Things to Do in Curaçao: 15 Must-Do Activities
Dreamy beaches, turquoise water, some of the best reefs in the Caribbean, a UNESCO-listed capital and surprisingly wild nature: Curaçao has enough to fill a vacation far longer than you planned.
Here are our 15 must-do activities in Curaçao – the ones we recommend to our own friends and family – each with our tips and favorite spots.
In the water
1. Spend a day on the desert island of Klein Curaçao: white sand, a lighthouse, a shipwreck and snorkeling in crystal-clear water. The island’s star excursion. 👉 our favorite trip
2. Try scuba diving: Curaçao is one of the best dive destinations in the Caribbean, with plenty of sites you can reach right from the shore. Our partners at The Little Green Boat offer private dives, perfect for a first try. 👉 diving in Curaçao
3. See sea turtles in the wild: at Playa Lagun, on Klein Curaçao or on a dive at Caracas Bay. Skip Playa Piskado, though, where they’re fed by fishermen. 👉 where to see them
4. Dive the Tugboat wreck: a coral-covered tugboat just a few meters from shore at Caracasbaai. A perfect site for a first dive from the beach. 👉 diving in Curaçao
5. Watch the sunset from a boat: a private cruise on the Spanish Water lagoon, with drinks on board – the perfect way to end the day. 👉 the sunset cruise
The beaches
6. Hop between the most beautiful coves: Grote Knip, Kleine Knip, Cas Abao, Porto Mari… every beach has its own personality. 👉 our pick of the best beaches
7. Grab a drink at Mambo Beach or Jan Thiel: beach-club vibes, cocktails and sunsets, just minutes from Willemstad.
Culture and heritage
8. Wander around Willemstad: the Handelskade, the floating Queen Emma Bridge, Punda, Otrobanda, Pietermaai – a UNESCO World Heritage old town. 👉 visiting Willemstad
9. Taste the local food: keshi yena, stoba, pastechi, fresh fish… a melting-pot cuisine well worth exploring. 👉 traditional dishes
10. Visit the Curaçao liqueur distillery: the famous blue liqueur is made at Landhuis Chobolobo, a former plantation house where you can learn its story and taste it.
11. Browse the markets: fruit, fish, crafts – a great way to soak up local life. 👉 Curaçao’s markets
Bonus: a painting workshop: several studios let you paint your own souvenir in the island’s colors. A lovely activity for when it’s too hot for the beach!
Nature and adventure
12. Climb Mount Christoffel: the island’s highest point, best tackled at sunrise. 👉 our national parks guide
13. Listen to the waves at Shete Boka: the wild north coast and the Boka Tabla cave. 👉 info and opening hours
14. Take a buggy into the “mini desert”: trails across the Hato plain, the Curaçao Splash viewpoint and a swim – the island’s top-rated activity. 👉 our buggy tour review
Bonus: an electric scooter ride: a gentle guided tour around Caracasbaai, taking in an old fort, a shipwreck and scenic viewpoints. 👉 our electric scooter review
Bonus: adrenaline rushes: a jet ski ride along the west coast beaches, an ATV tour in Banda Abou or the caves, flamingos and turtles ATV tour.
Family bonus: the amphibious bus that plunges into Spanish Water. And to capture your trip: a private photo shoot in Willemstad.
15. Spot pink flamingos: they feed in the salt flats, especially around Jan Kok and Sint Willibrordus. Keep your distance – they’re easily startled.
Bonus: the ostrich farm: a fun family outing where you can see these giant birds up close (and even feed them).
Bonus: Hato Caves: limestone caves near the airport, explored on a guided tour.
Exploring Curaçao without a car
Many of these activities are far apart. If you’re not renting a car, or you’d rather have a local guide show you around, Gone Caribe’s private tours combine beaches, sea turtles, hiking or a Willemstad visit at your own pace.
👉 To plan your trip: where to stay, when to go, entry requirements and practical info and our itinerary ideas. To get off the beaten track, check out The Little Green Boat’s 5 themed itineraries, with addresses, opening hours and prices.
🗺️ The interactive map of Curaçao
Beaches, restaurants, museums, viewpoints… Our friends at The Little Green Boat have pinned their best spots on a free map, perfect to keep on your phone during your stay.