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At the Mathey Wharf the cruise visitor will also find an Information Booth, Restrooms, a Taxi stand, a stand for independent tour operators, and souvenirs shops. On the first one, you will find high-end shops like Adolfo Dominguez, Tiffany & Co, Breitling, Paul & Shark, Hilfiger, Nautica, Mango or Guess and a Starbucks (Free Wi-Fi). Other attractions out of Willemstad should also be considered - like the Aquarium or the Hato Caves. It is also easy to combine any of these attractions with some time in the sun as both Kontiki and Mambo Beaches are close to the cruise piers. However, you can drive all the way out west and in the area around Willemstad and also in the north. Renting a car for a day and driving around the island is a great way to spend one day in Curacao.
Eat Like a Local
The course is 6,920 yards from the championship tees and offers an 8,000 sq. Curacao’s Sea Aquarium is fed by nearby sea water and displays much of the marine life found around the island including dolphins, sea lions, and sharks. The floating market also offers a variety of fresh foods and local crafts.
Tips for a Fulfilling Culinary Experience
THE 25 BEST Cruises to Curacao 2024 (with Prices) - Curacao Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST Cruises to Curacao 2024 (with Prices) - Curacao Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic.
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Otrobanda is the district to the west of Sint Anna Bay, where the cruise ship is most likely docked. Taking a walk around the scenic district will offer cultural insight and amazing photo spots. Enjoy a guided tour that details the incredible history of the place touching on the refuge and escape routes. Exploring them can be done in under two hours so it’s easy to combine with another activity in the north.
Kenepa Beach (Grote Knip)
You will be able to swim alongside them, but do not touch or interfere with them. The beach is a favorite spot for local fishermen to clean their catch, often providing leftover food to the turtles. This practice makes this beach a particularly attractive location for turtles, drawing more of them compared to any other place in Curaçao.
Port Canaveral, FL
This pedestrian bridge is designed so that when ships are coming through port the bridge will open. Due to the frequency which the bridge opens during the day, free passenger ferries are provided to cross the channel while the bridge is open for ships. Discover the UNESCO-listed historic city center, with its iconic pastel-colored buildings and the floating Queen Emma Bridge. Indulge in the fusion of Dutch and Caribbean cuisines, explore the stunning beaches and vibrant coral reefs, and immerse yourself in the lively culture that makes Willemstad a true gem of the Caribbean. With so much to explore in the capital of Curaçao, the cruise visitor who doesn't venture beyond Willemstad will be missing a lot.
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With just a short twenty-minute ride to the speedboat docks, you will get aboard a boat that has twin engines with 600hp for the ride of your life. The boat will take you across the sea and with up to 30 other guests for a fun and family-filled time with your whole crew. Two of the most interesting and natural wonders of this island are put together in one amazing tour offer that takes you to see the Hato Caves and the famous Ostrich Farm. The Hato Caves are over 200,000 years old and are the only caves that are found on the third terrace of the island. The caves have beautiful limestone, a water pool, a statue of Mother Maria, and sometimes even houses long-nosed bats.
Where You Dock in Willemstad – Curacao
With capacity for as many as 4 ships, this terminal occupies the old wharves of Otrabanda and Punda next to Queen Juliana Bridge across the St. Anna Bay. If only one cruise ship is in port, the Mega Pier is where she will dock regardless of the size or the length of the stay - the Mega Pier is the one on the left in the picture above. Whether you rent a car and explore by yourself or book a guided day tour, there is much to explore on the island.
Depending on the size of your cruise ship, you can either dock at the Mega Pier or the smaller cruise terminal, both of which are located on opposite sides of the Sint Anna inlet. This inlet divides the town into two districts, Otrabanda on the west and Punda on the East. The history of Curaçao dates back thousands of years, starting with settlement by the Arawaks of South America. The capital city, Willemstad, was founded in the 17th century by Dutch traders, who saw an opportunity to transform the island into a shipping and trading port off the Sint Anna Bay.
The Curaçao Cruise Port Schedule
This beach is situated around a 25-minute drive southwest (13 km/8 miles) from the cruise port, in the famous Caracas Bay, known as a great snorkeling and diving site. This beach is another hidden gem located around 40 minutes’ drive from the cruise port, south of Kleine Knip. Surrounded by cliffs and hilltop hotel resorts, Playa Lagun is an intimate beach cove offering great snorkeling and diving.
You can relax on miles and miles of tranquil, serene beaches on its southwest coast or go for adrenaline pumping outdoor pursuits on its northwest coast. If none of that interests you, there is always its glorious colorful town, rich with history, culture, excellent cuisine, and friendly residents. This secluded piece of heaven lies on the northwestern coast like all other beaches and is located less than a 40-minute drive (29 km/18 miles) from the port of Willemstad. The road is bumpy and curvy, and there is a small entrance fee for the parking that you pay on-site. Mathey Wharf is another docking location that consists of four piers. It is located in St Anna Bay and occupies the old wharves of Otrobanda and Punda next to the Queen Juliana Bridge.
Collecting corral and sea creatures along the time it’s spent there you can see this historic site in all its glory. With Willemstad close by, you can choose to walk through the city or take a bus or taxi to your destination. These vehicles will have stops in front of the pier itself so you don’t have to go far to find a ride.
Downtown Willemstad is within walking distance from the various piers. Curacao is stunning from the colorful port city to the stunning beaches. Within the city of Willemstad you can spend days exploring everything from the floating market along the water’s edge, to Fort Amsterdam, the shopping, and other historic locations. Obviously, all cruise lines offer many and diverse shore excursions in Curaçao cruise port.
Like the other two islands, Curaçao is hot and it's important to pack accordingly. To really see the island, it's recommended that you rent a car and you'll need a credit card to do so. Curaçao is considered to be safe but you should always practice common sense and keep your belongings close. On a Southern Caribbean cruise to Bonaire, you'll find flavorful dishes that often involve seafood and goat. Many come with a side of fungi (a type of polenta), rice and beans and plenty of fried plantains, demonstrating the Latin American influence. An African influence can be seen in the island's cuisine as well with dishes like guiambo (a soup made of okra and seafood).
During this time, residents built the city’s now-historic sites, including Fort Amsterdam, the harbor, and various grids across Old Town. By the 20th century, Curaçao became a favorite destination for cruise ships, warmly welcoming visitors from all over the world to the tiny island. Kleine Knip’s older sister, Grote Knip is another hidden gem set in gorgeous natural surroundings. Blue Bay Beach Resort is situated a minute drive from the Curacao port (around 10 km/6 miles) and ranks among the most beautiful beaches on the island.
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