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Top 5 Reasons to Visit Curacao

Discover the Top 5 reasons WHY you should be considering Curacao as your next Caribbean diving vacation destination with Ocean Encounters. Why? Because as soon as the plane lands on the islands dry, flat land you will realize that Curacao is not a typical Caribbean island. 

Top 5 Reasons to Visit the Caribbean Dive Destination of Curacao

# 1: Curacao is not a typical Caribbean island

Although the history of Curacao has many different European influences, the island has been part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands since it was colonized by the Dutch.

Many refer to the group of islands off the coast of Venezuela – Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao – as the “ABC Islands”. But often, Aruba and Bonaire eclipse the “C”, Curaçao. No one is sure how this curious island got its name, but one theory is that it comes from the Portuguese word that means “heart”, since the island was the center of commerce in the seventeenth century. Although the name has remained, Portuguese is only one of the languages that you will hear on the island of Curacao: Papiamento, Dutch, English and Spanish are the others.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit the Caribbean Dive Destination of Curacao
Photo courtesy of Rutger Geerling

Traveler Tip: Language of Curaçao – Papiamento for tourists

You will notice it even before leaving the airport: blue and white porcelain dishes and delicious Dutch snacks are sold throughout the island as souvenirs, and the capital, Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features a recognizable Dutch architecture of gabled roofs and curved eaves.

Curacao has a population of approximately 160,000 inhabitants and a modern infrastructure, including the highest bridge and the largest shipping port in the Caribbean. Many natives of the island take advantage of their European passport and travel throughout Europe and attend university in Holland if they can. You will also see many Dutch working, living or vacationing on the island.

Like other Caribbean islands, Curacao has a mega cruise terminal, but you won’t feel like it’s in Disneyland wherever you go. The pier is adjacent to the historic Rif Fort and the Renaissance Mall, which offers cruise ship passengers an easy option to experience the history of Curacao.

# 2: The island is a big party

Any night of the week and at any time of the year, you can find some kind of nightlife in Curacao. Nightlife is one of the best things to do in Curacao, with weekly events and annual festivals such as Punda Vibes – Every Thursday, Carnival and King’s Day.

Music festivals, such as the Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival, arrive on the island frequently, and many of the beaches such as Mambo Beach have become popular sunset gathering areas where happy hours are offered at the bars and restaurants which include include DJs and live music. There are also many discrete lounges and bars, especially in the historic Pietermaai District.

# 3: Curacao has been a "FOODIE PARADISE" for decades

Curacao has a lot to offer when it comes to your culinary experience. The restaurants on Curacao have a variety of local dishes, but the international cuisine is also well represented on the island.

Dive In & Taste it for Yourself… because eating is an important part of Antillean culture, and it would be a shame if you didn’t enjoy it. One of the nicest things about vacation is discovering new dishes from the local kitchen. Lunch is just as important on Curacao as dinner. There are plenty of restaurants and eateries on Curacao, but where is the best place to go? Here is the top 10 of the best – and sometimes less well-known restaurants for lunch and dinner on Curacao!!

Avila Beach Hotel Curacao

# 4: Any type of traveler will love it

Cruises, families of all ages, divers, adventure travelers, couples and groups of friends can find things to do in Curacao, and accommodation offers range from five-star resorts to hostels.

There is something for everyone with activities ranging from restaurants to shopping, street parties and beach clubs. In addition, with more 70 pristine dive sites and 40 beautiful beaches on the island, you will have no trouble finding your own personal paradise.

# 5: Curacao is a diver's paradise

The fringing reefs of Curaçao are some of the healthiest and most bio-diverse in the entire Caribbean region, so it is no surprise that this Dutch Caribbean island is one of the Top 10 dive and vacation destinations in the World.  Whether you are a snorkeler, a novice diver or if you have an open water certificate, you will find a perfect dive site for your level.

The Tugboat wreck, as an example, is a dive site located in only five meters of water and is feasible as a diver or snorkeler; You can also do a dive along the wall and explore an underwater cliff. Other major dive sites include the MV Superior Producer, Klein Curaçao, Mushroom Forest, and of course, The Blue Room which is an essential Curaçao experience!

Under the water and depending on the time of year, you will see an incredible array of life and colour which will include sea turtles, rays, dolphins, sharks, eels, lion fish and species of fish that are exclusive to Curacao.

Boat Diving in Curacao with Ocean Encounters
The Superior Producer - Curaçao's Iconic Shipwreck

Start Planning your Next Diving Vacation to Curacao

Are you ready, after reading these Top 5 Reasons, to start thinking or planning your next dive vacation to Curacao? Then take the next step and discover our complete Sleep and Dive Packages with the Best Dive Resorts in Curacao! 

Are you still not convinced about the world class diving that is available here in Curacao? Are you looking for more reasons why you should dive in Curacao?  Then check out our Top 10 Fun Curacao Diving facts!

As mentioned earlier, Curacao is not your typical EAT, SLEEP, DIVE, REPEAT Caribbean island!  Of course, diving in Curacao is the number one thing to do but when you are not diving there are unlimited top-side possibilities too. So, don’t wait! Take a giant stride in and start planning to experience Curacao for yourself, to discover, why our Dutch Caribbean island is a world class dive vacation destination. 

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