Curacao overview - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

PagodaSwan · 11-26-2005, 08:01 AM

Famous for its fine liqueur made from the sweetened peel of bitter oranges and for its sunny climate and secluded beaches, Curaçao has a rich and diverse history, which explains the international flavor of its culture and the curious mixture of Old and New World charm. The people claim descent from over 50 different ethnic backgrounds, and the native language, Papiamentu, is a creole mixture of Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, English, French, African, and some Arawak Indian.

Curaçao's strategic position at the base of the Caribbean has also made it an important crossroads for global commerce and connected the tiny island with many of the important persons and events in world affairs. Amerigo Vespucci, Alonso de Ojeda, Peter Stuyvesant, the notorious Captain Bligh, Simon Bolivar were all drawn into Curaçao's colorful past.

Today however, it is mainly the sun and the natural beauty that bring people here. With an average rainfall of less than 22 inches a year, the weather is almost guaranteed to be sunny all the time, and the constant tradewinds help to keep the island cool. There are 38 different beaches to choose from -- some that are sheltered by towering cliffs, others with deep caves created by the pounding surf, and still others with wide expanses and modern facilities.

Or for the more actively inclined, there are ample opportunities to experience the natural wonders up close. Curaçao has long been overlooked by diving enthusiasts, but the national Underwater Park is a 12.5 mile stretch of protected coral reef with many attractions for even the most experienced of divers and Klein Curaçao, a small uninhabited island off the eastern coast, is well worth exploring. The marlin, sailfish, tuna, and wahoo in the offshore waters provide excellent Deep Sea Fishing, and the wildlife in the preserve at Christoffel Park should be of interest to anyone who prefers to encounter nature on dry land.

Curaçao is also a great spot for bargain-hunters. The duty-free shopping makes for some of the best deals in the Caribbean on imported electronic equipment, china, crystal, jewelry, linens, and perfume. The capital city of Willemstad has an active social life with music festivals all year long, dancing at the popular discotheques, and gambling in the hotel casinos.

Location:

The largest and most populous of the Netherlands Antilles, located in between Aruba and Bonaire, Curaçao lies some 35 miles off the northern coast of Venezuela and 800 miles north of the equator. The island is 38 miles long and varies between 2 and 8 miles in width. Spectacular beaches line the southwest, leeward coast. Geographically, it falls within the Atlantic Standard Time Zone, which is one hour ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time and the same as Eastern Daylight Time. Its capital city is Willemstad.

Size:
The population numbers more than 170,000, most of whom are of African or mixed African and European descent. In all, more than 50 different ethnic backgrounds are represented here, and the people are very proud of the island's international flavor. The native language is Papiamentu, but Curaçaoans are multi-lingual, having learned to speak English, Dutch, and Spanish at school from the third grade on.

Climate:
Curaçao lies well below the hurricane belt, so the climate is sunny and dry, averaging only 22 inches of rainfall per year. The rainy season occurs in November and December. Despite the almost constant sunshine, the average year-round temperature is only 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 Celsius) due to the trade winds that keep the island cool all the time. A hilly island of volcanic origin, Curaçao supports a large variety of tropical flora and fauna, most of which may be found in Christoffel Park, a nature preserve located at the northern tip around the island's highest point, Mt. Christoffel.

PagodaSwan · 11-26-2005, 08:02 AM

Willemstad: The administrative capital of the Netherlands Antilles, lies on the southern coast overlooking the St. Anna Bay and is fabled for its Dutch colonial architecture: the many gabled houses in beautiful pastel colors. Legend has it that one of the early Dutch governors outlawed white for painting buildings since the glare from the sun was giving him headaches, and ever since, the tradition has continued. The city offers many points of historical interest as well as a number of attractions that are unique in the world. Fortresses: Most of the fortresses that ring the harbor were erected in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries to fight off attacks from pirates as well as the English and French navies. Now many of them, with their sweeping, panoramic views, have been opened up as restaurants and cocktail terraces.

Waterfort Arches, just outside of Punda were originally constructed in 1634, but they were put to use again during World War II when Allied Forces encamped there to protect the Caribbean from Nazi submarines.

Fort Beekenburg, built in 1703 to defend the outer bays, has been well preserved, and its main tower is still standing.

Fort Amsterdam dates back to 1769 and now houses the Governor's Palace and a Dutch Reformed Church.

Fort Waakzaamheid was beseiged by Captain Bligh of "Mutiny On the Bounty" fame in 1804, and an English cannonball is still imbedded in one of its walls. Although largely in ruins now, the fort has a lovely view and a dining tavern nearby.

Fort Nassau, which was named for the Dutch Royal House of Orange, was built in 1797 and has been preserved in close to its original state, with the recent addition of a restaurant and discotheque.

Riffort is an impressive structure built in 1838 with a commanding view of the outer sections of Otrobanda .

Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge: The largest floating pedestrian bridge in the world, it was built in 1888 by the American consul Leonard Burlington Smith, who made a sizable profit on the tolls he charged across it. For humanitarian reasons those too poor to afford shoes were allowed to cross at no charge. However, it had the opposite effect intended, as the less fortunate would borrow shoes so as not to appear poor and the rich would remove their shoes to save money. Human nature remains the same.

At 700 feet in length, it was regarded as a remarkable feat of engineering in its day and is still a major tourist attraction in Willemstad. The bridge floats between the two shopping districts of Punda and Otrobanda, swinging open up to thirty times a day to let in ships to St. Anna Bay. When the bridge is open, a free ferry plys across the channel. The "Lady," as it is fondly called by people who live here, gives the city something of its distinctive character and charm.

Floating Market: Schooners come in from Venezuela to set up market at the docks in downtown Willemstad to sell fresh fish, fruits, and spices alongside of local merchants. The colorful canopies make for a very picturesque photo opportunity to remember the island by.

Mikve Israel Synagogue: The oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Americas, Mikve Israel was founded in 1732 by Sephardic Jews fleeing persecution in Portugal and Spain. The floor is covered in white sand just as in the Old World where Jews prayed on sand to avoid being heard in the temples. The sand is said to symbolize the desert of the Israelites and God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants as "countless as the sands of the sea." Curaçao 's Jewish community is much older than the synagogue, however, dating back to 1651 when 12 families crossed over from Amsterdam. The Beth Haim cemetery goes back as far as the seventeenth century, and many religious articles from the old community are on display at the Jewish Historical & Cultural Museum in the synagogue compound

Central Historical Archives: Located in a large green mansion called "Bolo di Bruid" or "Bride's Cake" in the local language of Papamientu, the archives house historical documents from Curaçao 's past in a place where some of Curaçao 's wealthiest merchants once lived.

Gallery 86: The studio houses original paintings, sculptures, and ceramics by many well-known artists from the Antilles, the Netherlands, and throughout the Caribbean.

Octagon House: This eight-sided building provided sanctuary for the sisters of Simon Bolivar when they were in exile and now is home to the Bolivar Museum.

Landhuizen (the Dutch name for Plantation Houses): Although not usually suited for large-scale agriculture due to the dry climate, the plantations grew enough to support the families that lived on them and mainly mined for salt. Peter Stuyvesant, when he was governor of the island, divided the countryside up into 'landhuizen' for more effective control of the land, and the Dutch settlers depended on slave labor to cultivate their properties until slavery was abolished in 1863. Many of the old plantations are open now to the public for tours.

Curaçao Liqueur Distillery: The distillery, which is housed in one of the old plantations, is open for tours and tastings.

Amstel Brewery: Tuesdays and Thursdays, the famous brewery opens for tours, so you can see them brew beer from desalinated water.

When not marvelling at the towering cliffs that frame many of the island's secluded beaches or snorkeling through the coral reefs, nature-lovers may want to take in the rugged beauty of some of Curaçao 's other natural attractions.
Christoffel Park: Surrounding Mt. Christoffel, the highest peak on the island, Christoffel Park is a natural preserve covering 4,500 acres of land near the northwest coast forty minutes outside of Willemstad. Many species of plants and animals, some of which are only to be found in the Netherlands Antilles, can be seen here, and guided tours are offered by jeep, or there are well-marked trails running throughout the park for hiking.

Boca Tabla: A grotto located on the northern windward coast, Boca Tabla has deep caves carved out by the pounding surf.

Hato Caves: These limestone caverns feature stalactites and stalagmites in unusual formations, underwater ponds, and 1,500 year-old petroglyphs. In the nineteenth century, the Hato Caves were used as hiding places for run-away slaves, and formerly, ancient religious ceremonies were conducted here.

Curaçao Sea Aquarium: Every species of indigenous marine life is displayed in beautiful aquaria: sea-turtles, stingrays, giant moray eels, and twenty-foot sharks, to name just a few. Diving and snorkeling visitors can even get up close and personal with sharks and stingrays in an unusual interactive exhibit called Animal Encounters.

Underwater Park: A favorite dive-site for divers from around the world, this 12.5 mile coral reef has been granted protected status by the government as a national park. The fish have been getting used to human visitors, and a semi-submersible submarine also makes tours of the park for a drier viewing of the sealife.

PagodaSwan · 11-26-2005, 08:03 AM

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving

Curaçao 's more than 100 dive sites are famous all over the world with visibility ranging from 60 to 150 feet and water temperatures a comfortable 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The Curaçao Underwater Park is a 12.5 mile coral reef that has been protected as a National Park. Guides are available for hire, and lessons are offered for beginners.

Deep Sea Fishing: Private boats are always available for charter. The marlin, sailfish, tuna, and wahoo in nearby waters provide an exciting challenge even for accomplished fishers.

Windsurfing: With year-round winds of over 13 knots, Curaçao offers excellent opportunities for windsurfing operations. Skilled professionals are on hand to offer instruction for beginners.

Sailing: Curaçao is home to a number of sailing regattas throughout the year, and Hobie-Cat and Sunfish equipment are always available for rent.

Beaches: There are over 38 different beaches on the island from the popular hotel beaches to small, secluded coves. Westpunt Beach is framed by towering cliffs, which are famous for the divers who jump from them into the ocean below. Knip Bay Beach features live music and dancing on weekends. Some beaches are covered with exotic plants like cactus and sage.

Golf, Tennis, Squash: The Curaçao Golf and Squash Club has a 9-hole golf course with unique and unusual sand greens. Squash is also available, and tennis courts may be found at many of the larger hotels around the island.

Horseback Riding: Ashari's Ranch and Rancho Alegre provide guided tours on horseback for beginning as well as experienced riders.

Hiking: Trails run throughout the 4,500 acres of Christoffel Park, and the 2-mile Rif Recreation Area offers a surfaced track for jogging.

Shopping

Punda and Otrobanda:

These two shopping districts in downtown Willemstad, separated by St. Anna Bay and connected by the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge, provide pedestrian malls where shoppers are free to stroll and browse at their leisure. Curaçao has no duty or tax on many imported items, which has earned it a reputation for bargain-hunters travelling in the Caribbean.

Nightlife

Gambling: There are 10 hotel casinos on the island featuring the latest in slot machines, roulette, blackjack, poker, craps, and bingo. Although hours vary, most casinos are open between 2pm and 5am.

Discotheques: Dancing to tumba, reggae, salsa, and popular music at the island's many discotheques is one of the many options for people interested in the busy nightlife the island has to offer. Some of the nightclubs even feature floorshows.

Restaurants: Owing to the island's great diversity in culture, restaurants offer many different types of international cuisine from Indonesian and Latin American to Italian, French, and Chinese.

Music: In addition to the many music festivals throughout the year, the sounds of tumba, salsa, merengue, jazz, and reggae can be heard in the streets of Willemstad and in many out-of-the-way spots around the island.

PagodaSwan · 11-26-2005, 08:03 AM

One of the best kept secrets are the beautiful white sand beaches and secluded coves of Curaçao, especially appealing to honeymooners, couples and others not looking for long, expanses of sand crowded with hotels.

Curaçao's 38 beaches are varied. Some are surrounded by giant cliffs, others by exotic flora and fauna. But they all share the same clear turquoise water unique to this part of the world.

Following is a rundown of some of the island's best:

Westpunt Beach is best known for the huge cliffs which frame it and the divers who entertain beachgoers by jumping from the cliffs into the ocean below. A favorite of locals and visitors alike, the beach, located on the northwest tip of the island, is open to the public at no charge.

Just south of Westpunt is Knip Bay Beach, one of the island's most photographed sites because of its picturesque setting and dazzling, bright blue water. On weekends, live music and dancing turn the area into one big beach party. Changing facilities and refreshments are available during specified hours.

Playa Abao, also on the northern tip of the island, is a more quiet spot that is nonetheless popular for its clear blue water and perfect stretch of white sand. Nestled into the curved shoreline of the southern side of Curaçao, Daai Booi Bay is a romantic little beach, surrounded by towering cliffs. Cas Abao is probably the island's most modern beach, offering a refreshment stand, changing facilities, thatched umbrellas for shelter and a large parking lot.

One of the largest and most spectacular beaches on the island, Blauw Bay, also has shade, showers and changing facilities. A small entrance fee is charged.

Curaçao also offers man-made beaches that give mother nature a good run for her money. Among the best are those at the Sonesta Beach Hotel & Casino, the Princess Beach Resort & Casino and the Curaçao Sea Aquarium (a family-oriented complex that features enclosures containing every form of native sea life, as well as glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible submarine rides.)

PagodaSwan · 11-26-2005, 08:04 AM

The volcanic crest of Mt. Christoffel rises up from the northwest corner of the island to form the highest peak in Curaçao. The caves built into these cliffs once served as refuges for the Caiquetio Indians, the island's first inhabitants, and their culture can still be found preserved in the paintings and petroglyphs they left behind. The 4,500 acres of wilderness area surrounding this point have been marked off by the government as a natural preserve. The park has become home to a wide variety of plants and animals, some of which are to be found nowhere else in the world. Here, cactuses can reach up to ten feet in height, and several different species of orchids, some of them extremely rare, can be found growing out of them. A herd of over 100 small, shy, white-tailed Curaçao deer, originally brought over by the Caiquetios from South America in the 14th and 15th centuries, roam through the grounds, along with wild goats and neon-blue iguanas. Hummingbirds, parrots, bats, and Trupial birds contribute to the park's vibrant ecosystem by helping to pollenate the many different varieties of plants and trees. The old Savonet plantation house at the entrance to the park serves as a nature conservancy and visitors' center and houses the new Museum of Natural and Cultural History. A guidebook of the park may be purchased here to point out the geological, botanical, and zoological features of the place for hikers taking any of the park's three well-marked trails: the Zorgvlied Route runs along the northern side of the island and circling around the eastern flank of the mountain, passes by the Indian caves; the Zevenbergen Route which takes in the southwest corner of the park features some fantastic views, including two rare species of orchid that cannot be found anyplace else on earth; the Christoffel Trail also has some excellent vistas and great opportunities for bird-watching. Guided tours are also available either by jeep or on foot.

Every day from 4:00 pm until 6:30 pm, guides lead groups of no more than eight people up to the observation tower for ten-minute sessions to watch the deer as they congregate. A short presentation accompanies the deer-watching, and reservations are required in advance due to the limited capacity.

The park is open Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm and from 6 am to 3 pm on Sundays. Admission is US$9, and guides can be hired for about US$14.

PagodaSwan · 11-26-2005, 08:05 AM

Christoffel Park