When friends or travellers ask us how to discover Curaçao beyond its beaches, we quickly realise there’s a simple problem: the information is scattered. It’s either too superficial, too technical, or poorly contextualised.
Since we were fortunate enough to become permanent residents, these questions have come up again and again including from guests who come aboard The Little Green Boat. And very often, these aren’t people broadly searching for “things to do in Curaçao”, but people looking to organise their days intelligently, without rushing from place to place.
That’s exactly why we created these itinerary guides. They’re designed as sample day trips, more or less packed, easy to adapt, and above all to mix with diving, sailing or simply time at the beach.
This article is the natural companion to these guides, which you’ll find below. Here, we take the time to explain what these places actually are, what you’ll see there, why they’re worth visiting… or why they might not be for everyone.
You can also find, by clicking below, my interactive map, which still holds a few hidden treasures, as well as my Facebook group if you want to discuss all of this with other travelers.
Summary English Version
Summary French Version
1. West and North – National Park and History
An ideal itinerary for a first natural and historical introduction to Curaçao.
Christoffel National Park
Christoffel National Park is the island’s largest protected natural area. It features several hiking trails, ranging from accessible walks to genuinely physical climbs, including the ascent of Mount Christoffel, Curaçao’s highest point.
In practical terms, you’ll be walking through dry, rocky terrain, dotted with cacti, endemic trees and unobstructed viewpoints across the entire island.
It’s strongly recommended to go early in the morning, as the heat quickly becomes intense, even though the constant wind helps make it more bearable.
This isn’t an “easy” park in the tourist sense of the word. You need to enjoy walking, sweating a bit and accepting occasionally austere landscapes.
However, the view from the summit is spectacular and gives you a genuine geographical perspective of Curaçao. The effort is well rewarded.
Location
Find the entrance on Google Maps by clicking here. https://maps.app.goo.gl/j2KQG5eM6Tz2SCK47
Opening Hours, Prices and Recommended Duration
Recommended duration: 3–5 hours (depending on hikes + viewpoints) Prices: $15 per adult, $2 per child aged 6–12. Open daily from 06:00 to 14:00
Savonet Museum
Located within the park, Savonet Museum is housed in a former plantation. It explores the island’s agricultural, colonial and social history through informative panels, artefacts and restored buildings.
It’s an interesting museum for context, but requires a degree of curiosity. Children may get bored if nothing is explained to them beforehand.
We’d recommend it after your hike, when the heat is too intense to stay outdoors for long.
Location
This one is located in the park; you’ll find the exact spot by clicking here. https://maps.app.goo.gl/TLph74FkHi15Pc7y6
Opening Hours, Prices and Recommended Duration
Recommended duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour Price: included in park admission with the same opening hours.
Jaanchie’s Restaurant
Jaanchie’s is typically the sort of place you don’t choose for speed or polished décor, but for the local experience. This is a family-run restaurant with a simple atmosphere, specialising in… iguana! And sometimes dishes that few visitors dare to try.
It’s a place where you need to be prepared to take your time, step outside tourist habits and eat as the locals do. Perfect for an unhurried midday break.
Location
Time to eat! Click here to find out where to go to
https://maps.app.goo.gl/eEyEGhs7Ru6PNenq9
Hours and Prices
Average price: approximately $15 to $30 per person. Open daily from 12:00 to 17:00.
Tula Museum
Tula Museum is a fundamental place. It traces the history of slavery in Curaçao and the 1795 revolt led by Tula. You’ll discover documents, accounts and essential context for understanding the island’s present-day society.
It’s a somewhat emotionally powerful museum, but a necessary one.
In our view, you can’t really say you’ve understood Curaçao without having engaged with it.
Location
Start the car and head there!
Opening Hours, Prices and Recommended Duration
Recommended duration: 1–1.5 hours Price: $3 per adult, $2 per child aged 6–12. Closed Mondays.
Playa Forti
Playa Forti is a small sand and pebble beach, still very much a local spot. It’s not heavily developed, which is part of its charm.
There’s a snack bar, a restaurant, and most notably a spot known for jumping off a cliff of around 14 metres into the sea.
It’s a pleasant spot for a drink and to end the day, far from the sometimes overwhelming atmosphere of nearby beaches like Playa Grandi, which has been somewhat overrun by the tourist tipping frenzy…
Location
It happens here!
2. Rural North – Valleys and Orchards
A more discreet itinerary, perfect for those who enjoy going off the beaten track.
Vikto Bartolomeus Museum
This isn’t a conventional museum. The site tells the story of Vikto Bartolomeus, baker, teacher, musician and local cultural figure. You’ll discover traditional bread-making, old ovens, and above all a living family legacy, maintained by children and grandchildren.
It’s a very human, very authentic place that speaks of Curaçao’s everyday culture.
Recommended for curious visitors interested in local stories rather than grand exhibitions.
Location
To find this museum, simply click here!
Opening Hours, Prices and Recommended Duration
Recommended duration: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Prices: $10 per adult, $5 per child aged 0–12. Booking required in advance. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Kunuku House
Kunuku House is a perfectly preserved traditional house. It helps you understand how the island’s inhabitants once lived, with clear explanations of the architecture, materials and organisation of daily life.
The visit is short but highly educational, especially thanks to passionate guides. An excellent complement for those interested in Curaçao’s rural history.
Location
To get a breath of fresh country air, simply follow this link.
Opening Hours, Prices and Recommended Duration
Recommended duration: 1 hour Prices: $6 per adult, $2 per child aged 0–12 Closed Mondays
Landhuis Dokterstuin
Eating at Landhuis Dokterstuin means lunching in a former landhuis, a typical plantation house, surrounded by greenery. The atmosphere is calm, local, far from the hustle of tourist areas.
The cuisine is decidedly krioyo (meaning local Creole), with traditional dishes, well served, without attempting to adapt them to please visitors. This isn’t a “trendy” restaurant, but a genuine local establishment, ideal for understanding what locals eat day-to-day.
A perfect lunch stop that matches the rural, authentic feel of the day.
Location
Getting hungry? Then follow this link!
Hours and Prices
Average price: approximately $15 to $30 per person. Open from 10:00 to 17:00, closed Mondays
Hofi Mango
Hofi Mango is a nature park laid out on a former plantation. You’ll find well-marked trails, accessible to all, that pass through dense, well-maintained vegetation.
The visit is relatively quick, around an hour, but very pleasant. You’ll spot numerous birds, old trees, and reach a viewpoint offering an unobstructed view over the surrounding valley.
The site is calm, peaceful, and the project is evolving towards a future butterfly reserve, strengthening its ecological interest. A perfect spot for nature lovers and those interested in local projects.
Location
Opening Hours, Prices and Recommended Duration
Recommended duration: 1 to 2 hours Online prices: $15 per adult, $8 per child aged 4–12 Open daily from 08:00 to 17:00
Jan Kok Salina
A former salina, now a wetland, Salina Jan Kok is known for hosting flamingos nearly year-round.
A simple, quick stop, ideal early in the morning or at the end of the day, to observe wildlife and better understand the island’s saline landscapes.
Location
To see the flamingos, click here.
3.Centre of the Island – History, Conservation and Caves
An often underestimated itinerary.
Second World War Museum
This museum explores Curaçao’s strategic role during the Second World War, particularly in relation to oil.
The collection is modest, but the exhibits are very well chosen, making the visit fascinating for history enthusiasts.
Location
To start the day and find out where to go, click this link.
Opening Hours, Prices and Recommended Duration
Recommended duration: 1 hour. Prices: $10 per adult, $5 per child aged 0–12 Monday to Saturday, 10:00 to 16:00. By appointment only at +5999-5616383 or info@battlestationblaauw.com
Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao
This is a serious initiative, still under construction. The fieldwork carried out for sea turtle protection is impressive. A care centre is currently being developed and will offer visits in future.
The article will be updated once officially open to the public.
Location
Opening Hours, Prices and Recommended Duration
Recommended duration: 1 hour Prices: to be confirmed Opening soon
Restaurant Landhuis Daniel
Landhuis Daniel is one of those places where the setting matters as much as the food. Housed in a historic landhuis, the restaurant offers a peaceful, almost timeless atmosphere, with plenty of greenery around.
You come here for a proper break, to lunch peacefully, in a well-kept but unpretentious setting. This isn’t a place to eat quickly between two visits, but rather to sit down, breathe and enjoy.
It fits perfectly into a more relaxed “centre of the island” day, between history and nature.
Location
A short drive to get here.
Hours and Prices
Average price: approximately $15 to $30 per person. The restaurant is open daily from 12:00 to 14:00.
Hato Caves
The Hato Caves are part of Curaçao’s natural heritage. The visit is guided, relatively short and touristy, but it remains interesting, particularly for children.
It’s not a lengthy immersive experience, but a cultural must-see, much like certain iconic monuments elsewhere.
Location
To enjoy the coolness of the caves, click here.
Opening Hours, Prices and Recommended Duration
Recommended duration: 1 hour Prices: $10 per adult, $8 per child aged 4–12 Open daily from 09:00 to 15:00
Boca Sami
Boca Sami is a very local beach, without frills. Swimming, atmosphere, decent snorkelling, although some spots on the island are more spectacular.
A simple and authentic stop.
Location
To end the day peacefully at Boca Sami, click here.
4. Willemstad – Museums and Heritage
Impossible to visit Curaçao without spending time in Willemstad.
Curaçao Maritime Museum
The maritime museum traces the island’s port and commercial history.
Both educational and interesting, it fits perfectly into a day’s city visit.
Location
In the historic city centre, the entrance is here.
Opening Hours, Prices and Recommended Duration
Recommended duration: 1 to 1.5 hours Prices: $10 per adult, $8 per child aged 4–11 Open daily from 10:30 to 15:30
Kaya Kaya
A street art district still relatively authentic, even though the Instagram effect is starting to appear. A casual stroll is enough to appreciate the works. Those wanting to go further can opt for a guided tour.
Location
It’s an entire district, but broadly speaking the works are on this side.
Plasa Bieu Restaurant
Plasa Bieu, also known as Old Market, isn’t a conventional restaurant, and that’s precisely what makes it so interesting. Here, you’re in a covered market, with several stalls each offering their own local cuisine.
You order, sit down, share tables, and eat as Willemstad residents do at lunchtime. It’s the perfect place to discover local cuisine without filter, at reasonable prices, in a lively atmosphere.
If you want to understand the city’s daily life, this is where you should eat, not in a restaurant formatted for tourists.
Location
Need to fill your stomach? Click here.
Hours and Prices
Average price: approximately $15 to $20 per person. Open daily from 10:00 to 15:00 except Sundays
Kura Hulanda Museum
A powerful museum, sometimes emotionally heavy, but essential. It helps you understand the cultural heritage, suffering and resilience of Curaçao’s people.
The visit can be self-guided or with a guide, depending on individual preference.
Location
To discover this museum, simply head here.
Opening Hours, Prices and Recommended Duration
Recommended duration: 1.5 hours Prices: $12 per adult, $7 per child aged 6–12 Open daily from 08:00 to 16:00
Punda
Punda is above all a historic district. The shopping is sometimes very cruise passenger-oriented, but if you take your time, you’ll also find local crafts and lovely surprises, not to mention the architecture which is absolutely magnificent!
Location
It’s the second district of Willemstad’s historic centre, and it’s located here.
5. South – Agriculture and Production
A different itinerary.
Curaçao Aloe Vera Plantation
The guided tour helps you understand the different varieties of aloe vera and their processing. The shop is very well done and offers quality products, perfect as useful souvenirs.
Location
To find the Aloe Vera, it’s over here.
Opening Hours, Prices and Recommended Duration
Recommended duration: 1 hour Prices: $10 per adult, $5 per child aged 4–12 Open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:30
Ostrich Farm Curaçao
An interesting and educational activity, especially for children. A bit pricey, but well organised, with clear explanations about ostrich farming.
Location
Our ostrich friends are just here.
Opening Hours, Prices and Recommended Duration
Recommended duration: 45 minutes Prices: $20 per adult, $15 per child Open daily from 09:00 to 16:00
SurfSpot beach bar Curaçao
SurfSpot is above all a lively spot, with a direct view over the Spanish Water lagoon. You eat whilst watching windsurfers and paddleboarders pass by the terrace.
The cuisine is simple, efficient, perfect for a relaxed lunch break, without fuss. This isn’t fine dining, but a very pleasant place to stop on a southern itinerary, especially if you enjoy an outdoorsy, sporty and laid-back atmosphere.
Ideal to break up the day without disrupting the flow.
Location
Head right here for lunch!
Hours and Prices
Average price: approximately $15 to $20 per person. Open daily from 10:00 to 17:30
Curaçao Liqueur Distillery
A short but informative visit. You’ll learn about the origins of Curaçao liqueurs, taste them, and leave with a better understanding of this iconic product.
Location
For a proper digestif, this iconic distillery is here.
Opening Hours, Prices and Recommended Duration
Durée conseillée : 1h Tarifs : $20 /personne Ouvert du Lundi au Vendredi de 08h à 17h
Mambo Beach
A very artificial, very touristy beach. Some love the atmosphere, others hate it. Best to go and form your own opinion.
Location
To get there, simply click here.
6. Conclusion
These itineraries are here to inspire you, not lock you into a rigid programme. They work very well as sample days, to alternate with diving, sailing, rest or simply the urge to do nothing.
Take what appeals to you, leave the rest. Curaçao is discovered at your own pace, and that’s also what makes it so rich.
Discover Curaçao with The Little Green Boat
Whether you’re trying scuba diving for the first time, exploring advanced wrecks or swimming with sea turtles, Curaçao delivers something for every kind of diver. With The Little Green Boat, you get eco-friendly diving blended with unforgettable marine adventures all along the island’s reefs.
Book your scuba dive or snorkel outing in Curaçao — and explore the island’s best sites with us.