CuraÇao, Caribbean

Curaçao: Adventure travel in the Caribbean

Curaçao is a small island located about 70 km (43 miles) north of Venezuela. It is approximately 40 km (25 miles) in length and 14 km (8.7 miles) at its widest point and is part of the ABC island group (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao) in the Caribbean.

Life on Curaçao is a laid-back, easy living experience. For the islanders, there is no need to rush. What can’t be done today will get done tomorrow or eventually. Nothing here happens with the snap of the fingers, and the only time the islanders really get alive is at nighttime, when there is always something happening somewhere.  There are many bars with karaoke, dancing and jazz or island music. Or one can gamble at one of the casinos at various hotels and resorts.

Local residents are generous and friendly people, always ready to help with a smile. So many colorful nationalities live in harmony together: Curaçaoans, Dutch, Venezuelans, Dominicans, Haitians, Cubans and Chinese to name but a few.  

The local young men enjoy showing off their skills and abilities with a motorcycle and entertain the crowds in a way that will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. It is a real nail-biting experience for many onlookers. If you are ready for an exciting and adrenaline-provoking experience, seeing these young men compete against each other with no protective clothing on speed bikes is a must. This show usually takes place on certain Sunday afternoons at an illegal race track. You know the action is happening by the sound that gets carried by the wind.

Curaçaoans enjoy good food, and the local cuisine will tickle your taste buds. With the many diverse cultures you can just imagine the joining of all the spices. Restaurants are so diverse that you can dine elegantly or eat at the roadside kiosks that stay open till late. Don’t judge these roadside kiosks based on their looks; you will be pleasantly surprised by the delicious food prepared by them. All food is being imported and the quality is real good.

The meat that gets consumed most is chicken, goat, beef, fish and pork. There are a few supermarkets where you will find so much more than you bargained for. The island even boasts its own Dewar’s whiskey distillery. And even Coke Cola is manufactured locally. Cheeses are imported from the Netherlands, and some beverages like wine and juice are imported from South Africa.  

Curaçao residents are very proud of their children, who are seen as well-mannered, well-behaved and well-educated. All island schools provide the best possible education to enable these children to become well-adjusted and successful adults in the future. Churandy Martina comes to mind, one of the island’s best athletes who competed in the 2008 Olympic Games.

The entertainment possibilities are plentiful on the island. Besides watching the latest movie releases, Curaçaoans enjoy the beaches, which are small and intimate with sparkling clear waters. Diving, swimming and snorkeling come natural to the islanders. It is as if they were born in the water. As a matter of fact, newborn babies get introduced to the ocean as soon as possible.

Backpackers, cyclists, golfers, divers, bird lovers, nature lovers and beach lovers will consider Curaçao to be a memorable experience. Here you will find an ostrich farm and experience a little of Africa in the Caribbean and an aloe vera plantation, where you will find natural care and cure. Divers can choose from different diving locations to explore the wonders of the ocean, and backpackers can enjoy the view from Mt. St. Christoffel, the highest hill on Curaçao. For serious golfers, there is an 18-hole championship golf course that will leave a big impression.

Shopping on Curaçao is considered amongst the best in the Caribbean. There are duty-free shops, and the shop assistants are generally fluent in English. Punda is a colorful shopping mecca for tourists, which is situated in Willemstad. Here you can visit shops at leisure and enjoy refreshments at the little cafés. Whatever you may fancy, be it clothing, jewelry or electronic equipment, you will find it all in Punda. It is also the place where cruise ships dock for a day visit to the island.  

Curaçao is home to many talented artists, which include sculptors, painters, designers and photographers to name but a few. Their work is beautiful and colorful as the island and inhabitants themselves. Art lovers will find something here that will not only be an investment, but also a piece to admire. Many work opportunities awaits those who want to get ahead on the island. Not only just for those with skills but for those that is just starting out in life as well. Occupations on the island are as versatile as in any country.

It is interesting to note that the Queen Juliana Bridge is one of the highest bridges in the world, at 56 m (185 ft) above sea level.  It is an architectural wonder. The view from above is gorgeous; you can take in the entire panorama of Punda and Otrobanda.

Being so close to the equator, it is summer all year round on Curaçao with an average temperature of 27.5⁰C (81.5⁰F). There are only two seasons, the dry and the wet season. The rainy season runs from October to February and is the best time for vacation. That being said, it is also the season that holds the possibility of getting dengue fever from a mosquito bite. So be sure to wear long sleeves and stock up on insect repellent. Dengue shows the same symptoms as a cold. It is not life-threatening, but it is best to consult a doctor if you suspect having it. Same as a cold, you just have to sweat it out.

Curaçao is only accessible by plane, ship or boat. Hato International is a modern airport equipped to accommodate all types of airplanes. There are daily flights available to and from Europe, North and South America.

Accommodations on the island are abundant. The vacationer has a choice of hotels, villas, apartments and bungalows. Make use of the different transport the island has to offer. Be that a rental vehicle or the daily tours that are being offered. Get to experience the island at your own pace and leisure.

About the Author

In the 1990s, Cheryl lived on Curaçao for a few years and then went back to her native country. Last year she returned and this time round she is in for the long haul. “Sometimes in life you encounter something that leaves a lasting impression. Curaçao left its footprints, and it was just like returning home.”