City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Curacao
The C of the ABC islands, along with Aruba and Bonaire, Curacao is situated in the Southern Caribbean. It offers a landscape of natural beauty, vibrant culture and rich history. With its colorful architecture, pristine beaches, and diverse marine life, Curacao provides a wide array of attractions for boaters, travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. Let’s check out a few things to do from private boat lifts for rent in Curacao.
Willemstad
Photo: Wikimedia
Willemstad, the capital city of Curacao, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vibrant hub of cultural and architectural wonders. The city's iconic feature is the Handelskade, a row of beautifully painted buildings that line the waterfront. The pastel hues of these buildings create a picturesque scene that is best admired from the Queen Emma Bridge, a floating pontoon bridge affectionately known as the "Swinging Old Lady." As you stroll through the streets of Willemstad, you'll encounter art galleries, museums and historic landmarks that showcase the island's unique blend of European and Caribbean influences.
Shete Boka National Park
Photo: Wikimedia
Shete Boka National Park, located on the island's rugged northwestern coast, is the perfect spot for nature lovers to visit from private boat slip rentals. The park's dramatic limestone cliffs and crashing waves create a breathtaking spectacle. One of the park's highlights is the Boka Tabla, a large cave where powerful waves crash into the rocks. Along the park's hiking trails, you’ll find hidden coves, blowholes and sea turtle nesting sites.
Curacao Sea Aquarium
Photo: Curacao Sea Aquarium (Facebook)
Located on the waterfront, the Curacao Sea Aquarium is a popular spot for families and groups. It offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with marine life. Visitors can swim with dolphins, feed sharks, snorkel with tropical fish and even touch stingrays.
Beaches and Watersports
Photo: Dronepic/Wikimedia
Curacao is surrounded by part of the largest reef system in the Caribbean and is a popular snorkeling destination. For those seeking a more immersive experience from a private boat lift rental, the Mushroom Forest and the Superior Producer shipwreck are must-visit dive sites. The areas are filled with vibrant coral formations, tropical fish and other fascinating marine species.
If you're looking for a beach escape, Curacao boasts some of the most stunning stretches of sand in the Caribbean. Cas Abao Beach, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand, is a postcard-perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming. Playa Kenepa, also known as Knip Beach, is surrounded by towering cliffs and lush green hills.
Hato Caves
Photo: Jerry and Roy Klotz MD/Wikimedia/CC
For history enthusiasts, Hato Caves is a fascinating journey into the island's past. These limestone caves were formed millions of years ago and feature unique formations and ancient Indian petroglyphs. Guided tours explore illuminated chambers and reveal stalagmites, stalactites and an underground lake. It's a remarkable opportunity to delve into Curacao's geological wonders and learn about the indigenous people who once inhabited the island.
Festivals
Photo: Carnival Curacao (Facebook)
Curacao's rich cultural heritage is showcased through its vibrant festivals and traditions. Curacao’s Carnival season, held in the weeks leading up to Lent, is a spectacular celebration of music, dance and colorful costumes. The streets come alive with parades, live performances and street parties that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the island's infectious energy and joyful spirit.
Whether you’re anchored at a marina, resort or private boat slip rental, we hope you’ve found some great new places to visit in Curacao.
