Saturday, April 13, 2024

Willemstad: A Full Guide to Exploring The Capital of Curaçao

willemstad cruise port

We were brought here on our free walking tour and learned how Lionfish – an invasive species – can damage coral reefs. Now, if you’re a cruise passenger,  you may not decide to eat during your visit to Curacao since all your meals are included, but you should really try the local cooking at Plasa Bieu. My name is Roxanne , 30 years old and born in the Netherlands,I've visited Curaçao for the first time in 2011 and moved to the island one year later. Love to write, snorkel and watch pinky-orangish sunsets at the beach.

Museums

Although the Mega Pier provides the best facilities for cruise passengers, the other docks are also just a small walk away from transportation, shopping and the city centre. At the dock you will find an information booth, free wi-fi, taxi stand, tour operators and souvenir shops. You will also find a lot of facilities, cafe’s, restaurants and shops at the Riffort area close to the pier.

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Mega Pier Cruise Terminal

It combines nature, an off-road adventure and beach time at Lagun beach.... Avilla Beach is a private beach run by the Avilla Beach Hotel, but if you have a little extra cash this is the place to be. The resort has plenty of places to shade yourself from the sun while still enjoying the surrounding beauty. You’ll also have the luxury of Schooner’s Beach Bar offering drinks and food. It would be hard to mention Curacao activities without the Old Quarry Golf Course which has one the Best Golf Course in the Caribbean by USA Today in both 2018 and 2019. The course is 6,920 yards from the championship tees and offers an 8,000 sq.

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Each one tells a story, with their ornate balconies and intricate architectural details that have been carefully preserved and restored over the years. There’s plenty of shopping in Curacao to satisfy your craving for retail therapy. Rif Fort in Willemstad is a converted fort that now houses boutiques, shops, and galleries, while Mambo Bay Boulevard is a popular shopping hub for souvenirs and beachy goods. The Punda District is a gold mine for duty-free stores, known for shops with the latest designer goods, fragrances, jewelry, and locally made art. Interact with sea lions, dolphins, and flamingos in their habitats at the Curaçao Sea Aquarium, where marine experts take you behind the scenes on incredible encounters for all ages.

Go and walk its paved pristine pedestrian-only streets and check out the StreetSide cafes and waterfront outlets that feature everything from quaint shopping stalls to gorgeous eateries to colorful art stores. Once out of the fort, wander around the colorful streets surrounded by pastel-colored buildings featuring more shopping and eating outlets. Afterward, head over to Queen Emma’s bridge to cross over to Punda, considered the livelier side and the heart of Willemstad.

Get a shot with the Curaçao and Dushi sign!

willemstad cruise port

Constructed across St Anna Bay, this pedestrian floating bridge constructed in 1888 and renovated multiple times connects Otrobanda and Punda districts. The bridge is also called “Swinging Old Lady” by the locals and regularly opens to enable the passage of larger vessels. Located in the southwest of Curacao, the Willemstad Historic Center and the harbor have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as they boast marvelous and diverse architecture.

Caribbean

These attractions provide insights into the marine life of Curaçao and offer the exciting opportunity to swim with dolphins. At the Mathey Wharf the cruise visitor will also find an Information Booth, Restrooms, a Taxi stand, a stand for independent tour operators, and souvenirs shops. Kayak along the turquoise waters of Caracas Bay, admiring the coast of Curacao, to a deserted stretch of sand for snorkeling,where you’ll see coral and home to colorful fish.

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You’ll naturally find this area as you leave the Renaissance mall and head toward the city and it’s worth a stop and peak. Here are a few must-see stops and attractions you’ll find along your walk. There’s a small bar among the stalls that line the cruise exist where you can get a quick drink before heading out to explore or on your way back onto the ship.

Curaçao cruise port guide – docked

In addition to the above ground beauty, the beach is also well known for its snorkeling reefs and clear waters. The floating market also offers a variety of fresh foods and local crafts. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the walk from the ports to downtown is lined with cafes, fun museums, and shopping. Willemstad is the capital of the Dutch Caribbean island, Curacao and the beauty of the island hits you as soon as your ship pulls into port. The island is known for its pastel-colored town square as vibrant as tropical flora. This beach has a soft white sandy beach with rather inviting sparkling clear turquoise waters.

Fort Amsterdam is the seat of the island’s government and military operations, and features palatial buildings with interesting architectural designs. Pick up fresh fruit and interact with locals at the floating market in Punda. This unique market is a water-based place where sellers sell fresh fruits and fish from boats. You can’t say you have been to Curacao if you haven’t toured Punda, the heart of the town.

Cruise port's high season is in the summer, when it handles around 1/4 of all ship calls. In 2018, the port's passenger shipping traffic increased 16% (over 2017) following the inauguration in 2017 of the second cruise ship pier. In early-2018, to both piers were added more mooring dolphins to allow docking of world's largest passenger liners. Willemstad is a Southern Caribbean cruise port and the capital city of Curacao (Leeward Islands, Dutch Antilles) - an island country, one of the overseas territories of The Netherlands (Holland). Its namesake is the Rhine riverport in North Brabant (Holland) Willemstad. Port Willemstad Curacao cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month.

Shete Boka, meaning  seven inlets, is a natural wonder that has some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Curacao. You get to learn all about the birds, feed them, and pet them, or even ride one if you are daring enough. Seeing the cycle of life of the ostrich from hatching to adulthood is one of the most interesting tours on the farm. The African theme in the place transcends to the Zambezi restaurant which serves incredible cuisine, including ostrich steak and ostrich egg omelettes.

Curacao is by far my favourite Caribbean island and it’s a place where you truly become immersed in diverse culture and adventure. We're Ricardo and Roxanne, Curaçao enthusiasts, educated- and working in local tourism. We hope this guide has informed you well and provided you with the necessary information about the Curaçao Cruise Port. The culinary scene near the port is diverse, offering everything from authentic Krioyo dishes to international fusion with stunning views at restaurants like De Gouverneur and Fort Nassau.

It’s a nice beach getaway, with plenty of parking for your rented car which is the most affordable and common way to get to the beach. Playa Cas Abao is probably the most pristine beach is all of Curacao. If you are looking for a remote uncrowded beach, head to the northwestern side of the island, some 20 miles away from Willemstad, and enjoy a day on this beautiful beach.

Curacao is known for its dramatic landscapes, rugged terrain, and awe-inspiring natural attractions. For thrill-seekers, exploring the island in a 4×4 vehicle is the most exciting way to see its highlights and its nature. These open-air piers are equipped with several facilities, such as a tourist information desk, taxi rank, tour operator stands, restrooms, wheelchair assistance, and ECV rental for guests with mobility issues. It’s tough to know it’s there, especially with the new condo development being built, but this man made beach can be seen with locals lounging and swimming.

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