About Curacao: Island Overview

Bon Bini to Curacao!

This colorful Dutch Caribbean island is known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant culture, year-round sunshine, flavorful cuisine, and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Located in the southern Caribbean Sea, Curacao is part of the ABC Islands, together with Aruba and Bonaire, just off the coast of Venezuela. The island enjoys warm temperatures, refreshing trade winds, and a dry climate throughout the year, making it a perfect destination in every season. With its unique blend of European charm and Caribbean flair, Curacao offers something for everyone; beach lovers, adventurers, families, culture seekers, and food enthusiasts.

Curacao’s Capital Willemstad, A Colorful City Full of Charm

Willemstad, the heart of Curacao, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Caribbean’s most iconic cities. Pastel-colored colonial buildings line the waterfront, narrow alleys reveal vibrant murals, and lively squares invite you to explore at your own pace.
Visitors love discovering:

• Colorful streets filled with shops and cozy cafes
• Local markets and waterfront promenades
• Museums, culture, and vibrant colorful architecture
• Historic districts like Punda, Otrobanda, Pietermaai, and Scharloo

Public holidays and cultural celebrations often bring music, decorations, and local traditions to the streets, making Willemstad feel even more vibrant.

Curacao Nature, Beaches & Outdoor Adventures

Across the island, Curacao offers more than 35 beaches, scenic viewpoints, protected national parks, and excellent dive sites. Turquoise bays, rugged northern cliffs, coral reefs, and hiking routes create endless opportunities to explore the island’s natural beauty.

You’ll find:

• Beaches like Grote Knip, Cas Abao, Playa Porto Mari, and Playa Lagun
• Coral reefs, drop-offs, and famous shipwrecks
• Shete Boka and Christoffel National Park
• Flamingo lookouts and quiet fishermen’s villages

Whether you’re floating in calm bays, hiking through rugged landscapes, or joining guided adventures, tours, and outdoor activities, Curacao offers unforgettable experiences.
Explore the island’s top tours and activities here.

Curacao Culture & Local Flavor

Curacao’s multicultural heritage blends Dutch, Caribbean, African, and Latin influences. This rich mix is seen in the island’s architecture, music, food, and festivals.

Visitors enjoy:

• Traditional dishes like keshi yena, stoba, pastechi, fresh seafood
• Local fishermen’s villages and seaside eateries
• Festivals, cultural events, and live music (check out our events calendar)
• Warm, multilingual locals who speak Papiamentu, Dutch, English, and Spanish

The official language, Papiamentu, is the heart of communication in Curacao, spoken alongside Dutch, English, and Spanish Learning a few words will always earn a smile:

• Danki = Thank you
• Bon dia = Good morning
• Bon tardi = Good afternoon
• Bon nochi = Good evening
• Kon ta bai? = How are you?
• Dushi = Sweet, tasty, nice, good also a universal term
• of endearment.
• Salú = Cheers
• Mi stima bo = I love you

Curacao Travel Comfort - Easy & Convenient to Explore

Curacao offers modern conveniences and reliable infrastructure, making it simple to travel around the island.

Visitors appreciate:

• A wide choice of accommodations across the island
• Modern supermarkets, including Van den Tweel & Vreugdenhil
• Safe, clean drinking water
• Easy island navigation
• Clear roads and helpful signage
• Car rentals, taxis, shuttles, and guided tours available across the island

The island also offers modern healthcare facilities, with clinics and hospitals providing reliable medical services to visitors. Mobile data, SIM cards, and Wi-Fi are widely available throughout Curacao, making communication and internet access easy wherever you go.

Essential Things to Know Before Your Trip to Curacao

Full details can be found on the dedicated pages within this About Curacao section

Curacao Digital Immigration Card (DI Card)

All travelers must complete the Digital Immigration Card (DI Card) before arrival. It only takes a few minutes and speeds up the entry process. For full details, visit the Digital Immigration Card page at www.dicardcuracao.com and check out the step-by-step guide on our page.

Curacao Local time

Curacao follows Atlantic Standard Time (AST) year-round and does not observe daylight savings time, so there is no time change.
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Local & Accepted Currency

The Caribbean Guilder (Cg) is the local currency, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. ATMs are available across the island.
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Drinking water

Curacao’s tap water is clean, fresh, and safe to drink

Transportation in Curacao

Driving is on the right-hand side. Renting a car is the easiest way to explore, but taxis, shuttles, and tours are available everywhere. It is standard procedure to order your taxi in advance, as taxis cannot be hailed form the street.
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Tipping Guidelines

A gratuity of 10-15% is common. Some restaurants include a service charge

Local Pharmacies

Well-stocked BENU Pharmacy and Botika Servicio locations can be found throughout the island for prescriptions and basic travel essentials.
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Safety in Curacao

Curacao is considered a safe and welcoming destination. Just use the same common sense you would anywhere else - keep valuables with you, avoid leaving items unattended, and lock your car. With that in mind, you're all set to explore the island comfortably.
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Curacao FAQs

You can also explore our FAQs to find quick answers to the most common questions about visiting Curacao.
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Start exploring Curacao

From colorful streets to hidden beaches, cultural experiences, and adventurous day trips, Curacao offers endless ways to enjoy your stay. Browse the island’s best tours and book your experiences here.

Keep exploring our About Curacao section for essential travel info, tips, and things to know before visiting Curacao.