Get to know willemstad, Curaçao

Curaçao, the 'C' in the island trio known as ABC - Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, and its cruise port in Willemstad - the capital - is an island with a rare charm, stunning colonial architecture, impeccably clean and kept, and very comfortable to explore on your own as safety is something you don't need to be concerned with.

 

The local population is friendly (but not pushy) inviting the cruise passenger to discover the many natural wonders and rich cultural past of this Dutch Island.

adventure in full color

Curaçao is a treasure trove of cultural attractions, rich history, and natural scenery — from desert landscapes and rugged cliffs to 38 spectacular, and mostly secluded, beaches. Sint Anna Bay separates the two sides of the capital of Willemstad. Punda, the original settlement, is a tidy grid filled with shops and unique markets, restaurants and open-air cafes. Not to mention the famous tropicalized Dutch architecture in vibrant hues. Otrobanda (literally, “the other side”) is a maze of narrow streets and even narrower alleyways. And at only 40 miles long, a wide variety of island adventures are within easy reach during your Curaçao cruise.

STOP FOR A PHOTO OP

Take a scenic ride through Shete Boka Park for three incredible sites— the Boka Tabla, where waves break so high against a rocky inlet they look like a geyser; the Boka Pistol, where giant waves make a thunderous sound as they crash into an underground cavern; and the natural bridge which the ocean has carved out of the rock.

TAKE A HIKE

Head to the 4,450-acre wildlife preserve, Christoffel Park National Curaçao, to spend the day immersed in unspoiled nature. Hike or bike any of eight trails and get to know the indigenous flora and fauna— like white-tailed deer, barn owls, blue iguanas, and rare wild orchids.