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If you are in the mood for a traditional Dutch bar snack, try the Bitterballen, also popular in Curaçao. For wildlife enthusiasts, visiting the Curacao Ostrich Farm is a must-see. Get up close and personal with these birds while learning about their behavior and habitat. The farm also has a zoo section where you can encounter various other animals. With its convenient location and top-notch facilities, embarking on your Curaçao adventure is both seamless and exciting. Curaçao, a gem in the Caribbean Sea, welcomes cruisers with open arms and a colorful display of its rich culture and heritage.
Curaçao cruise port guide – docked
At both terminals are available taxis (be sure to negotiate the rate). Public transportation service includes the ”Buki di Bus” and trolleys. The new Mega Pier has capacity to accommodate largest cruise ships entering Santa Anna Bay. The channel splits the town in two quarters - Otrobanda (west) and Punda (east). Mega Pier is within easy walking distance from downtown - through Renaisaance Mall and Rif Fort. Kleine Knip’s older sister, Grote Knip is another hidden gem set in gorgeous natural surroundings.
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Willemstad Curacao cruise terminal
You can go on a hike, take a dirt road ATV adventure, or take a nature safari. It’s also the site of the rare white-tailed deer (there are about 250 remaining in the park) and an interesting species of owl, the palabrua, a native type of barn owl. The park has three old plantations, one hosting the Savonet museum mentioned before. Christoffel Park, found at the base of Mt. Christoffel on the northwestern end of the island, is the sight of exotic flora, fauna, history, mysteries, and beauty. The park is covered by a dense scrubland with exotic plants such as divi-divi trees, cacti rising over 10 feet tall, and fragrant wild orchids.
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Where does Holland America line dock in Curaçao?
The course is 6,920 yards from the championship tees and offers an 8,000 sq. Ft. clubhouse with golf shop, locker rooms, lounge, and restaurant. Curacao’s Sea Aquarium is fed by nearby sea water and displays much of the marine life found around the island including dolphins, sea lions, and sharks. Unlike many islands, taxi destination costs on Curacao are not predetermined based on the destination. So, it’s important that you agree on a fare with the driver prior to getting in a taxi.
It is a very touristy place, so you should expect higher prices and a lot of crowds. The city center is situated within a minute walking distance from the Mega Pier cruise terminal and is easy to reach. Once you exit the terminal area, keep following the path to the famous Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino where you’ll find shopping malls with upscale stores and free Wi-Fi connection. This terminal is situated in Otrobanda and consists of Mega Pier 1 and Mega Pier 2 which can accommodate large cruise ships of all sizes. This is where the major cruise lines and the large cruise ships dock. One of the most popular Curaçao beaches among cruise passengers is without a doubt Mambo Beach.
Best Times to Visit Curaçao
In this town, you can explore history by visiting interesting museums and forts, or study intricate architecture on an old synagogue and merchant houses. It has four quarters but two of the most popular are Punda and Otrabanda, which sit across one another on the Sint Anna Bay (a narrow inlet that leads to the deep harbor of Schottegat). Bon Bini or welcome to Curacao, where colorful towns, stunning beaches, dramatic coastlines, rich culture, and charming locals all come together. This beautiful diversity ensures you are never short of things to do in Curacao. The best things to do in Curacao for cruise ship travelers in the Caribbean.
Shopping Opportunities
The picturesque pedestrian-only streets bear quaint waterfront shops selling all manner of merchandise, including chichi dolls, Dutch cheeses, fine art, clothing, utensils, and handicrafts. Once out of the fort, wander around the colorful streets surrounded by pastel-colored buildings featuring more shopping and eating outlets. Afterward, head over to Queen Emma’s bridge to cross over to Punda, considered the livelier side and the heart of Willemstad. One of the prettiest towns you will ever have the pleasure of visiting is probably Willemstad, Curacao. Willemstad is the capital city of Curacao and true to Dutch ways, the town is painted in hues of soft cotton candy colors. The island has two kinds of public transportation—large yellow or blue buses, which are called Konvooi and go for a longer distance.
See the Pontoon Bridge in Action
Willemstad has several car rental locations at and near the ports with prices starting around $35 USD per day and up. Vehicle travel is on the right-hand side of the road so for most North American travelers you won’t need to get your feet wet trying to drive on the other side of the road. Bus schedules and routes are found within the city and at both ports. Transportation called “collective” cars and vans are easy to catch to bus you around the island, however it is important to make sure the license plates for these vehicles says “bus” on them.
The town, whose buildings display a marriage of Dutch and Spanish architecture, has a rich historical and cultural heritage meriting its UNESCO World Heritage recognition. We're Ricardo and Roxanne, Curaçao enthusiasts, educated- and working in local tourism. Walk through the colorful streets of Punda where you can find cozy restaurants, colorful boutiques, and various sights.
Curaçao, with its vibrant culture, stunning natural landscapes, and rich history, offers a plethora of activities to fill your day with unforgettable experiences. Curaçao is one of those destinations just waiting to be explored. Beautiful bays, natural parks, and captivating sights can be found all over the island. From exploring nature and history to trying local food, enjoying the beach, snorkeling, and finding beautiful scenery. Curaçao stands as a destination that indulges travelers with its sun-drenched beaches, pristine waters, and lively culture.
Though, if you are considering hiring a taxi for sightseeing (recommended) the cost is about $20 USD per hour. Regardless of where your ship docks, both are only a few minutes’ walk from downtown as well as the Queen Emma Bridge which connects the two districts. The island of Curacao is an ideal diving and snorkeling site as the whole island is surrounded by a fringing reef. While the east coast is known for its strong winds and forceful waves, the west coast of Curacao boasts calm, turquoise waters hiding fascinating underwater wildlife. This rocky pebble beach is famous for the tugboat wreck that sank several years ago and has become a popular underwater attraction ever since. The wreck lies only 5 m (16 ft) below the water’s surface and can be easily reached from the shore.
The Curaҫao Ports Authority prepared a Master Plan to serve as an actionable strategic document guiding the realignment of waterfront assets along St. Anna Bay. The Plan is the result of a series of interactions with stakeholders holding roles throughout the community, downtown merchants, and the general public. The Curaçao Ports Authority was joined by industry stakeholders in promoting Curaçao during the largest global cruise platform, Seatrade Cruise Global 2023. Sustainable operations, capacity increase and community engagement were among the central themes during the meetings with cruise lines. Cuisine on the island ranges from common fare such as burgers and chicken to local seafood, Caribbean, Hispanic, and of course Dutch cuisine.
The Curaçao Cruise Port is the gateway to a Caribbean adventure that offers plenty of variation. With its strategic location and four piers, it offers easy access to Willemstad’s vibrant streets and iconic landmarks. Private tours are a great option if you want to discover Curaçao at your own pace, where a knowledgeable guide offers a personal approach. Snorkeling excursions will guide you across the entire island, visiting several beaches and coves. Some of our preferred trips include visits to The Blue Room, Tugboat Beach, Playa Lagun, and the turtle-populated Playa Piskado. Curaçao is an island where you can find a broad spectrum of tours and activities.
To explore this unique side of the island which is bursting with creativity and is bound to make the wheels of your brain turn, visit an art gallery. It’s a good place to imagine what life must have been like in the previous centuries and what it meant for different people. There are many interesting artifacts, restored antiques, and photographs that depict the former way of life in Curacao. This is a nice break away from the beaches that both you and the kids will enjoy.
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