Exploring the Jewel of the Caribbean – a 10 Day Curaçao Adventure
Bon Bini! Join us as we set off on an unforgettable jounry to the wonderful island of Curaçao. Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, Curaçao is one of the ABC-islands, along with Aruba and Bonaire. As Dutch travelers, we’ve heard about the island a lot due to its affiliation with the Dutch kingdom and its popularity as holiday destination for folks from the Netherlands. What better way to dive into this blogpost than with a deeper exploration of Curaçao, or Kòrsu, as known in papiamento, the island’s official language. 🌞👋
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We opted for a 10-day getaway to this sun-kissed haven, escaping the rainy and chilly december weather back in the Netherlands. Curaçao’s temperatures remain around a pleasant 25 to 30 degrees Celcius all year long. And, contrary to expectations, the island has festive Christmas decor throughout December, so if you are afraid that you won’t feel any Christmas vibes on a sunny island, Curaçao definitely does not let you down. 🎄🎅
Our 10 days were a whirlwind of exploration and relaxation as we aimed to uncover the island’s treasures while making the most of its beautiful beaches. Allow us to take you through our memorable journey day by day. 🗺🏖
Looking for a hotel in Curaçao? Find one here!
Day 1: Arrival and Resort Exploration
Our adventure began with a nine to ten-hour flight from Amsterdam to Curaçao Airport. Ensuring we had enough entertainment for the long flight, we had our trusty Netflix episodes ready and comfort essentials packed. The warm embrace of Curaçao greeted us in the afternoon, and a pre-arranged transport took us to our haven for the next days: ‘Chogogo Dive and Beach Resort‘. Our colorful apartment boasted a spacious bedroom, kitchen, and a balcony complete with a hammock that instantly won us over. The check-in process went very smooth, with the resort’s welcoming staff adding to our excitement. With the five-hour time difference from the Netherlands, we took a moment to uwind in our cozy apartment. As evening descended, we strolled through the resort, later dining at Salú, the resort’s restuarant. Engaging conversations with the staff introduced us to local drinks, encouraging our appreciation for the accommodation and its culinary offerings. 🏠🍸
Day 2: Exploring Jan Thiel Beach
Our second day led us to the charming Jan Thiel Beach area, a popular and vibrant beachscape on the island. The day unfolded with sun-bathing relaxation, snortkeling escapades, and lounging on sunbeds that lined the coastline. Papagayo Beach Resort’s infinity pool was a refreshing dip away, accessible right from the beach. We spent the day frolicking, savoring mango smoothies and local Amstel Bright beer. Our evening embraced the local flavors as we had dinner at Zest, a delightful beachfront restaurant where dining with toes in the sand was the norm. Sharing a platter for two, our feast included incredible spareribs, followed by games and beachside drinks. A tranquil night’s rest ensued as we shook off any lingering jet lag. 🍹🍴
Day 3: Discovering Willemstad’s Charms
Day three brought us to Willemstad, Curaçao’s vibrant heart. The capital’s colorful houses and iconic Pontjesbrug welcomed us, connecting the city’s sections. After a bus ride from the resort, we wandered a bit before finding our way – a heads-up to do a little research before hitting the streets! Once in the city-center, Pontjesbrug treated us to a postcard scene. As it closed, we sipped ‘Blue Curaçao’ cocktails, relishing the view. Crossing the bridge, we immersed ourselves in bustling markets, lively dances, and sought-after street art, a self-guided adventure that revealed hidden gems in vivid murals. 🎭
Dinner at ‘The Gouverneur’ graced us with a waterside view and delectable food. The evening culminated at the iconic ‘Curaçao’ and ‘Dushi’ letters, perfect for capturing pictures. Bussing back to the resort, we closed the day with reflections and cocktails. A colorful escapade etched in our Curaçao journey. 🌈📸🌆
Day 4: Tranquil day at Jan Thiel Beach
Day four was dedicated to unwinding on the tranquil shores of Jan Thiel Beach again. Claiming larger sunbeds for ultimate comfort, we embraced the essence of island living. Snorkeling, sunbathing, and relaxing were the agenda, as the day whisked us away in tranquility. Games and cocktails complemented our joyful moments, and we charted the days ahead as the sun dipped below the horizon. Dinner at Zanzibar concluded the day, though the culinary experience fell slightly short of other local gems. 🤿🏊♀️
Day 5: Powerboat Adventures – Beach hopping and the Blue Room
Our fifth day was defined by thrilling powerboat adventures, letting us explore the island’s aquatic wonders. The powerboat ride itself was an adrenaline-packed experience, riding the waves in the company of fellow adventurers. A highlight awaited at the Blue Room, a captivating cave where sunlight danced on the water’s surface, casting an enchanting blue room. Snorkeling in this mesmerizing environment, we were treated to a unique display of marine life. The tour also showcased a shipwreck snorkeling spot, revealing an underwater world rich in history. Playa Piscado, our next stop, ensured a rendezvous with sea turtles, while Playa Laguna offered a breathtaking lunch venue. Together with the tour operators we had a lot of fun and created some wonderful memories. We finished our day with dinner at Tinto, one of the restaurants at Jan Thiel, which we believed was most tasty. Some great Argentinian steak with some lovely deserts. 🚤🏖
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Day 6: A Hike To Remember and Mambo Beach Festivities
Day six began with a hike from Jan Thiel to Mambo Beach, crossing salt pans along the way. Sweating under the sun’s blaze, we retraced our steps after reachig the salt pans, choosing to refresh before the evening’s festivities at Mambo Beach. The captivating views and serene salt pans were well worth the journey, reminding us to embark on this trek in the cooler hours of the morning. Mambo Beach’s lively atmosphere was our afternoon delight. We explored shops, admired seals, and dined at Hemmingway before embarking on an unexpected party journey. Dancing the night away and a memorable taxi ride capped off a day to remember! 🥾💃
Day 7: Klein Curaçao Magic
Our Curaçao itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a visit to ‘Klein Curaçao,’ a pearl-white island paradise. We braved an early morning catamaran ride, relishing the island’s allure. Snorkeling with sea turtles, napping on the beach, and savoring a barbecue made for a perfect day. Sun protection is a must on this pristine island, where relaxation knows no bounds. Party vibes filled the boat ride back, leaving us with a treasure trove of memories. 🏝💤
Day 8: Beach Odyssey Begins
With a car rental in hand, we embarked on day eight’s beach-hopping escapade. Kokomo Beach and Cas Aboa Beach, while beautiful, didn’t entirely live up to the world’s most beautiful beach claims. Karakter Beach stood out with tapas delights and sunbed perks. The infinity pool and stunning sunset at the Koraa bar were the icing on the cake. Back at our apartment, we prepared for (earlymorning) day nine’s adventure. 🚘⛱☀
Day 9: Flamingos, Mountains, and Majestic Views
Early morning found us in Willywood, spotting flamingos in the dawn’s glow. A sunrise worth every moment. We then tackled the Christoffel Mountain hike, overcoming the heat for incredible views. The Christoffel National Park led us to ‘Shete Boka,’ where waves crashed dramatically against rocks. Playa Kenepa Grandi and Playa Kenepa Chiki captured our hearts before we returned the rental car. A dinner and cocktails-filled farewell marked our last night in this Curaçao paradise. 🦩🌄🍟
Practical Tips for Your Curaçao Adventure
- Best time to visit: Visit between May and November to score great deals, but note that this is the rainy season. If you’re after sunny skies and lively vibes, December to April is your best bet. ⏰
- Currency and Payments: The local currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG), but US dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are also commonly used, but keep some cash handy for small purchases and local spots. 💸
- Language: English, Dutch, and Papiamentu are widely spoken, making communication a breeze. It’s always polite to learn a few local phrases, though! 💬
- Transportation: Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore the island, giving you the freedom to discover hidden gems. 🚗
- Budget: Curaçao can be moderately priced, so plan your budget accordingly. Some eateries may have service charges included, but it’s still customary to leave a small tip. 👛
- E-sim: Do you want to have internet without having to buy a prepaid sim upon arrival or without having to switch phone numbers, then we would recommend buying an e-sim. Read more about it or buy one at Airalo! 🤳
Final Thoughts: Sunsets, Serenity, and Curadise
Our Curaçao escapade left us enchanted by its beaches, landscapes, and vibrant nights. The chill vibes and relaxed atmosphere made us wish we could extend our stay. Ten days proved ideal for embracing all Curaçao offers – beaches, city, nature, and treasures. If time allows, consider an extra day for an eastward exploration, where quad or safari tours promise adventure. We’re all ears for your thoughts, recommendations, and questions. Until next time, Bon Dia! 🌞🏖🎉
