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Curaçao
is where tropical charm, Latin style, a proud African heritage and
European sophistication meet in the Caribbean. The fun shines night and day on 38 beaches, 65 world-class dive sites,
unique family attractions, historic monuments, museums and more.
Explore by day feeding sharks and ostriches, discover a secluded
white-sand cove, or ride horseback through a national park.
By
evening be ready to dance the night away, listen to hot jazz and
enjoy some of the Caribbean's best cuisine under the stars. All this plus year-round events and
festivals from Carnival to Salsa and a welcoming people make Curaçao an ideal Caribbean vacation
Destination.
Location:
Curaçao is located in the southwestern Caribbean. The largest of the
Netherlands Antilles, it is 38 miles long and from 2 to 7.5 miles
wide. It is located just 35 miles north of Venezuela, 42 miles east
of Aruba and only 2 1/2 hours by air from Miami. Curaçao is outside
the hurricane belt, making it a sure holiday destination for good
weather.
Climate:
Located in the tropics, just 12° north of the Equator -- and outside
of the hurricane belt -- Curaçao has a warm, sunny climate year
round. The average temperature is about 27° C ( mid 80s F).
Refreshing trade winds blow constantly from the east, picking up in
the spring months. The rainy season, October to February, is marked
by short, occasional showers, usually at night, and continued sunny
weather by day. Total annual rainfall averages only 570 mm (22
inches). Occasionally a tropical storm brewing elsewhere in the
Caribbean can cause uncharacteristically cloudy weather for a day or
two.
Population:
The population of 130,000 is made up of 55 nationalities. Willemstad
is the island's capital and only city.
Government:
Curaçao, along with neighboring Bonaire and three islands in the
north eastern Caribbean (St. Maarten, St. Eustatius and Saba), form
the Netherlands Antilles, an autonomous part of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands. Curaçaoans are Dutch nationals and carry European Union
passports.
Language:
Dutch is the official language, but Curaçaoans also speak English,
Spanish and their own unique blend, Papiamento.
Cruise Lines:
Air Tours/Sun Cruise, Deutsche Sectouristik, Carnival Cruises,
Holland America, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal
Caribbean Cruise Line, Royal Cruise Line.
Airlines and Flight Times:
DCA, American Airlines, Avianca Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines,
Servivensa Airlines, Aeropostal and Air Jamaica.
Miami: 2-1/2 hours, Amsterdam: 9 hours,
Caracas: 45 minutes and Montego
Bay: 1-1/2 hours.
Departure Tax:
An airport tax of U.S.$ 20.00 per person for international flights
and flights to Aruba, or U.S. $10.00 per person for inter-island
flights is payable when leaving the island.
Documents: U.S. citizens must present either a passport or
birth certificate with photo ID. A driver's license is not a valid
proof of citizenship. Canadian citizens and Citizens from all other
countries must present a valid passport.
International visitors must present their passport. Some citizens
from countries need a visa to enter the Netherlands Antilles.
Taxi hints:
Taxi's are easy to recognize by their signs and the TX on their
registration plates. The prices are based for 1-4 people from 6
am-11pm. A fifth person costs 25% more. After 11pm there is 25%
surcharge. Passengers should agree on a price for the journey with
the driver first. There are taxi stands at the airport, hotels and
Sha Caprileskade in Punda. Taxi Main Office: tel: 869-0747
Complaints: 869-0747.
The
Flag:
Curaçao’s flag portrays the blue sea and sky, bisected by the yellow
sun. The two stars represent Curaçao and its uninhabited sister
island Klein Curaçao; their five points symbolize the five
continents from which the varied local population originates.
Religions:
Catholics, Protestants, Jews and Muslims all have their own houses
of worship and practice their religions freely. Over 80% of the
population is Catholic, largely people of African descent. Curaçao
has a well earned reputation for religious and ethnic harmony.
Adventists, Anglican/Episcopal, Baptists, Mormons, Jehovah's
Witnesses, and Methodists are all represented and practice their
religions freely.
Time zone: Curaçao is on Atlantic Standard Time: one hour earlier than US
Eastern Standard Time (the same time as Eastern Daylight Savings
Time) and four hours later than Greenwich Mean Time.
What to Wear:
Since temperatures are warm throughout the year, light, casual
tropical wear is in order. Outside, protect yourself from the sun.
Most indoor establishments are air conditioned; you may need a
lightweight jacket or long sleeves. Locals dress fashionably,
particularly for indoor evening events; dress for outdoor festivals
is decidedly casual. The strong trade winds may make wraparound and
billowing skirts a problem. Some restaurants prohibit shorts or
sandals; some casinos also require jackets for men. Overly revealing
clothes and bathing suits are not appropriate, except on the beach.
If you plan to walk in the countryside, wear sturdy shoes and long
pants to protect your legs from the cacti.
Tipping:
It is customary to tip porters NAFl. 1 per bag, and taxi drivers 10%
of the fare. Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge to the
bill; you can leave a couple more guilders change if you like. Most
hotels add a 12% service charge to the bill. All this beside the 5%
Government sales tax.
What to Bring:
Film and video cassettes, batteries, sunscreen, disposable diapers,
sporting goods and books are all generally more expensive in
Curaçao. Local stores carry a good selection of most items. It is
advisable to bring mosquito repellent as this is often in short
supply, especially during the rainy season.
Currency: Netherlands Antilles Florin US$1=NAF
1.78; U.S. Dollars widely accepted.
Electricity: 125 volts/50 AC; U.S. appliances
are compatible.
More than just sun and sand, Curacao is rich in exciting adventures.
Explore the capital city of Willemstad, named on UNESCO's World
heritage list for its rainbow of bright pastel buildings and
intricate gabled facades. Witness a 19th Century pontoon bridge open
as ships enter the harbor.
Take off on a self-guided tour of the countryside, "kunuku" and
discover natural caves, limestone deposits and Volcanic formations.
Walk back in time at the Kura Hulanda Museum and trace the island's
history from the Amerindians of South America, the Spanish, English,
French and Dutch who came and stayed.
We welcome you to
Bon Bini island Curacao!
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