Ultimate 7-day travel itinerary for Curaçao
Rich history, translucent water and diverse landscapes characterize the delightful Dutch island of Curaçao that is also known as ‘Little Europe of the Caribbean’. Make the most out of your one week vacation to this tropical island by following our detailed itinerary. Have a few extra days to spend? Don't forget to visit the many picturesque beaches to work on your tan.
Day 1 - Shete Boka National Park
Shete Boka National Park is located along the rugged north coast of the island, including several inlets and interesting rocky formations. It is also a hotspot for wildlife: 3 different species of sea turtles are known to lay eggs in the area and iguanas can often be spotted sunbathing on the cliffs. The national park features several well-known sights, but you will surely enjoy getting off the beaten track by itself and admire the rugged countryside. Some notable attractions include:
Boka Tabla
This cavern begins on land and ends underwater. You can listen to the water growling as the waves hit the shore and push the water into the tunnel. As you walk along the limestone bluffs, you will get a spectacular view of Curaçao’s rugged north coast.
Supladó Natural Jacuzzi
Supladó Natural Jacuzzi is the main sights of Shete Boka National Park. Enjoy the show of the natural fountain as it sprays up the water into the air. As the sunlight hits the drops of water, they sparkle in every color of the rainbow.You can also find several little natural jacuzzis around the fountain.
Boka Wandomi Natural Bridge
Another well-known sight of Shete Boka National Park is Boka Wandomi Natural Bridge. The water has carved a way for itself in the massive rock formations, creating a bridge-like formation.
Day 2 - Punda & Otrabanda - the historic quarters of Willemstad
Punda and Otrobanda, the two historic quarters of Willemstad are full of cultural gems worth exploring. Take a stroll around the quaint pedestrian-only streets and alleys for vibrant and colorful photo opportunities, good shopping and the best restaurants! Make sure to stop by at these attractions on the way:
Floating Market
Start the day early at the floating market to buy some fresh produce coming from Venezuela. The boats carrying ripe avocados, plantains, papayas and fresh fish dock as early as 6.30 am along Sha Caprileskade road. Join the colorful crowd of locals and tourists as you browse around the floating market.
Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge
Connecting Punda and Otrobanda, this hinged bridge offers a fun sight at night as it glows in many colors.
Groot Davelaar
Visit the former refuge of Guzman Blanco, a Venezuelan revolutionary. This interesting piece of architecture is a great example of colonial buildings with a Renaissance twist. You will find other notable colonial homes in the area.
Old Market
Stop by at the Old Market if you’d like a real taste of the traditional cuisine of Curaçao. This vast barn-like structure gives home to several local eateries where you can enjoy goat stew, pumpkin pancakes, cactus stew or a whole red snapper at the picnic tables.
Day 3 - Try some fun watersports
There’s hardly a water sport you can’t find on Curaçao. It’s a real paradise for all water sport aficionados. Should you practice your most loved watersport or try something new on your holiday, we guarantee you’ll have a blast.
Wakeboarding
Wakeboard tours leave from Jan Thiel Beach, Fishermen’s Harbor or Santa Barbara. You can choose the speed and complexity of the tour based on your previous experiences. Wakeboard along the coast while your friends take photos of you from the boat. You can also take turns with your friends you took along for no additional fee.
Water Tube Ride
Take a friend along and hold steady onto the handles because you’re about to embark on a thrilling ride. This is a great way to spend a day on the water if you’d rather take it easy and choose an an activity that is super fun even when you don’t have any previous experience. The only thing that might happen it you flip over with the tube, but who didn’t want to take a dip in the turquoise water anyway, right?
Water Skiing
Have you always wanted to try water skiing or do you want to show off your pro skills? This is the perfect opportunity for you. The course will be adjusted to your level of experience to assure the most fun. Try other sports like wakeboarding, water tubing or banana boat ride for no additional fee.
Banana Boat Ride
Banana Boat Ride is the most frequently picked activity by families because it’s equally fun for young and old. A boat can take up to 10 people at the same time so you can enjoy the ride simultaneously. Hold on tight while the driver increases the speed gradually and tries his best to have you all in the water.
Day 4 - Explore the outback on the west coast
The west coast of the island has a lot to offer from the red sands of San Pedro Plateau to the Witch Cave. Most of the sights here are rather secluded and not very well known, so this day should be exciting for everyone who likes to get off the beaten path. There are various 4.5-hour long ATV tours available that include the most important attractions of the west coast if you choose to take part in a guided tour.
San Pedro Plateau and Witch Cave
San Pedro Plateau is a deserted area on the west coast of the island that you can zoom across with a quad. The main attraction here is the Witch Cave.
Boca Ascension
After a short off-road track, you will reach Boca Ascension, a protected bay with a gorgeous beach that is a popular spot among sea turtles. You can either take a hike at Boka Ascension to spot turtles or go directly to Playa Charomba where there’s a parking lot directly off the main road.
Flamingo Sanctuary at Willibrodrus
Coming back you will pass by the small fishing village of Sint Willibrodrus that is home of the famous Flamingo Sanctuary.The town itself is also worth a visit with its Williwood sign and well-known St. Willibrordus Church, but the main attraction is undoubtedly the Flamingo Sanctuary. Spot these magnificent birds in their natural habitat in the shallow waters of a salt lake surrounded by rolling hills and unique cacti.
Day 5 - Make some new friends at the Ostrich Farm and snorkel with dolphins
It is not only kids who love animals whether they are furry, live in the sea or never learnt to fly. This day will surely warm up your heart as these animals reward any attention with great affection.
Ostrich Farm
Witness all life stages of these amazing birds from eggs through baby ostrich to fully-grown birds. You can take a safari around the farm and meet other inhabitants such as potbellied pigs, squirrel monkeys, emus, crocodiles and parrots. Stop by at their restaurant and try an ostrich egg omelet.
Snorkel with Dolphins
Free dive with dolphins in a natural lagoon for a once in a lifetime experience. Learn about these incredibly intelligent mammals prior to snorkeling and then join your trainer to play with dolphins underwater. Enjoy a free tour around the Sea Aquarium that is included in your ticket where you get to watch sharks feeding, enjoy the dolphin show and meet sea lions.
Day 6 - Sail up the beautiful West Coast
Who doesn’t love the tranquility of listening to a sailboat riding through the waves and watching the winds change? Take your friends or family and set sail on a sailing yacht that has enough space for 20 people. Cross the mangrove forest and exit to the Caribbean Sea. You’ll have an opportunity to explore beautiful secluded beaches like Banda Abou and snorkel at the famous Blue Room that is famous for its blue illumination. Enjoy an open bar and delicious lunch on board.
Day 7 - Take a day trip to Klein Curaçao
If you have the chance, you shouldn’t miss out on the tropical oase of tranquility and vibrant marine life of Klein Curaçao. Island hopping is one of the most fun activities you can do in the Caribbean. Klein Curaçao is about 16 miles away from Curaçao and offers the best diving and snorkeling in the area. There are regular day trips leaving every day except for Saturday, offering the chance to swim with turtles, spot dolphins and explore colorful coral reefs! Take a look at this trip for an organized, family-friendly excursion.
