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Curaçao

Cuaçao is a vibrant island paradise located in the southern Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Venezuela. Part of the Dutch Caribbean, this colorful destination is famous for its pastel-colored colonial architecture, crystal-clear turquoise waters, diverse marine life, and a culture that's as warm and welcoming as its year-round sunshine.
What to Expect
Best Time To Visit
Top Things to Do
Blogs & Itineraries
Travel Information

Language

Dutch (official), Papiamentu, English, Spanish

Currency

Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG), USD widely accepted

Entry Requirements

Valid passport; visa-exempt for many countries; ED card required online

Best Time to Visit

December to April is the Dry Season and Best Time to Visit

Discover Curaçao’s delightful year-round weather! Enjoy a warm, sunny, and primarily dry tropical climate, with average temperatures consistently around 27-30°C (mid-80s °F).

Why Curaçao’s Weather Shines:

Outside the Hurricane Belt: Enjoy greater peace of mind knowing Curaçao has a very low risk of hurricanes, making it a reliable destination throughout the year.

Abundant Sunshine: Perfect for beach days, diving, and island adventures.

Comfortable Warmth: Ideal temperatures for swimming and outdoor activities.

Refreshing Trade Winds: Constant breezes keep you comfortable.

Short & Mild Wet Season: Brief showers, typically from October to December and often at night, give way to sunny skies.

A Personal Tip on Water Temperature: If you love warm ocean swims, I found the water in November to be particularly inviting and even warmer than a February visit!

Top Things to Do

Curaçao has a great mix of beaches, colorful towns, outdoor adventures, and really good food, which makes it easy to fill a few days exploring the island.

Explore Willemstad
Walk through the colorful capital city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the bright waterfront buildings of Handelskade. Cross the floating Queen Emma Bridge and explore the shops, cafes, and murals in the Punda and Otrobanda neighborhoods.

Visit the Island’s Best Beaches
Curaçao is famous for its small coves with calm, clear water. Some of the most popular beaches include Cas Abao Beach, Playa Porto Mari, Grote Knip, and Playa Lagun. Beach hopping is one of the best ways to experience the island.

Go Snorkeling or Diving
Curaçao has some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean, and many reefs sit just offshore. Popular snorkeling spots include Tugboat Beach, Playa Lagun, and Cas Abao.

See Shete Boka National Park
On the rugged north side of the island, this park is known for dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and powerful waves crashing into the coastline.

Try the Local Food
Curaçao has a surprisingly great food scene, with a mix of Caribbean, Dutch, and international flavors. Don’t miss local dishes like keshi yena or fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant.

Blogs & Itineraries

Travel information

Flights to Curaçao:

From North America:
American Airlines – Miami, Charlotte
JetBlue – New York (JFK)
Delta – Atlanta (seasonal)
Air Canada, WestJet – Toronto

From Europe:
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines – Daily nonstop from Amsterdam
TUI Fly – Flights from Brussels and other European cities

From South/Central America:
Copa Airlines – via Panama City
Avianca – via Bogotá
Surinam Airways – regional connections

From the Caribbean:
InterCaribbean Airways and Divi Divi Air offer connections from Aruba, Bonaire, and other islands

 

By Cruise Ship:

Curaçao is a major port of call for Caribbean cruises. Ships dock at the Mega Pier Cruise Terminal, just steps away from historic Willemstad. Cruise passengers can easily explore the capital without a car or excursion but renting a car and exploring the island is a fun way to spend the day! If you don’t feel comfortable renting a car then doing a tour of the island is also great.

Visa & Entry Requirements

Curaçao has visa-free access for most travelers, including:
United States, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia & New Zealand, Several Caribbean and Latin American countries.

Required Documents for Entry:

  • A valid passport (must be valid for the duration of your stay)
  • Proof of return or onward travel
  • Sufficient funds for the duration of your stay
  • Hotel or accommodation address

Mandatory Digital Immigration Card:
All travelers must complete the Digital Immigration Card (ED Card) before arrival. It’s quick and free to fill out online:
edcardcuracao.com

Visa Duration:
Tourists can typically stay up to 90 days. For longer stays, consult the local consulate or immigration office.

Tip: Print or screenshot your completed ED card confirmation in case of spotty Wi-Fi upon arrival.

Ground Transportation

Airport to Willemstad: ~15–20 minutes by taxi

Taxi fare: ~$30 USD; no meters, but standard rates apply

Car rentals: Recommended for exploring beaches and remote sites; available at the airport or book online here

Ride-share apps: Not available; use local taxis or shuttles

 

Travel Tips

Water: Tap water is safe to drink, thanks to a modern desalination plant.

Internet: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public areas.

Booked this Bryson City yurt for the ‘ber months and it’s already my top fall pick this year. 🍂

The Junaluska Yurt sleeps six but feels more like a stylish cabin than a yurt, two real queen bedrooms with actual doors, a full kitchen, and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. Check-in is just a door code texted to your phone, no lobby, no waiting.

The real win is outside: wraparound porch, private fire pit, free firewood, a gas grill, and Smoky Mountain sunsets that stop you mid-sentence, picture all of that with October color on the ridgeline. Heads up, the last stretch in is a gravel road, so skip the low-profile rental, and there’s no restaurant onsite, you’re minutes from Bryson City, Dillsboro, and Sylva for dinner.

Two to three nights is the sweet spot. (We actually stayed in the dead of winter and it was still stunning, fall just takes it up a notch.) Full review linked in bio.

95 9
Open post by travelwithwendyplummer with ID 18151046134473789
Booked this Bryson City yurt for the ‘ber months and it’s already my top fall pick this year. 🍂 The Junaluska Yurt sleeps six but feels more like a stylish cabin than a yurt, two real queen bedrooms with actual doors, a full kitchen, and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. Check-in is just a door code texted to your phone, no lobby, no waiting. The real win is outside: wraparound porch, private fire pit, free firewood, a gas grill, and Smoky Mountain sunsets that stop you mid-sentence, picture all of that with October color on the ridgeline. Heads up, the last stretch in is a gravel road, so skip the low-profile rental, and there’s no restaurant onsite, you’re minutes from Bryson City, Dillsboro, and Sylva for dinner. Two to three nights is the sweet spot. (We actually stayed in the dead of winter and it was still stunning, fall just takes it up a notch.) Full review linked in bio.

One of my favorite travel seasons is almost here, and I have zero chill about it. 🍁✈️

There’s just something about fall trips cooler air, apple orchards, that first flannel of the season, food that actually makes sense with the weather again. I’m already mentally packing for it before September even starts.

If fall is your favorite time to travel too, tell me where you’re headed... I’m taking notes for the list.

55 9
Open post by travelwithwendyplummer with ID 17943412875074103
One of my favorite travel seasons is almost here, and I have zero chill about it. 🍁✈️ There’s just something about fall trips cooler air, apple orchards, that first flannel of the season, food that actually makes sense with the weather again. I’m already mentally packing for it before September even starts. If fall is your favorite time to travel too, tell me where you’re headed... I’m taking notes for the list.

Follow Me @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.

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Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.

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