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Ready to explore the vibrant capital of Curacao?
Willemstad is a Caribbean gem bursting with colorful architecture, rich history, and unique experiences that you won’t want to miss. Having visited Willemstad many times, I’ve uncovered some of the best ways to experience this unforgettable destination.
Whether you’re exploring on foot, diving into the turquoise waters, or cruising through its streets on a tuk tuk, there’s no shortage of incredible things to do here. So to help you plan the ultimate adventure, here are the top activities in Willemstad that will make your trip truly memorable!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Curacao was this catamaran cruise to Klein Curacao. It was so fun exploring this pristine island, snorkeling with turtles, and feasting on a beachside BBQ lunch. This day was pure paradise!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Willemstad, Curacao
- 1. Go beach hopping
- 2. Take a catamaran cruise to Klein Curacao (Curacao’s best beach!)
- 3. Snorkel with turtles
- 4. Dip your toes into scuba diving on a discovery dive
- 5. See the entire island on a private customizable tour
- 6. Visit the Hato Caves
- 7. Go beneath the surface with an underwater walking experience
- 8. Explore Willemstad’s top sights on a tuk tuk
- 9. Get your adrenaline pumping on an ATV tour
- 10. Tour the Curacao Distillery and learn how to make cocktails
- Where to Stay in Willemstad, Curacao
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Willemstad, Curacao
1. Go beach hopping
- Duration: 6.5 hours
- Time: 8 am or 12 pm
- Highlights: Visit 4 of Curacao’s best beaches on a fun UTV ride, snorkel in pristine water, and enjoy a local lunch in Bandabou
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, lunch, snorkeling equipment
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check out the 150+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking to discover Curacao’s most stunning beaches, this small-group UTV beach-hopping tour is a must! With a maximum of just five people, it’s an intimate and personalized way to soak in the island’s natural beauty.
The tour takes you to four of Curacao’s most breathtaking beaches, including the iconic Knip Beach with its crystal-clear waters and powdery sand, and Cas Abao Beach, a tropical paradise perfect for snorkeling or simply unwinding in the sun. Along the way, keep an eye out for local wildlife – we were lucky enough to spot sea turtles and even flamingoes!
One of my favorite parts of this tour was riding in the UTV. Cruising across the island with the wind in my hair was such a thrilling experience. And the best part? I didn’t have to drive! I could sit back, relax, and take in all the stunning views.
To round off the adventure, we enjoyed a delicious local lunch, packed with the rich flavors of Curacao.
This tour is perfect for anyone seeking a combination of adventure, incredible scenery, and mouthwatering food. If that sounds like your kind of day, this UTV tour is the way to go!
This tour is likely to sell out – book it in advance here!
2. Take a catamaran cruise to Klein Curacao (Curacao’s best beach!)
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Sail to the stunning uninhabited island Klein Curaçao on a luxury catamaran, snorkel around the reef, enjoy BBQ lunch on the beach and unlimited included alcoholic beverages
- Inclusions: BBQ lunch, open bar/alcoholic beverages, breakfast, snorkeling equipment
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Willemstad itself is gorgeous, but did you know that just off its coast lies another pristine island? That’s right, this uninhabited slice of paradise is called Klein Curaçao (aka “Little Curaçao”), and the best way to visit is on this full-day sailing adventure!
The excursion begins with a catamaran cruise across the turquoise sea. If you’re prone to seasickness, I highly recommend packing some motion sickness meds because the ride can get a bit choppy.
Once you’re on the island, it’s pure paradise. The sand is so white it’s almost blinding, and the water is every shade of blue you can imagine. Snorkeling here is a must, I even saw a sea turtle! If you’re up for a walk, you can check out the old lighthouse and a shipwreck that makes for epic photo ops.
Just when you think it can’t get any better, you’ll be served a delicious BBQ lunch right on the beach complete with open-bar beverages. The crew was top-notch and made sure I had a drink in my hand the whole day.
What I love most about this tour is that you get to decide how active or relaxing you want it to be. You can spend your whole day on the beach, or swimming in the water – the choice is up to you! But whichever type of traveler you are, believe me when I say, this is an island experience you won’t want to miss – just look at the hundreds of 5-star reviews here!
Book this tour with over 600 5-star reviews here, before spots fill up!
3. Snorkel with turtles
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Time: 9 am and 2 pm
- Highlights: Head to Playa Grandi to Snorkel alongside sea turtles, swim in the crystal clear waters of Grote Knip Beach, pass by a flamingo sanctuary
- Inclusions: Hotel/port pick-up/drop-off, local guide, snorkeling equipment, bottled water
- Rating: 4.3 stars (check out the 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Swimming with sea turtles has always been on my bucket list, and I finally checked it off during this epic snorkeling tour in Curacao! Along the way, we visited some of the island’s most beautiful beaches and swam alongside these incredible creatures – it was an experience I’ll never forget.
The adventure starts with a visit to Playa Piskado, a local favorite known for its thriving sea turtle population. Snorkeling here was such an incredible experience – seeing the turtles gliding gracefully through the crystal-clear water up close was magical. Our guide was fantastic, pointing out other fascinating marine life and sharing fun facts along the way.
Next, we stopped at Grote Knip, one of Curacao’s most iconic beaches. The powdery white sand and turquoise water made it the perfect spot to relax and take in the island’s natural beauty. We also passed by the flamingo sanctuary, where we saw gorgeous pink birds wading in the shallow waters – it was made for such a cool photo-op!!
This tour combines snorkeling, beach time, and wildlife spotting, making it ideal for nature lovers. If you’re still on the fence, just check out the glowing 5-star reviews – it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
Book this popular tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
4. Dip your toes into scuba diving on a discovery dive
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Learn the basics of scuba with a certified guide, dive in the ocean up to 40 feet (12 meters), see a shipwreck and a variety of marine life
- Inclusions: Local certified guide, scuba equipment, pick up for cruise passengers only
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’ve ever been curious about trying scuba diving, this discovery dive is your chance!
Unlike many other discovery dives I’ve come across in my travels, this is one of the best because it includes a few hours of theory before you take to the water. This ensures you are well prepared and know all the safety measures before diving into the deep end (literally!).
The certified instructors are fantastic – knowledgeable, patient, and fun. They ensure you’re comfortable every step of the way, making it ideal for beginners or those needing a refresher. The small group sizes mean you get personalized attention, enhancing both safety and enjoyment.
After practicing in the shallow water, you’ll head out into the ocean to explore at depths up to 40 feet (12 meters). Swimming alongside schools of colorful fish is such a surreal experience, but the highlight has to be seeing the infamous tugboat shipwreck! This wreck is teeming with vibrant marine life, and the clear waters offer excellent visibility of the coral-covered boat.
All equipment is provided, so you only need to bring your sense of adventure. Whether you’re a newbie or brushing up on your skills, this course offers a safe, exciting introduction to the underwater world of Curaçao. It’s a must-do for anyone looking to “dive” into something new – I mean, just look at all of these amazing reviews!
Secure your spot on this popular discovery dive here before it sells out!
5. See the entire island on a private customizable tour
- Duration: 4 to 8 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Explore the island with a private driver and guide, customize the schedule to your liking, choose to visit national parks, go shopping, or go beach hopping
- Inclusions: Private local guide, private transportation, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, pick up and drop off from your hotel or cruise port
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking to venture outside of Willemstad and explore Curaçao on your own terms, this private island tour is the way to do it! We booked this tour the last time we were in Willemstad and it was a game-changer, allowing us to tailor the day to our interests and pace (and skip the crowds of other tourists!).
The beauty of this tour is its flexibility. Whether you’re into beach hopping, snorkeling, exploring national parks like Shete Boca and Christoffel, shopping for souvenirs, or even tasting the famous Blue Curaçao liqueur, you get to decide the itinerary.
Our guide, Anita, was fantastic – knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. She provided insights into the island’s history and culture, making each stop more meaningful. Plus, with hotel or cruise port pickup and drop-off included, the day was hassle-free.
Our guide even provided snorkel equipment for us, so we didn’t have to worry about bringing any along. We just got to sit back and enjoy the ride (and gorgeous scenery!).
This tour is perfect for those who want a personalized experience, whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to see more of the island. It’s a day tailored just for you, making your time in Curaçao truly unforgettable!
Reserve your private tour here and receive FREE 24-hour cancellation!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Visit the Hato Caves
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 9 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: Visit Hato Caves and learn about the island’s Indigenous history, witness flamingoes in their natural habitat, go snorkeling at Kokomo Beach
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, local guide, entrance fees, bottled water/soft drinks
- Rating: 4.2 stars (check out the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Did you know that the Hato Caves are over 200,000 years old? This ancient limestone cave system isn’t just a natural wonder but also holds a deep connection to Curacao’s indigenous history. Exploring these caves on this half-day tour was a fascinating experience that gave me a whole new appreciation for the island’s cultural roots.
Inside the caves, we learned about the indigenous Arawak people, who left behind ancient petroglyphs dating back more than 1,500 years. Walking past shimmering stalactites and mysterious rock formations, our guide shared stories of how the caves were later used as a refuge by escaped slaves, adding another layer of history to this incredible site.
After the caves, we made our way to the flamingo sanctuary. Unlike other tours that just pass by in a bus, this tour lets you stop and get an up-close look at these beautiful birds. Seeing the bright pink flamingoes wading through the water was such a cool experience one of the most memorable parts of the day!
This tour wraps up with some relaxing beach time at Kokomo Beach – the perfect end to a great trip. Whether you’re intrigued by ancient history or simply love unique adventures, this experience is a must for anyone visiting Curacao!
Check availability and book this tour here!
7. Go beneath the surface with an underwater walking experience
- Duration: 1 hour
- Time: Multiple departure times available throughout the day
- Highlights: Immerse yourself in the underwater world by wearing a specialized breathable helmet, explore the coral reef and marine life, feed the fish around you
- Inclusions: Guide, underwater helmet, water shoes
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check out the 550+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’ve ever wanted to explore the underwater world but scuba diving and snorkeling aren’t your thing, this Sea Trek underwater walking tour is the perfect solution. With no need for a mask or snorkel, you can breathe comfortably through a specially designed full-face helmet as you stroll along the ocean floor – how cool is that?
The tour begins with a short briefing from the guides, who ensure everyone feels comfortable before heading underwater. Then, you’ll put on your Sea Trek helmet and descend into Curacao’s crystal-clear waters.
Walking along the seabed felt completely surreal, as schools of colorful fish swam by and coral reefs stretched out in every direction. It’s like stepping into another world – but without any of the complications of traditional diving or snorkeling!
My favorite part was feeding the fish. The guides handed us food, and within seconds, we were surrounded by vibrant tropical fish darting around for a snack. It was such an unreal moment that I’ll never forget!
This tour is perfect for families, couples, or anyone who wants to see Curacao’s incredible marine life without the hassle of snorkels or diving gear. It’s an unforgettable underwater adventure that’s accessible to nearly everyone, and it’s guaranteed to be a highlight of your trip (just look at all of the 5-star reviews)!
Secure your spot on this popular underwater experience before it sells out here!
8. Explore Willemstad’s top sights on a tuk tuk
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm
- Highlights: Explore Willemstad in a private tuk tuk, customize the itinerary to suit your interests, go shopping, relax at the beach, or visit the island’s top historical and cultural landmarks
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, private guide/driver
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 150+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Exploring Willemstad has never been more fun or personalized than with this private tuk tuk tour! With your very own guide and the flexibility to customize the itinerary, this tour offers a unique way to see the colorful streets of Curacao’s capital at your own pace.
The journey begins with your guide picking you up in a colorful electric tuk tuk – the perfect vehicle for navigating Willemstad’s winding streets and narrow alleys. From there, the itinerary is entirely up to you! Whether you want to visit iconic landmarks like the Queen Emma Bridge and the governor’s palace, buy some souvenirs along the city’s best shopping street, or relax on some beautiful beaches, your guide will tailor the entire experience to your preferences.
What makes this tour stand out is the personal attention and insider knowledge from the guide. Not only did we get to see all the major highlights, but we also visited hidden spots we’d never have found on our own. Plus, the guide was happy to stop wherever we wanted for photos or to grab a snack.
This private tuk tuk tour is ideal for anyone wanting a fun, flexible, and eco-friendly way to explore Willemstad. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to uncover new gems, this tour is an unforgettable way to experience the charm of Curacao’s capital!
Click here to book this private tuk tuk tour in advance!
9. Get your adrenaline pumping on an ATV tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 8 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: Explore Curacao on an ATV, visit an aloe vera farm and ostrich farm, visit local hidden gems that cars can’t reach
- Inclusions: Professional guide, ATV, helmet, light refreshments
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 350+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Attention adventure lovers! If you’re looking for an adrenaline-packed way to explore the island, you have to go on this half-day ATV tour. We did it the first time we were in Willemstad and it was the highlight of our trip!
This experience takes you off-road to discover Curacao’s hidden gems and is perfect for both first-timers and experienced riders. The adventure starts with a 15-minute practice session to get comfortable with the ATV before taking off. Helmets are provided, but we recommend bringing your own goggles and face coverings if you can, if not there are some available for purchase on-site.
Once the ride begins, it’s nonstop fun! Our guide was friendly, patient, and packed with local knowledge, sharing fun facts about Curacao’s culture and history. We zipped through desert landscapes, past caves, and up mountains with jaw-dropping ocean views – I could even see Bonaire from the top!
Along the way, we stopped at an ostrich farm and aloe farm, two unique experiences that added a fun twist to the ride. We also cruised through local communities, each with its own unique charm.
The best part? We accessed spots cars can’t reach! We were the only ones at many of the stops we made, which made the experience even more special. If you’re visiting Curacao, You have to make sure this tour is at the top of your to-do list! If you need any more convincing, have a look at the 300+ 5-star reviews here!
Check availability and book your spot on this popular ATV adventure here!
10. Tour the Curacao Distillery and learn how to make cocktails
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 2 pm
- Highlights: Tour the Curaçao Liqueur Distillery and learn about Blue Curaçao, enjoy a tasting, and learn how to make delicious tropical cocktails
- Inclusions: Guide, Liqueur tastings, 1 welcome cocktail, 2 cocktails during cocktail workshop
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check all the reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Mix, shake, and sip your way through one of the most flavorful experiences in Willemstad! This distillery tour and cocktail workshop is the perfect way to spend happy hour – in fact, we still make these cocktails to this day!
The experience begins at the famous Curaçao Liqueur Distillery in Willemstad. Here, you’ll dive into the fascinating backstory of the iconic Blue Curaçao liqueur. Spoiler alert: it’s all thanks to the local laraha orange, a fruit that’s native only to Curaçao. Walking through the distillery, you’ll get an up-close look at the traditional distillation process that’s been used since 1896.
Once you’ve soaked up some knowledge, it’s time to put your bartending skills to the test! The cocktail workshop is hands-on, fun, and surprisingly easy to follow. With guidance from a local pro, you’ll mix and shake two tropical cocktails using the world-famous Blue Curaçao (and then drink them of course!).
Along the way, you’ll sample other liqueurs and enjoy a welcome cocktail to kick things off. It’s a small-group setting, so there’s plenty of one-on-one attention. If you’re a cocktail lover or just want a unique island experience, this workshop is a guaranteed hit!
Book this poplar tour here to get flexible cancellation and payment options!
Where to Stay in Willemstad, Curacao
Now that you have a list of the top things to do in Willemstad, you need somewhere comfortable to stay! There are tons of hotel options in the city and its the best area to stay, as it’s easy to access the top activities. Here are three hotel recommendations for a luxury, mid-range, or budget stay:
Luxury – $$$
Nothing says luxury quite like an all inclusive resort, so the Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao is my top choice for a premium stay! The rooms are as classy as you’d expect, offering a range of king rooms, some with ocean views. The amenities are the real cherry on top with a private beach, water park, four swimming pools, eight restaurants, and so much more.
Prices vary by room choice and season, but start at $300 USD per night. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Courtyard by Marriott Curacao is a lovely stay for a moderate price point. Located in the heart of Willemstad, you can reach the best beaches and attractions quickly. The rooms are modern and upscale, just as you could expect from a Marriott hotel, and you can get poolside rooms, those with a sea view, or something more budget friendly.
Rooms start around $160 USD and can be booked on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Bed & Bike Curacao is a fun and comfortable stay for budget conscious travelers. This one is also located in Willemstad, and as the name would suggest, they offer bike rentals to easily access the city. You can book a shared dorm room or a private room, some even have private balconies. Private rooms start at $40 USD and dorms start at $24 USD per night.
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Willemstad is the best place to base yourself for a memorable Curacao adventure! The city is super fun to explore and all of the island’s best activities are right at your fingertips. Even if you only check off a few items off this list, I know you’ll have a fantastic time in Curacao!
Before you go, be sure to check out our other travel guides. After traveling all over the world, we have a ton of resources of our favorite places, helpful travel tips, and can’t miss activities. Here are a few related posts to inspire your travels!