The Best Things to Do in Curaçao: Ultimate Cruise Port Guide

Curaçao is a southern Caribbean island that, collectively with Aruba and Bonaire, is referred to as the ABC islands. This now Dutch country, located approximately 40 miles north of Venezuela, was originally inhabited by the Arawak people. With a rich history and culture, beautiful weather, and storybook-like vistas, Curaçao has become a popular stop on many southern Caribbean cruises.

If you are sailing to Willemstad, Curaçao on your next cruise, then check out our list of the best things to do in Curacao on a cruise so you don’t miss out on all this colorful island has to offer.

The 7 Best Things to Do in Curacao on a Cruise (2025)

1. Visit Historic Willemstad

Downtown Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This colorful and historic city center consists of two quarters which are conveniently located near the cruise port. Punda and Otrobanda are separated by the Saint Anna Bay which can be crossed via a water taxi or the famous Queen Emma Bridge.

Whether you choose to complete a self-guided walking tour, an organized walking tour, or a fun trolley ride, there are many notable stops along the way.

While in Otrobanda, be sure to visit the Kura Hulanda Museum and stroll along the city streets to admire the historic buildings. You can also visit the Rif Fort, which was built in 1828 to defend Willemstad. Today, some original walls remain as part of the Renaissance Resort and Mall. This area offers plenty of shopping and restaurants.

Once you head over the bridge to Punda, you are in the main commercial area, Handelskade. This area is lined with colorful buildings. In addition, it’s home to the most photographed building in Curaçao — the Penha building.

While in Punda, you also need to visit the floating market where vendors sell fresh produce, fish, and local goods directly from their boats. Another notable landmark is the Mikve Israel-Emanuel synagogue, the oldest surviving synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. You will also want to check out the Wilhelmina Park and its statue of Queen Wilhelmina.

Last but not least, head to Fort Amsterdam, the oldest and most important monument in Curacao. Built in 1635 to guard the entrance to St. Anna Bay, you will now find the Governor’s Palace and Fort Church Museum inside the massive stone walls.

Tour Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
Price Range: $35-$70 per person
Best For: Those looking for an overview on the culture and architecture of Willemstad

Sample Tour: Historic Walking Tour of Curacao

2. Make it a Beach Day

Blue Bay Beach (Blauwbaai) is a popular beach located near the cruise terminal. A small admission fee will gain you access to the beach, use of the facilities, and sun beds. This beach offers plenty of shaded areas, restaurants and bars, and even a children’s playground. Not far off the coast of this beach, there are some amazing coral reefs and a great spot for snorkeling and diving.

Mambo Beach, also located close to the cruise terminal, is another popular beach among cruisers. It is located on the man-made beach near the Sea Aquarium. Here, you will have access to plenty of entertainment, bars, and restaurants, and use of facilities throughout the day. Admission and chair rentals at Mambo Beach are also reasonably priced.

Some of the most beautiful beaches in Curacao are located on the west end of the island, requiring a 30-45 minute drive. Knip Beach, Playa Cas Abou, and Playa Porto Marie are well worth the visit. Irie Tours offers an All West Beach Hopping tour that visits both Knip Beach (Playa Kenepa) and Playa Porto Marie, among other stops.

Tour Duration: 3-4 hours
Price Range: $55-$90 per person
Best For: All ages looking for a day of enjoying the beach and swimming

Sample Tour: Curacao Island and Beach Tour

3. Explore the Hato Caves

The Hato Caves are the largest cave formations on the island. Since its opening to the public in 1991, cave tours have become a popular tourist activity while visiting Curacao. These caves which were made accessible by foot for visitors were once used by Arawaks for shelter and later by escaped slaves.

Tours occur every day and last 45 minutes. During these tours you can learn a bit of the history of these caves and marvel at the limestone formations that have been naturally carved out over the years.

You might even catch a glimpse of some bats. The guides will point out several stalactite and stalagmite creations that are said to resemble various creatures and even Mary the mother of Jesus. Be advised that there are approximately 50 stairs to enter the caves. Also, once inside it is warm and dimly lit. You are not permitted to take photos in the caves except in one designated area.

Tour Duration: 3-7 hours
Price Range: $65-$120 per person
Best For: Nature lovers

Sample Tour: Hato Caves, Playa Piskado Turtle Swim, and Porto Marie Beach Break

4. Enjoy the Beauty of Nature

Shete Boka National Park and Christoffel National Park are located adjacent to each other on the northern part of Curaçao. Shete Boka, which means “seven inlets,” covers approximately six miles. The most popular inlet is Boka Tabla. Here, you can walk down the rock-carved steps into the mouth of the cavern, walk the limestone bluffs, or just admire the crashing waves.

There are also two hiking trails available. Along these trails, you can explore other areas including Boka Brown where sea turtles lay their eggs and Boka Pistol where huge waves explode into the sky.

Christoffel National Park is the largest national park in Curacao. It is home to Mt. Christoffel, the island’s highest point. There are eight hiking trials that allow visitors to explore the flora and fauna or even hike to the top of Mt. Christoffel. If hiking is not your idea of a vacation, there are Jeep and Land Cruiser tours that also visit the park, such as the one linked below.

Tour Duration: 7 hours
Price: $168 per person
Best For: Adventure and nature lovers

Sample Tour: National Park Off Road Adventure

5. Escape to Little Curaçao

Klein Curaçao, which in English means “Little Curaçao,” is a .65 square mile uninhabited island off the southeastern coast of Curaçao. Formerly a quarantine for sick slaves and a port of call for the guano trade, the island is now an off-the-beaten-path destination for visitors to soak in the ocean views, explore old abandoned structures, check out the lighthouse, or head out on a snorkeling adventure over the surrounding reefs.

The boat trip over to Klein Curaçao is a bit long — one-and-a-half to two hours — but if you have a longer port visit in Curaçao it’s well worth the trip. Many excursions to the island take place on a luxury catamaran complete with food and drinks, providing a relaxing and beautiful journey both to and from the island and once ashore. The excursion linked below is a private luxury sunset cruise where you and your group have a 50 foot-long yacht all to yourselves.

Tour Duration: 3-5 hours
Price: $140-$1,000 per person
Best For: Adventurous luxury travelers

Sample Tour: Private Sunset Yacht Cruise

6. Have Some Fun at the Sea Aquarium

The Curacao Sea Aquarium is possibly one of the biggest tourist attractions on the island. It is unique in that it maintains a natural habitat for its creatures by using an open water system and natural light. Everything in the aquarium originates from the sea surrounding the island.

Since it opened in 1984, the Sea Aquarium has continued to expand its marine exhibits and activities offered. The aquarium area now comprises a marina, a large beach (Sea Aquarium/Mambo), a hotel, and the aquarium complex. Standard admission to the aquarium includes a dolphin training demonstration, shark and flamingo feedings, access to the underwater observatory, and more.

For additional fees, other activities are offered including feeding encounters, the dolphin academy, and the Substation Curacao. With endless possibilities, there is something to keep the entire family entertained at the Sea Aquarium in Curaçao.

Tour Duration: 3-4 hours
Price Range: $85-$180 per person
Best For: Families who love the ocean and marine life

Sample Tour: Curacao Island & Seaquarium

7. Tour the Curacao Liqueur Factory

Landhuis Chobolobo is an old country estate built in the early 1800s that has housed the Senior Co. distillery since 1946. This distillery produces the famous Blue Curacao liqueur. So, when in Curacao, you must sample the Curacao! The Curacao Liqueur Factory offers guided tours daily for a fee. However, entrance to the actual distillery is free.

You will gain some history of the estate, observe the making of the liqueur, and sample the delicious flavors. In addition, there is also a café serving up cocktails and dishes inspired by Curacao. Likewise, there is a gift shop to purchase some of this famous liqueur. Some popular flavors include rum raisin, coffee, and chocolate. This visit will take no more than a couple hours, so be sure to couple this experience with some of the other great options that Curacao has to offer.

Tour Duration: 2-3 hours
Price Range: $70-$110 per person
Best For: Adults looking to try Curaçao’s most famous liqueur

Sample Tour: East Side Tour and Tasting

Curacao Frequently Asked Questions

How long do cruise ships typically stay in Curacao?

Cruise ships typically spend 9-12 hours docked in Curacao. These longer port calls allow visitors to take longer excursions or a few shorter ones. Before heading back to the ship, many cruisers also spend some time shopping and do some exploring on their own in downtown Willemstad.

Is Curacao walkable from the cruise port?

Yes, Willemstad — the capital of Curacao — is very walkable from the cruise port. It’s especially easy for cruise visitors to walk from their ship to the historical districts of Punda and Otrobanda.

How far is downtown Curacao from the cruise port?

The city center of Willemstad is about half a mile from the cruise port area in Curacao.

Is there a beach near the Curacao cruise port?

The closest public beach to the cruise port is Mambo Beach, which is about a 4.5 mile, 10-15 minute drive east.

When is the best time to visit Curacao?

Determining the best time to visit Curacao depends on what you will value most about your visit. If you’re looking for the best time to visit weather-wise, go during the winter for the best chance of sunny weather with little rain. If you’re looking to avoid crowds and higher prices, go during shoulder season which is the summertime. Just be aware that temperatures will be higher and there’s more rain during the summer months.

Comments

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