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practical facts:OVERVIEW: Curaçao is a tiny, yet bustling island, considered one of the hottest Caribbean escapes for discerning travelers. Known for its unique architecture, pristine diving, wide range of adventure opportunities, and year-round warm weather.
WEBSITE: www.curacao.com
LOCATION: Located in the southern Caribbean, just 40 miles off the coast of Venezuela. 12° north of the Equator.
CAPITAL: Curaçao’s capital, Willemstad, is the island’s only city.
CURRENCY: Netherlands Antillean Guilder (Nafl) also called florin. Dollars are widely accepted. The US dollar is at a stable rate. $1 USD = 1.77 Nafl.
LANGUAGE: Dutch and Papiamentu and English are recognized as the official languages, although Spanish is widely spoken.
CLIMATE: A warm sunny climate is typical year round with an average temperature of 80 degrees. Rainy season is between October and February and marked by short occasional showers, mostly at night. Annual rainfall is about 22 inches.
POPULATION: Curaçao is home to 150,000 people representing over 55 different cultures including African, Dutch, German, Indian, Spanish and Portuguese.
GOVERNMENT: Parliamentary Democracy
AIRPORT: Curaçao International Airport (Locals refer to it as Hato International.)
GETTING HERE: Daily flights on AA and Insel Air from Miami, weekly flights on Insel Air from Charlotte, NC and seasonal service from Toronto on Air Canada, WestJet and SunWing. Charter flights also available. Additional connections from neighboring islands, The Netherlands and Germany.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: US and Canadian citizens require a valid passport and airline ticket.
SAYING IT: Curaçao is pronounced “Cure - a - sow.”
PAPIAMENTU: Papiamentu is a mix of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, French, English and Arawak Indian and is spoken through all levels of society. The first document written in Papiamentu was a 1775 correspondence between two members of a Jewish Merchant family.
PICK YOUR BEACH: Curaçao is home to over 35 beaches. For locals, it’s common to pack up the family and head to their favorite beach on Sunday.
OUR DUTCH QUEENS: The bridges connecting many waterways of Willemstad are named after some of the most memorable Dutch queens. The most famous, Queen Emma Bridge, swings open using two powerful motors to allow access to the port and natural harbor. The Wilhelmina and Juliana bridges are also named for Dutch Queens.
ALL ABOARD! Curaçao welcomes an average of 400,000 cruise passengers to the island annually.
ELEVATION: Curaçao’s highest point is the summit of Mt. Christoffel at 1,227 feet.
LIVE AND LET LIVE: The island’s European influence and the open, friendly nature of its people, along with events such as Gay Pride Week and South Caribbean Pride Week, has put the island on the front line of LGBT tourism in the Caribbean.
FEARLESS REBELLION: Tula was a slave in Curaçao and a leader of the famous 1795 slave revolt that uprooted the island for over a month. His memory remains as a statute to human rights.
WHAT A HEADACHE: It is rumored that founding Governor Albert Kikkert feigned migraines to have the town buildings painted in vibrant colors, to spike sales of his paint company.
fun facts:
culinary facts:Curaçao’s ethnic diversity is evident not only through its people, but its cuisine. Due to arid conditions and rocky soil, the island remains heavily dependent on imports resulting in its international cuisine, prepared with local flair. More than 200 restaurants showcase the island’s eclectic and diverse flavors.
FUN FOODIE FACTS:
• The Floating Market in Punda, is not to be missed. Venezuelan vendors sell their fresh produce along the waterfront, directly off their small fishermen’s boats, which double as living quarters between trips to and from the island. The color and variety of fruits and vegetables is a delicious photo opp.
• Marshe Bieuw in downtown Willemstad offers the most authentic local meal around. Individually operated stands each offer a range of local favorites prepared on-site, including stoba (stew), funchi (similar to polenta), kabritu (stewed goat), fresh fish like Red Snapper and a favorite, pumpkin pancakes. Politicians, shop owners, area residents and tourists all gather at rows of tables and benches and enjoy their afternoon meal side by side.
• Keshi Yená, Curaçao’s traditional dish, translates to ‘stuffed cheese’ and is exactly that. A dish steeped in the island’s slave history from when kitchen workers would stuff the scooped out cheese rinds with bits of discarded meats and scraps, steam it, and turn it soft again. It’s now prepared in all types of gourmet ways and a signature island dish.
• Iguana is an exotic meat offered in a handful of restaurants, but Jaanchie’s Restaurant on Curaçao’s West End is a favorite. Locals attribute iguana to healing qualities, serving the meat stewed or in soup to cure various discomforts. (It’s also said to be an aphrodisiac!) It tastes just like chicken.
• Kos Dushi are Curaçaoan sweets such as Sunchi - Meringue "kisses," made of sugar, egg whites, and food coloring; Panseiku - a kind of praline: toasted peanuts and almond essence, in a brittle glaze of dark brown sugar; and Kokada - freshly grated coconut patties, held together in a sugar syrup.
• Kadushi cactus is among the most abundant resources on the island. Locals have harnessed the organic and energetic properties of the plant for a hearty soup. The preparation process of removing the spiny needles is a skill best left to the pros.
• Batido stands offer a custom blend of fresh fruits and juices for a sweet and healthy frozen smoothie-style treat.
• Rijstaffel was integrated into Dutch traditions after the colonization of Indonesia by the Dutch in 1782. Literally meaning “rice table,” the Indonesian favorite was cross-pollinated with Dutch-Caribbean influences in Curaçao to create the current flavors now found in the island’s version of the cuisine.
• Truk’i Pan are the original food trucks. Small trucks found throughout the island serving late night eats from 9 pm to 4 am to satisfy the post-party craving. A few popular ones include: Nancy's, The Griller, El Pinguino de Oro, Makamba's Grill and Naoki's.
dive facts:A hidden gem of the Caribbean, Curaçao offers 65 individual dives sites which are accessible from shore or boat. Reefs surrounding the island boast species diversity untarnished by industrial and meteorological pollution.
Conditions: The island is located 12 degrees north of the equator, with constant trade winds from the East. These conditions lead to sunny, warm weather with calm conditions and 100 ft+ visibility. Water temperature ranges between the low to mid-80s in summer and mid- to high 70s in winter.
Highlights: Unlimited shore diving on world-class sites with exceptional macro-life. Geographical diversity keeps the dive profile interesting with walls, reefs, caves and wrecks. The Curaçao Underwater Park, located on the Southeast side of the island, includes some of the most lush reefs on the island because the rough surface conditions supply constant water flow with fresh nutrients. The St. Elizabeth Hospital in Willemstad has a recompression chamber staffed 24 hours a day in the event of decompression sickness.
SIGNATURE SITES: • Mushroom Forest and the Cave: Best reached by boat, this site is named for the unusual vertical star coral
growth in the shape of mushrooms. The coral’s bio-eroded base attracts macro-life worth investigating. The Cave along the cliff side is a common hangout for nurse sharks and schools of fingerlings.
• Playa Kalki / Alice in Wonderland: Situated on a cove of Westpunt below The Kura Hulanda Lodge & Beach Club, this shore dive requires a three minute swim to the 60 foot wall. The occasional strong current promotes robust coral growth and reef fish activity.
• The Valley / Port Marie: Two parallel reefs form a sand “valley” which has become a local favorite. The beach is stocked with divers’ amenities, including rinse tanks and restrooms. Traditionally rare reef life tends to congregate here, including seahorses, nurse sharks, sea turtles, sting rays and cornetfish.
• Tugboat: A diverse site for divers and snorkelers alike, this wreck dive is right outside Caracas Bay. The mooring is the epicenter of the shallow wreck, a wall and a deep dive with lots of photo ops in between. Although teeming with soft corals, the boat is well preserved. Moray eels, scorpion fish and lobsters love the many crevices of the tugboat and wall.
• Car Wreck: A truly fun sight for all divers, this site is full of dozens of car wrecks which make a great spot to take some unique souvenir photos.
FOR ADVANCED DIVERS:• Superior Producer: Voted as one of the 100 Best Dive Sites by Scuba Diving Magazine
in 2012, this upright wreck rests between 80-100 foot depth. The depth and potential current reserve this for advanced divers only. Full coral coverage makes it suitable for wide angle and macro photography.
dive operators:Curaçao dive operators are some of the world’s finest, offering a full range of experiences from shore diving to advanced technical diving. Proficient and knowledgeable local staff allow these operators to be committed to putting your safety first while making every visit unique.
• Go West Diving: Located at one of Curaçao’s best shore diving sites, Alice in Wonderland, on the white sandy beach of Playa Kalki in Westpunt. The dive center offers a full range of PADI courses, high quality rental equipment and an air/nitrox filling station.
• Ocean Encounters: With six locations around the island and seven boats, Ocean Encounters can offer you diving and snorkeling on every coast. Boats are dive equipped and welcome snorkelers on their twice weekly trips to Mushroom Forest and Blue Cave. Voted “One of the World’s Best Dive Operators of 2012” by the readers of Scuba Diving Magazine, Ocean Encounters offers an all-in-one network to diving in Curaçao.
• Dive Center Aquarius: This dive center emphasizes teaching you the technical part of diving as thoroughly as the practical part. Safety and eco-awareness are a priority to all of their trips and lodging accommodations.
• Caribbean Sea Sports: Operating out of Curaçao Marriott, this dive operation offers a variety of services to hotel guests. The shop offers the perfect combination of modern equipment and superior service for every budget.
• Dive Bus: Specializing in shore diving, the dive bus proves you don’t need a boat to experience great diving through unbelievable service.
ADVANCED DIVERS ONLY:• Dive Charter Curaçao: This is the only operation on the island that can and will take divers to the windward
North Coast dive sites. Diving on the less sheltered north side opens opportunities to see more diverse vegetation and larger coral formations caused by increased flow of nutrients promoting growth, as well as large pelagic sea life. Dive Charter Curaçao requires a minimum certification of advanced open water or equivalent and recent dive experience.
FAMILY FRIENDLY:• CURious2DIVE: Along with traditional operations, this house is specialized to facilitate diving for people with a
handicap, including customized equipment. This operation also offers a gentle introduction to breathing underwater for kids ages eight and up.
CURAÇAOAN OWNED:• Want2Dive Divecenter: Family owned and operated by natives of Curaçao, Want2Dive
welcomes you as family to an intimate dive center. Professional and personal attention to each diver is given in a relaxed atmosphere to ensure the best diving experience.
*for a complete list of dive operators, please visit curacao.com/attractions-and-restaurants/diving-snorkeling/dive-operators
baseball facts:Stemming from Dutch interest in the game, the tropical island is making a name for itself as the new “baseball island,” with many natives being discovered by top scouts and brought to the United States for professional opportunities. Of fifteen Major League Baseball players from Curaçao, nine are still active.
Ready to Learn: Recent recruits to Major League Baseball from the island are recognized for their seamless transition to the professional level. This is a result of the progressive coaching techniques on the island. Small and consistent teams lay a foundation for strong communication skills and sand based fields littered with stones make the players react well to bounces.
All Eyes on Curaçao: The popularity and success of recent players from Curaçao has caused a noticeable increase in the scouting presence on the island over the past 10 years. Once signed to an American team, players respond quickly to professional-style coaching and intensive training schedules.
Curaçao Baseball Week: Launched in 2013, this event is a charity fundraiser organized to bring Curaçaoan children closer to their major league idols. The event hosts several MLB players and coaches for meet & greets, skill clinics, coaching seminars, photo ops and a charity auction dinner with the community.
World Baseball Classic: The Kingdom of the Netherlands team, half comprised of players from Curaçao, placed fourth in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, and progressed to the Championship semifinals in 2014.
Boys of Summer: In 2011, the full length documentary on the Curaçao Little League All-Stars’ journey to the World Series for seven consecutive years to defeat well known baseball powerhouses like Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic was released. The film investigates the country’s success in the sport and what baseball means to the island.
Names you know:• Texas Rangers: First spotted as a promising player in the 2004 Little League International Tournament, Jurickson
Profar was recruited for the Texas Rangers in 2009 and continues to progress with the Rangers.
• Atlanta Braves: Andrelton Simmons has become a break-out shortstop with the Braves. Originally a pitcher, he signed as a shortstop in hopes of seeing more game time and has seen success with the transition.
• Arizona Diamondbacks: A strong infielder and batter, Mariekson “Didi” Gregorius was traded to the Diamondbacks in 2012 and continues to lead the offensive charge.
• San Francisco Giants: Hensley Meulens assisted the Giants win 2 World Series in 2010 & 2012 as batting coach.
• Other players from Curaçao: Wladimir Balentien*, Roger Bernadina*, Ivanon Coffie, Yurendell DeCaster, Kenley Jansen*, Andruw Jones*, Jair Jurrjens*, Shairon Martis*,Hensley Meulens, Ralph Milliard, Jonathan Schoop* and Randall Simon.*dictates active players
get married:Relatively undiscovered, this wedding destination is guaranteed to turn heads with friends and family. Dutch architecture and intimate cove beaches frame the setting to an intimate service unlike any other location in the Caribbean. Civil, symbolic or religious ceremonies are welcome at a variety of venues across the island.
Wedding planners are available to help with arrangements, including resort arranged and independent consults. Wedding planners include Ban Kasa Wedding & Honeymoon Planner, Business Serenity Ltd., Celebrations!, Curaçao Elegant Weddings, Event Dimensions, Special Events Wedding & Party Planner, and Unique Wedding and Party Services.
Unique Venues: • Mikve Israel-Emmanuel Synagogue: Beautifully restored to its original elegance, this temple is the oldest
continually operational synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. Sand floors and stunning candlelit chandeliers perfectly combine the tropical and cultural influences of the region.
• Landhuis: Choose from a variety of plantation houses across Curaçao. Each has a unique history and location to contribute to events, like Landhuis Santa Martha which at one time in its long history was a sugar mill.
• Cove beaches: Over 35 cove beaches set an intimate setting for a ceremony. Curaçao’s tucked-away secrets feature havens of peaceful waves lapping the shore or cutting into the coast.
• Forts: Forts were used by the Dutch to protect the island from looters and pirates for several centuries. Today, the remaining forts have been beautifully restored and repurposed for events.
Requirements: Before a Curaçao wedding, there are requirements to be met. Within a six month period of the wedding, brides- and grooms-to-be need to submit a written marriage request to the civil registrar signed by both partners with two wedding dates and times and include the following original documentation:
• Clear, legible copies of both passports• Certified copies of your birth certificates, along with an Apostille stamp on each• Proof of single status• If applicable, a copy of divorce decree or a death certificate plus an Apostille/legalization of proof required • Declaration of single status from the time of divorce or death of former spouse until present• Names of parents, mothers’ maiden names, and their dates and places of birth• Professions of the bride, groom and their parents
LGBT recognition:Although same-sex marriage is not currently performed under the law in Curaçao, it is recognized if performed in another country. The locals are welcoming to the LGBT community with Dutch inspired enthusiasm. Symbolic ceremonies may be performed with special arrangements.
family fun:Explore Dutch culture infused with Caribbean traditions with activities for the entire family. Tour an indigenous herb garden, explore the ocean in a submarine, or take a ride on a ostrich. Curaçao offers more than sandcastles and sandwiches— an immersive cultural experience for the serendipitous family.
Family Activities:
Truly Unique Experiences:
• Den Paradera Herb Garden: Passed down through generations, Dinah demonstrates her knowledge of cultural traditions by giving personalized tours through her herb garden. Preteens and older are intrigued to hear about her ancient healing remedies and how the indigenous medicinal practices live on.
• Curaçao Substation: Now your adventurous young ones can discover the sea at a depth of 1,000 feet (320meters). The Curasub descends four times a day from the Curaçao Sea Aquarium to unreachable depths for divers. Onboard, submarine passengers make a memorable journey to places very few people have ever been.
• Hato Caves: Perfect for little explorers, Hato Caves provide a 200,000 years old history lesson open for exploration. The entire family will enjoy the cool temperatures while taking an intimate look at the nature, history and culture of Curaçao.
• Animal Encounters: Water lovers will go nuts for the opportunity to snorkel or scuba dive in the Sea Aquarium’s natural marine habitat and feed sharks and turtles by hand. Not to worry; Separated by a plexiglass divider, this encounter is completely safe.
• Aquafari: A family owned company, these self-propelled submersibles allow ages 10+ to explore the reefs of Curaçao. Sit in a personal scooter and and glide over the reefs at leisure. No scuba diving experience is required.
• CurAloe Plantation: Cultivating more than 100,000 specimens in the most sustainable way possible, CurAloe produces luxurious products to soothe your burns and condition your skin. The family can tour the plantation and learn about the Aloe plant and its harvest for product manufacturing.
• Curaçao Sea Aquarium• Dolphin Academy• Ostrich Farm
• Kayak tours• Substation Curaçao• Flyboard water jetpack
• Snorkeling and diving• Den Paradera Herb Garden • Hato Caves
• Animal Encounters• Aloe Plantation• Aquafari
attractions:Curaçao isn’t your average Caribbean island—and neither are its sights and attractions. In no other place can you visit over 35 different beaches, dive and snorkel 65 different sites, tour an indigenous medicinal herb garden, explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ride an ostrich! There’s never enough time to do and see it all, but here are a few highlights:
• Den Paradera Herb Garden: Passed down through generations, Dinah Veeris uses knowledge of her elders to maintain an herb garden from which she creates healing remedies. Tour her garden and hear how the indigenous medicinal practices live on.
• Curaçao Substation: Now anyone can discover the sea at a depth of 1,000 feet (320meters). The Curasub descends four times a day from the Curaçao Sea Aquarium to unreachable depths for divers. Onboard, submarine passengers make a memorable journey to places very few people have ever been.
• Hato Caves: On the north side of the island, Hato Caves are more than 200,000 years old. The caves, which are open to the public to explore, offer an intimate look at the nature, history and culture of Curaçao.
• Animal Encounters: Snorkel or scuba dive in the Sea Aquarium’s natural marine habitat and feed sharks and turtles by hand. Separated by a plexiglass divider, this encounter is completely safe.
• Aquafari: A family owned company, these self-propelled submersibles allow anyone to explore the reefs of Curaçao. Sit in a personal scooter and and glide over the reefs at leisure.
• CurAloe Plantation: Cultivating more than 100,000 specimens in the most sustainable way possible, CurAloe produces luxurious products to soothe your burns and condition your skin. Tour the plantation and learn about the plant and harvest for product manufacturing.
• Curaçao Sea Aquarium: From the very beginning of the aquarium in 1984, the Sea Aquarium managed to create natural habitats for all its marine creatures without using sophisticated technical equipment. Utilizing an open-water system allows all the aquaria to be in immediate contact with the open sea.
• Dolphin Academy Curaçao: Offering a variety of dolphin interaction opportunities including animal therapy, Dolphin Academy allows an intimate experience with the beautiful mammal in a responsible and educational way.
• Ostrich Farm: One of the largest breeding farms outside of Africa, a 45 minute tour will walk you through the life of an ostrich with opportunities to interact, feed and even ride them.
• Diving & Snorkeling: Sixty-five individual dive sites, several of which are snorkeler friendly, offer a variety of dive profiles accessible from shore or boat. Don’t miss the Mushroom Forest, named for its unusual coral formations and variety of macro-life or the near-by snorkeling site, Blue Cave.
• Christoffel National Park: Based around the island’s highest point of elevation, Mt. Christoffel, this is the largest national park in Curaçao. Offering eight hiking trails, the area is teeming with local flora and fauna. The most challenging trail rewards hikers with breathtaking views from its 1,227 foot vantage point.
• Shete Boka: Adjoining Christoffel park, this area spans more than 10 kilometers of the north coast. The coast’s limestone has been carved out by the spectacular crashing waves to create underground caverns, some of which are open for public exploration.
• Willemstad, UNESCO World Heritage Site: First established as a trading settlement in 1634, this capital city has maintained its historic European architecture and cultural history. Tour the colorful city that has so meticulously preserved its 17th century architecture.
• Senior & Co. Curaçao Distillery: Tour the historical Landhuis Chobolobo to witness the distillation of “The Genuine Curaçao Liqueur,” the only liqueur made from the peels of the Laraha fruit (the bitter orange native to Curaçao). For more than 115 years this distillery has preserved the tradition of the liqueur in the famous Landhuis Chobolobo.
• Beaches: With more than 35 cove-like beaches to choose from, visitors and locals alike pack up their bags and head to a hidden favorite. Some of the most popular include: Playa Knip, Playa Kalki and Jeremi.
• ATV adventure: Deviate from the well trodden and explore areas of the island unreachable by traditional vehicle. Offered through a variety of operators, ATV’s get the adrenaline pumping over rocky terrain along the coast and across the island.
• Mountain biking: Road and trail bikers are well matched with the environment in Curaçao. Trails are available for every experience level, each exposing a unique side of the island. Most popular, the Jan Thiel Lagoon Reserve is characterized by rare vegetation and exceptional bird life, like a large flamingo colony.
• Floating Market and Marshe Bieuw: Some of the best local food you’ll have on island. Local cooks rent stalls and cook up some of the best island fare from island specialties to fish and our favorite, the pumpkin pancake. At the neighboring floating market Venezuelan vendors sell fresh produce from their small fishing boats.
• Nena Sanchez Gallery: Raised among the beautiful colors of Curaçao, Nena Sanchez was inspired by the colors of the island in her art. She has since become known for her vibrantly colored paintings around the world that capture the spirit of Curaçao. Many of her paintings can be seen in her gallery in Willemstad.
live and let live:The island welcomes LGBT visitors with a “live and let live” philosophy. Curaçao has 17 hotels and attractions with International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) memberships, the largest membership of any one island in the Caribbean. Curaçao also hosts a variety of Pride events, nightclub specials and festivals. Accommodations:
• Floris Suite Hotel: Designed for adults only, Floris is the host hotel for Caribbean Pride week. The boutique all-suite LGBT-friendly hotel features modern design and lush open spaces.
• Kura Hulanda Village & Lodge: These sister properties happily welcome anyone looking for a luxurious, cultural experience. Kura Hulanda Village & Spa is nestled in a boutique village in the capital, Willemstad, throughout a restored neighborhood with intricate Dutch architecture. On the west end, Kura Hulanda Lodge & Beach Club is a tranquil resort featuring a world-class reef off its shore and picture perfect views of the sun set.
• Avila Hotel: Embracing the LGBT community in true Dutch fashion, Avila prides itself on superior service and hospitality. Built around the one time Gouverneur’s mansion, the prestige of the hotel’s history continues alongside the energy of today.
• Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort: Located in the east side of the island, Santa Barbara provides an exclusive “island within an island” to any travelers looking for a luxurious escape. Get lost in this 27 acre reserve turned resort.
• Other IGLTA member hotels include Hilton Curaçao, Papagayo Design Hotel and Beachclub, Curaçao Marriott Beach & Emerald Casino, Baoase Luxury Resort, Renaissance Curaçao and Blue Bay Golf & Beach Resort
Nightlife:• Anytime: Rainbow Lounge is Curaçao’s lifestyle bar and lounge. The casual affair is a daily favorite, serving up
colorful layered cocktails by the pool. Or the Gallery “G” Lounge is always open, the true gay bar on the island, located in downtown Willemstad.
• Tuesday: Omundo Restaurant & Wine Lounge is a chic culinary venue with an extensive wine list and cozy vibe. Live music every Tuesday by local musicians promotes a community atmosphere where everyone is welcome .
• Thursday: Café De Heeren is a popular hotspot for their nightly specials and live music. This café-by-day transforms into a jumping dance venue after dark.
• Friday: TuTu Tango is the place to be on Friday night. The trendy hotspot offers a variety of international cuisine with a home cooking familiarity.
• Saturday: Mambo Beach Club offers everything you expect from a beach club: swimming pool, gorgeous beach, and full bar in an atmosphere where everyone can gather and watch the waves come in.
Annual Events:• Curaçao PRIDE: Taking place again September 24-28, hundreds of visitors and residents
celebrate the LGBT community with extravagant parties and workshops.• South Caribbean Pride: Held in May, this weeklong celebration brings together
neighboring island communities to support the budding Caribbean LGBT community.
*for additional information visit: gaycuracao.com or curacaopride.com
