Curaçao Vacation Packages

Curaçao is a large, flat island that stretches 40 miles across and about 10 miles wide. The coastline along the southern portion of the island is filled with small bays and inlets that are perfect for watching sunsets. The largest bay is located on the eastern portion of the island. This is also where the capital is located along with the majority of the island’s residents and tourist activities. The western part of the island features Christoffel Park and contains the highest elevation in Curaçao. Up on the north coast, it’s less inhabited, but you’ll still find small villages and old plantations here.

Residents of Willemstad boast that they’ve got the features of a large city but the demeanor of a warm and inviting small town. Here, visitors will be able to take advantage of a number of shops, restaurants and bars amongst the unforgettable features of the “old town.” Due to its varied nature, Willemstad is a popular stop for large cruise ships and other tourists.

Like Aruba and Bonaire, the island of Curaçao was once home to the indigenous Arawaks who populated the island until the beginning of the Spanish colonization in 1499. When the Dutch West India Company arrived in 1634, Curaçao’s economy focused on plantation farming for fruits like oranges, coconuts and bananas before becoming focused on the boom of the oil industry. Today, visitors can enjoy tours of former plantations and experience the rich culture of the island.

Christoffel National Park was pieced together during the early 1970s from three former plantations. While visitors can tour the park by car, the best way is to jump right in and explore the park on foot. Easily navigable, the Christoffel National Park is connected via an intricate network of trails where you can admire the views of limestone terraces, Ameridian petroglyphs and the “landhuisen,” or plantation houses of yesteryear.

Rated as one of the best museums in the entire Caribbean, Kura Hulanda is located in the remnants of the sensational hotel from which it received its name. Travel through a vast collection of exhibits which features Arawak and European artifacts. After passing through the museum, guests can tour a 19th-century slaves quarters and explore exhibits that document the slave trade from West Africa to the Americas.

Curaçao is the largest and most industrialized island in the Netherland Antilles. Topping out at over 182 square miles, Curaçao is an independent entity within the Netherlands. In recent years, Curaçao has become a major tourist destination due to its white sand beaches, crystalline waters and casinos. However, Curaçao is also a major producer of oil shipping out over 320,000 barrels per day. With such varied characteristics, Curaçao is said to be a center for multiculturalism and industry.

Language: The official language of Curaçao is Dutch, but many speak English.

Currency: The official currency is the Netherlands Antillean Gulden.

Electricity: 127 volts with a standard US two-prong outlet.

Passport/Immigration: All U.S. citizens must have a valid passport when traveling to and from Curaçao.

Drinking Water: The water is safe to drink in Curaçao.

Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (UTC/GMT -4 hours)

Peak Season: The peak travel season extends from mid-December through mid-April.

Join the Curaçao Shore Snorkel Safari and discover a fascinating array of colorful marine species as you explore the Caracasbaai reef in the company of a knowledgeable guide. Visit one of the famous snorkel spots on the island and see the sunken Tugboat. Swim surrounded by a multitude of marine life in and around the reef, with opportunities to see lionfish, parrotfish, and with a bit of luck you might even spot a lobster in his hideaway. This adventure is great for the whole family. The experienced snorkel guide will make sure you enjoy a safe and fun adventure that will turn this day into the highlight of your vacation!

Included:

• Snorkel Guide
• Use of snorkel equipment

Not Included:

• Food and Beverage

Don't Forget to Bring:

• Bathing suit
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Towel
• Underwater camera
• Bottled water

Hours: Monday afternoon, Wednesday afternoon, Friday afternoon. Lasts 3 hours.

Where to Go: You'll be picked up from your hotel.

Age Restrictions: Not suitable for children under 6 years old.

Explore the city of Curaçao and learn about the history of the East and West sides of the island on this 1-day OR 2-day tour.

Full-Day Tour Itinerary: Curaçao's East Side: Drive through the main street of Punda and discover the best shopping areas in town. See the Queen Emma Bridge (also known as the Pontoon Bridge or the Swinging Old Lady). Visit the floating market. Drive through the old Jewish residential area of Scharloo and learn about the "Wall Cancer" and how it affects the city. Cross over on the youngest and tallest bridge in the Caribbean. Drive through the "other side" of town called Otrobanda and learn about the old folk tales. Stop at St. Anna Bay and take pictures of the harbor entrance that divides Willemstad in the two districts of Punda and Otrobanda. Visit the unofficial "second capital" of Curaçao called Salina and get a glimpse of the day-to-day hustle and bustle of daily life on the island. Visit the Chobolobo estate home of the famous Blue Curaçao Liqueur and sample all the local flavors. Drive through the residential areas on the island and get a feel of how the locals live on the island. Visit the Caribbean Handcrafts, which is the main supplier to most souvenir stores on the island and enjoy the beautiful view of the Spanish waters, Table Mountain and surrounding areas. Curaçao's West Side: See rock formations at the seashore and visit one of the most famous caves on Curaçao, Boka Tabla. See beaches on this side of the island. Visit old plantations and the houses of Curaçao's first inhabitants. Arrive at the salt flats of Jan Kok and see beautiful flamingos in their natural habitat.

2-Day Tour Itinerary: Day 1: Drive through the main street of Punda and discover the best shopping areas in town. See the Queen Emma Bridge (also known as the Pontoon Bridge or the Swinging Old Lady). Visit the floating market. Drive through the old Jewish residential area of Scharloo and learn about the "Wall Cancer" and how it affects the city. Cross over on the youngest and tallest bridge in the Caribbean. Drive through the "other side" of town called Otrobanda and learn about the old folk tales. Stop at St. Anna Bay and take pictures of the harbour entrance that divides Willemstad in the two districts of Punda and Otrobanda. Visit the unofficial "second capital" of Curaçao called Salina and get a glimpse of the day-to-day hustle and bustle of daily life on the island. Visit the Chobolobo estate home of the famous Blue Curaçao Liqueur and sample all the local flavors. Drive through the residential areas on the island and get a feel of how the locals live on the island. Visit the Caribbean Handcrafts, which is the main supplier to most souvenir stores on the island and enjoy the beautiful view of the Spanish waters, Table Mountain and surrounding areas.

Day 2: See rock formations at the seashore and visit one of the most famous caves on Curaçao, Boka Tabla. See beaches on this side of the island. Visit old plantations and the houses of Curaçao's first inhabitants. Arrive at the salt flats of Jan Kok and see beautiful flamingos in their natural habitat.

Included:

• Round trip, air-conditioned transportation
• Tour guide
• Entrance fee to Shete Boca National Park

Not Included:

• Food and beverage
• Tips and other expenses

Don't Forget to Bring:

• Comfortable clothes and shoes
• Towel
• Swimwear
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Bottled water
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• Cash

Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 8-hour duration, either a full-day or broken to 2 days.

Where to Go: You'll be picked up from your hotel.

Age Restrictions: N/A

Visit Curaçao's countryside! Away from the city, on Curaçao's West side, the Kunuku Tour offers the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic tour surrounded by hills and the lush vegetation of this beautiful island. See amazing rock formations at the seashore, and visit one of the most famous caves in Curaçao, Boka Tabla, where the tide and waves have left its mark over the years. Relax at one of the many beaches on this side of the island; with white sand and clear waters, it is the ideal place to get the perfect tan. Continue this amazing tour by seeing some old plantations and the houses of Curaçao's first inhabitants. Finally, arrive to the salt flats of Jan Kok and see beautiful flamingos in their natural habitat.

Included:

• Round trip, air-conditioned transportation
• Tour guide
• Entrance fee to Shete Boca National Park

Not Included:

• Food and beverage
• Tips and other expenses

Don't Forget to Bring:

• Comfortable clothes and shoes
• Towel
• Swimwear
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Bottled water
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• Cash

Hours: Wednesday and Friday. 5-hour duration.

Where to Go: You'll be picked up from your hotel.

Age Restrictions: N/A

Wide-open desert plains: You start the tour at the wide-open desert plains where the guide will tell you about the volcanic and coral geological origins of the island, with three distinct terraces running for miles along the coastline. On the way to the next highlight you will pass Sabana di Arte, which is the Yubi Kirindongo art exhibition, where a local artist has taken various materials scavenged from the sea to create diverse artwork along the coral cliffs.

Natural blowhole: You will then continue your adventure and stop at a natural blowhole where the sea water and foam are sprayed through a chute into the air displaying colorful fountains and rainbows. If the waves are strong enough and you stand close enough, you will feel the water sprinkles refreshing you. Enjoy a spectacular, natural show.

Lunch: After the blowhole, you will stop at a local restaurant for lunch to try some of the local Curaçao dishes (lunch not included).

Christoffel National Park: You will then head to Christoffel National Park. Please note that you will not climb the mountain but will drive through the park and will frequently stop to admire the panoramic views and learn about the interesting flora, fauna and historic landscapes.

Shete Boka National Park: Enjoy rugged and rocky formations where, if the sea allows, you will visit Boka Tabla. This is where the sea and wind have worked together to create a cave in which the waves come crushing in, often giving a splendid show but sometimes flooding the cave completely. You will also visit Boca Pistol, a water canyon where the sea pressurizes an underwater cave to the level that the water explodes with the force of a canon.

Local Beach: On the way back to your accommodation, you will stop at a local beach for a short, refreshing splash in the water.

Included:

• Tour transportation (4WD Toyota Landcruiser seating 10 passengers.)
• English speaking tour guide

Not Included:

• Lunch
• Refreshments
•  

Don't Forget to Bring: We recommend guests to wear sneakers/closed shoes or hiking shoes with a firm hold since grounds are uneven and the coral cliffs can be sharp. No flip-flops please! Please remember to bring your swimwear and towels along, as well as sun protection. A hat or cap is recommended.

Hours: Thursday and Sunday. 7-hour duration.

Where to Go: You'll be picked up from your hotel.

Age Restrictions: Children under 6 years of age should not participate.

Mini desert of Curaçao: After pickup from your accommodation and a safety briefing, your adventure starts off at the wide-open desert plains, where the guide will tell you about the volcanic and coral geological origins of the island with three distinct terraces running for miles along the north coastline of Curaçao.

Turtle Spotting at Boca Ascension: Then, you'll to Boca Ascension an inlay where from the shores you can see large sea turtles swimming in the bay to grass on the Saragassum sea weed.

Lunch: After Boca Ascension, you'll stop at a local restaurant for lunch to try some of the local Curaçao dishes (lunch not included).

Playa Piscador: After lunch, you head out for Playa Piscador, where the turtles are attracted near the shore by the fishermen cleaning fish. Swim and snorkel alongside the turtles (but do not touch!). After Playa Piscador, you will leave the Northwest coast and cross over to the Southwest coast of Curaçao where you will notice how the scenery changes completely from a dry arid climate to a green hilly coast where you will find nearly all of Curaçao's natural white beaches with their turquoise blue waters. At one of these beaches you can go snorkeling, allowing you to discover and enjoy the underwater world of Curaçao, or just relax on the beach.

Included:

• Tour transportation (4WD Toyota Landcruiser seating 10 passengers.)
• English speaking tour guide
• Snorkel Equipment

Not Included:

• Lunch
• Refreshments

Don't Forget to Bring: We recommend guests wear sneakers/closed shoes or hiking shoes with a firm hold since grounds are uneven and the coral cliffs can be sharp. No flip-flops please! Please remember to bring your swimwear and towels along, as well as sun protection. A hat or cap is recommended.

Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 7-hour duration.

Where to Go: Pick up and drop off at hotel.

Age Restrictions: We advise a minimum age of 6 years old.

Established in 1651, the Mikve Israel Emanuel Synagogue is the oldest continually operating museum in the Western hemisphere. Here you can visit the Jewish Cultural Historical Museum to explore artifacts from the congregation’s long history.

Climb aboard the biggest birds on earth and enjoy the unique opportunity to feed, ride and pet these odd creatures while learning about their development.

Located within the walls of a 19th century fort, this romantic eatery features a waterside terrace with amazing views of the nearby harbor. With a cuisine that is uniquely part French and part Dutch, this restaurant is sure to please die-hard foodies.

This cozy eatery has become a staple for locals who want a comfy place to eat that reminds them of home. Once there, you will be greeted by Jaanchi himself, who will amuse you and point you in the direction of his most scrumptious of dishes like his special iguana soup.

The most popular spot on the island, Mambo Beach is very popular with tourists not only because of its close proximity to some hotels, but because it has the best outdoor disco places at night.

Curaçao International Airport (CUR), also called Hato International Airport, is northwest of Willemstad, on Curaçao's northern shore.

Once you leave your gate, proceed to the Immigration desk, which is a “Red Line/Green Line” system. If you have no declared goods or money, then you are welcome to proceed to the green line system so that you may pass through customs. If you do have declarations, then you will follow the red line to speak with an immigrations officer in order to identify your declared items in order to receive a receipt. Regarding customs, before arriving at the airport, you are issued a Passenger Arrival Form to be filled out (one per family) to indicate if you have any plants, fruits, vegetables, meats, live animals, firearms, or that you are carrying more than $10,000 in Curaçao currency (Netherland Antillean gulden).

CheapCaribbean.com has partnered with Nexus Tours as our premier transportation company in Curaçao. They’ll provide you with safe, comfortable and professional transportation, from the airport to your resort and back. After you clear customs and exit the terminal building at the airport, look for the Nexus Representative holding an Amstar/CheapCaribbean.com sign. The representative will then escort you to their van for your transfer to the hotel.