Curacao #10 in Best Places to Visit in November 2023

Why Go To Curacao

The “C” in the ABC islands, Curaçao features historic settlements, rugged landscapes, and plenty of fun in the sun. (Aruba and Bonaire are the other islands constituting the westernmost islands of the Leeward Antilles). Curaçao’s main port city, Willemstad, is what an old-world European city would look like if it had been dropped in the Caribbean. The brightly painted Dutch colonial buildings reflect pinks, yellows and blues into the cerulean St. Anna Bay. Once you leave the city, the landscape shifts to a desert scene, with spiny aloe and mesquite sprouting from atop weathered limestone cliffs.

But Curaçao’s real draw is the beach. Picture-perfect bays and coves flank the island, their turquoise waters lapping gently against powdery white sand. Curaçao’s reefs teem with marine life, providing excellent underwater playgrounds for scuba divers and snorkelers. Best of all, the semiarid island is sheltered from the worst of the Atlantic hurricane season. Gentle trade winds keep temperatures in the mid-80s, so you can enjoy the outdoors year-round.

Best Months to Visit

The best time to visit Curaçao is from December to April when the island experiences the best weather. However, if you’re hoping to plan a budget-friendly trip, the best time to visit Curaçao is from May to November, which constitutes the island’s off-peak season. During these months, you’ll find the lowest airfares and hotel rates, with rooms often priced up to 50% lower than they are in the high season (especially during summer). Plus, you won’t be vying for beach chairs with throngs of other vacationers. What’s more, Curaçao doesn’t suffer the wrath of hurricane season. Curaçao’s weather tends to be sunny even throughout the months that other Caribbean islands experience torrential rains. Only 12 degrees north of the equator, Curaçao’s average temperature rests in the mid-80s all year. Most vacationers head to Curaçao between December and April, causing hotel rates and airfare to skyrocket. If you’ve come to dive or snorkel, you’ll enjoy good visibility throughout the year. Because the island is located outside the hurricane belt, its marine life is mostly unaffected by seasonal changes.

Culture & Customs

Because of Curaçao’s role in the slave trade, many of today’s Curaçaoans identify deeply with their African heritage, as evidenced in their language and cuisine. Remnants of Dutch colonization are plainly visible as well, especially in the architecture in Willemstad and the countryside’s Dutch plantation houses. Whether their ancestors came from Africa, the Netherlands, or both, most of Curaçao’s population speak Papiamentu, a Creole language derived from Portuguese, English, Spanish, Dutch, French as well as African and Indian dialects. English and Dutch is widely spoken throughout the island, and so is Spanish, but throwing a bon dia (“good day”) or a danki (“thank you”) into your daily interactions won’t hurt.

A large portion of Curaçao’s population is Roman Catholic, and holidays are taken very seriously. Carnival, in particular, is huge here, lasting for more than a month. If you’re visiting in January or February, be prepared for colorful masquerades and loud processions through the streets. The predominance of Catholicism also means that most businesses on the island are closed on Sundays.

The Netherlands Antilles guilder (ANG) – also called the Florin – is the official currency of Curaçao. One guilder equals roughly $0.56, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout the island. What’s more, many ATMs dispense American tender. Dollars or guilders, most taxi drivers and waiters expect a 10% tip, but make sure to check your restaurant bill first – if you notice a 10% “service charge,” then you don’t need to leave additional gratuity, although a few extra dollars are always appreciated.

Crime is not a big issue in Curaçao, but you should still keep an eye on your belongings. Look after your valuables on the beach, always lock your car, and stay alert for pickpockets in urban and touristy areas.

Getting Around Curacao

The best way to get around Curaçao is by car. Some of Curaçao’s hotels offer area shuttles, and the public buses cover the majority of the island, but service is infrequent, especially outside of Willemstad. If you want to explore the island on your own time, then you’ll want your own set of wheels. Taxis are available from Curaçao’s major airport, Curaçao International Airport (CUR), about 8 miles northwest of Willemstad. However, cabs can be expensive, especially if you are planning to use them frequently.

Check with your hotel to see if it offers an airport shuttle service. Otherwise, expect to pay at least $30 for a one-way taxi ride from the airport to Willemstad. Major airlines, such as American Airlines, JetBlue and United, service the Curaçao airport.

Car
Renting a car is a worthwhile investment if you plan to explore outside major urban areas like Willemstad. Car rentals can cost you a pretty penny if you don’t shop around, but you don’t have to keep the car for your entire stay. You can pick up a rental at the airport; several major car rental chains are stationed at the airport, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz and Thrifty. There is also a high concentration of car rental agencies on the eastern end of the island near the cruise ship terminal. Rates can vary by season and company, but you should expect to pay between $39 and $69 a day. According to the U.S. State Department, your U.S. driver’s license is sufficient for driving in Curaçao.

Taxi
Taxis are good for short jaunts around Willemstad, but longer journeys and island tours will put a considerable dent in your wallet. Curaçao’s taxis are unmetered. Drivers may have rate sheets available for different destinations, although not every cab driver will follow the rules. A cab ride to the northwestern side of the island will cost you about $80 to $100. Before 7 a.m. and after 11 p.m., or if you have more than four passengers, cab drivers raise fares by 25%. Also, taxi drivers expect a 10-percent tip. It’s best to agree on a fare before you enter the cab.

Bus
Public transportation on Curaçao is limited. The large “Konvooi” buses will get you around Willemstad, with stations located in Punda and Otrobanda. However, convoys only run about once an hour on weekdays, and even more rarely on weekends. Convoys will also shuttle you westward, but service along these routes is infrequent (every two hours or so). One-way fares vary, but generally cost 2 guilders (or about $1.15). You can also ride the smaller “buses” (actually nine-person vans labeled “BUS”), which run more frequently than the convoys, but have no set schedule.

Entry & Exit Requirements

You will need to present a valid passport to enter and leave Curaçao, and you may be asked to show your return ticket and proof of sufficient funds, as well as proof of lodging. Upon departure to the U.S., you will be required to pay an airport departure fee of $65.74. If you are continuing on to Aruba or St. Martin, you will be charged $40.74 or $22.74 if you’re going to Bonaire. Some airlines, however, include these fees in the ticket price. You’ll also be asked to complete an Embarkation and Disembarkation Card (ED-Card), which will most likely be handed out on the plane ride to Curaçao. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department’s website.

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