Top 5 Curacao Activities (From Locals who Actually Live Here)

If you’re coming to Curacao, you’re probably wondering which activities are actually worth doing on the island.

Lucky for you, we’re two locals who have tried and tested most activities on the island. These are the activities that we recommend to our friends when they come to visit.

We know which activities are worth doing and which companies are the best to book through! We can even help you book into the following activities and pick the best operator for you. If you’d like our help building your entire itinerary (at no extra cost!) fill out our travel preferences form to get started. 

1. Boat Trip to Klein Curaçao

If you’ve already done some research for your trip, we’re sure you’ve come across this beauty! This is by far our #1 activity recommendation and our most booked tour.

This tiny, uninhabited island lies roughly 15 miles off the coast of the mainland. With white sand, crystal clear water, shipwrecks, and a cool abandoned lighthouse - this trip is a MUST-DO!

There are over a dozen different companies that will take you to Klein. Most of them are great for different reasons - the right operator for you truly depends on the type of traveler you are and what you’re looking for. Some tour operators have beach houses, some include open bars, some have more of a party vibe, and some have a more relaxed vibe. For help deciding which company is the best fit for your travel needs, fill out our travel preferences form.

Most trips include:

• Breakfast and BBQ lunch

• Snorkel gear

• Chairs/shade

Pro tip: This tour tends to book up pretty quickly - we recommend booking this one in advance!

2. Off-Road Tour

If you’re an adrenaline junkie - this one’s for you!!

Curaçao’s north coast is full of surprises. It looks completely different from the calm, tropical beaches you’ll see on the south side of the island. Instead of turquoise bays and beach bars, you’ll find rugged cliffs, powerful waves, and wild desert landscapes.

An off-road tour is the best way to explore this side of the island.

Most tours take you along the dramatic northern coastline, where you’ll visit hidden caves, natural bridges, and incredible viewpoints overlooking the ocean.

You can usually choose between:

• ATV tours

• UTV / buggy tours

• Jeep safari tours

If you want something adventurous that also shows you a completely different side of Curaçao, this is one of the most exciting experiences on the island.

3. Sunset Cruise

What are you even doing on a Caribbean island if you’re not going on a sunset cruise?

Most sunset cruises leave from Spanish Waters or the Jan Thiel area, sailing along the coast while the sky turns shades of orange, pink, and purple.

There’s a sunset cruise for every traveler - calm and relaxing, or fun and boozy! AND - it’s not just for couples! We were so worried when we went on our first sunset cruise that it would feel very romantic, but most of the groups on the cruise were actually friends or family.

Most cruises include:

• Open bar

• Snacks or small bites

• Music and a fun atmosphere

We believe a sunset cruise is the perfect way to kick off or close out your trip.

4. Jet Ski Tour

Adrenaline junkies - another one for you! A jet ski tour is easily one of the most fun ways to explore the coastline.

Instead of just riding around randomly, most tours take you along the coast with a guide, showing you hidden beaches, small coves, and beautiful stretches of water you wouldn’t normally see.

The water around Curaçao is usually calm and crystal clear, which makes it perfect for jet skiing.

Even if you’ve never driven a jet ski before, don’t worry - the guides give you a quick safety briefing before you head out.

Please note: most companies don't allow you to rent a jet ski to take out on your own. You MUST go out with a guide. This is for your safety as well as the safety of the many snorkelers/divers who are also enjoying our beautiful sea.

5. Scuba Diving

Curaçao has some of the best shore diving in the Caribbean, and the coral reefs here are incredibly healthy compared to many other islands.

The coolest part? Many dive sites are right off the beach, which makes diving here much easier than places where you need a boat for every dive.

Expect to see:

• Colorful coral reefs

• Sea turtles

• Tropical fish

• Moray eels

• And sometimes even octopus

Not certified? No problem!

Most dive shops offer introductory dives, where you’ll go underwater with a professional instructor and experience scuba diving for the first time.

We promise - it’s not nearly as scary as it seems, and many people say it ends up being one of the most memorable experiences of their trip.

Pro tip: Curaçao has a lot of tour companies, and the quality can vary quite a bit. If you want help choosing the best options for your trip, fill out our travel preferences form and we’ll send you personalized recommendations.