Make the most of your time ashore.
Traveling by cruise ship through the Caribbean is ideal because if you don’t, you’ll become well versed in the term “ship day.” Many islands shut down when ships aren’t in port and on Curacao this can also be true of Sundays when many stores are traditionally shut down. If your ship does happen to come in on a Sunday, don’t worry too much as many stores and activities will open on those occasions to help bring in the tourism.
Curacao is stunning from the colorful port city to the stunning beaches. Within the city of Willemstad you can spend days exploring everything from the floating market along the water’s edge, to Fort Amsterdam, the shopping, and other historic locations.
The island has a rich history, much of it focused on plantations and the slave trade. The Kura Hulanda museum explores the dark history of Curacao’s involvement in African slavery in the Caribbean. The Savonet Museum covers 4,000 years of the island’s history with much of its focus on plantation life. The museum is located on the grounds of the Landhuis plantation and its restored and partially restored buildings.
Curacao’s Sea Aquarium is fed by nearby sea water and displays much of the marine life found around the island including dolphins, sea lions, and sharks.
Golf:
It would be hard to mention Curacao activities without the Old Quarry Golf Course which has one the Best Golf Course in the Caribbean by USA Today in both 2018 and 2019. The course is 6,920 yards from the championship tees and offers an 8,000 sq. ft. clubhouse with golf shop, locker rooms, lounge, and restaurant.
The Blue Bay Golf and Beach Resort is located on the sea with amazing views from wherever you stand on the course.
The Curacao Golf and Squash Club is a private 600-member club with a par-70 18-hole course. The setting is spa-like located among the quiet tranquility of the island.
Beaches
Curacao is known for its crystalline hues of blue waters. Each of the dozens of beaches on the island have their own unique personality from powdery white sand beaches and rolling hills to seductive privacy and rocky shorelines. Here are three of our favorites.
Playa Knip
Playa Knip is both a favorite for locals and tourists. This award-winning beach is known for its turquoise waters and coastal rocky landscape hiding away soft white sand. Its free to park and stay, and you can even find batidos stands which offer cool refreshments.
Playa Lagun
If you love your Instagram, Playa Lagun is known as one of the most picturesque beaches on the island. In addition to the above ground beauty, the beach is also well known for its snorkeling reefs and clear waters.
Avilla Beach
Avilla Beach is a private beach run by the Avilla Beach Hotel, but if you have a little extra cash this is the place to be. The resort has plenty of places to shade yourself from the sun while still enjoying the surrounding beauty. You’ll also have the luxury of Schooner’s Beach Bar offering drinks and food.
Resort Day Pass
Enjoy a day at he beach with all the amenities of an all-inclusive luxury resort! Not only are there beach chairs and umbrellas, but there are activities like kayaking, beach volleyball, bocce ball, live entertainment, multiple pools, unlimited food and drinks from the resort's restaurants and bars, kids club, and discounted spa purchases. Click for more details!
Sunscape Curacao, ResortPass
Check out these excursions in Curacao.
