Curacao: Curacao is located 45 miles off the coast of Venezuela. The island is 37 miles long and about 5 miles wide. It is part of the "ABC" islands: Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. Curacao is politically the most dominant. Curacao lies 40 miles east of Aruba and 30 Miles west of Bonaire. The capital of Curacao is Willemstad. The topography of Curacao is like that of the southwest United States, but with beaches. The official language of Curacao is Dutch but English is widely spoken. Passports are not required of U.S. and Canadian citizens, only proof of citizenship. The currency is Antillean Florin and US$. The average temperature is 82 F. Curacao lies outside of the hurricane belt and constant trade winds keep humidity low. Dress is casual and informal summer wear. Beachwear is not acceptable in restaurants and locals dress very fashionably at restaurants.

Lodging is the largest expense on the island. Rooms range from US$ 30 a day for a budget room to US$ 175 a day for top-end hotel. There is a 12% surcharge and a 7% room tax. Porters expect a 10% tip.

Once arriving in Curacao there are several modes of transportation.

Car Rentals: Avis, Budget, and Hertz have offices in Curacao. There are also two local car rental companies.

Taxi: Taxis are available and prices vary.

Sightseeing tours: There are several sightseeing tours available each with its own unique style. Go sightseeing by walking through historic Willemstad.  Take a walk over the floating bridge.  This bridge is actually built oon several small boasts.  The bridge opens regularly to allow ships in to this deep canal.  Another way to get around is to take a pleasure train of Willemstad. Take a tour Curacao by bike and get some exercise at the same time. Want to see the countryside up close? Take a Jeep safari. If you want something slower how about a canoe safari. There are also sailing/snorkeling trips to take.

Points of Interest: While in Curacao there are several interesting places to visit and things to do.

The Curacao Ostrich and Game Farm: Get to see how an ostrich develops from egg to the fastest bird in the world. Children get to hold an egg or a fluffy day-old chick.

Kas di Pal’I Maishi: Visit this typical Curacao cottage in the rural western part of the island and see how islanders lived a century ago. The houses are made of adobe with thatched roofs. Inside is a small museum and souvenir shop.

The Curacao Seaquarium: Every species of marine life native to Curacao’s waters is displayed. See twenty-foot sharks, manhole cover-sized turtles, giant moray eels and more. There is also a "touch tank" for those who want to get up close and personal.

Animal & Shark Encounters at the Seaquarium: An outside area of the seaquarium that bring visitors face-to-face with the sea’s most fascinating animals. Snorkelers dive with stingrays, angelfish, tarpon, groupers, and various sharks.

Hofi Pachi Sprockel: This spacious hofi (orchard filled with shady fruit trees) features a recreated slave living condition including a slave hut, farming tools, animals and actors who present shows.

Senior Curacao Liqueur Factory: Production of Curacao liqueur started in 1896 and today the factory still distills and distributes the popular beverage, created with the original, and very secret, recipe and original distilling equipment. There are several flavors besides the original orange. Because Curacao is the name of a country, it cannot be trademarked and imitators are all over the world. Senior & Company distill the only "original and authentic" award winning Curacao liqueur. A gift shop is on the property.

Floating Market: In downtown Willemstad, just a few minutes walk from the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge, schooners tie up along the Waaigat Canal to sell fresh fish, tropical fruits, produce, spices, handicrafts, and more under colorful canopies. Ships come in from Venezuela, Colombia and other West Indian islands.

Old Marshe (The Old Market): Sample authentic Curacao an food in a boisterous, popular local lunch spot.

Shopping: There is a $600 duty-free allowance for US citizens who have out of the country for a minimum of 48 hours. The main shopping area in Willemstad is an area called Punta, the city’s commercial center. Selling everything from designer clothing, perfumes, imported linens, expensive jewelry, locally made handicrafts, and more.

Scuba Diving: there are over 100 good spots for diving along the whole south coast of Curacao. Shallow reef diving to deep water diving is available. There are 20 dive operators in Curacao with a wide range of services for novice to the more experienced diver. Dive instructions and certification is available.

Golf: Golfers can play a round of golf on the sand greens at the Curacao Golf and Squash Club. There are plans to build another major international quality golf course.

Casinos: There are 11 casinos to choose from. Most are open from 2pm until 5pm daily. Jacket and tie required in most casinos.
 
 

Restaurants: There are a wide variety of cuisines available. Budget meals range from US$ 5-15, moderate meals range from US$ 15-40 and top-end meals range US$ 40 and up. Restaurants add a 10% service charge; add 5% more if service has been exceptional.