Curaçao Vacation Guide: Things to Do, Excursions and Travel Tips
Curaçao is a Dutch Caribbean island about 40 miles off the coast of Venezuela, outside the main hurricane belt, with sunny, dry weather most of the year. It’s known for colorful Willemstad, clear water for diving and snorkeling, sea turtles, flamingos, and Sandals Royal Curaçao, an adults-only all-inclusive resort.
We just explored the island ourselves in August 2026, and we plan Curaçao vacations from the resort to the excursions at no extra cost to you.
Curaçao at a glance
| Where | Southern Caribbean About 40 miles off Venezuela, part of the Dutch Caribbean |
| Airport | Curaçao International (CUR) |
| Weather | Sunny and dry most of the year Outside the main hurricane belt |
| Language | Papiamentu, Dutch, English, Spanish |
| Currency | Caribbean guilder (XCG) US dollars widely accepted |
| Entry | Valid passport + free Digital Immigration Card Complete it within 7 days of departure |
| Sandals resort | Sandals Royal Curaçao Adults only, all-inclusive |
| Best for | Couples · Divers · Explorers · Foodies |
Jump to: Our Island Day · Things to Do · Excursions · Tips · Where to Stay · FAQ
Our Day Exploring Curaçao: What We’d Do Again
During our August 2026 stay at Sandals Royal Curaçao, we rented a car from the Enterprise desk on property for the day, from 9:30 in the morning to 7:30 at night, and explored the island.
- Sea turtles: our first stop was a local beach where sea turtles are everywhere. You can get in and snorkel right alongside them.
- Flamingos: next we found where the flamingos gather. They were farther out than we wanted to walk, so we took photos from a distance. Bring a zoom lens.
- Lunch on the water: we had lunch at a private resort right on the water and jumped in the ocean between bites.
- Downtown Willemstad: we finished with umbrella street, some shopping, and appetizers and drinks at local bars. The famous floating bridge was out for repairs during our visit, so check before you go.
What surprised us most: how friendly everyone was. Every local we met was outgoing and welcoming.
Coming soon: our 24 hours in Curaçao video on our YouTube channel.
Best Things to Do in Curaçao
- Willemstad: the colorful, UNESCO-listed capital, with the Handelskade waterfront, the Queen Emma floating bridge and umbrella street.
- Swim with sea turtles: several west-end beaches are known for turtles, and Playa Grandi is the best-known spot.
- See the flamingos at the island’s salt ponds.
- Klein Curaçao: a boat day trip to a small uninhabited island with a white-sand beach and an old lighthouse.
- Shete Boka National Park: waves crashing into limestone coves on the rugged north coast.
- Beach hopping: small coves like Grote Knip and Cas Abao have clear, calm water.
- Diving and snorkeling: Curaçao was named Caribbean Dive Destination of the Year for 2026.
- ATV tours and sunset catamaran cruises for something different.
Want help choosing? Tell us what you love and we’ll suggest the right mix for your stay.
Curaçao Excursions: Book Them With Us (No Fees)
We’ll plan your Curaçao excursions for you, free. Tell us what you love, whether that’s sea turtles, diving, a day in Willemstad or a boat to Klein Curaçao, and we’ll build your days around your resort stay so you’re not piecing it together on vacation.
Prefer to browse first? These are the two tour companies we trust:
- Island Routes: Sandals’ own tour company, with local guides who call the island home. Easy to pair with a Sandals stay.
- Viator: the widest selection of Curaçao tours, from Klein Curaçao boat trips to jeep, food and snorkel tours.
Tips for Exploring Curaçao on Your Own
- Rent a car for a day. At Sandals Royal Curaçao, Enterprise is right on property.
- Double-check your GPS. There are no street signs, so use Google Maps but look at the route yourself. We were sent the long way more than once.
- Leave buffer time. Sandals sits in a gated community. It takes about 10 minutes to get out of the gates and 20 to 30 minutes to reach local restaurants.
- Money: the local currency is the Caribbean guilder, and US dollars are widely accepted. Change usually comes back in guilders.
- Before you fly: bring a valid passport and complete Curaçao’s free Digital Immigration Card within 7 days of departure. Use the official site. Look-alike sites charge a fee.
Where to Stay in Curaçao: Sandals Royal Curaçao
Sandals Royal Curaçao is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort on Spanish Water Bay, about 16 miles from the airport, and Karen calls it her favorite Sandals resort. See our Sandals Royal Curaçao guide or read our honest Sandals Curaçao review.
Why Visit Curaçao? Weather, Safety and When to Go
- Reliable weather: Curaçao sits outside the main hurricane belt, so it’s warm, sunny and dry most of the year. Showers are most likely from about October through January and usually pass quickly.
- Easy to explore: Travel + Leisure calls Curaçao one of the safest Caribbean islands to visit, and we found the locals friendly and welcoming.
- Culture you can feel: Willemstad’s pastel Dutch buildings, the Queen Emma floating bridge, and an island where you’ll hear Papiamentu, Dutch, English and Spanish.
- Something for everyone: calm coves, world-class diving, golf, and a luxury all-inclusive at Sandals Royal Curaçao.
Curaçao Vacation FAQ
Where is Curaçao?
In the southern Caribbean, about 40 miles off the coast of Venezuela. It’s one of the ABC islands with Aruba and Bonaire, and part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Is Curaçao safe for tourists?
Yes. Travel + Leisure calls Curaçao one of the safest Caribbean islands to visit. We rented a car, toured the island on our own in August 2026, and found the locals friendly and welcoming.
Is Curaçao in the hurricane belt?
No. Curaçao sits outside the main hurricane belt, which makes it one of the most reliable Caribbean islands for weather year-round.
Do I need a passport to go to Curaçao?
Yes. US citizens need a valid passport, and every visitor must complete Curaçao’s free Digital Immigration Card within 7 days of departure on the official site.
What currency does Curaçao use?
The Caribbean guilder (XCG). US dollars are widely accepted, though change usually comes back in guilders.
What are the best things to do in Curaçao?
Explore colorful Willemstad, swim with sea turtles, see the flamingos, take a boat to Klein Curaçao, visit Shete Boka National Park, and snorkel or dive the island’s clear water.
How do I book excursions in Curaçao?
We’ll plan and book them for you at no extra cost. You can also browse Island Routes, Sandals’ own tour company, or Viator for the widest selection.
Is there a Sandals resort in Curaçao?
Yes. Sandals Royal Curaçao is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort on Spanish Water Bay, about 16 miles from Curaçao International Airport.
Should I rent a car in Curaçao?
For a day, yes. It’s the easiest way to see the island. There are no street signs, so use Google Maps but double-check the route.
Plan Your Curaçao Vacation With Us
Tell us your dates and what you want to see. We’ll handle the resort, the room, every promotion you qualify for, and your excursions, all at no extra cost.