Colorful Curacao

While we only spent a few hours in Curacao, as part of a recent Celebrity cruise, I've already booked a trip to go back! There are far more things to do than can fill a port day or even 48 Hours. Our 48 Hours series is designed to give cruisers or people with a short leisure or business trip to a destination some ideas about what to see and do during a short stay. We hope you enjoy this photo essay and ideas about what to “go see” and do in colorful Curacao during your visit.

How We Got Here…

Curacao is part of the Netherland Antilles, along with Bonaire and Aruba, colonies of the Netherlands. The Arawak settled there first, long before the Europeans. The Spanish were next, but eventually Curacao became a trading base port for the Dutch West India Company. Today, I felt Curacao seemed very familiar after having been to the Netherlands, with it’s colonial architecture and developed inner waterways feeling very European. A well fortified city during colonial times, the old walls and fortresses have been converted to a vibrant, colorful district of upscale shops, bars, cafes and filled with local art that celebrates the Caribbean colors and culture.

Walking Tour from Cruise Port

For cruisers, Curacao, where your ship will likely dock in Willemstad, and you can easily walk to see the attractions. The beauty of Curacao is that in most cases, the development is local shops and restaurants and not the same old chains you find in many Caribbean ports. You can follow my Google walking tour and explore so much in just little more than a mile from your ship.

Get To a Beach

There are several popular beaches. Mambo Beach is just east of the cruise port, a 10 min taxi ride ( 3 miles away) and has development around the beach, restaurants, shops and bars. Blue Bay and Kokomo beaches are west of the Willamstad about a 20 minute cab ride away.

Get Under Water

Curacao is well known for its diving culture. There are lots of outfitters who will provide equipment and a boat to dive sites. Folks who aren’t certified to dive, can find snorkel tours and boat tours to enjoy the coast. There are even glass bottom boats for people who don’t want to get wet at all!

Have A Little More Time?

With more evening hours than a ship cruiser might have, you can enjoy the fun nightlife in the Pietermaai district, an entertainment district that many locals also call home. With few large “resorts” Curacao is a great place to stay in a small boutique hotel.