General Facts About Curacao

Interesting Facts About Curacao

Local Weather

Curacao enjoys a sunny, dry climate year-round, with temperatures averaging 27–30°C (81-86°F). Fun facts:

The coldest recorded temperature was 19.7°C (67.5°F) on January 2, 2014.
During the rainy-season evenings, locals may wear a sweater when it cools to 24°C (75°F).

The Swinging Old Lady - Queen Emma Bridge

The Queen Emma Bridge connects Punda and Otrobanda and is locally known as the “Swinging Old Lady.” At 170 meters, it is the longest pontoon bridge in the world, floating on 16 pontoon boats. The bridge swings open several times a day to allow ships to enter Sint Anna Bay, making it both functional and iconic.

The Origin of the Colors

Curacao’s colorful houses are world-famous. Originally, buildings were painted white, but the governor later required bright colors because the white reflection caused eye irritation. Today, the pastel streets of Willemstad are among the island’s most iconic sights.

The Name Curacao

The exact origin of the name is unknown. One popular theory is that it comes from the Portuguese word coração, meaning “heart.” This may reference Curacao as a trading hub or sailors recovering from seasickness left on the island.

Diverse Cultures and Languages

Curacao is home to over 100 nationalities. Dutch is the official language, but you will also hear Papiamento, English, and Spanish. Papiamento itself is a unique blend of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English, and French, reflecting centuries of cultural influences.

Nature and Wildlife

Flamingos: Resident flamingos can be spotted on the salt pans or at Rif St. Marie.
Sea Turtles: Five of the world’s seven sea turtle species inhabit Curacao’s waters, often visible while snorkeling or diving at Playa Lagun, Klein Curacao, and the Tugboat site at Caracasbaai.
Coral Variety: Curacao has a wide range of coral species, including elephant ear sponges, tube sponges, and “double bed” coral. From August to October, coral spawning occurs a few days after the full moon.

Diving Highlights

MV Superior Producer: A top wreck dive in the Caribbean. The ship sank near the main pier with cargo including whisky, perfume, and clothes. Today, it rests at around 30 meters and is popular among advanced divers.
Mushroom Forest: A dive site featuring hard coral formations that resemble giant mushrooms, teeming with marine life.

UNESCO World Heritage

Willemstad, Curacao’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its colorful Dutch colonial architecture and the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge make it a must-see cultural landmark.

Curacao Today

Located 65 km north of Venezuela, Curacao is the largest of the ABC Islands.
Curacao has autonomous status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands since 2010, but European influences remain strong.
The island features over 35 beaches, vibrant architecture, and a rich cultural scene.
Curacao consists of the main island and the uninhabited Klein Curacao.
The flag: blue represents sky and sea, yellow is the sun, the large star symbolizes Curacao, and the smaller star represents Klein Curacao.
Willemstad became the capital in 1634 after Dutch control, named after Governor Willem II van Oranje.
With over 160,000 residents from 100+ nationalities, Curacao offers a diverse experience for every traveler.

Ready to Discover Even More About Curacao?

Curacao is full of stories, traditions, hidden gems, and natural wonders - and there’s always more to explore. Dive deeper into the island’s culture, history, food, and local life by visiting our Blog Page, where you’ll find inspiring articles, travel tips, local insights, and topics you won’t find anywhere else. Want to experience Curacao beyond the facts? The best way to truly connect with the island is to get out and explore it. With over 100+ tours and activities, we offer unforgettable experiences for every traveler - from boat trips and nature adventures to cultural tours, walking experiences, culinary journeys, and Klein Curacao excursions.