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Private tours are a great option if you want to discover Curaçao at your own pace, where a knowledgeable guide offers a personal approach. Snorkeling excursions will guide you across the entire island, visiting several beaches and coves. Some of our preferred trips include visits to The Blue Room, Tugboat Beach, Playa Lagun, and the turtle-populated Playa Piskado. When articles feature Curaçao, this is likely the image they use to represent its beaches, making a visit to Grote Knip an integral part of the ultimate Curaçao experience.
South and West Caribbean cruise ports
For a more picturesque meal or cocktail, head over the Queen Emma Bridge for a row of waterfront restaurants and bars with views of the bay and colorful buildings. Near the airport of Curacao is where you will find the Hato Caves. It is cave system where you will find the most unusual rock formations. 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. When the Dutch West-Indian Compagnie took over the island a fort needed to be build to offer protection to the Dutch. At the entrance of the St. Anna baai, just across the water from the dock you can still see this Fort guarding the entrance to the capitol.
General information about the Curaçao Cruise Port
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. Willemstad has several car rental locations at and near the ports with prices starting around $35 USD per day and up. Vehicle travel is on the right-hand side of the road so for most North American travelers you won’t need to get your feet wet trying to drive on the other side of the road. 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.
What is there to do by the Curaçao cruise port?
Wandering through the streets of Otrobanda immerses you in the sights, sounds, and scents of daily life in Curaçao. The enticing smell of freshly-baked pastechi wafts from local batido trucks, complemented by the lively chatter of locals that fills the air. When exploring Otrobanda, You’ll be immediately struck by the captivating blend of art and local culture that permeates the entire neighborhood. Amidst shopping, one can enjoy a meal at the numerous outdoor cafes and restaurants.
Restaurants Close to the Curaçao Cruise Port
Explore rolling lava hills, limestone bluffs, and a natural bridge at Boka Wandomi on a path along the rugged coastline that will bring you back to Boka Tabla. In Dutch restaurants, such as Kome, you can try cheese-based treats such as Keshi Yena which are cheese balls stuffed with spicy meats. Or try strange meats such as iguana, lionfish, and ostrich meat, which are served in select restaurants on the island. Other popular places to shop include the Sambil Mall which features many food courts and at Salina, one of the primary shopping districts of Willemstad. Otrobanda, which means the other side, is the newer of the two districts on St. Anna Bay.
The new Mega Pier has capacity to accommodate largest cruise ships entering Santa Anna Bay. The channel splits the town in two quarters - Otrobanda (west) and Punda (east). Mega Pier is within easy walking distance from downtown - through Renaisaance Mall and Rif Fort.
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. 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. Regardless of where your ship docks, both are only a few minutes’ walk from downtown as well as the Queen Emma Bridge which connects the two districts. The park starts at the beautiful inlet of Boka Tabla, which has a nice underground cavern where you can enjoy the sights of the waves rolling in.
This is a famous tourist area where you’ll find many shops, ATMs, several restaurants, and tour operator booths offering trolley train rides, car rentals, bike rentals, and more. Curaçao stands as a destination that indulges travelers with its sun-drenched beaches, pristine waters, and lively culture. However, beyond its scenic facade lies a compelling history that has played a crucial role in shaping the island’s unique identity. Mambo Beach, situated on the eastern coast of Curaçao, is a lively shore destination featuring numerous beach clubs, restaurants, and a vibrant shopping boulevard.
I Spent 7 Days on My First Adults-Only Virgin Voyages Cruise
This beach is another hidden gem located around 40 minutes’ drive from the cruise port, south of Kleine Knip. 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.
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I am the creator of an e-book “Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide“, the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports, & YouTube channel @AdventourBegins. It is a long sandy beach offering great snorkeling, watersport activities (snorkel, kayaks, banana boat ride rentals), beach chair and umbrella rentals, a bar, a restaurant, showers, and lockers. Cas Abao Beach is surrounded by lush nature, which makes it a perfect beach escape for those who seek the peace and silence of nature. The beach is sandy with some rocky parts, not too long, and has both shallow and deep parts. Blue Bay Beach boasts amenities such as bars, restaurants, sunbeds, umbrella rentals, water sports activities, showers, changing rooms, massages, and a playground for kids.
It is a unique shopping complex housed in a former defense fort, offering beautiful sea and Punda quarter views. You can browse a large number of shops housed in old, colorful buildings, climb the fort, or try some local delicacies in one of the bars and restaurants. It is a very touristy place, so you should expect higher prices and a lot of crowds.
There’s a wide variety of shore excursions available with departure from the Curaçao Cruise Port. The Curaçao Cruise Port provides convenient access to a variety of beautiful beaches, from lively Mambo Beach to the famous Grote Knip. Curaçao is the best place to enjoy a breathtaking view while savoring delightful cuisine paired with a fine glass of wine- or a Blue Curaçao cocktail!
Usually there are a limited amount of taxis waiting at the pier for you. The price from the dock to Seaquarium beach is approximately $25 and to Blue Bay also around $25. Taxis cost around 45 US dollar per hours depending on your negotiation skills.
You’ll find information on the different vessels, from expansive cruise liners to charming boutique ships and opulent luxury vessels. Taking a look at the Curaçao Cruise Port Schedule is a smart step in preparing your visit to Curaçao, serving as your guide throughout your exploration of our dushi island. The Curaçao Cruise Port, strategically located on the island, serves as the gateway to an array of adventures, from exploring historical sites to relaxing on pristine beaches. The island, boasting a unique blend of Dutch influence and Caribbean warmth, provides a perfect setting for an unforgettable cruise experience. Other attractions out of Willemstad should also be considered - like the Aquarium or the Hato Caves.
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