Cas Abao
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Klein Curacao
Queen Emma Bridge
Christofell National Park
Playa Lagun
Handelskade
Carnival
Ostrich Farm
Curacao Musts
The tranquil and idyllic beach of Cas Abao is beautifully situated in a quaint country setting with gorgeous palm trees, silky white sand, turquoise waters and everything else you could ask for from a serene beach location. The charming gazebos right along the beach are a great place for shade when you want to take a break from tanning in the sun. Also right along the beach, you will find a great bar and restaurant, a dive shop and even a massage facility!
The uninhabited and idyllic island of Klein Curacao is located southeast of Curacao. A short boat-trip will take you to this paradise where picture-perfect white sand and warm blue water awaits you. The desert-like landscape, the ruins of a lighthouse and the rusted remnants of a boat on the windward side lend a sense of mystery to this beautiful island.
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One of the most iconic sights on the island of Curacao and a definite must do is the Queen Emma Bridge spanning across the waterways of Willemstad. This incredible bridge built in 1888 consists of 16 floating pontoons, which can swing open to allow for the passage of ships. The bridge was recently restored and is in superb condition; at night the bridge it lit up with colorful lights, making for a beautiful sight.
The incredible natural beauty of Curacao is embodied fully in the island’s largest park, Christoffel National Park. Visitors to the park will enjoy an amazing variety of local flora and fauna, such as the Curacao White-Tailed Deer (only about 250 remain), the Palabrua, a rare barn owl native to the island, wild orchids and other natural wonders. An absolute must do for nature lovers and others alike!
One of the most unique attractions is the Curacao Carnival season during January and February. Curacao invites all visitors with open arms to participate in the exciting parade. The colors, the food and drink, the music and the people all make this Carnival one intoxicating party. The festivities culminate in the Gran Marcha, the grandest of all parades, and a farewell parade thereafter on the first day of Lent.
The Hato Caves are an unparalleled natural wonder formed millions of years ago, even before Curacao had emerged from the sea to become an island! The caves span an area of 4,900 square meters and contain incredible limestone formations, beautiful pools and waterfalls, as well as a famous statue of the Madonna. The caves are open daily from 10am until 4pm. A definite must do!
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Hato caves
The Curacao Ostrich Farm is an incredible attraction that is great for families and offers an unforgettable experience for all. The farm is home to over 600 of these giant birds! Visitors will gain a wealth of knowledge about the amazing creatures and you can see the full range of the farm’s ostrich population from tiny day old chicks to the adult birds up to 8 years old. Even hold an ostrich egg in your very hands!
Away from the more famous and touristy beaches of Curacao, Playa Lagun is sheltered by the rocky cliffs on both sides and is a perfect spot for a quiet afternoon. The serene, shady cove not only has a beautiful beach and shallow water perfect for snorkeling but also a coral reef nearby that shelters some rare tropical wonders, such as moray eels and sea turtles.
The pier of Handelskade with pastel-colored, Dutch-style buildings overlooking St. Anna Bay is probably one of the most photographed places in Curacao. Pretty as a picture, the pier has open-air cafés as well as fine-dining restaurants. Enjoy a view of the waterfront, as the low Queen Emma Bridge swings open to let a sailboat through. Stroll down the road in the evening to watch the glittering lights of the illuminated facades reflect in the calm sea.
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Dolphin Academy
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A totally unique experience interacting with dolphins can be found at the Dolphin Academy. This attraction offers a seemingly unending variety of activities and ways to interact with the dolphins, from simply swimming with or even going as far a snorkeling and scuba diving with them. The expert guides will show you the different signals used to make the dolphins spin, wave or start singing!