r/curacao

I’m planning a trip to Willemstad next month and plan to be there for 3 or 4 days. I plan to stay in Otrabanda or Punda right near the Queen Emma bridge.

I keep reading that renting a car is a must but I just feel like it going to be more stressful trying to drive around the island and trying to find parking all the time. My plan to not have a car is to book excursions with travel included that will take us to some remote beaches and take us on an island tour. I also think that if we stay near the queen Emma bridge, we’ll be able to walk to enough restaurants to eat good for 3-4 days. I also like the idea of walking to restaurants (assuming it’s safe and within a half mile or so) because it lets me see the area more.

Am I completely crazy or does this plan sound good for a 3-4 days trip without a car (2-3 full day excursions with transportation provided and a day in Willemstad)? I’d appreciate any insight!

We will be in curaçao for a week at the end of the month and we would like to do some shore fishing. Ideally, we want to eat what we catch (will of course release if not edible). Where are the best spots for this? We will be renting a car and don’t mind traveling but also if there are any spots near lions dive that would be a bonus for our older son who can’t yet drive.

Also, debating on bringing a smaller travel rod but if we don’t are there places we could rent rods from for the week? Don’t need anything fancy.

Spear fishing for lion fish - my husband and son want to do this but only with snorkel gear (not scuba equipment). Does this exist there? lol

Other suggestions for unique excursions are welcome. We like to do things off the beaten path and less touristy (for the most part😄). Thanks!

https://preview.redd.it/tf6xnxx2zn2h1.png?width=448&format=png&auto=webp&s=06ea7a25bc1958bb6c61fd46c29afd26ceba44c9

Hey friends,

I'm in the UK, and I am trying to buy the new home jersey, but all that shows on Adidas's website is the away jersey as 'coming soon.' I wondered if this is because of my location, as the Instagram post says 'available now' (https://www.instagram.com/p/DYmt0JQjQVc/).

Is anyone please kindly able to confirm that the shirt is available to them, so I can figure out if I just need to be patient or find another way of sourcing one?

Thank you in advance!

Coming next month and unfortunately we are arriving a Sunday early afternoon, staying at Lionsdive. Will there be any kind of nightlife/dancing anywhere nearby that night? Or is that only thur-sat type of thing? What other things will be open/closed on a sunday afternoon/early evening to be aware of?

Im assuming mon and tues are also pretty slow for nightlife too?

Any help is appreciated, thank you!

Hi. Me and my family are thinking about goint to curacao in late june early july. I would like to ask how big is the risk of getting dengue?

Looking for the best area with clean beaches (with beach clubs or chair rentals) and nice variety of restaurants for a girls trip in December. Probably go with an AirBnb but trying to narrow down the options. Thanks in advance!

Hi all

My wife and I are preparing a first time trip to Curacao next February with another couple of friends with the idea of renting a car and doing some beach hopping. We were looking at renting a villa via Airbnb and we found something nice with a pool east of Willemstad.

However yesterday my wife spoke to no fewer than two people who both recommended to go to Blue Bay area instead. They claim that it's better, and closer to the beach, etc. From our perspective it's just more expensive for less. Since we want to drive around the island anyway, it seems wasteful to pay more to be close to one specific beach.

Any thoughts would be appreciated, thanks!!

Anyone else bugged by the fact that jet skis come speeding into bays like Lagun, Jeremie, Klein Knip etc and buzz around? As a snorkler it doesn’t feel safe to snorkel in these places any more.

My husband and I are planning to celebrate our 20th anniversary in June 2027 in Curacao and are looking for stay recommendations/feedback.

Wants:

-Beachfront (no fighting for chairs/umbrellas)

-Prefer adult only but also don't want to stay somewhere that feels stuffy, boring, or like a retirement home.

--At minimum don't want to deal with screaming, whining, crying

-If not all inclusive, we would like to keep the cost for 7 days around $3k since we will be paying to eat out most meals and stock our room with drinks.

--Easy walking to a variety of restaurants/bars

-If all inclusive we want some really good drinks and decent food (not crazy fancy but an option for a good filet mignon or similar level of food one night is appreciated) and can spend up to $5k

Also open to private rentals, but again want to be on a beach and walkable to restaurants and bars.

The hotels/resorts we have considered so far are below but all have some pros and cons and I'd love feedback from those who have been.

Tui Blue: Not even open yet so new and looks nice, but 45 min drive from Wilemstad but its all inclusive so we wouldn't have to go out for meals frequently. It isnt adult only and we can't get an idea if there will be an issue with getting a beach chair, food/drinks quality, etc.

1. Anyone have any perception of this resort/brand?

Kontiki Beach Resort: This was our initial plan because it is adult only and has some access to lively activity a couple days a week, beautiful beach, etc. However the Tropical Superior Rooms (which we would use since we want extra funds for dining, drinks, exploring, etc) have some mixed reviews about smells and beds. It also sounds like the beach can get busy since it's connected to a public beach, which might defeat the purpose of it being adults only. It also appears they offer day passes which makes the private adults only part feel negated.

1. We aren't crazy picky but are these rooms really bad, or is it hit or miss, or is it just rare issues being magnified (understand most people leave polarizing reviews bad or good)

2. Are some nights quiet by 11pm or is every night loud?

3. Is the beach separated enough that it still feels adult only?

4. Are there a lot of day passers typically?

Avila Beach Hotel: Consistently seeing recommendations for the Blue room for couples, but the resort is family friendly so all common areas will be mixed of course. Also it appears they offer day passes which makes the private beach feel no longer private.

1. Are there a lot of kids here on average?

2. Are there a lot of day passers typically?

Lastly, if anyone has other recommendations please feel free to share. Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,
I’m a dual citizen of the United States and the Netherlands (born, residing in the US/Famia yu Korsow), and I’m interested in buying property in Curaçao. I’m hoping to eventually retire there.
I’d rather ask here than go through family connections on the island right now because I want to keep my plans private until I fully understand the process myself.
I’m hoping to learn:

•Whether Dutch citizenship gives any advantages
•If residency is required
•Taxes/legal requirements
•Financing options
•Any restrictions or common mistakes foreign buyers make
•Good areas for living or investment

I’d really appreciate the advice. Thanks in advance!

Hey everyone, I know these posts can be annoying but I didnt find exactly what I was looking for from past posts. Me and my wife are going to Curacoa in late July. We are very excited, but have some little concerns right now we want to anticipate/plan for. Some of them are:

- I am not a good swimmer... like struggling to have my head above water, but can do it type of swimmer. I heard it is choppy in July because of the winds? Do you guys have any advice/warnings/comments about snorkling during that time of year? If itll be a struggle, do you guys have any recommendations for equipment i can have to float easier, but also that i can dive under for little bits of moments to get closer to the action (or am i out of my mind)?

- We love the thought of being away from the mahem, but a walk/short drive to SOME action. I was trying to dig to find a location where we can get a nice airbnb with a pool where we can maybe walk to some stuff (beaches, breakfast/coffee in morning/dinner), but also can drive to Willemstad without breaking a leg to get there (~10-30 mins?). Any recommendations?

Any other advice would be appreciated for first time visitors like us, Thank you!

My wife and I are highly considering moving to the island. I have seen different responses to the ease or difficulty of the move in regards to the process. We are 40 and 38, no kids, decent savings, with me being a lifetime hospitality guy (bartender, server. Etc.) and her being the president of a large nationwide hospitality staffing agency. Seeking legitimate timetables and ease of obtaining the proper things to make the move. Also, any advice on job avenues. We have looked into DAFT already as well, and understand that (I think!) Any helpful advice is greatly appreciated!!

Is it available for purchase at the airport after migration? I’m planning to buy a few bottles, but I’m only allowed to carry a limited amount of liquids in my carryon bag. Therefore, I’m restricted in terms of the sizes I can buy unless I can purchase it at the airport store.

Does anyone know if I can buy it there?

General activities and restaurants I recommend:

The best activities to choose from. Of course, I don’t know whether you enjoy nature, history, or pure relaxation, so I put together an extensive list of the most fun things to do on the island (ranging from art, history, aquatic activities, hiking, food, and even liqueur tasting) that the island has to offer. I hope you enjoy your time. ❤️🇨🇼

• Willemstad was founded in 1634 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has a lot to do and see. You can take a walking tour, e-bike tour, or even ride through the city with a guide in a tuk-tuk. I highly recommend a day trip in Willemstad: make sure to visit Punda (Pietermaai, etc.) and Otrobanda downtown, as well as the Kura Hulanda Village in our city.

Notable museums in Willemstad: the Kura Hulanda Museum about the transatlantic trade and the Curaçao Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Museum are amazing, because Curaçao has the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere, and they have also expanded the museum section of the congregation. An honorable mention for a Willemstad museum is the Curaçao Maritime Museum. We have more than 30 museums all over the island, so I hope there’s something for you, even outside Willemstad.

You can also see the Queen Emma Bridge in Willemstad (built in 1888, the bridge connects both sides of the city and is the only wooden floating pontoon bridge in the world. It also crosses St. Anna Bay, our fully natural harbor, which is one of the busiest harbors in the world). You can take amazing photos there.

Another great place to get very affordable vegetables, fruit, and seafood is the “barko di fruta venezolano”; it’s our iconic floating market with fish, fruit, and vegetables. You can find it at Sha Caprileskade in Punda. It’s a unique experience. The market has been operating for more than 100 years and is part of our UNESCO World Heritage city center.

• Visit Hofi Mango, a nature park in Bandabou where you can also go ziplining. Bandabou also has the BEST beaches on the island, so I’d recommend beach hopping afterward. I would rent a car for the day.

• A day trip to the island of Klein Curaçao is a MUST. Klein Curaçao is a private uninhabited island that is STUNNING. You can book a trip with several companies. Keep in mind that you usually take the boat to Klein around 7–9 AM and return around 5–6 PM. Klein Curaçao is definitely a GEM.

• You can also go kayaking through the mangroves and afterward chill at the Mondi Beach clubs.

• Climbing Mount Christoffel is super fun (the highest mountain on the island, a moderate to slightly difficult hike).

• Eric’s ATV dirt bike or Buggy Curaçao ride (you’ll get very dirty, but it’s a super fun activity. People love it).

• Hato Caves Curaçao (a light walking excursion where you can learn about the indigenous people of Curaçao and even see their tribal stories/writings in the caves. Very interesting).

• Curaçao Blue liqueur distillery at Landhuis Chobolobo (you can take the museum tour, taste the national liqueur, and join their mixing class. It’s super fun. Curaçao is the home of Lahara liqueur, and it’s our national drink).

• The Curaçao Blue Room Cave (an underwater cave excursion. It’s magical).

• Chichi Garden art factory in Serena (learn how to make our national doll sculpture, Miss Chichi. You paint and customize your own personal sculpture. Chichi sculptures are everywhere on the island. Chichi represents the eldest daughter/big sister in a family, who often plays a central role in our family structure. Chichi honors her).

• Shete Boka National Park.

• Kura Hulanda Village for shopping, restaurants, lots of art, and beautiful photos. It’s a UNESCO-protected village. They also have a market on the first Saturday of every month. It’s located right next to the Kura Hulanda Museum.

• Make your own perfume at one of the Parfum Lab locations on the island (Sambil or Punda) so you’ll always remember your trip to Curaçao.

• Book a tour (bus tour with IRIE Tours).

• Take a pottery or candle-making class at Na Man Ceramics or Creative Studio Pottery.

• Sunset Sip and Paint in Willemstad. Take a walk and see the Otrobanda/Punda murals afterward for beautiful Instagram photos.

• Flamingo Sanctuary Sint Willibrordus.

• Rancho Alegre horseback riding.

• Curaçao Ostrich Farm.

• Superior Producer shipwreck diving.

• Powerboat tours (speedboat tours).

• Cathedral of Thorns (sculptures and art made with thorns).

• Aloe Vera Farm Curaçao (we make soap, shampoos, creams, and much more here. You can tour the aloe fields and see the products).

• Netto Bar (the oldest bar on the island and super lively at night with music and dancing).

• Cloud Nine Spa or The Experience Spa if you just want to relax.

• Get a massage at the Renaissance Hotel by the beach, Mambo, or Cabana.

• Take a Caribbean cooking class.

• Visit Dolphin Academy Curaçao and swim with dolphins.

• Aquafari tours.

• Go windsurfing.

Food:

Try some local/traditional dishes at Plasa Bieu in the city. If you’re in Banda Bou, try some kuminda krioyo at Komedor Krioyo, Landhuis Santa Martha, or Jaanchie’s Restaurant (super authentic and old-fashioned).

Our local street food: trùki pans. I recommend Flako’s — it’s my favorite — or Friday’s Trùki Pan. They are all over the island, so there’s a huge variety of “trùk” options.

Other restaurants you should try:

Mosa Caña, Sal The Kitchen, Kome (brunch is amazing and they have delicious bottomless mimosas), De Visserij (one of the best seafood restaurants on the island), Haven (spectacular location with an amazing view of Punda), Villa Vis Jan Thiel (same owner as De Visserij), LionFish Caribbean (you can try the famous lionfish), Lamunchi, Kaya 91, Disfruta Mas (the best arepas and batidos on the island), Arepas House, Popcultr in Marie Pampoen (great smoothies, iced coffee, and Jamaican patties), Gouverneur de Rouville (great view of the Handelskade), Taqueria Maya, Bario, Serafina, Boase luxury culinary beach restaurant (Boase Resort won the award for the world’s #1 best hotel in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas in 2025), Hòfi Mango, Perla Del Mar, Java Café, Dal Toro, La Bohème Café & Restaurant (great for lunch/brunch in Punda), Brisa del Mar, Playa Forti, Purunchi (authentic seafood in a fishing village), Bistro 91, Fènsi, Fort Nassau (restaurant built on a historic fort with an amazing menu and spectacular views), Hòfi Cas Cora (great restaurant and also a local farmers market), Soi 95, Papiamentu Marketplace (you can eat traditional local sweets and snacks here), Maira’s Kitchen, Caleo, Scampi’s Funchi Restaurant (local cornmeal dishes), Serafina, Bocas Restaurant, Rozendal’s Original Cuisine, Pasawa (food truck and restaurant hub), Boca 19, RustiQ (great restaurant if you’re in Kura Hulanda), BKLYN, De Dames (great for brunch), Salú Restaurant, Lamunchi Restaurant, Bliss the Berry (vegan cuisine), House of Stroopwafels (great place for Dutch stroopwafels), and the Swinging Old Lady Brewery (great brewery and restaurant).

Beach clubs to try:

Mondi Beach Club (the view is incredible and absolutely worth it), Rilèks Beach Bar & Rooftop, Cascade Curaçao Rooftop Bar (not on the beach but has spectacular views over old Punda), Mood Beach Club, Madero Ocean Club, Lemon Beach Club, Playa Beach Club, Karakter Beach Club if you’re in Bandabou, Kontiki Beach, Cabana Beach Club, or Mambo Beach Club.

Best beaches:

Grote Knip, Cas Abao (TOP-25 BEST CARIBBEAN BEACHES list 2025), Lagun, Playa Jeremi, Kleine Knip (TOP-25 BEST CARIBBEAN BEACHES list 2025), Porto Marie, Playa Kalki, Playa Piscado, Playa Santa Cruz, Porto Marie, Jeremi, and many others. Tugboat Beach (great for diving and snorkeling — I recommend water shoes).

Extra:

A few words in our native dialect Papiamemtu that will make sure the locals treat you nicely:

- Bondia ......Goodmorning

- Bontardi......Good afternoon

- Bonochi......Good night

- Dushi.....sweety, delicious,honey,darling.

- On mondays only we say Bon siman that means blessed week.

- kon ta bai.....how are you doing

- Ayo.....bye bye

I hope you all enjoy our island. Stay blessed

What’s the reason for a helicopter around Lagun tonight?

hi!

me and 2 friends are goy to curacao on the end of this month, and we were looking for some boat trips on open sea where we could dive in the water and have a good time with drinks/food. we know about klein curacao, but it feels kinda expensive and we were thinking of staying in the sea during the day. can we get any recommendations on this? thanks!

also, i am looking forward to doing some cliff jumping, though i dont have much experience doing it. research tells me playa forti cliff jumping is dangerous. is it actually super dangerous or doable for people that have lots of swimming experience? is grote knip cliff better? thanks!