6 Fun Things to Do On Curacao
Image courtesy of Hemingway Beach Club
Under-the-radar cultural attractions and must-do activities to take your Curacao vacation to the next level
Curacao is a Dutch Caribbean island that’s rich in biodiversity. Although the island is home to less than 150,000 residents, Curacao is rich in culture as well. More than 50 nationalities live here, each adding their own traditions and customs into the melting pot. So which cultural attractions and must-do activities need to be on your itinerary? Glad you asked. Here are my top 6 picks for things to do on the Southern Caribbean island of Curacao.
6. Browse the Floating Market
Vendors set sail from Venezuela, some 40 miles south, with their boats full of produce and goods. They hope to fetch better prices for their wares at Willemstad’s Floating Market and can stay for up to three months at a time. This tradition has been passed down for generations but is currently threatened by trends in globalization.
5. Party at the Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival
Music industry icons from Prince and Janelle Monae to Rod Stewart and Bruno Mars have graced the stages of the Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival. This year’s event is slated for Sept. 1-3 at the World Trade Center in Piscadera Bay. While the full line up has yet to be announced, Dominican singer-songwriter Juan Luis Guerra and Guadeloupe’s hometown heroes, Kassav, are confirmed for another wild weekend of music, wine and street food.
4. Chill at a Beach Bar
Drinking is an unofficial sport in Curacao. Be a champion and head to one of the island’s many beach bars for sun, sand and ice-cold beverages. My favorite beach bars on Curacao: Hemingway Beach Club (try the ice-blended mojito) and the Saint Tropez Oceanclub for sexy sunset cocktails.
3. Hike Shete Boka
Located on Curacao’s north coast, Shete Boka is one of the islands most dynamic attractions with miles of hiking trails and walking paths to choose from. Be sure to make time for Boka Pistol, one of several inlets or “bokas” located within the national park.
2. Visit Curacao’s Jewish Synagogue
Operational since the 1700s, the Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue is the oldest surviving synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. It’s also one of five synagogues in the world featuring a floor made out of sand.
1. Go Flyboarding
Flyboarding at Jan Thiel Beach is probably the most surreal experience you can have while vacationing on Curacao. It’s remarkably easy to learn, and your instructor treats you to a complimentary beer afterward. Curacao, I like your style.
Image courtesy of Zapata Flyboard Caribbean
My trip to Curacao was made possible by the Curacao Tourist Board. Views expressed are my own.