Curacao
Description
View cruises with CuracaoHistorians still contend over which European adventurer first spied the largest island in the former Netherlands Antilles. Some historians claim the honor for Alonzo de Ojeda; other historians champion Amerigo Vespucci. Little does it matter; today's travelers are content to bask beneath sunny skies cooled by the trade winds. Lying some 40 miles off Venezuela, Curaçao boasts a landscape that is dramatic, stark, and volcanic. In contrast, Willemstad, the capital, seems a cozy Dutch haven with its neat row houses. And while those gabled and tiled roofs illustrate the island's heritage, the bright, pastel houses speak pure Caribbean. Islanders themselves reflect this same colorful contrast: over 50 different nationalities have come to call Curaçao their home.
Points of Interest
- Willemstad
- Fort Amsterdam
- Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge
- National Park
- Hato Caves
- Ostrich Farm
- Snorkeling
- Beaches
More about Curacao Points of Interest
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Willemstad -
This charming capital city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boasting a rich and diverse history and culture, its traditional Dutch architecture has been infused with the color and spirit of the Caribbean.
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Fort Amsterdam -
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most important of the island's eight forts, it is now home to the Governor's Palace, a 1769 Dutch Reformed Church, and a cannonball forever embedded in the southwest wall.
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Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge -
Constructed in 1888, and nicknamed the "Swinging Old Lady," this bridge swings open to allow ships to access the bay. Recently restored, it connects the Punda and Otrobanda districts.
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National Park -
Curaçao's parks are unforgettable, from the diverse flora and fauna of Christoffel National Park, to the caverns and majestic sea cliffs of Boka Tabla.
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Hato Caves -
Once a hiding place for escaped slaves, these historic caves formed out of limestone cliffs are still evolving. Tour the underground caverns and view massive stalactites and ancient cave drawings.
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Ostrich Farm -
Experience a unique opportunity to get up-close and personal with these fascinating birds. A safari truck takes you through the corrals where you can touch and feed these feathered friends.
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Snorkeling -
Descend into the tranquil Caribbean waters of Caracas Bay where the nearly 50-year-old Sunken Tugboat, a popular underwater treasure, and a variety of unusual crustaceans and colorful fish await.
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Beaches -
Visit one of the many local beaches.
