Colorful buildings along the coast, Willemstad, Curacao
ADVENTURE IN FULL COLOR

Cruise to Willemstad, Curacao

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.
National Language Dutch, Papiamentu, English
Currency Accepted Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG)

Things To Do in Willemstad

willemstad curacao shete boka park waves crashing ocean nature

STOP FOR A PHOTO OP

willemstad curacao shete boka park waves crashing ocean nature

willemstad curacao shete boka park waves crashing ocean nature

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.

willemstad curacao christoffel national park

TAKE A HIKE

willemstad curacao christoffel national park

willemstad curacao christoffel national park

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.

willemstad curacao hato caves underground nature
willemstad curacao hato caves underground nature

HISTORY AND MYSTERY

Discover stalagmites, stalactites, unique species and local lore inside the Hato Caves. These ancient limestone caverns are filled with pools, waterfalls, and 1,500-year-old cave paintings. Cruise to Curaçao and cross the mystical underground lake before entering two large caverns lined with ancient Arawak petroglyphs.

Two bowls of peanut soup
Two bowls of peanut soup

Local Cuisine

For a taste of the real Curacao, explore the capital and stop at local eateries like Plaza Bieu, Trio Penotti or La Boheme. At spots like these, you'll find a storm of local flavors reflective of the cultural mix. Try kabritu, curried goat stew, or ayaka, meat-filled tamales wrapped in banana leaves. Or savor African peanut soup with bananas.

An assortment of dresses for sale at a market
An assortment of dresses for sale at a market

Shopping

Walk by multicolored storefronts filled with local arts and crafts in the Punda and Otrobanda districts. Or venture into the New Market, a place to find handicrafts from Curacao, like the quintessential Dutch clogs, and souvenirs like hammocks from neighboring islands.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 Be sure to catch the swinging Queen Emma Bridge in action from the deck during sailaway.
2 The tap water is safe to drink and refreshingly good thanks to the seawater distillery.

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