Feel carefree in Curaçao
Dream escape: Curaçao
Located in the Caribbean Sea, just 40 miles north of Venezuela, lies the island of Curaçao. The largest of the three ABC Islands in the Lesser Antilles, this beautiful oasis is home to 40 pristine beaches, colorful colonial architecture and exciting water adventures. Plus, with a name that’s a derivative of the Portuguese word for “heart,” Curaçao is guaranteed to steal yours!
Begin your holiday getaway by basking in the sun on Cas Abao Beach, full of fun amenities. “This was the first beach we visited on our trip and we were not disappointed,” says CrystalShup on TripAdvisor.com. “It’s a full-service beach that offers tasty food, good drinks, a massage hut and a scuba shop. You can also walk right off the beach to beautiful reefs.”
To see vibrant local marine life, pay a visit to the Curaçao Sea Aquarium ($15 & up per person).
A reviewer from Maine reports, “There’s an extensive display of a wide variety of sea creatures, and don’t miss the sea lion and dolphin shows!”
Next, pay a visit to the Hato Caves for a fascinating tour ($9 per person) of the unique, 790-foot-long caverns made of coral limestone. “The tour guide was very informative, explaining how the cave was formed, and the wildlife that live inside the cave,” says a reviewer from Illinois. “Plus, there were many cool active formations to see like stalagmites, stalactites, columns, flowstone and even a bunch of coral and shells.”
End your day with a relaxing stroll down the street of Handelskade, found in the island’s capital, Willemstad. There, you can shop for locally made crafts and souvenirs before dining at an outdoor café with a view of the marvelous sunset.
Great day trip:
Klein Curaçao
Hop on a boat with BlueFinn Charters ($109 per person) to visit the beautiful uninhabited island of Klein Curaçao. Once you arrive, you’ll get to see a historic lighthouse, snorkel or swim in the refreshing waters and bask in the sun’s warm rays on the beach. A tasty breakfast, barbecue lunch and an open bar are also included in the price of the island tour.
Don’t miss:
Curaçao Ostrich Farm
Embark on a guided safari tour ($18 per adult, $14 per child) to see the desert landscaped farm, home to nearly 400 ostriches and a number of other animals. You’ll even have a chance to feed the large birds or dine at the onsite Zambezi Restaurant.