20 Best Things to Do in Curaçao: The Complete Guide

Curaçao offers far more than beaches and sunshine. The island packs an incredible variety of experiences into a relatively small area — from world-class diving and UNESCO-listed architecture to off-road jeep adventures, rum distillery tours, and sunset catamaran cruises. These are the 20 best things to do in Curaçao, whether you’re visiting for 5 days or 5 weeks.

On and In the Water

1. Kayaking Through the Mangroves

The sheltered bays along Curaçao’s southeastern coast are home to mangrove forests that can be explored by kayak. This popular half-day activity offers a completely different perspective of the island: peaceful, full of wildlife, and suitable for all fitness levels.

2. Diving — Curaçao’s World-Famous Reefs

Curaçao is one of the world’s top diving destinations. The island is surrounded by the Curaçao Underwater Park, a protected marine reserve featuring more than 65 named dive sites. Shore diving is available from several beaches, including Playa Kalki and Director’s Bay. The water is clear year-round (visibility often exceeds 100 feet / 30 meters), warm (79–82°F / 26–28°C), and generally calm with little current. Every level is catered to, from beginner certification courses to technical diving.

3. Snorkeling at Mambo Beach & Cas Abao

You don’t need scuba gear to experience Curaçao’s underwater world. Several beaches have accessible reef systems located just offshore. Cas Abao and Playa Kalki are especially known for excellent beach-entry snorkeling. Equipment rentals are available at most beaches and through operators at Mambo Beach Boulevard.

4. Catamaran Trip to Klein Curaçao

A catamaran day trip to Klein Curaçao is one of the island’s most popular experiences. The journey takes around two hours roundtrip from Mambo Beach. Once there, you’ll find a completely uninhabited island with brilliant white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise water. Most tours include snorkeling equipment, lunch, and drinks. Trips can be booked through tour operators on Mambo Beach Boulevard, just a 2-minute walk from Bon Bini Resort.

5. Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Several operators offer 2–3 hour sunset cruises departing from the Mambo Beach area, usually including an open bar, music, and swimming stops. It’s one of the most unforgettable experiences in Curaçao — watching the sun disappear into the Caribbean Sea from the deck of a catamaran.

Culture & History

6. Explore Willemstad — A UNESCO World Heritage City

Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, is one of the Caribbean’s most distinctive and photogenic cities. The two main districts, Punda and Otrobanda, are separated by St. Anna Bay and connected by the famous Queen Emma Bridge — a floating pedestrian bridge locally known as the “Swinging Old Lady.” The colorful Dutch colonial architecture, narrow streets, and waterfront cafés give the city a character unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean. Willemstad is located about 15–20 minutes from Bon Bini Resort.

7. Walk Across the Queen Emma Bridge

The Queen Emma Bridge is a floating pedestrian bridge in Willemstad that swings open to allow ships to pass through St. Anna Bay. Walking across it at sunset, with colorful waterfront buildings on one side and the open harbor on the other, is one of Curaçao’s signature experiences.

8. Visit the Kura Hulanda Museum

Located in Otrobanda, the Kura Hulanda Museum is one of the Caribbean’s most important cultural attractions. It documents the history of the Atlantic slave trade, with a particular focus on Curaçao’s role as one of the largest slave trade centers in the Western Hemisphere. The museum is thoughtfully curated and deeply impactful.

9. Visit Rif Fort & Fort Amsterdam

Rif Fort is a 19th-century Dutch fort that has been transformed into a stylish waterfront complex filled with restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Fort Amsterdam in Punda is the oldest continuously functioning fort in the Caribbean and still houses government offices today. Guided tours are available.

10. Hiking in Christoffel National Park

Christoffel National Park covers the northwestern part of the island and is home to Curaçao’s highest point: Mount Christoffel (1,230 ft / 375 m). The park features several marked hiking trails, a population of white-tailed deer and flamingos, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. The sunrise hike to the summit is especially popular — start before 7:00 AM to avoid the heat.

11. Island Jeep Tour

Half-day and full-day jeep tours depart from Mambo Beach and take visitors to some of Curaçao’s most scenic spots, including Christoffel Park, the west coast beaches, and the rugged northern coastline. It’s a great option for first-time visitors looking to get an overview of the island.

12. Spot Flamingos at the Salt Flats

Wild flamingos can often be seen around the salt flats near Sint Michiel and other southern parts of the island. Early morning offers the best viewing conditions. It’s one of Curaçao’s lesser-known natural attractions and a favorite among wildlife lovers.

Food, Drinks & Nightlife

13. Explore Mambo Beach Boulevard

Mambo Beach Boulevard is Curaçao’s main entertainment strip — a lively stretch of beach clubs, restaurants, bars, and boutiques all within walking distance of each other. It’s the social heart of the island and an experience in itself, from relaxing beach mornings to late-night dancing. Guests staying at Bon Bini Resort can walk there in just 2 minutes.

14. Cabana Nights (Every Wednesday)

Cabana Nights is a weekly dinner show event held every Wednesday at Cabana Beach. Expect live performances from touring artists — often including well-known Dutch performers — alongside dinner service and dancing late into the night.

15. Discover Local Curaçao Cuisine

Try traditional island dishes such as keshi yena (stuffed Dutch cheese filled with seasoned meat) and karni stobá (Caribbean-style beef stew). Don’t miss the island-favorite Amstel Bright beer or the famous Blue Curaçao liqueur at its source: the Senior Curaçao Liqueur Distillery near Willemstad, where guided tours and tastings are available.

16. Happy Hour at the Sunset Bars of Mambo Beach

Most beach clubs and bars along Mambo Beach offer happy hour specials in the late afternoon. The combination of a Caribbean sunset, a cold Amstel Bright, and the sound of the waves is a classic Curaçao experience — and one of the best low-cost activities on the island.

Day Trips & Excursions

17. Day Trip to Klein Curaçao

The uninhabited sister island of Klein Curaçao offers the most pristine beach experience in Curaçao — and possibly in the entire Caribbean.

18. Explore the Hato Caves

The Hato Caves are a network of limestone caves located in the northern part of the island, featuring impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and a colony of long-nosed bats. Guided tours are offered several times daily.

19. Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

Thanks to the island’s constant trade winds, Curaçao is an excellent destination for wind and water sports. The southeastern coast is home to several established windsurfing and kitesurfing schools, with Caracas Bay being one of the most popular spots.

20. Dolphin Academy at Seaquarium Beach

Located next to Mambo Beach, the Dolphin Academy at Seaquarium Beach offers structured dolphin encounters in the open sea rather than in enclosed tanks. It’s especially popular with families, and advance booking is strongly recommended.

All of these activities are easily accessible from Bon Bini Resort. Many — including Cabana Beach, Mambo Beach Boulevard, catamaran tours, and the Dolphin Academy — are within a 5-minute walk. Rental cars are also available at the resort for day trips to the west coast and inland areas.

Still planning your vacation? Explore our complete Curaçao travel guide covering beaches, activities, transportation, and where to stay.