The Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao (or “Curaçao”) is full of delightful surprises.

From unspoiled natural wonders to hidden beaches, you’ll have no trouble finding stimulating things to do in Curacao, whether on land or at sea.

However, while it’s beautifully adorned with postcard-perfect beaches, Curacao has so much more to offer, particularly for the adventurous traveler.

So if you’re ready to get your feet wet (figuratively and literally), then come uncover 25 of the best Curacao activities!

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As a Caribbean island, there are some incredibly beautiful beaches on Curacao. In fact, there are nearly 40 of them scattered throughout the island, if you account for private hotel beaches.

Each beach offers its own unique vibe, whether you’re looking for an action-packed experience or a quiet place to unwind. From large party beaches to small, secluded gems, there’s a beach to suit every wish list.

Therefore, beach hopping is one of the best things to do in Curacao, as it will give you a feel for the different options.

Although it’s the largest of the ABC islands (trumping Aruba and Bonaire in size), Curacao is only about 40 miles long from southeast to northwest. Therefore, you can cover a lot of ground pretty quickly and then settle in at your favorite beach.

In addition, to help you decide, I’ve dedicated a separate post exclusively to the best beaches in Curacao. In it, I’ve covered the pros and cons of the different options to help you coordinate a fun beach hopping excursion of your own.

While we’re on the topic of beaches, I wanted to shine some light on a very special beach on the island – Playa Piskadó.

Admittedly, it’s not the most glamorous option, but it offers something very special: giant sea turtles!

So if the idea of swimming and/or snorkeling amongst these beautiful sea creatures appeals to you, you won’t want to miss this beach!

Although it’s exciting to observe sea turtles up close, it’s critical that you do not touch them.

These creatures are highly protected, so make sure to keep a comfortable distance while swimming/snorkeling.

Also, since they’re typically fed by local fisherman in the morning, you should arrive prior to noon for the best chance of spotting them.

Playa Piskadó is located at Sabana Westpunt in Curacao.

If you’d prefer a more interactive experience, perhaps you’d fancy a swim with dolphins!

Dolphin Academy of Curacao is one of the only facilities worldwide that works with trained dolphins in the open ocean! How cool is that?!

Here, guests can learn interesting facts about dolphins in real life via a dolphin meet-and-greet, a swim, a snorkel, or an open water dive with these majestic sea creatures!

Dolphin Academy is located at Bapor Kibrá in Willemstad.

Speaking of wildlife, if animal-friendly beaches are up your alley, you’ll definitely want to pay a visit to Playa Porto Mari as well.

In fact, this spot is one of the top Curacao attractions due to the pigs that like to hang out here!

That’s right, Playa Porto Mari is home to sunbathing sows!

While I wish I could say you can swim with these husky hogs, the reality is, they much prefer to laze about on the sand.

More than likely, you’ll see them sniffing out some shade and stretching out under a beach umbrella.

If you’re wondering what to do in Curacao beyond the sea, there are plenty of non-aquatic activities to keep you busy as well!

For instance, were you aware of the fun little Curacao fact that the liqueur of the same name originated on the island?

One of the best ways to learn about the distillation process and savor this liqueur for yourself is by doing a tasting tour at Landhuis Chobolobo.

At this beautiful 19th century mansion, you’ll learn about the origins of Curacao liqueur, discover unique variations, and, most importantly, taste it for yourself!

This vibrant property offers three tour options:

• Standard Guided Tour
• Deluxe Guided Tour
• Chobolobo’s Cocktail Workshop

We did the Standard Guided Tour which runs up to an hour and includes a tasting.

While I may have inadvertently dashed your fruit-flavored dreams, rest assured that there are specialty liqueur flavors you can try on a tasting tour. These special varieties include chocolate, coffee, rum raisin, and tamarind.

They’re all quite decadent and tasty!

Plus, since scent is inextricably linked with taste, you’ll also have a chance to take a sniff of each of the specialty flavorings on the tour!

I also love the fact that the Standard Guided Tour includes one cocktail of your choosing, which you’ll enjoy at the end.

I opted for the ever-popular blue Curacao, whereas my husband enjoyed a tamarind-infused cocktail.

Landhuis Chobolobo is located at Saliña Ariba, Elias R. A. Moreno Boulevard, Willemstad in Curacao.

If you thought Aruba was the only ABC island with flamingos, think again! Curacao has plenty of these pretty pink creatures as well.

In fact, the island is a protected habitat for flamingos, with hundreds living there.

Fortunately, if you’re looking to check them out, there are two main places where you can somewhat predictably find them: Saliña Sint Marie and Saliña Sint Michiel.

Although I’d read that Saliña Sint Marie is the better option (as you can see the flamingos at a slightly closer distance), we unfortunately didn’t spot any here. I think we may have arrived too late, as the best chances of seeing them here are allegedly between 6:30 and 7:30AM.

Instead, we spontaneously encountered a huge flock as we drove past Saliña Sint Michiel on our way to one of the beaches. Talk about good timing!

Naturally, we had to pull over to admire them from a distance and capture some photos.

Saliña Sint Marie, the first spot I mentioned, is also known as the Salt Pans of Jan Kok. The Google Maps address is 1 b Weg naar St Willibrordus, Jan Kok in Curacao.

Alternatively, Saliña Sint Michiel is located along Weg Naar Bullenbaai, Sint Michiel in Curacao.

For all of the early risers out there, I recommend checking out one of the island’s most popular attractions: the Queen Emma Bridge.

This moving pontoon bridge/floating pedestrian bridge connects Punda and Otrabanda in the capital city of Willemstad.

The bridge was built back in 1888 and is supported by 16 pontoon boats. The bridge swings open fairly regularly, allowing ships to pass.

As it’s a moving bridge, expect it to sway as you walk across it. Although I was aware it would be rocking, I wasn’t fully prepared for how shaky it can get!

That said, after settling in here to shoot some photos, I became acclimated to the movement and it was much less jarring.

The Queen Emma Bridge is located at Kon. Emmabrug, Willemstad in Curacao.

While you’re in Willemstad, you’ll have to check out all of the colorful buildings!

Trust me, you won’t have much trouble finding them, as this stimulating city is exploding with color.

While it’s fun to wander and uncover vibrant facades for yourself, I’ll also be compiling an Instagram guide to Willemstad in the near future. In it, I’ll give you the scoop on all of the best photo spots, including helpful photo tips, so stay tuned!

Just outside the city center, you’ll find the Kura Hulanda Museum.

This anthropological museum exhibits the brutality of the transatlantic slave trade.

Although this dark tourism site is quite distinct from the “feel-good” activities on this list, it certainly deserves a place, providing visitors with a broader context of life in the 17th – 19th centuries.

The grounds are comprised of a 19th-century merchant’s house and slave quarters, encompassing Caribbean, African, and American history.

The museum’s direct website is down and has apparently been that way for some time, so you’ll have to look elsewhere to book your tickets.

For instance, you can find tickets for a guided tour on Viator as well as on Tripadvisor.

There’s also the option to explore the museum independently of a guide for $10 USD ($7 USD for children).

Kura Hulanda Museum is located at Klipstraat, Willemstad in Curacao.

Of all the things to do in Curacao, discovering its natural wonders wowed me the most.

For instance, Watamula Hole really exceeded my expectations.

Admittedly, when my husband offered to drive up north to check out a large hole in the ground filled with water, it didn’t sound particularly appealing.

But boy am I glad I took him up on the offer!

Watamula Hole was one of the most awesome stops of our entire trip and I highly recommend you make the drive up to see it.

It reminded me of the cenotes in Tulum that you see all over Instagram – although you definitely don’t want to swim here, as the current is super strong.

Instead, it’s one of those places you go to gawk at, photograph, and wonder whether you’re still on Planet Earth.

This is one of the free attractions on the list, so you can arrive whenever you want, wander about, and just enjoy.

It is, however, taxing on your vehicle to get here, so mentally prepare yourself for that. Frankly, it’s one of several spots on this list that made me wish we had an off-road vehicle, so if you’re able to rent a Jeep, go for it.

Frankly, I was holding my breath as we bounced and jostled around over the dirt roads and uneven landscape, questioning whether it would all be worth it for a hole in the ground…

Trust me, it is.

Watamula Hole is located at Sabana Westpunt in Curacao.

Even if Watamula Hole isn’t ultimately your thing, this next gem will make your trip there worth it.

Playa Gipy is one of the most incredible spots you’ll find in Curacao. Plus, if you get lucky like we did, you just may enjoy this mini beach paradise all to yourself!

To reach this heavenly spot, simply follow the cliffside path from the parking lot heading south. (You’ll notice a sign for Playa Gipy in the lot.)

As you approach Playa Gipy, you’ll first notice it from above.

To get to the water, simply follow the yellow stone markers that lead you down the cliffside.

Follow the directions above for Watamula Hole.

I’m always after a good sunset spot and the Santa Martha Bay View Lookout Point did not disappoint.

Not only is the view spectacular, but it’s also incredibly peaceful here. In fact, the only sound you may hear is the whistle of the wind.

Speaking of wind, you’ll literally want to hold on to your hat here – mine almost flew off my head a couple of times!

The road here is quite hilly and you may inadvertently miss the small dirt area you’ll need to pull into, so keep an eye out for it.

Type 7VCG+25V, Curacao, Curacao into Google Maps to get here.

Visiting a cave has been on my bucket list for some time now, so I was happy to finally have the opportunity to see one in Curacao.

Two of the most popular ones on the island are Buraka di Tomasito (Tomasito Cave) and Hato Cave.

Although I wanted to do both of these Curacao attractions, we arrived a bit late to Hato Cave, so we only explored Tomasito on this adventure.

Since Tomasito Cave is technically part of the Kura Hulanda Lodge & Beach Club, you’ll need to pay an admission fee to the hotel in order to enter.

However, at just 5 guilders a pop ($2.79 USD), it’s well worth it to have access to the cave and the grounds!

Once you’ve paid the nominal admission fee, you’ll make a right past the pool and follow a path toward the opening of the cave.

Once you reach the opening, you’ll have to climb a steep ladder down into the cave.

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend swimming here, as the water isn’t the most appealing.

However, we did see others coming here for a dip. They seemed quite surprised by how cold the water was!

Kura Hulanda Lodge & Beach Club is located at Playa Kalki 1, Sabana Westpunt in Curacao.

*Note: As of July 27, 2021, the lodge is temporarily closed for a sales process. You can keep up to date with the reopening on their Instagram account.

While you’re at Kura Hulanda, you’ll have a chance to witness one of the most incredible views on the island.

Minus the cactus, this mountainous view reminded me of something from Europe.

Trust me when I say, you really need to see the beauty in person, as the photos truly don’t do it justice.

You’ll find this gorgeous spot along the path as you make your way to Tomasito Cave.

However, do keep in mind that the property is temporarily closed as of July 27, 2021, as I mentioned above.

Follow the directions for Kura Hulanda Lodge & Beach Club above.

If there’s one dinner spot you absolutely must do while on the island, it’s Fort Nassau. This unique venue is steeped in history and easily one of the best restaurants in Curacao!

This was one of the most unique dining experiences I’ve ever had, as the restaurant is actually located atop a hill inside a historic 18th-century fort!

Plus, depending on where you’re seated, you may be just a few feet away from an old-fashioned canon located in the window turrets.

However, no matter where you sit, you’re bound to witness a spectacular view of the island.

In addition to the wonderful view and excellent food, I loved the semi-open-air concept, giving the place a breezy feel.

Frankly, I could go on and on about why dining at Fort Nassau is one of the top things to do in Curacao.

However, I’ll save the juicy details for a future blog post on my favorite Curacao restaurants!

Although there’s no need to dress to the nines here, it’s definitely more upscale than the majority of restaurants on the island.

Their website refers to the establishment as “casual fine dining.” Honestly, as long as you’re a step above bathing suits and t-shirts, you should be fine.

In regards to the food, you can expect a diverse menu ranging from seafood to steak.

I’d also suggest making an online reservation before you go, as it’s a pretty popular place.

Fort Nassau is located at Fort Nassauweg, Willemstad in Curacao.

Curacao is known for having some of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean.

So if you’re looking to experience the beauty of the island from under the sea, you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied.

In fact, you may even wish to combine your snorkeling adventure with some jet skiing and/or boating to make the most of your time on and under the sea!

Alternatively, if you prefer to experience the ocean by riding the current, you’ll definitely want to consider a boat tour.

Whether you enjoy the challenge of kayaking, the adrenaline rush of a powerboat, or the relaxation of a sunset yacht cruise, there’s an experience to meet your wishes.

Christoffel National Park is definitely an underrated gem on the island.

Despite being the largest national park on the island, with all of the focus on beaches, I think this spot is often overlooked.

However, in reality, Christoffel National Park should absolutely be at the top of your list of things to do in Curacao!

I was truly blown away by the stunning views here – and there were way more vantage points than I had anticipated!

In addition to sweeping views, you’ll also explore fascinating ruins and make plenty of pals of the lizard variety along the way!

Plus, there’s also a seaside route you can take to observe the stunning coastline!

One of the aspects I really love about this experience is that you can either hike the mountain or drive up.

We did the drive, as it was our last day on the island and we were short on time.

While hiking is supposed to be the best way to see it, if you also have limited time, driving can be a great alternative. Having a car is also preferable if you’re sensitive to the heat, as you can keep cool in your vehicle.

Speaking of heat, whether you’re hiking or driving, you’ll need to purchase your ticket before 10AM for safety reasons. As noon approaches, the sun’s intense heat can create dangerous conditions for hikers and drivers alike. As a result, this can put you at risk of heat stroke and/or other heat-related health complications.

Although it may seem mildly inconvenient to work around such time limitations, it’s great that the park prioritizes the health and safety of their visitors.

To plan your trip, you can check out ticket pricing as well as park/museum hours here.

Christoffel National Park is located at Plantation House Savonet, Weg Naar Westpunt in Curacao.

While I’m bummed that we didn’t make it to Klein Curacao, I definitely wanted to include it on this list.

If you’re not yet familiar, Klein Curacao is a small uninhabited island located about 15 miles off the southeast coast of Curacao.

Also known as “Little Curacao,” this haven is beloved for its crystal clear waters, fine white sand, and awesome reef. In short, a tropical paradise.

Plus, even if snorkeling isn’t your thing, there’s also an iconic pink lighthouse on the island just waiting to be explored.

Although I haven’t been, I’ve read that it’s typically a pretty choppy adventure getting to the island.

Frankly, this scared me off a bit as I tend to get seasick. However, after hearing so many wonderful things about the island, I think I’ll need to give it a go in the future!

The only way to get to the island is by boat, but you have a selection of tours to choose from.

Be sure to drop me a comment below if you get to Klein Curacao – I’d love to hear about your experience!

Another one of the popular things to do in Curacao that we unfortunately missed out on is Shete Boka National Park.

Since we were running a bit short on time, I didn’t want to pay the admission fee to only stay a few minutes, so this will be another one for the future.

In any case, Shete Boka’s calling card is most definitely Boka Tabla, a spectacular cavern with thundering waves.

In addition, this awesome site is also home to three different species of turtles who nest here. In fact, the park was first established in 1994 to provide critical nesting areas for these protected creatures.

From what I’ve read, you’re pretty much guaranteed to get wet here, so dress accordingly!

The park is open Monday – Sunday from 9AM to 4:30PM.

Admission is 17.50 ANG/$10 USD for adults and 2.00 ANG/$1.50 USD for children. Children 5 years of age and younger can enter for free.

You can check out additional admission information as well as view activities and trails.

Plug 9V8M+V7Q, Westpunt, Curaçao into Google Maps to get to Shete Boka National Park.

As I mentioned, I often wish we had the freedom of an off-roading vehicle on this trip. Since Curacao has some rugged terrain (particularly in the northern half of the island), an ATV will give you more flexibility to venture and explore off the beaten path.

Although we did discover plenty of hidden gems, I’m sure we would have uncovered even more were I not concerned about damaging our rental car.

Fortunately, even if you’re not secure in the idea of maneuvering an ATV on your own, you can opt for a tour and really just enjoy the ride.

When you can use some downtime to cool off, head indoors to check out the Curacao Maritime Museum.

This permanent exhibition wows visitors with its audiovisual displays of everything from ship models to navigational equipment.

A museum admission ticket grants visitors access to all permanent collections and exhibits, but excludes special tours. Adult admission (for 18+ years) costs NAf. 17.50 ($10USD), whereas a child admission (for 6-17 years) costs NAf. 12.50 ($7USD). Children under six can visit for free.

For additional information on visiting the museum including harbor tour admission rates, be sure to check out their admissions page.

The Curacao Maritime Museum is located at N. van den Branhofstraat 1 in Willemstad.

If you’d like to take things indoors but you’d prefer to focus on art rather than history, then Gallery Alma Blou will be right up your alley.

Established in 1996, the Kas di Alma Blou Gallery transformed former plantation house Landhuis Habaai into a beautiful home for artistic expression.

Featuring everything from fascinating exhibitions and events, to a folk art shop, to an on-site frame shop, Gallery Alma Blou stands proudly as the oldest and largest art gallery on the island of Curacao.

Gallery Alma Blou is located at Frate Radulphusweg 4 in Willemstad.

While in Curacao, I recommend visiting the fun beachy neighborhood of Jan Thiel.

This lively area has a number of great beaches. Mambo Beach (pictured below) is my personal favorite. There’s also plenty of shopping, awesome salt flats, and an aquarium for the kids (and/or grown kids masquerading as adults, like me).

For all of my neighborhood recommendations including the top spots to eat, be sure to check out my Jan Thiel suggestions.

To make the most of your island adventures, I suggest staying at a luxury resort in Curacao.

While there are many wonderful areas and hotels to stay at in Curacao, personally, I recommend the beautiful Coral Estate Luxury Resort, where my husband and I spent four wonderful nights.

Located in the northern part of Curacao, this resort is the perfect jumping off point for exploring the island’s incredible natural wonders a.k.a. “the other side of Curacao.”

Whereas many first-time visitors assume Curacao is all beaches, a stay at Coral Estate will prove that the island has so much more to offer just minutes away.

In addition to its quiet and remote location, the views at this resort are jaw-dropping.

We had the pleasure of staying in a beautiful oceanfront suite.

Let me just say, as our first international trip since 2019, I couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful view to wake up to each day.

Plus, our spacious balcony was the perfect place to watch the sunset.

In addition to fabulous room views, the resort also has a beautiful pool area, including an infinity pool overlooking the ocean.

The water is the perfect temperature and it was such a pleasure to enjoy it after a long travel day.

In terms of amenities, Coral Estate has a total of four restaurants/eateries on site, so you’ll never go hungry!

My personal favorite was Karakter, the resort’s laidback beach lounge, where we enjoyed a tasty breakfast.

It’s located right along the water, so you can enjoy a refreshing ocean breeze with your meal.

Plus, the walk down to the restaurant alone is worth stopping for!

However, most mornings we preferred the convenience of grabbing a coffee and a delicious pastry at Bread & More before heading out for our daily adventures. It’s perfect for on-the-go types like us!

Plus, it conveniently transforms into Pizza & More during lunch and dinner time!

To unwind, we also enjoyed dinner at Koraal Curacao, the resort’s trendy rooftop terrace.

I’m embarrassed to admit that I devoured my pulled pork nachos before I had a chance to photograph them, but they were delicious!

Aside from the food, I also wanted to mention that the resort has its own certified diving school!

Although I’m not exactly the adventurous type, I think it’s pretty cool that they offer this.

Plus, for a luxury property, the rates at Coral Estate are reasonable, so you can definitely enjoy a memorable stay without breaking the bank.

I can honestly say our trip to Curacao was one for the books! It was truly a “soul trip” – the perfect place to reconnect with nature, my husband, and myself after the rollercoaster of 2020.

This trip has definitely opened up my eyes to the Caribbean, and I think it’s safe to say there will be a lot more island adventures in my future.

Have you ever been to this wonderful Dutch Caribbean island? If so, what were some of your favorite things to do in Curacao? Let me know in the comments below! I’d love some inspiration for a future trip!

Searching for additional island inspiration? Check out my other Curacao guides:

• Best Areas to Stay in Curacao: Essential Neighborhood Guide & Top Hotels
• 12 Awesome Curacao Diving Resorts for an Epic Caribbean Escape
• 33 Quirky & Interesting Curacao Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
• 15 Best Beaches of Curacao: Hot Spots to Hidden Gems
• 10 Best Restaurants in Curacao for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• 10 Fun Things to Do in Jan Thiel, Curacao’s Lively Beach Neighborhood

This post was written in conjunction with Coral Estate Luxury Resort, who kindly hosted me and my husband during our time in Curacao. As always, all opinions are my own.