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One Week in Curaçao – A Caribbean Dream Come True

In winter 2023, I spent one unforgettable week in Curaçao, a Caribbean island full of colorful Dutch architecture, stunning beaches, sea turtles, and endless snorkeling. Here’s my complete guide to what to see, do, and experience in Curaçao.

10/1/20253 min read

brown and black turtle in water
brown and black turtle in water

Ever since I watched Pirates of the Caribbean as a kid, visiting the Caribbean islands has been a dream of mine. In the winter of 2023, that dream finally came true when I spent a week in Curaçao—and they say never meet your heroes, but this island absolutely did not disappoint.

I had honestly only heard of Curaçao because of the famous blue liqueur named after it, but the island has so much more to offer. Located just north of Venezuela, Curaçao is part of the Dutch Caribbean and, together with Aruba and Bonaire, it makes up the so-called ABC islands. The capital, Willemstad, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its colorful Dutch colonial architecture and the famous Queen Emma pontoon bridge—a floating bridge that swings open for ships to pass.

Where We Stayed

We first stayed at a resort in Jan Thiel, which was clean, modern, and only a short drive from Willemstad. It was perfect for relaxing by the beach and also exploring the city.

After a few chill days, we moved north to an Airbnb near Jan Donker. The vibe up north is very different—less crowded, more nature, and more interaction with locals. People here often speak Papiamento, a Creole language mixing Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, and African influences. It’s unique to the ABC islands and really adds to the cultural richness of Curaçao.

Travel tip: I strongly recommend renting a car. Public transport is very limited, especially outside Willemstad. We made the rookie mistake of not reserving a car in advance (during Christmas, when all the Dutch visitors arrive!), and I ended up making about 20 calls before finally securing the last rental available. We were incredibly lucky—so learn from my mistake and book early!

Beaches & Snorkeling

Curaçao is a paradise for snorkeling lovers like me. The coral reefs are so close to shore that you can simply swim out and explore incredible marine life.

  • Grote Knip Beach – A small but stunning beach surrounded by cliffs. The snorkeling along the rock walls is beautiful, and there’s also a spot for cliff jumping if you’re up for some adrenaline.

  • Playa Piskado – Here, local fishermen clean their catch of the day, and huge sea turtles gather just 30–40 meters from the shore. Swimming alongside them was an unforgettable experience. Don’t skip the beachside restaurant either—they serve fresh local fish that pairs perfectly with the atmosphere.

  • Mambo Beach – Famous for its sunsets and lively restaurant scene. While snorkeling here, we even saw someone carefully handling a stonefish (the world’s most poisonous fish, which looks just like a rock!). Definitely bring swimming shoes (buy here on Amazon) to protect your feet.

  • Playa Lagun – A cozy, small beach surrounded by cliffs and colorful houses. It felt straight out of a postcard.

If you’re a snorkeling fanatic, it’s worth investing in your own snorkel mask (buy one here on Amazon). Not only do you avoid paying rental fees, but modern full-face masks let you breathe through both nose and mouth—and it’s just one piece to pack.

Hiking & Nature

If you want to take a break from the beaches, head to Christoffelberg Mountain and Nature Park. At 372 meters above sea level, it’s not the tallest hike in the world, but it gives you a good workout in the Caribbean heat and rewards you with amazing views from the top.

Pack smart:

  • Good hiking shoes (buy here on Amazon for womens shoes and mens here) – the trail is rocky and steep in parts.

  • Water bottle (buy here on Amazon) – you’ll need it, trust me.

When I was there, they had even set up a Christmas tree at the top, which made the climb feel extra magical.

Iguanas Everywhere

Curaçao also surprised me with its wildlife. I saw more iguanas in one week here than I’ve seen in my entire life. They roam around freely, love to snack on fruit (especially oranges), and add so much character to the island experience.

Final Thoughts

Curaçao was everything I imagined the Caribbean to be—colorful, laid-back, full of adventure, and rich with culture. From snorkeling with sea turtles to exploring colonial architecture, this island checked all the boxes.

If you’ve ever dreamed about the Caribbean like I did, Curaçao is the perfect place to start. Just don’t forget your snorkel gear, swimming shoes, and a sense of adventure—you’ll need all three!