Located in the southern part of the Caribbean Sea off the west coast of Venezuela, Curaçao is the largest of the five islands of the Dutch Caribbean. Rich in culture, diversity and history, Curaçao is a 180-square-mile island paradise blessed by beautiful scenery, crystal clear turquoise water and picture-perfect weather.
The capital city, Willemstad, figures on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Featuring buildings of 17th- and 18th-century Dutch colonial design, the city’s two main sections, Punda and Otrobanda are joined by the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge.
Curaçao is blessed with many pieces of public art, and each piece expresses different aspects of Curaçao’s culture and heritage. Watch for works by Yubi Kirindongo, who recycles and transforms scrap material into fantastic works of art. A fine example can be seen in front of the Fundashon Kas di Kultura in Scharloo. In Punda, take the time to explore the alleyways in search of beautiful murals by local artist Nena Sanchez. Stroll through the grounds of the Sea Aquarium Beach and meet Chichi, a colorful and striking sculpture by Serena Israel.
From connectivity and transportation to medical and banking, Curaçao offers an abundance of modern services.
Explore this section to discover a wealth of practical information to better plan your visit to Curaçao.
Geography
Approximately 180 square miles, the largest island in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Curaçao’s highest point is Mt Christoffel at 1,239 feet. Located 1,710 miles from New York, 35 miles north of Venezuela.
Climate
Annual averages: temperature 82°F, rainfall 22″, water temperature 81°F.
Time
Atlantic Standard Time, one hour ahead of New York, except during Daylight Savings when the time is the same.
Conservation
Please respect the environment by not littering, not touching marine life or wildlife, and leaving rocks and shells in their original spaces. Also ensure souvenirs are not made from protected species like sea turtles, black coral, and the lignum vitae tree. And please reuse and refill drinking containers to help reduce the plastic trash problem.
Languages
Dutch is the official language but Papiamentu is spoken by nearly everyone. English and Spanish are also widely used.
Religious Services
Curaçao offers a variety of houses of worship to its visitors. For information on locations and hours of services, please inquire at your hotel’s front desk.
Electricity
110-130 volts AC (50 cycles). More ofter there are also European electricity points available.
Drinking Water
Curacao’s desalinized seawater is very safe to drink.
Shopping Hours
Stores are generally open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Some stores close over the lunch hour, though most stores in Punda and in the shopping malls are open all day. Some stores stay open until 8 p.m. and also open on the occasional Sunday, on holidays, and when cruise ships are in port.
Currency
In Curaçao, people pay with US dollars or Antillean guilders. One US dollar equals to between 1.78 and 1.80 NAF.
Banking Hours
Banks are generally open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.