CURACAO AN

CURACAO AN ATTRACTIONS

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Curacao Sea Aquarium

(5999) 461 6666

8.30 - 5.30

Admission charged.

In 1984, Curacao’s underwater world, became accessible to everyone. The Curacao Sea Aquarium was developed directly on the oceanfront with a healthy coral reef near the entrance. 

 

Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue

Age, sand, and a powerful 139-year-old pipe organ are what distinguish Mikve Israel-Emanuel, one of Curaçao's historic treasures.  Occupying almost an entire block in the heart of downtown Willemstad, capital of the Netherlands Antilles, the lemon-colored building is the Western Hemisphere's oldest continuously operated synagogue.

 

Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge

The bridge pulls apart and swings to the shore to let   boats go through. The bridge separates the two parts of Willemstad, Punda and Otrabanda, swinging open several times a day to allow access to Curacao's port.

 

Christoffel National Park

At Curacao's highest point on the western end of the island is the Christoffel National Park, a protected 4500-acre wildlife preserve and botanical garden. The park is a sanctuary for animal wildlife such as iguanas, rabbits, donkeys, birds, and the whitetail Curacao deer. At the entrance to the park is the Savonet Plantation House, one of the oldest plantation homes in Curacao. You may explore the park by foot, horseback, mountain bike, car or jeep. Very hot and arid, guided tours are recommended (offered between 4 and 6:30 pm).

 

Museum of National and Cultural History

Located in Christoffel National Park. 

 

Kura Hulanda Museum

Kura Hulanda is the largest collection of African slavery history in the world. While touring the museum, parents have the option to take younger children to the Kura Hulanda Children’s Center. This center provides interaction between touring children and the children of Curacao.

 

Fort Amsterdam

Once the center of town, it now houses the main offices for the government of the Netherlands Antilles. You can see a cannonball lodged in the wall of the fort chapel, a memento of Captain Bligh's 26-day siege in 1804.

 

Floating market

The name comes from the proximity to the water, though they are on shore.  Vendors make the sea trip from Venezuela every morning with fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood.

 

The Riffort

a defensive post on the entrance to the sea, has been used as a telegraph station, radio station, desalination plant, WWII officers' quarters and hall are still visible.

 

Curacao Museum

The Curacao Museum in western Otrobanda is housed in a 19th-century sailors' hospital. Displays include paintings by early-20th-century Dutch masters, a carillon and other musical instruments, and a hat-making diorama (hats were a source of income for many women up until WWI). There are also exhibitions on the local Indian population and the geology of the ABC islands.

 

Senior Curacao Liqueur Factory

In the early 1500's when the Spaniards arrived in Curacao they planted hundreds of orange trees. These trees did not thrive in the arid climate of Curacao and produced an unusual bitter fruit. The fruit, although inedible, could be used to make aromatic oil, which is today used to make the Curacao liqueur. Tours are offered daily of the distillery. 

 

Hato Caves

Located in an isolated area about 10 miles outside of town. Café on Premises

Be sure to arrange round trip transportation in advance.

These limestone caverns feature stalactites and stalagmites in unusual formations, as well as underwater ponds, and 1,500 year-old petroglyphs. In the nineteenth century, the Hato Caves were used as hiding places for run-away slaves, and formerly, ancient religious ceremonies were conducted here.  A nature trail on the grounds provides a self-guided tour with 15 interesting plants, trees, animals, and objects (petroglyphs) identified and explained in an accompanying brochure.  Hourly guided tours of the caves are given. 

 

Beaches

Westpunt Beach is best known for the huge cliffs which frame it and the divers who entertain beachgoers by jumping from the cliffs into the ocean below. A favorite of locals and visitors alike, the beach, located on the northwest tip of the island, is open to the public at no charge.

 

Knip Bay Beach is just south of Westpunt Beach and is one of the island's most photographed sites because of its picturesque setting and dazzling, bright blue water. On weekends, live music and dancing turn the area into one big beach party. Changing facilities and refreshments are available during specified hours.

 

Playa Abao, also on the northern tip of the island, is a more quiet spot that is popular for its clear blue water and perfect stretch of white sand.

 

Daai Booi Bay is a romantic little beach on the southern side of Curacao, surrounded by towering cliffs.

 

Cas Abao is a modern beach, offering a refreshment stand, changing facilities, thatched umbrellas for shelter and a large parking lot.

 

Blauw Bay is one of the largest and most spectacular beaches on the island, It has shade, showers and changing facilities. A small entrance fee is charged.

 

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