Activities & Sports
With so many kilometres of coastline, one is sure find all the water sports facilities right at their finger tips, whether it be swimming, sailing, fishing, kayaking, windsurfing or any other water activity. Curaçao's underwater world is famous worldwide amongst diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, with its 40 different dive areas and 65 individual sites.
There are plenty of activity options for those who prefer to stay on land, such as horseback riding, hiking, cycling, mountain biking or tennis. Golfers will rejoice at the Blue Bay Golf & Beach Resort, an 18-hole championship golf course and at the Curaçao Golf & Squash Club, a 9-hole course.
Dining & Nightlife
Dining out in Curaçao is a culinary adventure: Dutch influences are found in dishes like bitterballen (spicy battered meatballs) and a penchant for rijsttafel, a sort of tabletop buffet served at Asian restaurants like Jaipur and Bali. Jaanchie's in Westpunt is a must for seafood prepared with traditional Curaçao recipes and ingredients, including iguana. A number of Curaçao's old landhuis (plantation homes) have been converted to fine-dining restaurants, which also can be found in Willemstad at the Kura Hulanda hotel
Willemstad has the upscale nightclubs and casinos, many located at city hotels and resorts; check out the Salinja neighborhood for the best variety. Sea Aquarium Beach has the best beach parties and live music at clubs like Mambo Beach and Wet and Wild. Party boats like Mi Dushii move the dancing and drinking offshore.
Shopping
The island has two main shopping areas located in the capital city. The first is a five block shopping district called Punda. The second district is called Otrobanda. The Heerenstraat and Madurostraat streets are pedestrian areas. Even though there are no duty-free shops, exceptional rebates can be found due to low import duties. Purchases include perfumes, Dutch Delft blue souvenirs, electronics, jewellery, linens, silks, lace work and leather goods. You can also buy Gouda and Edam cheeses, local rum, and of course the famous blue Curaçao liqueur.
Flying time from:
Toronto: Approximately 5 hours
Language: Dutch. English and Spanish are also widely spoken.
Currency: Netherlands Antillean guilder. US dollars are accepted readily.
Climate: Warm and sunny climate with an annual average temperature of 27° C, and refreshing trade winds that helps keep the humidity low. Although there is a rainy season, from October through February, it is mostly defined by short nightly showers.
Electricity: 110-130 V, 50Hz
Documents: Valid passport required and ongoing or return ticket.
Websites: www.curacao.com