’VE HEARD OF THE SPIRIT THAT SHARES OUR ISLAND’S NAMESAKE. ! CURACAO LIQUEUR IS MADE FROM THE DRIED PEEL OF THE NATIVE LARAHA CITRUS FRUIT, AND HAS A DISTINCTIVE ORANGE BITE.
Drink in Curacao
Photo by Meindert van D. (www.flickr.com/photos/hogendriesstraat10/2071573553/)
BUT PERHAPS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE DRINK YOU ORDER IS THE PLACE WHERE YOU SIP IT.
Drink in Curacao
TIP 11
From Beach Bar Bums
“When it comes to resort beach bars, the Boardroom Beach Bar at the Curacao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino is among the best.
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On an island filled with well-known beach bars and beach clubs, the Boardroom Beach Bar does resort beach bars the right way.”
Photo by Thomas van de Weerd (www.flickr.com/photos/thms/3565626459/)
Drink in Curacao
TIP 11
From Beach Bar Bums
Photo by Thomas van de Weerd (www.flickr.com/photos/thms3565623761/)
“Resembling anything but the stuffy confines of a boardroom (somewhere I will probably never take a seat), it retains the rustic, simple beach-bar vibe we all love, complete with wooden swings as bar stools, while offering the perfect spot to sip a cocktail, relax and enjoy the stunning Curacao sunsets.”
Best Photo Op in Curacao
AND WE’D BE REMISS NOT TO MENTION ICONIC WILLEMSTAD, THE PORT THAT LAUNCHED A THOUSAND CAMERA SHUTTERS.
Best Photo Op in Curacao
Photo by Roger Wollstadt (www.flickr.com/photos/24736216@N07/12798339705/)
GO AHEAD AND JOIN THE TRADITION; YOU’RE ALL BUT GUARANTEED A LOVELY PHOTOGRAPH NO MATTER THE TIME OF DAY.
Drink in Curacao
TIP 12
From Rachelle The Travel Bite
Photo by David Kirsch (www.flickr.com/photos/k1rsch/13612787085/)
“At first glance, you might think the multi-chromatic painted town of Willemstad is a fabricated tourist attraction. It’s not. It’s genuine. Years of history and Dutch influence mixed with Caribbean flair have produced a vibrantly colorful port that is listed as a UNESCO World
Best Place to stay in Curacao
Bonus Tip
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT PLACE TO STAY, OUR OCEANFRONT VACATION RENTAL PROPERTY PROVIDES LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS.
Best Place to stay in Curacao
GO
Bonus Tip
AHEAD AND HAVE A LOOK AROUND, AND CONTACT US WITH QUESTIONS OR TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT VILLA SEASHELL!
ARMED WITH THESE TIPS, WE HOPE YOU’LL BE ABLE TO REALLY DIG INTO THE LOVELY ISLAND OF CURACAO.
ARMED WITH THESE TIPS, WE HOPE YOU’LL BE ABLE TO REALLY DIG INTO THE LOVELY ISLAND OF CURACAO.
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PHOTO CREDITS In this presentation we have used a number of photos where we have not been able to determine the actual owner.
! We honor and respect these unknown photographers for their awesome work.
! By using these images, we might very well have broken a few copyright laws. If we have messed up by using your photo, let us know and we will add the image source.