Curaçao Travel Guide: Where to Go and When

The official tourism site calls Aruba and Bonaire Curaçao's sister islands. The capital, Willemstad, has a historic centre listed by UNESCO.

This guide covers Willemstad, the west coast beaches, two nature stops, and the uninhabited island of Klein Curaçao.

Places to visit in Curaçao

Willemstad

The official tourism site says Willemstad was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, and that over 700 buildings in the city are protected monuments. Punda was originally a walled district with a grid pattern, and the pontoon Queen Emma Bridge connects it to Otrobanda. Punda is now a pedestrian-only district that includes the Handelskade waterfront.

West coast beaches

The tourism site lists Playa Kenepa Grandi on the west coast, Cas Abao with white sand and clear water, and Playa Piskado, a small fishermen's beach popular for snorkeling and diving. It says many of the island's beaches are suited to snorkeling and diving, with coral reefs just offshore.

Shete Boka National Park

The name means seven inlets, though the site says the national park has more than seven coves. Three species of turtle nest in the inlets. The park begins at Boka Tabla, where large waves crush against an underground cave.

Hato Caves

The tourism site says the Hato Caves were formed below sea level millions of years ago. The cave covers 4,900 square metres, and the site lists limestone formations, pools and a waterfall.

Klein Curaçao

Klein Curaçao is an uninhabited island about 13 kilometres off the coast. The tourism site says it can be reached in 1 to 2 hours by boat.

Getting to Curaçao

Flights arrive at Curaçao International Airport (CUR). The tourism site says the island is well connected to major international hubs, and it mentions more direct flights than before.

Cruise ships dock at Willemstad's two ports, the Mega Cruise Terminal and Mathey Wharf, according to the tourism site.

When to go to Curaçao

Dry season (February to September)

The tourist board says the dry season runs from February through September, and that trade winds provide a constant cooling breeze.

Mild rainy season (October to January)

The board describes October to January as a mild rainy season, with a slightly higher chance of brief afternoon showers. It gives about 500 to 600 millimetres of rain a year.

Temperatures and hurricanes

Average daily temperatures range from 28 to 32 degrees Celsius throughout the year, according to the board. It also says Curaçao is outside the hurricane belt.

What to book ahead

• Boat trips to Klein Curaçao take 1 to 2 hours each way, according to the tourism site. Check departure days and what is included before you plan around one.
• Guided day trips to Shete Boka and the Hato Caves usually have set start times. Check them before you fix your route.
• If you arrive by cruise, check which of the two Willemstad ports your ship uses.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change over time. Check the current rules on the official Curaçao entry portal, which handles the Digital Immigration Card, before you book, and confirm again shortly before you travel.

Official source: Official Curaçao Entry Portal (Digital Immigration Card).

Frequently asked questions

Is Willemstad a UNESCO World Heritage site?

Yes. The official tourism site says Willemstad was listed in 1997, and that over 700 buildings in the city are protected monuments.

When is the dry season in Curaçao?

The tourist board says the dry season runs from February through September. It describes October to January as a mild rainy season.

Is Curaçao in the hurricane belt?

The tourist board says Curaçao is located outside the hurricane belt.

How far is Klein Curaçao?

The tourism site describes it as an uninhabited island about 13 kilometres off the coast, reached in 1 to 2 hours by boat.

What do I need to enter Curaçao?

It depends on your nationality and the rules change. Check the official Curaçao entry portal before you book.