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In Willemstad is the Curacao Synagogue - Americas' oldest synagogue (Jewish house of worship). The country's standard of living is among the Caribbean's highest. There are amenities such as beach chair and umbrella rentals, a parking lot, and a small kiosk where you can get snacks and refreshments.
Hiking at Christoffel National Park
Late fall and the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas are great times to cruise to Curaçao without dealing with too many tourists. Like many other Caribbean islands, Curaçao is known as a shopping paradise. The colorful harborfront street of Handelskade in Willemstad is a must-visit area for shopping and dining. This placement allows passengers easy access to the city center, starting their tour experience right when they disembark. At the Mathey Wharf the cruise visitor will also find an Information Booth, Restrooms, a Taxi stand, a stand for independent tour operators, and souvenirs shops. Whether you’re drawn to the serenity of nature, the thrill of adventure, the richness of history, or the joy of family activities, Curaçao promises a day filled with discovery and delight.
Beach Hopping Tours
Curacao’s Sea Aquarium is fed by nearby sea water and displays much of the marine life found around the island including dolphins, sea lions, and sharks. Bus schedules and routes are found within the city and at both ports. Transportation called “collective” cars and vans are easy to catch to bus you around the island, however it is important to make sure the license plates for these vehicles says “bus” on them. Unlike many islands, taxi destination costs on Curacao are not predetermined based on the destination. So, it’s important that you agree on a fare with the driver prior to getting in a taxi. Though, if you are considering hiring a taxi for sightseeing (recommended) the cost is about $20 USD per hour.
Curaçao (Willemstad)Cruise Port Guide: Review (
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A popular place to grab authentic Curacao meals is the Plasa Bieu (old market). Here, fried plantains, jerk chicken, and pumpkin pancakes with savory meat stews make up the menu. The communal style seating allows you to interact with the locals who favor the restaurant for lunchtime meals. Fort Amsterdam is located at the edge of Punda guarding the entrance of the harbor and the Sint Anna inlet. It’s no wonder Punda is declared a UNESCO World Heritage center. You get to this side of Willemstad by crossing the Queen Emma Bridge.
Kleine Knip’s older sister, Grote Knip is another hidden gem set in gorgeous natural surroundings. The city center is situated within a minute walking distance from the Mega Pier cruise terminal and is easy to reach. Once you exit the terminal area, keep following the path to the famous Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino where you’ll find shopping malls with upscale stores and free Wi-Fi connection. This terminal is situated in Otrobanda and consists of Mega Pier 1 and Mega Pier 2 which can accommodate large cruise ships of all sizes. This is where the major cruise lines and the large cruise ships dock. One of the most popular Curaçao beaches among cruise passengers is without a doubt Mambo Beach.
A variety of beaches near the Cruise Port
Enjoy your stay on the island and we hope that Curacao is everything you wished for in a Caribbean cruise destination. This beach club gives me bohemian vibes all the way and is the epitome of luxury and comfort. You can spend your day in one of the beach clubs or shop and dine at the nearby boulevard.
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You will experience the convenience of the city next to the cruise port, which is perfect if you want to spend your day close to the ship. A lot of sights, restaurants, and bars are within walking distance. Cruise ships docking at the Curaçao port are met with amenities and activities to enhance their passengers’ experience. From cultural heritage to local art, excursions, restaurants, and shops, there’s no shortage of things to do and explore within the port. Another popular option is Royal Caribbean, which offers shore excursions in Willemstad. With organized activities catered to cruise passengers, you can easily experience the island’s beauty and charm.
Where cruise ships dock in Curaçao (Willemstad)
The entrance fee might be included in this price, but you have to check with your tour operator. Beach chairs cost USD 3 of NAFL 5, – and this is including a complementary shower coin. Tugboat beach is the place you need to be for a unique underwater experience. In front of the coast, there is a sunken tugboat where you can snorkel.
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The beach is located in the north of the island, around a 1-hour drive from the Curacao port. It is a laid-back, small sandy cove with a snack bar, and chair rental facilities, best known for diving and snorkeling. Surrounded by cliffs and dense tropical forests, this beach is a dreamy place hidden in the lagoon far from the hustle and bustle of civilization. It is located a 50-minute drive (40 km/25 miles) north of Willemstad and you can best reach it on a tour, via taxi or public bus from Willemstad.
Kleine Knip is a small, intimate beach with a lot of natural shade and very limited facilities. There is no entrance fee, no wristbands – just several beach chairs and umbrellas to rent, picnic tables, and a small place to buy refreshments. It is a sandy public beach with some rocks and coral pieces on the waterline, so make sure you bring water shoes.
Go on a guided tour to go from room to room and to experience what life in a cave must have been like back in the days. If you are docked at the Mega Pier (main pier in Curacao) you will have Rif Fort at your door step. Together with Fort Amsterdam on the other side of the bay it was build in the 1820’s to defend the city. Rif Fort has now been transformed into a pleasant recreation area where you will find high end shops, souvenir shops and lots of bars and restaurants.
Curaçao’s cruise port is located in the city center of Willemstad. The large cruise ships dock at the Mega Pier in Otrobanda, and the small cruise ships dock at the Mathey wharf, also located in Otrobanda. Curacao’s cruise port is found at the southern point of the island in Willemstad, the capital city of Curacao. Depending on the size of your cruise ship, you can either dock at the Mega Pier or the smaller cruise terminal, both of which are located on opposite sides of the Sint Anna inlet. This inlet divides the town into two districts, Otrabanda on the west and Punda on the East. The Curaçao Cruise Port is situated in the heart of the capital Willemstad.
Home page with highlights and listing of reviews, port guides and articles. The Public Buses are limited - and not as good as services in Aruba (another Dutch island close by) - but there are Electrical wheelchairs for rent next to the Mega Pier. The local population is friendly (but not pushy) inviting the cruise passenger to discover the many natural wonders and rich cultural past of this Dutch Island.
Kayak along the turquoise waters of Caracas Bay, admiring the coast of Curacao, to a deserted stretch of sand for snorkeling,where you’ll see coral and home to colorful fish. On the east side of the island you’ll see the main attractions and on the west side, you’ll find gorgeous landscapes and charming villages.... It would be hard to mention Curacao activities without the Old Quarry Golf Course which has one the Best Golf Course in the Caribbean by USA Today in both 2018 and 2019. The course is 6,920 yards from the championship tees and offers an 8,000 sq. Ft. clubhouse with golf shop, locker rooms, lounge, and restaurant.
Surrounded by cliffs and hilltop hotel resorts, Playa Lagun is an intimate beach cove offering great snorkeling and diving. There are a few beach bars nearby and you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Blue Bay Beach Resort is situated a minute drive from the Curacao port (around 10 km/6 miles) and ranks among the most beautiful beaches on the island. The beach is part of the private resort featuring beach and golf courses, luxury villas, several bars and restaurants, and a stunning private beach tucked in a bay named after its blue azure waters.
Keep in mind that the trolley won’t allow you to hop on and off, so if you are planning on the tour be prepared to stay the entire 75 minutes. Cruise ships pull into the Santa Anna Bay, a narrow and very deep channel. The bay separates the two main districts of Willemstad, Punda to the east and Otrobanda to the west. In Willemstad you will find a fun and lively small city with people who are as colorful as the surrounding buildings. Midway past the two beaches are rocky cliffs where you can go cliff jumping, an exhilarating moment that you should try at least once or maybe twice.
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