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Discover the best activities and sights on Curaçao

  • Writer: Stephanie Hulshoff
    Stephanie Hulshoff
  • Apr 18
  • 4 min read

Curaçao is bursting with special places that you simply must see! From the rugged force of nature at Shete Boka, where the sea crashes powerfully against the rocks, to the serene beauty of the Salt Pans at Jan Thiel, where flamingos stroll peacefully. Discover the green, soothing Hofi Cas Cora, or wander through the colorful heart of the island in Willemstad.


For a unique experience, snorkel among the turtles at Playa Grandi, while soaking up a piece of history at the mysterious Quarantainehuis. And be sure not to forget to take a dive at Tugboat Beach, where you can admire a sunken tugboat up close. Curaçao surprises around every corner; adventure, nature, and culture come together perfectly here!



Discover the Power of Nature in Shete Boca Nature Park

Let yourself be surprised by the raw, untamed nature of Shete Boka National Park. This impressive nature park on the rugged north coast of Curaçao is known for its spectacular inlets, the 'bokas', where the azure sea crashes against the rocks with immense force. The sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs here is simply unforgettable.


Drive or walk along various viewpoints, discover hidden coves, and perhaps even spot sea turtles laying their eggs along the way. You will be particularly amazed at Boka Pistol, where the water sprays upwards like a natural fountain. Shete Boka National Park is the place to experience the wild side of the island: pure, powerful, and breathtakingly beautiful.


Splash in the Tomasito Cave

Close to Playa Kalki, you will find the Tomasito Cave, a hidden gem that you might easily walk right past. You climb down a wooden staircase and are rewarded with an almost fairytale-like setting: sunlight streaming in through openings, coloring the water in beautiful shades of green and blue. The cave is relatively small, but that is precisely what makes the experience intimate and special. If you are in the area near Playa Kalki, this is a great place to visit.


Turtle watching at Playa Grandi

At Playa Grandi (also known as Playa Piskadó), you have the unique opportunity to spot sea turtles up close. This spot is known as the ultimate hotspot on Curaçao where turtles swim around, attracted by fishermen cleaning their catch here. Bring your snorkel and swim in the clear water past the beautiful turtles. It is a special and almost magical experience, but please keep a respectful distance and do not touch the turtles so that it remains a wonderful experience for everyone.



Walk through Willemstad

If you visit Curaçao, a visit to Willemstad is, of course, a must. In the Pietermaai district, you will find the nicest restaurants, and if you wish, you can also enjoy a day in the sun here. On Kaya Wilson Godett Street, for example, you will find De Heeren at Sea, The Lemon Beach, La Reina, and BijBlauw side by side, all great places to enjoy a day in the sun, and you can also do some great shopping at La Reina's concept store. The beautiful colorful buildings there are lovely to see in themselves.


Walk via Pietermaai to the famous pontoon bridge. You will immediately see the beautiful skyline with colorful buildings along the Handelskade. If you like, you can also visit the market there. Walk across the bridge to Kura Hulanda Village, a super cute mini village with shops, restaurants, and a museum.



Breakfast or a cup of coffee at Hofi Cas Cora

For a surprisingly green and relaxing stopover , Hofi Cas Cora is the perfect place . This atmospheric spot is an oasis of tranquility, where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast or a fresh lunch prepared with fresh produce straight from their own garden. Everything tastes just that little bit better here—pure and made with love.


While you sit back and enjoy yourself in peace, children can have the time of their lives at the cozy petting zoo, where they can meet various animals up close. Hofi Cas Cora is therefore the perfect combination of delicious food, nature, and a relaxed and informal atmosphere. A hidden gem that you really don't want to miss!


Paint a sign at Tugboat Beach

Tugboat Beach is also nice to look at—not for sunbathing in my opinion, but certainly nice for having a drink. Off the coast lies a sunken boat that you can dive to, and you can also let your creativity run wild here by painting driftwood signs yourself . The latter is also a fun activity with children.


Visit the Quarantine House

And while you're at Tugboat Beach, you can soak up a bit of history. Just a little further on, you'll find the old Quarantine House: a mysterious ruin covered in colorful graffiti. In the past, sick sailors were housed here to prevent infectious diseases from spreading across the island. Nowadays, it is primarily a unique spot with a raw edge, and offers a beautiful view of Caracas Bay and Tugboat Beach.


Walk through the salt pans at Jan Thiel

The Jan Thiel salt pans are also lovely to walk through. This vast nature reserve is known for its serene tranquility, beautiful walking paths, and, of course, the graceful flamingos that can regularly be spotted here. Especially during sunrise or sunset, the landscape here turns magically beautiful, a dream for nature lovers and photographers.


What makes it even better: you can walk all the way from the salt pans at Jan Thiel to Mambo Beach. A lovely walk through nature. Start peacefully among the salt flats and end relaxed on the beach with a drink in your hand—the best of Curaçao in one route!

 
 
 

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