Curaçao’s popularity is still on the rise. It’s received enough visitors to develop stable tourism infrastructure. Yet it remains far enough below the radar to avoid attracting huge crowds. Its unpopularity is exactly why it’s popular. However, more people discover the country's beauty with each passing year.
The island offers the same warm weather and blue waters as every other Caribbean destination with much less crime. It’s considered one of the safest islands in the Caribbean as it currently has no travel alerts. Social media influencers have been first to catch onto the destination's assets. It’s among countries that Instagrammers flock to in order to catch colorful cities on camera. Travelers prepared to book their summer vacations should head out to Curaçao before its popularity peaks. Here are a few photos to illustrate our reasoning.
10 Beaches Outfitted With Amenities Are Perfect For Sunbathing
Beaches in Curaçao peek out between lush green slopes. The lounge chairs lined up under straw umbrellas are first come first serve. There's no rush though. Cruise ports tend to bring massive crowds to the Caribbean islands, but Curaçao has been immune to this effect. Playa Kalki and Grote Knip are favorites for visitors wanting serenity but not solitude. At these locations, guests can purchase Dutch street snacks to eat onshore or go snorkeling.
9 Tourists Can Observe Aquatic Animals In Their Natural Habitat
All animals at the Curaçao Sea Aquarium are kept in controlled sections of the sea. They can be observed from an underwater observatory called the Ocean Lens. It consists of a transparent, protective wall that separates the guests from stingrays and sharks. The more daring can dive right into the water and feed nurse sharks through a narrow opening. Sessions closer to shore with sea lions and dolphins are a less terrifying option.
8 Cool Caves Provide Shelter From The Sun
Limestone formations drip from the ceilings of the Hato Caves. It’s almost quiet, but then there is the echo of rushing water splashing into pools below. Thousands of years ago, these areas were used as burial grounds for groups like the Amerindian Arawaks, according to Curaçao Travel Guide. Their cave paintings still remain. The caves are empty now except for the long nose fruit bats that crowd the corners and the tourists that come to visit them.
7 Clear Skies Embolden The City's Bright Colors
The Queen Emma Bridge connects the two halves of Willemstad, Curaçao’s capital city. It’s where the most recognizable tourist photos of Curaçao are taken. A row of rainbow buildings set on the edge of an inlet forms the backdrop. Those who cross it can delight in the city's aesthetic without diving into its busy streets. Traffic on the bridge itself is slow. It’s ideal for a peaceful stroll among all of the island's best features.
6 Friendly Animals Come Out To Roam The Beaches
Wild pigs can be found running around Playa Porto Mari. Swimming isn’t their specialty unlike the pigs of Exuma. Sleeping is more their thing. Inactivity doesn’t detract from their cuteness one bit. Tourists often approach the pigs for photos since they’re known to be gently, but this should be done with caution since they are still wild animals. US News Travel says the entry fee for adults is three dollars while kids get in free.
5 Ostrich Farms Allow Tourists Up Close
Ostriches are not native to Curaçao. They are extinct in every country except for those in sub-Saharan Africa. The story of how the Curaçao Ostrich Farm was founded explains they were brought to the island to create a midpoint between Africa and South America for ostrich egg sales. It turns out that people enjoy living, breathing ostriches much more than their eggs. The farm still serves as a shortcut for people who want to experience Africa in the Caribbean.
4 Secluded Beaches Hide Just Outside Of Tourist Areas
The tiny island still has enough room for secrets. Popular public beaches don’t draw ridiculous crowds even in peak seasons, but travelers who aren’t satisfied with this have other options. Areas aimed at tourists are limited. Stray a bit outside of these limitations to discover hidden coves. Since there is no steady stream of tourists, there won’t be any facilities or cell service either. Lucky travelers will find themselves alone with Curaçao.
3 Travelers Can Take A Walking Tour Through Town For Free
Locals take tourists through Willemstad’s two main districts: Otrobunda and Punda. They explain the historical significance of each stop. Several distinct groups have passed through the island including the Tainos, the Dutch, and African slaves. The locals can point out where these people left their marks throughout the island. They’re also kept up to date on modern delights like popular restaurants and stores selling worthwhile goods. Be sure to leave them a tip since they provide the service for free.
2 Alone Time With Nature Is Easy To Come By On This Tiny Island
The largest park in Curaçao is located about 25 miles from Willemstad on the opposite end of the island. A detailed outline of available activities at Christoffel National Park includes hiking trails and cave excursions. Whitetail deer dominate the forest but there are also species of rabbit and bats. From the top of the mountain which the park is named after, exotic birds can be seen whizzing through the fresh air.
1 Countless Activities Are Available On The Caribbean Sea
All of the usual water sports are covered in Curaçao. Several boating companies take passengers out to sea for a relaxing ride across the blue waves. They don snorkels midway through the trip for a tour of the coral reef. A unique company in Willemstad called Aquafari changes things up with scooters that can be driven underwater. Guests are equipped with oxygen tanks and helmets for a laidback experience on the seafloor.