has all the beautiful beaches and  snorkeling spots you’d expect,  
has all the beautiful beaches and  snorkeling spots you’d expect,  

but there’s so much more to  experience if you look further.
but there’s so much more to  experience if you look further.

The island has over 65 distinct  
The island has over 65 distinct  

nationalities, including Papamiento, Dutch,  Spanish, and Portuguese. It’s a perfect  
nationalities, including Papamiento, Dutch,  Spanish, and Portuguese. It’s a perfect  

melting pot if you want to experience  a wide range of cultures in one trip.
melting pot if you want to experience  a wide range of cultures in one trip.

The history of how all these nationalities ended  up on the island is also rich and distinct. Going  
The history of how all these nationalities ended  up on the island is also rich and distinct. Going  

to any of its many museums or exploring its  districts is the best way to get a taste.
to any of its many museums or exploring its  districts is the best way to get a taste.

Like and subscribe to ViewCation to learn  more about what makes the island one of  
Like and subscribe to ViewCation to learn  more about what makes the island one of  

the best in the Caribbean. Keep watching to  learn about the best things to do in Curacao.
the best in the Caribbean. Keep watching to  learn about the best things to do in Curacao.

Beaches The list of  
Beaches The list of  

beaches in Curacao is almost endless. There are  so many that it’s impossible to list them all,  
beaches in Curacao is almost endless. There are  so many that it’s impossible to list them all,  

but picking a few is essential if you want to  get the most out of your trip to the island. 
but picking a few is essential if you want to  get the most out of your trip to the island. 

Grote Knip is considered one of the best things  to do in Curacao because it’s also one of its  
Grote Knip is considered one of the best things  to do in Curacao because it’s also one of its  

best beaches. It has incredibly white sands  and blue waters with rocky cliffs on the edge.  
best beaches. It has incredibly white sands  and blue waters with rocky cliffs on the edge.  

It has one of the highest entry fees at $14, but  it’s a price many visitors are willing to pay. 
It has one of the highest entry fees at $14, but  it’s a price many visitors are willing to pay. 

Playa Piskado is 10 minutes away from  Grote Knip and is famous for its turtles  
Playa Piskado is 10 minutes away from  Grote Knip and is famous for its turtles  

that stay here for the food they get  from local fishermen. It costs $11.  
that stay here for the food they get  from local fishermen. It costs $11.  

Playa Porto Mari is home to 2 feral pigs, Willy  and Woody. It also has a double reef, 3 trails,  
Playa Porto Mari is home to 2 feral pigs, Willy  and Woody. It also has a double reef, 3 trails,  

and a Dutch/Indonesian restaurant. Entry costs $6. There are a few public beaches in Curacao that you  
and a Dutch/Indonesian restaurant. Entry costs $6. There are a few public beaches in Curacao that you  

won’t have to pay to enter. Playa Lagun is small  but peaceful and a great snorkeling spot with a  
won’t have to pay to enter. Playa Lagun is small  but peaceful and a great snorkeling spot with a  

reef full of marine life. Playa Forti is one  of the best beaches for divers. Kokomo beach  
reef full of marine life. Playa Forti is one  of the best beaches for divers. Kokomo beach  

has clear waters and soft sand. It also has a  swing that sits right in the sea, setting it  
has clear waters and soft sand. It also has a  swing that sits right in the sea, setting it  

apart from all others. It closes at 6 pm. Cas Abao Beach is full of white sands  
apart from all others. It closes at 6 pm. Cas Abao Beach is full of white sands  

and unique greenery. You can relax under  its palm umbrellas. It’s home to turtles,  
and unique greenery. You can relax under  its palm umbrellas. It’s home to turtles,  

eagle rays, tropical fish, and more. You  can even get a massage on the waterline  
eagle rays, tropical fish, and more. You  can even get a massage on the waterline  

or visit the Beach Bar & Restaurant. Bluawabi has a calming atmosphere and  
or visit the Beach Bar & Restaurant. Bluawabi has a calming atmosphere and  

a beautiful reef to snorkel in. The palm trees  provide shade. Watch out for the rocks, and be  
a beautiful reef to snorkel in. The palm trees  provide shade. Watch out for the rocks, and be  

aware that you may want to skip this beach's  bar and restaurant. The entry fee is only $8. 
aware that you may want to skip this beach's  bar and restaurant. The entry fee is only $8. 

Mambo Beach is one of the best places to watch the  sunset in Curacao. Stop by the famous Chili Beach  
Mambo Beach is one of the best places to watch the  sunset in Curacao. Stop by the famous Chili Beach  

Bar and walk along the Mambo Beach Boulevard  to do some shopping. The entry fee is $7. 
Bar and walk along the Mambo Beach Boulevard  to do some shopping. The entry fee is $7. 

Jan Thiel is another commercial spot  full of shops, restaurants, and hotels.  
Jan Thiel is another commercial spot  full of shops, restaurants, and hotels.  

The entry fee is a measly $5. Snorkeling and Diving
The entry fee is a measly $5. Snorkeling and Diving

Curacao has over 40 dive areas spread  over 65 sites. Visiting any of them gives  
Curacao has over 40 dive areas spread  over 65 sites. Visiting any of them gives  

you an experience you’ll never forget. One of the best spots is known as The  
you an experience you’ll never forget. One of the best spots is known as The  

Tugboat. The sunken wreck sits in a shallow,  5-meter bay that’s also home to corals,  
Tugboat. The sunken wreck sits in a shallow,  5-meter bay that’s also home to corals,  

sponges, and sea fans. The high visibility  means you’ll see a variety of marine life  
sponges, and sea fans. The high visibility  means you’ll see a variety of marine life  

including parrotfish and butterflyfish. The Mushroom Forest is an underwater  
including parrotfish and butterflyfish. The Mushroom Forest is an underwater  

jungle that got its name from its  gigantic, 10-foot mushroom-shaped coral. 
jungle that got its name from its  gigantic, 10-foot mushroom-shaped coral. 

Punti Piku, also known as Barracuda  Point, is near Barbara Beach. It’s  
Punti Piku, also known as Barracuda  Point, is near Barbara Beach. It’s  

full of curious barracuda that don’t bite  because they’re too busy following divers. 
full of curious barracuda that don’t bite  because they’re too busy following divers. 

Hell’s Corner has a strong current, but there’s  a dive site in a calmer section that’s full  
Hell’s Corner has a strong current, but there’s  a dive site in a calmer section that’s full  

of marine life. You’ll see jacks, turtles,  lobsters, morays, corals, sponges, and more.
of marine life. You’ll see jacks, turtles,  lobsters, morays, corals, sponges, and more.

Willemstad 
Willemstad 

The capital city of Curacao is also a designated  UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s full of history  
The capital city of Curacao is also a designated  UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s full of history  

and 17th-century buildings. It’s also  made up of several interesting regions.
and 17th-century buildings. It’s also  made up of several interesting regions.

Handlesslkade is one of the most recognizable  areas because it’s appeared on many Curacao  
Handlesslkade is one of the most recognizable  areas because it’s appeared on many Curacao  

postcards. Come for its Colonial Dutch  buildings. Stay to eat at its outdoor  
postcards. Come for its Colonial Dutch  buildings. Stay to eat at its outdoor  

cafes and watch the Queen Emma Bridge open. One of the best districts is Piertami.  
cafes and watch the Queen Emma Bridge open. One of the best districts is Piertami.  

Renovation efforts began in 1999 to restore  its historic hotels, restaurants, galleries,  
Renovation efforts began in 1999 to restore  its historic hotels, restaurants, galleries,  

and bars. A few of its most beautiful buildings  are the Scuba Lounge, BjiBlau, and Ginger. 
and bars. A few of its most beautiful buildings  are the Scuba Lounge, BjiBlau, and Ginger. 

The district of Scharloo, also known as Skala,  is a haven for art lovers. It’s full of murals  
The district of Scharloo, also known as Skala,  is a haven for art lovers. It’s full of murals  

commissioned by Street Ark Skala. Christofell National Park 
commissioned by Street Ark Skala. Christofell National Park 

Christoffel National Park was formed in 1978 when  3 plantations merged. It takes up 2300 hectares,  
Christoffel National Park was formed in 1978 when  3 plantations merged. It takes up 2300 hectares,  

making it the largest national park in Curacao. It’s full of impressive greenery, including 450  
making it the largest national park in Curacao. It’s full of impressive greenery, including 450  

species of unique plants like the giant columnar  cacti or kadushi. There are also animals such  
species of unique plants like the giant columnar  cacti or kadushi. There are also animals such  

as white-tailed deer and green iguana. One of  the rarest is the Palabura, a native barn owl. 
as white-tailed deer and green iguana. One of  the rarest is the Palabura, a native barn owl. 

Climbing the park’s Christoffel Mountain is one  of the best things to do in Curacao if you want an  
Climbing the park’s Christoffel Mountain is one  of the best things to do in Curacao if you want an  

adventure. It takes a few hours to reach its 375m  peak, but the hike is easy. You’ll need to start  
adventure. It takes a few hours to reach its 375m  peak, but the hike is easy. You’ll need to start  

before 10 am to avoid extremely high temperatures. Sheta Boka National Park 
before 10 am to avoid extremely high temperatures. Sheta Boka National Park 

This park sits right next to Christofell  but offers a unique experience. It’s made  
This park sits right next to Christofell  but offers a unique experience. It’s made  

up of 7 inlets on the north coast  of Curacao and spans over 6 miles. 
up of 7 inlets on the north coast  of Curacao and spans over 6 miles. 

One of the most popular areas here is Boka Pistola  because it has the biggest waves and beautiful  
One of the most popular areas here is Boka Pistola  because it has the biggest waves and beautiful  

limestone hills. Boka Tabla lets you sit on an  observation deck to watch the sea or go inside  
limestone hills. Boka Tabla lets you sit on an  observation deck to watch the sea or go inside  

a cave. The entry fee is $11. Curacao Sea Aquarium 
a cave. The entry fee is $11. Curacao Sea Aquarium 

This is one of the best things to do in  Curacao during a family trip. It houses  
This is one of the best things to do in  Curacao during a family trip. It houses  

over 400 marine species, including the popular  sea lion ChiChi who loves to show off tricks.  
over 400 marine species, including the popular  sea lion ChiChi who loves to show off tricks.  

There’s also an Underwater Observatory Boat,  air-conditioned theater, and Shell Museum. 
There’s also an Underwater Observatory Boat,  air-conditioned theater, and Shell Museum. 

The aquarium is renowned for its open water system  that flows water from the sea into its tanks. It  
The aquarium is renowned for its open water system  that flows water from the sea into its tanks. It  

also sits next to a beautiful coral reef. There  are plenty of info sessions and programs such  
also sits next to a beautiful coral reef. There  are plenty of info sessions and programs such  

as a flamingo feeding. The entry fee is only  $15 for adults and $7 for kids 5-12 years old. 
as a flamingo feeding. The entry fee is only  $15 for adults and $7 for kids 5-12 years old. 

Amazonia: The Island of Lost Dreams Children also love this spot, but how could anyone  
Amazonia: The Island of Lost Dreams Children also love this spot, but how could anyone  

not be entranced by it? It has one area full  of tropical birds such as macaws and cockatoos,  
not be entranced by it? It has one area full  of tropical birds such as macaws and cockatoos,  

a dark room full of reptiles, and an  open room full of red-handed tamarin.  
a dark room full of reptiles, and an  open room full of red-handed tamarin.  

You’ll have to get a guided tour, and it  costs $18 for adults and $9 for children. 
You’ll have to get a guided tour, and it  costs $18 for adults and $9 for children. 

Dolphin Academy This is the place to go if  
Dolphin Academy This is the place to go if  

you’ve always dreamed of swimming, scuba diving,  or snorkeling with the intelligent and majestic  
you’ve always dreamed of swimming, scuba diving,  or snorkeling with the intelligent and majestic  

bottlenose dolphin. You’ll also have an instructor  teaching you all about them the entire time.
bottlenose dolphin. You’ll also have an instructor  teaching you all about them the entire time.

Like and subscribe to ViewCation for more  can’t-miss island attractions. Keep watching  
Like and subscribe to ViewCation for more  can’t-miss island attractions. Keep watching  

to learn about more of the best things to do  in Curacao, including its standout museums,  
to learn about more of the best things to do  in Curacao, including its standout museums,  

monuments, churches, and more. Curacao Museum 
monuments, churches, and more. Curacao Museum 

This museum teaches you about the history  of Curacao. It features pre-Columbian Indian  
This museum teaches you about the history  of Curacao. It features pre-Columbian Indian  

artifacts and also teaches you about  early plantation life on the island. 
artifacts and also teaches you about  early plantation life on the island. 

Kura Hulanda Museum This museum used to be the home  
Kura Hulanda Museum This museum used to be the home  

of a 19th-century merchant and slave-owner.  It now uses artifacts and models to teach  
of a 19th-century merchant and slave-owner.  It now uses artifacts and models to teach  

visitors about the slave trade in Curacao.  Its collections include pre-Columbian gold,  
visitors about the slave trade in Curacao.  Its collections include pre-Columbian gold,  

Mesopotamian relics, Antillean art, and more. It  also has a sculpture garden full of friendly cats. 
Mesopotamian relics, Antillean art, and more. It  also has a sculpture garden full of friendly cats. 

Kas di pal'i maishi Curacao is a melting  
Kas di pal'i maishi Curacao is a melting  

pot of cultures today, but many of its  150,000 residents are descendants of  
pot of cultures today, but many of its  150,000 residents are descendants of  

African slaves. Touring this adobe house  shows how they lived. If you want more,  
African slaves. Touring this adobe house  shows how they lived. If you want more,  

you can sign up to make a traditional bread  known as Pan Sera on an outdoor stove. 
you can sign up to make a traditional bread  known as Pan Sera on an outdoor stove. 

Tula Monument This monument honors a Black man named  
Tula Monument This monument honors a Black man named  

Tula who led a revolt against the Dutch slave  owners in Curacao. It began in August of 1795  
Tula who led a revolt against the Dutch slave  owners in Curacao. It began in August of 1795  

and lasted for over a month. Tula was captured  on October 3, but his legacy lives on forever.
and lasted for over a month. Tula was captured  on October 3, but his legacy lives on forever.

Churches Fortchurch is the oldest  
Churches Fortchurch is the oldest  

church in Curacao, built-in 1769. The pulpit and  governor’s bench are original. It also features  
church in Curacao, built-in 1769. The pulpit and  governor’s bench are original. It also features  

artifacts from the original congregation. The Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue is the  
artifacts from the original congregation. The Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue is the  

oldest Jewish temple in America that’s still  in use. It’s also called the Snoa for short,  
oldest Jewish temple in America that’s still  in use. It’s also called the Snoa for short,  

a nickname that comes from esnoga,  the Portuguese word for synagogue. 
a nickname that comes from esnoga,  the Portuguese word for synagogue. 

It was founded by Jews who fled during  the Spanish Inquisition. There’s also  
It was founded by Jews who fled during  the Spanish Inquisition. There’s also  

an adjoining museum full of Torah scrolls  and other artifacts. You can still see the  
an adjoining museum full of Torah scrolls  and other artifacts. You can still see the  

sand floors used to drown out the sounds of the  congregation’s worship from their persecutors. 
sand floors used to drown out the sounds of the  congregation’s worship from their persecutors. 

Klein Curacao The trip here is the most popular day tour  
Klein Curacao The trip here is the most popular day tour  

in the area. Klein Curacao, also known as Small  Curacao, sits 15 miles away from the main island.
in the area. Klein Curacao, also known as Small  Curacao, sits 15 miles away from the main island.

It’s private and uninhabited with beautiful  white-sand beaches. There are also plenty of  
It’s private and uninhabited with beautiful  white-sand beaches. There are also plenty of  

snorkeling spots, including coral reefs and the  reck of the Maria Bianca Guidesman. The tour costs  
snorkeling spots, including coral reefs and the  reck of the Maria Bianca Guidesman. The tour costs  

$100, and the 2-hour boat ride isn’t smooth. Jan Kok
$100, and the 2-hour boat ride isn’t smooth. Jan Kok

The salt lakes that cover this area are worth  visiting because they attract hundreds and if  
The salt lakes that cover this area are worth  visiting because they attract hundreds and if  

you come at the right time, even thousands of  flamingos. You can view them from an observation  
you come at the right time, even thousands of  flamingos. You can view them from an observation  

deck to stay out of the mud. De Viserrji
deck to stay out of the mud. De Viserrji

This is one of the best restaurants  in Curacao. It has delicious seafood,  
This is one of the best restaurants  in Curacao. It has delicious seafood,  

including shrimp, tuna tataki, and sashimi.  It’s so popular that it often has a long line.
including shrimp, tuna tataki, and sashimi.  It’s so popular that it often has a long line.

Marsha Bieu Also known as the Old Market,  
Marsha Bieu Also known as the Old Market,  

this open-air food court houses vendors that offer  the best cuisine on the island. You can get fish,  
this open-air food court houses vendors that offer  the best cuisine on the island. You can get fish,  

produce, rice, salad, plantains,  and more. You also have the option  
produce, rice, salad, plantains,  and more. You also have the option  

to take them to go or eat at  the market’s picnic tables. 
to take them to go or eat at  the market’s picnic tables. 

Serena’s Art Gallery This is one of the  
Serena’s Art Gallery This is one of the  

best things to do in Curacao before you end  your trip because it offers one of the most  
best things to do in Curacao before you end  your trip because it offers one of the most  

significant and unique souvenirs in the area. Chichi is the word for older sister in the local  
significant and unique souvenirs in the area. Chichi is the word for older sister in the local  

language, Papiamento. German artist Serena  Israel created the first Chichi sculpture,  
language, Papiamento. German artist Serena  Israel created the first Chichi sculpture,  

and she now sells them at her  art gallery. You can customize  
and she now sells them at her  art gallery. You can customize  

one and have it hand-painted or take a  workshop to learn how to make your own. 
one and have it hand-painted or take a  workshop to learn how to make your own. 

Have you ever had the pleasure of visiting a  Caribbean island? Let us know in the comments.  
Have you ever had the pleasure of visiting a  Caribbean island? Let us know in the comments.  

Like and subscribe to Viewcation for more  tips for a relaxing but attraction-packed  
Like and subscribe to Viewcation for more  tips for a relaxing but attraction-packed  

vacation.
vacation.