Have you been dreaming about escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Do you want to head out on a romantic vacation with your partner? Or enjoy a girls’ vacation on an island? Well, the island of Curacao is a destination that has everything you are searching for! It has romance, thrilling adventures, relaxing activities, delicious cuisine, and an island vibe. There’s so much more to know about Curacao. But today, I am going to focus on the best things to do in Curacao during your amazing vacation. At least a few of them will make their way onto your list of things to do in Curacao. And I can add others, as I am creating your Curacao vacation itinerary and booking you at the best Curacao resort too.  

Best Things to Do in Curacao 

Walk Along the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge 

The Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge crosses over St. Anna Bay. You will also hear this bridge referred to as the Swinging Old Lady. It is a pedestrian bridge that connects Punda and Otrobanda in Willemstad.  

This bridge was constructed in 1888. The entire bridge is supported by sixteen pontoon boats.  

You can walk across the bridge at any time. However, be prepared for the bridge to swing open to let boats through. If you happen to be on the wrong side of the bridge when this happens, you don’t need to wait until it closes to cross back over. There are water taxis that will take you to the other side for free.  

Wander Through Handelskade 

Handelskade is a pier that is lined with Colonial Dutch buildings. Those buildings are painted in bright colors. You will find this area over on the Punda side of Willemstad.  

A favorite thing to do in Handelskade is sit at an outdoor café, sipping coffee and watching the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge swing open. However, if you arrive early in the morning, you can grab fresh produce and fish from the floating market here.  

Explore Shete Boka National Park 

Shete Boka National Park is a great place to explore on the northern coast of Curacao. There are ten pocket bays within this park. And many of them are known for being home to sea turtles.  

The two best places to see sea turtles in this park are Boka Pistol and Boka Tabla. The former offers stunning panoramic views. The latter will allow you to see massive waves crash into an underground cavern.  

Relax at the Beach 

While on vacation in Curacao, you will have no trouble finding a beach for relaxing. In fact, relaxing on the beach is one of the best things to do in Curacao!  

Mambo Beach isn’t too far from Willemstad. It is a machine-made beach with soft white sand and a beach volleyball court. However, Blauwbaai is one of the more popular beaches in Curacao. This is the best beach if you want to scuba dive or snorkel to see marine life and the coral reefs.  

Other beaches to consider visiting include Playa PortoMari, Cas Abao Beach, and Playa Lagun. If you find yourself at Playa Forti, you will see numerous people cliff diving. There is a forty-foot cliff that allows you to dive down into the water below.  

If you are not a fan of thrills, like cliff diving, head over to the nearby restaurant on the cliff. You can watch everyone else tackle this challenge.  

Grab a Drink at Netto Bar 

Netto Bar is one of the oldest bars in Curacao. It opened back in 1954. The most popular drink at this bar is the rom berde, which is green rum served with Bredeenstraat. This drink is slightly bitter yet slightly sweet.  

Don’t worry, you can sip on many other drinks if the rom berde doesn’t sound that great!  

Go Hiking in Christoffel National Park 

You might not think hiking and island vacations are possible. However, hiking in Christoffel National Park is one of the best things to do in Curacao.  

I recommend starting your hike very early in the morning. This will ensure you are not out when it is really hot. During your hike, you can stop at the Savonet Museum. This museum is filled with artifacts from the plantation days.  

Oh, and if you really don’t want to go hiking, you can go driving through the park to see the sights.  

Check Out the Street Art in Scharloo 

Scharloo was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to the street art that has been placed on the buildings. Street Art Skalo artists have changed this area from a neglected space to a vibrant space everyone wants to spend time in.  

So, grab your camera and take some pictures with the murals in the background. Those photographs will be an amazing way to remember your vacation in Curacao.  

Explore Hato Caves 

One of the unique things to do in Curacao is exploring Hato Caves. I recommend taking a tour of these caves, so you don’t miss any of the details. Inside, you will see stalagmites, stalactites, waterfalls, and natural pools.  

There are bats inside Hato Caves too. So, be prepared if you aren’t a fan of these flying creatures.  

Visit the Flamingos 

There are two places in Curacao where flamingos spend their time. Those areas include St. Michael’s Bay and St. Marie Bay, or Jan Kok. I prefer to see the flamingos at St. Marie Bay. This is a salt lake. Hundreds, or sometimes thousands, of flamingos can be seen in the water there.  

Check Out Riffort Village 

Riffort Village is near where the cruise ships are docked at the port in Curacao. So, please understand that this is a very touristy area and will be crowded most of the time.  

However, it is still an excellent place to visit while on vacation in Curacao. This village is where Rif Fort was constructed. While the fort has been preserved, it now acts as a shopping and dining destination.  

After you have learned about the history of this fort, you can choose to shop ‘til you drop. It is a great place to purchase some souvenirs to take home with you.  

These are some of the best things to do in Curacao during your vacation. There are many others to choose from. We can discuss them all, as I am getting an idea of what you want to do during your trip. The goal will be to have as many of your must-see items on your itinerary and choose one of the best resorts in Curacao to stay at, so you are close to everything. And I will make that goal happen, as I use all my resources to create the perfect vacation in Curacao for you!  

So, are you ready to book an amazing vacation and do some of these best things in Curacao?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a planning session with me. When you click the link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

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