The Best Curaçao Independent Shore Excursions

 

Curaçao is the largest of the Dutch Caribbean ABC Islands, located just north of Venezuela. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Its culture reflects a blend of Dutch, African, Latin American, and Caribbean influences, with languages such as Papiamentu, Dutch, English, and Spanish widely spoken.

Willemstad is the capital city of Curaçao, and the main port on the island. Founded in 1634, the city is known for its colorful colonial architecture, historic waterfront, and natural harbor, which has made it an important center for trade and commerce for centuries. Willemstad’s historic city center, including the districts of Punda and Otrobanda, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved Dutch colonial buildings and unique cultural heritage.

Click here for a full list of all of these excursions. Or click the title of the excursion below. This will give you more information about the excursion. If you book through this link, Trips with Angie will get a small commission and a copy of your booking. If you’ve booked your cruise through Trips with Angie, we can double check the timing and add it to your itinerary.

Want to explore the waters around Curacao? 

Make good use of your time in Curacao by taking this Discover Scuba course. With the guidance of a certified instructor, spend four hours going over scuba theory and safety, then do one confined water dive and one open water dive. Transfers from the cruise port are available.

Scuba dive to one of  Curaçao’s best dive sites right from shore. This private, 2-tank dive heads out to one of the island’s beaches. Once underwater, spot several marine species like sea turtles, tropical fish, rays, and more as you explore coral reefs and/or wrecks.

Try your luck spotting the vibrant marine life of Curacao on an exhilarating underwater Curacao Helmet Diving-Walk the Ocean Floor, No Swimming Required. Immerse yourself in the world beneath the waves as you stroll among colorful corals and playful fish. This unique experience allows you to feed the fish as they gracefully swim around you.Enjoy a truly immersive encounter with nature. Pick-up for cruise passengers is available from the nearby Starbucks for an additional fee.

Explore Spanish Water's mangroves in an eco-friendly way—on a stand-up paddleboard tour. (SUP)—during this half-day tour. Learn paddling technique and how to handle your board before setting out, which means that even beginners can participate. Your guide will take care of directions and navigation and you can simply take in the scenery and enjoy the soft sound of your paddle hitting the water. Pick-up is available from the cruise port.

Interested in the history of Blue Curacao liqueur? Learn the ins and outs of the famous blue curacao liqueur distilling process on this guided tour of the Curacao Liqueur Distillery. Listen to a guide detail the history of the liqueur and the distilling process. Sip samples of the blue curacao, including the Senior Liqueurs, produced in the same way since 1896. Enjoy a cocktail of your choice, accompanied by gelato, in the distillery's courtyard. This tour meets about a 10 minute taxi ride from the pier.

Or maybe you want try to some local dishes?  During this 4-hour private food excursion, you will drive around in an air-conditioned vehicle, sightsee, and walk through the city center with your local private guide to visit neighborhood venues and savor a range of gastronomic specialties. You'll feast on the most delicious local snacks and dishes, from a "pastechi", to a "sate batata", to a refreshing "Batido", to a hearty local meal at Plasa Bieu. Tour includes a stop at the Curacao Distillery to learn about the world-famous Blue Curacao Liquor. Pick-up is available from the cruise port.

How about a city tour on foot or by bus?

Discover multiple sides of Curaçao on this city and beach tour by bus.  Travel to each tour stop on board a bus, and learn about the island's history, culture and natural heritage. This tour includes stops at local landmarks, a liqueur factory, and a beach. Enjoy a balance of sightseeing and relaxation, allowing you to soak in Curaçao’s unique atmosphere and traditions. Pick-up is available from the cruise port.

Join us on the our unique and fascinating guided walk through Willemstad with tour options to suit all travelers and interests and operated by a fully licensed guide! Our vibrant capital Willemstad has a rich history and is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. During walking your tour, you will get to admire the colonial buildings, iconic monuments as well as the famous Emma Bridge. This meeting spot for this tour is about an 8 minute walk from the port.

Looking for an adventure on land?  Put a thrilling spin on sightseeing with this ATV tour of West Curaçao. Explore caves, beaches, and see wildlife in their natural habitat on this unique tour. Including off-roading and navigating a range of terrains, this experience is perfect for those looking for a little dose of adrenaline on their vacations. Transfers from the cruise terminal are available for an additional fee.

Or do you want to curate your own private adventure? Explore the island of Curacao on this all-day private guided tour. Decide the route, according to your preferences, including visiting sites such as Shete Boka National Park and Christoffel National Park, beach hopping, curacao tasting, and even souvenir shopping. You’ll also be able to decide how long to stay at each stop. Pick-up is available from the cruise port.

We’ve done our best to select excursions that could be fun for your family. As with all excursions, please do your own due diligence with the excursion provider, review physical requirements for the tour, and read the liability waiver carefully before signing.