Be Inspired - Curacao

What is Curacao known for?  

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The capital city of Willemstad  

Willemstad was founded on a natural harbour by the Dutch in 1634 and became an important trade hub for the Dutch West India Company, which was started by privateers.  Piracy, anyone?  

Willemstad has colorful architecture influenced by the Dutch, the Portuguese, and the Spanish, all of whom traded in this area.  It is so strikingly European, you might be forgiven for mistaking this for a European port.  

In the late 90s’, the historical areas of Willemstad were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  You can see the influence and development of the nations who traded here throughout the various neighbourhoods in Willemstad.  

Beaches

There are over 35 beaches on Curacao, many located in the southern area of the island.

Diving  

Dive and snorkel sites are accessible from shore, but also are available by boat.  Many of the reefs are in good shape, though there has been some concern about the health of some reefs in recent years.  (Did you know – science seems to be indicating that some of the ingredients in sunscreens are harmful to reefs?)  There are also wreck dives in this area, and the wreck of the Superior Producer, which sunk in 1977 is considered to be one of the best in the Caribbean.  Watamula is the most popular dive site in Curacao; here you can see a variety of soft and hard corals, fish, and other marine life supported by the rich environment created where two currents collide.  

Weather  

Curacao’s average temperature is 29 C, with an average water temperature of 27 C.  What’s not to like?    

Luckily, the location of Curacao protects it from the worst of the bad weather systems – it is not in what is called “the hurricane belt”.  That doesn’t mean that a hurricane could not happen, but typically Curacao avoids a direct hit.  Even so, storms can cause damage here.  

Curacao Liqueur  

This liqueur is made from the skins of a citrus fruit called laraha which resembles bitter orange.  The liqueur is sweet and sour at the same time and often has color added to it.  

Beauty

Curacao is interesting in terms of topography; it is quite hilly and provides beautiful backdrops for incredible views. The highest elevation is at the summit of Mount Christoffelberg, at over 1200 feet.  The shoreline is often quite craggy, with inlets, caves, and land bridges having been created by large waves.  Some of the terrain is reachable only by 4 X 4.

What to know

Weather:  Curacao is typically very windy.  The rainy season is from October to December; the rest of the year is relatively dry in this semi-arid climate.

Currency: Netherlands Antillian Guilder, USD is also well accepted

Official Languages: Dutch,  Papamiento, English.  Much of the population is multi-lingual