Sun, Sea and Scenery in Curacao

The Sea, Sun, and Scenery in Curacao Itinerary was developed with the assistance of a tourism student at the University of the West Indies’ St. Augustine campus, as part of the Endless Caribbean internship programme.

Travelling on a budget to anywhere in the Caribbean deserves as much celebration and excitement as a luxury vacation. Curacao, which lies in the south of the Caribbean, is a Dutch gem where visitors go to enjoy the weather, beaches, and culture. It is a popular destination for all types of travellers, especially those who want a quick getaway where they can savour attractions and activities that require little to no effort. The traveller intent on visiting Curacao on a budget, should focus on finding affordable accommodation, choosing savvy dining options and indulging in budget-friendly activities.

About Curaçao

Curacao is the largest island of the Dutch Netherland Antilles and one of the three ABC (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) islands. The island lies just to the north of South America and between Aruba and Bonaire. Over the years, the island has welcomed visitors from all over the world, who visit for unique experiences. As a result, several activities and attractions have been created and preserved to appeal to the various tastes of visitors. In addition, authorities on the island have been committed to preserving historic and natural treasures for the benefit of locals and visitors.

Highlights

Visiting the Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue in Willemstad
Sampling tasty small plates for dinner at Fish and Joy
Lunch, cocktails and snorkelling at Playa Porto Mari
Late night dining at The Sal Kitchen
Visiting the Shete Boca National Park, one of the stops on the island tour
Supporting local agriculture by dining at Kome, a Caribbean restaurant

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Curacao and Check in at B&B la Creole / Hostel la Creole
Day 2: Self-guided Walking Tour in Willemstad
Day 3: Spending a Beach Day at Playa Porto Mari
Day 4: Curacao Island Tour With Yellow Tourism Solutions
Day 5: Saying Goodbye for Now

Detailed Itinerary

There are many options for visitors to travel to Curacao. One option is to fly via a direct flight from North America, South America, or Europe. Flights land at the Curacao International Airport (IATA: CUR), also known as the Hato International Airport. Alternately, visitors can travel to the island by cruise ship, yacht, or another type of passenger ocean vessel. The cruise port is located in the south of Curacao in the capital city of Willemstad. All visitors to Curacao must complete the Embarkation-Disembarkation (ED) Card.

Day 1: Arriving at B&B la Creole / Hostel la Creole

Welcome to Willemstad, Curacao. On your arrival at the Curacao International, you will clear immigration and customs, hail a taxi, and make your way to your home for the next few days – B&B La Creole. Also known as Hostel La Creole, it is an adult-only bed and breakfast in Curacao. B&B La Creole Willemstad is in the heart of Willemstad and is close to the Curacao Underwater Marine Park and Mambo Beach.

Rooms at B&B La Creole are tastefully decorated in a cozy Dutch-Caribbean décor. The preferred room for this budget getaway is a double room that is ideal for a couple or two friends. The room comes with a King bed, private bathroom, patio, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The nightly rate which starts at USD 41 per night, also includes access to a shared kitchen and daily breakfast for two.

After checking in, guests should purchase items that they need from the supermarket next to the hotel. Then, they will prepare dinner in the hotel’s shared kitchen. If cooking on your first night in Curacao is not on the menu, there are a few restaurants in Willemstad that are within comfortable walking distance. Suggestions include Fish & Joy Bistro & Wine Bar, Sal The Kitchen and Kome.

Day 2: Walking Tour of Willemstad

The first full day in Curacao begins with breakfast at the hotel. After that, you will embark on a self-guided walking tour that that takes you to the significant landmarks of Curacao. On the list of must-see sites are the Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, Governors Palace, Postal Museum, and the Curacao Maritime Museum. Guests will have their choice of lunch from one of the eateries close to the landmarks.

After the tour is completed, you will walk back to the hotel. You can either choose to pick up a night-time snack on the way back and prepare dinner in the kitchen, or visit Fish & Joy Bistro and Wine Bar. Fish & Joy has a tasty small plate menu which encourages guests to try new meals. The international menu features meals from Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. If this is your go-to option, remember to book reservations in advance.

Day 3: Beach Day at Playa Porto Mari

The soft adventure in Curacao itinerary also includes a beautiful beach day at Playa Porto Mari. Once again, you will have breakfast at the hotel before making your way to Play Porto Mari. The best option to get to this beach is via taxi. It is approximately 40 minutes’ away from B&B La Creole, but it is a pleasant drive that allows you to see other areas of the island.

When you arrive at the beach, you will set up your stuff on a beach chair facing the calming blues of the ocean. For meals and cocktails, there is beach bar and restaurant that serves cocktails, meals, popsicles, and ice cream. Because Playa Porto Mari is one of the best beaches for diving and snorkelling in Curacao, you can book an underwater tour with Porto Mari Sports. For the naturalists, there are also opportunities to hike and go mountain biking.

Back at the hotel, you can choose to relax in your room or head out for a late-night snack. Sal The Kitchen is an affordable restaurant that offers a variety of meals. The menu items are categorised as small bites, not-so-small bites, sides and desserts. Here is an interesting fact about how the restaurant got its name, “Sal”. The kitchen was built of coral stone and from time to time, salt extrudes of out of the walls.

Day 4: Island Tour with Yellow Tourism Solutions

Today’s activity is a Curacao island tour with Yellow Tourism Solutions. After breakfast in the hotel, you will await pick-up by the tour company. The tour fee includes a local guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, beverages, and lunch. You will spend a full day enjoying the scenery in Curacao with a local guide. Some of the landmarks you will see include the Salt Ponds of Jan Kok, Fort Nassau, the Kura Hulanda Village, and the Shete Boca National Park. Remember to take your camera for the awesome photo opportunities at scenic sites in Curacao.

For your last night in the island, you should savour every last drop of Curacaoan hospitality. Enjoy dinner at Kome, a Caribbean restaurant that serves a variety of meals such as Caribbean, international, vegan and vegetarian and gluten free. The restaurant supports local farmers and producers by using their produce in menu items. For reservations, visit the Kome website.

Day 5: Goodbye for Now

On your final day in Curacao, you may feel a bit sad. However, try to savour the beautiful blue skies and clean, fresh air. These are the things that you will remember when you go back home. And, if you ever believe that it’s time for another scenic adventure in Curacao, get to work on that travel budget and make it happen.

Image: Alin Meceanu via Unsplash

Sea, Sun, and Scenery in Curacao Itinerary