Curaçao, the largest of the ABC islands (comprised of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao), is often overshadowed by its more popular Caribbean counterparts. If you want to appear worldly and sophisticated on your next vacation, consider venturing to this lesser-known island instead.
In addition to being outside the hurricane zone—meaning the bulk of its year is bathed in sunshine and sultry trade winds—the little-known island is also a melting pot of more than 50 nationalities (most locals can communicate four languages), as well as a haven for adrenaline junkies. Here’s how to spend four days on island time if you’re searching for heart-pounding adventure.
How to Get Here
If you’re looking for a quick getaway, Curaçao may be the perfect choice. North American visitation has increased by 8 percent in recent years, and airlines are now offering more flights than ever to meet demand. You can expect a 4.5-hour flight from New York to Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao. And if you’re coming from Miami, you’ll only need 2.5 hours in the air. I recommend a 20-minute flight to Curaçao if you’re going to Aruba; it’s definitely worthwhile. The nicest thing about Curaçao is that airplanes can land and take off from both beaches and runways, unlike many other Caribbean islands.
Where to Stay
If you want to book a thrilling Caribbean vacation, you’ll most likely go for one of two options when it comes to accommodation: all-out luxury or a more budget-friendly option that saves money for activities. If you’re in the first category, stay at Avila Beach Hotel on Avila Beach in Pietermaai, which offers rooms for about $250 each night.The oldest hotel on the island is where the Queen stays when she visits, but another great 4-star option is Marriott’s Renaissance Curacao Hotel & Casino. The rooms have stunning ocean views and it’s only a 5 minute walk from the iconic Queen Emma Bridge. You can book a room for as little as $245/night!
The Scuba Lodge Boutique Hotel & Ocean Suites in the Pietermaai area offers accommodation for as little as $167 per night, making it a reasonable option. They’re perfect for individuals who don’t want to give up on comforts but do want easy access to restaurants and entertainment. The Loft Suite Millennial Special is available at $139 per night and has an Ibiza-style party atmosphere.
Wednesday: Live music and delicious food
Evening: After a long day of travel, you might want to spend your first night resting. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t go out and have some fun. Stop by Zanzibar for a drink during happy hour where you can enjoy the view of the beach and listen to local musicians play popular songs with an acoustic Caribbean flair. Stay for the show or go next door for an al-fresco meal at Tinto, where you’ll still be close enough to hear the live music in the background as you enjoy traditional Argentinian cuisine cooked over a charcoal fire. One of the restaurant’s most popular dishes is asado di tinto, which consists of rib eye, chicken chorizo, and lamb chops served with Argentinean sauces and chipotle salad.
Wednesday: Good Food and Live Tunes
Evening: If you’ve been gone for a long time, make your first night comfortable—but don’t forget to go out. Grab a glass of wine at Zanzibar on Jan Thiel Beach, where you can lounge in the sand and nod along as local musicians unplug and perform popular songs with an acoustic Caribbean flare. Come for the show, or better yet stay afterwards and go to Tinto next door for an outdoor meal. You’ll still be able to hear the live musicyl in the background as you enjoy some of Argentina’s best food cooked over a charcoal fire. Be sure to try one of their specialties: asado di tinto (rib eye, chicken chorizo, lamb chop served with Argentinean sauces and chipotle salad).
Evening: Get to know the city by admiring its bright street art. On One Curacao, you may take a quick tuk tuk tour and zip through both the western Otrabanda side and eastern Punda side of Willemstad, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The famous Queen Emma pontoon bridge links the two sides of the city, which is only accessible by boat and only allows pedestrians. Your tuk tuk guide will take you over a special section of the bridge. Afterwards, stop by Mijn Broodje Pietermaai to get a recovery beer.
Morning: The best betido stand is just outside the Renaissance, so stop by for a cooling tropical drink before going to Ocean Encounters Curacao. In their natural lagoon habitat, you may snorkel or dive with sea turtles, stingrays, nurse sharks, and lemon sharks in an animal encounter package. You’ll also get to feed these magnificent creatures as part of the deal! Sea Aquarium Park allows you to learn more about aquatic life while saving money on transportation costs.
For those seeking more thrill in their deep-sea diving adventure, the Superior Producer is perfect. Ranked as one of the best wreck dives in the Caribbean, this 240-foot freighter ship loaded with Christmas supplies when it tragically sank in 1977 now sits upright and serves as a home to barracudas and some of Curaçao’s most exotic fish. However, beware that you cannot explore while cruise ships are docked at port; if caught, you could be killed by propellers.
Afternoon: SeaBob Curacao is perfect for those who want to get up close and personal with sea turtles and schools of fish. You’ll be using your own underwater propeller to swim around Playa Piskado—it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. If that doesn’t peak your interest, Substation Curacao offers a shark deep dive excursion where you can go 1,000 feet below the surface in a mini submarine (Curasub). And don’t worry, there are plenty of trained experts on this expedition too. While you’re admiring all the sharks, keep an eye out for some rarer ones like the Cuban Dog shark or Seven Gill shark.
Evening: Curaçao has more than 35 white-sand beaches, many of which get crowded during high season. But if you’re looking for a hidden gem, check out Playa Porto Mari on the western coast. Claim a chair and relax—preferably with Brion, a local beer, in hand—or get in the water for more snorkeling. And don’t forget to say hi to (and maybe feed) Willy & Woody, two piglets who live on the beach. You’ll find some unforgettable views here, from the swing in the middle of the water to the stellar cocktails and seafood. Enjoy a romantic seat with your partner and take in all that Kokomo has to offer.
