Curacao

Travel into the countryside, passing salt flats and flamingos before arriving at the Hato Caves. This dramatic collection of grottoes is filled with stalactites, stalagmites and crystal-clear pools, centuries in the making. At the foot of the Caves, is the Petroglyph Trail, where, time permitting, you may choose to take a short independent walk along, passing an ancient slave shelter and exceptional 1500-year-old religious scenes carved into the rock walls.

Afterwards you’ll head to the Curaçao Museum which was founded in 1946, and combines contemporary art with an exhibition of life in 19th century Curaçao. During your tour you’ll also enjoy a brief stop at the Chobolobo Liqueur Factory, giving you an ideal opportunity to taste and purchase the locally distilled Curaçao Liqueur.

Cross the Queen Juliana Bridge and catch a glimpse of the wonderful view over Willemstad.

A taxi will transfer you the short distance across the Queen Juliana Bridge to your waiting Trolley Train.

Your tour begins at Fort Amsterdam. Sit back and relax as you pass by the floating bridge and floating market, before heading off to Scharloo, lined with picturesque homes built by Curaçao’s wealthy merchants. You’ll stop at Bolo Di Bruit, known as the ‘wedding cake’ house, said to be the city’s most photographed building. Stop by the Cathedral and pass the ancient Synagogue, Queen Wilhelmia Park and Waterfort Arches.

After your scenic tour, you’ll return to Fort Amsterdam, built in 1635 to guard the entrance to the harbour from enemy ships. The old Citadel has now been converted into the Governor’s Palace and the office of the Central Government of the Netherlands Antilles.

You may choose to remain in Willemstad at the end of the tour. If so, you will be responsible for your own return to the quayside.

Descend into the hull of the Seaworld Explorer underwater observatory. Sitting in air-conditioned comfort 5 feet below the surface, you can watch the watery world and its inhabitants pass you by through the large windows. You’ll see coral reefs along the south side of the island, and notice the ocean wall dropping sharply to depths of several hundred feet, a view only normally seen by submarines and divers. Dozens of colourful tropical fish such as Yellowtail Snapper, Sergeant Majors, Parrotfish and Angelfish make these warm waters their home.

Once back on land, you’ll cross over the Queen Juliana Bridge, 200 feet above Willemstad and onto the Chobolobo Liqueur Factory where you’ll discover how the famous Blue Curaçao Liqueur is made and have a chance to taste it.

Step aboard this state-of-the-art semi-submarine developed in Australia for use on the Great Barrier Reef. The vessel does not submerge; you descend into the hull of this cruising underwater observatory and sit in air-conditioned comfort 5 feet below the surface of the water, exploring sea life through clear glass windows.

Your tour begins at the dock in Willemstad, from where you will be driven the short distance to board the Seaworld Explorer. Your trip includes a narrated tour of the coral reefs along the south side of the island. Just offshore is the ocean wall, dropping sharply to depths of several hundred feet. See dozens of colourful tropical fish such as Yellowtail Snapper, Sergeant Majors, Parrotfish and Queen Angelfish, as well as delicate colonies of coral that took thousands of years to grow.

Travel to the southwestern side of the island on the hand painted open-air chiva beach bus. Enjoy the scenes of the ‘countryside’ of Curaçao, where nature reigns and beaches are unspoiled. Whilst enjoying the scenery, your host provides you with interesting information about Curaçao’s salt flats and flamingos.

The highlight, of course, is a visit to one of the typical beach coves of Curaçao. Here you can relax in the sun and swim in the clear blue waters. Alternatively, don your snorkel equipment for a closer look at the Curaçao marine life. A great opportunity to take in the sunshine and enjoy a Caribbean beach experience.

Setting off from the port, take a short ride to the kayaking point, where you’ll be met by your guides. After a full safety briefing and instruction, you’ll be shown to your kayak.

As you follow your guides, you’ll paddle under the old pier gliding past Fort Beekenburg and a typical old manor estate, known as Quarantine House.

You’ll kayak your way to Doctor’s Bay, where you can enjoy some time snorkelling and discovering the underwater world of Curaçao.

Afterwards, it’s then time to kayak back to the starting point, where a refreshing drink will be served before the return drive to the port.

You’ll take a brief boat ride out to Sea Aquarium mooring pier, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and beautiful coastal scenery along the way. Upon arrival, you’ll be taken to the ‘Wet and Wild’ beach area where can relax on your complimentary beach chair and enjoy a welcome refreshment. Take a swim, enjoy a walk or simply soak up the sun on the golden sands.

There is a bar, restaurant and toilet facilities available for your convenience.

Take a scenic drive across to the west coast and on to Boka Tabla, one of the island’s national parks. Stop and admire the rock formations of Curaçao’s volcanic coastline and the views out to sea.

Your journey will continue past West Point, which offers a delightful view over the Caribbean Sea at Playa Forti. A short stop will be made at the Tula Museum, which is located in a restored plantation house and features a large collection of Curaçao’s African heritage. Discover fascinating facts about the African ancestors, during and after the slavery period. <
Afterwards, head for the UNESCO designated Knip Beach, a natural beach surrounded by volcanic hills. Enjoy a short stop to take in more of the island’s coastal sights.

Your return journey will show you the Jan Kock salt flats, where flocks of pink flamingos make their home. You’ll also pass by the house of Jan Kok, a legendary Dutchman famed for his amorous adventures.

Embark on a short drive to Riffort, passing views of Emma Bridge and Fort Amsterdam.

Your journey will then continue through the city of Willemstad and onto the Curaçao Ostrich Farm. Upon arrival, enjoy a safari truck ride through the farmland to experience these ‘big birds’ up close. Your ride ends at the nursery, where you’ll learn the interesting facts of the breeding process. During your visit you are also likely to spot the other resident animals, including Potbelly Pigs, sheep, emu and even a crocodile. There may also be an opportunity to browse the souvenir shop.

Afterwards, you’ll take a drive to view the ‘Chichi Gallery’. Chichi sculptures are individually painted by local women, who express their fashion taste and style through their brushes. Each sculpture they paint is unique.

Your return drive will take you through the residential areas of Punda and Scharlooweg, before arriving at the port.

Vehicles with an English-speaking driver-guide are offered on this tour. No deviations to duration, venue or departure or return time can be made. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and driver-guides are limited so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. These are selected tour itineraries.

The tour fare is per vehicle and only one person in the party should book a ticket. The entire cost of the vehicle and tour will be charged to that person’s onboard account and cannot be divided between the party. Once on board, you’ll receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour. Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and number of passengers in your party.

Each minivan will take up to 6 passengers.

Entrance fees included