Do you know your A B C s?

In honor of the newest Delta non-stop itineraries from Atlanta that began in December, I thought I would shed some light on one of the most colorful of the Caribbean Islands in the Lesser Antilles, Curacao, best pronounced Cure-ah-sow.  It sits about 40 miles north of the Venezuela coast, just between Aruba and Bonaire, hence the term of the ABC islands.

Curacao island is the largest and most populated of the three islands, with 160,000 residents. Aruba has a comparable population size, but the two islands receive entirely different flocks of tourists. Curacao has a much heavier European influence than Aruba, which sees more American visitors.

Bonaire – known less for its beaches than its snorkeling and scuba diving – is much smaller than the other two, and relatively undeveloped.

To understand Curacao, and how it fits into the overall Caribbean story, start with the basics: Curacao is part of the Dutch Caribbean, a group of six Caribbean islands that are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. They are Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Saint Eustatius, and St. Maarten. 

St. Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius are neighbors in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, not far from the Virgin Islands.  

Down south, the ABC Islands — Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao – form another group in the Lesser Antilles.
 
The Dutch culture is apparent; if you’ve ever been to Amsterdam, you’ll feel a light sense of familiarity as you walk around the small, cobblestone streets of Willemstad. The Netherlands Antillean guilder remains the currency of Curacao, a reminder of the island’s Dutch history.

Curacao also has a strong Afro-Caribbean heritage, This all contributes to Curacao’s dynamic blend of beach fun and cultural experiences. It may be a Dutch island but you’ll hear several Caribbean languages on Curacao’s shores, including Spanish. 

Curacao is a great place to visit for families who don’t want to spend their entire vacation swimming or lounging on the beach. It isn’t a place you visit for a massive resort where you never leave the hotel grounds. It’s best for exploration.

Many Caribbean islands have a flat, gentle topography. But Curacao is home to varied landscapes. There’s everything from rugged cliff faces to rocky beaches to small, private bays.  This makes Curacao a great destination for travelers who want to explore beyond the beach.

Curacao has great weather all year round! Like most Caribbean islands, Curacao’s high season runs from December to April. But there’s never a bad time to go. Curacao sits outside the hurricane belt, which makes it a great destination for off-season months like October or August. That said, the wind in Curacao tends to decrease during hurricane season, and the island will feel hotter and more humid from June to November.  

Curacao is brimming with rocky coves, small bays, and thriving coral reefs for snorkeling and diving. While you may not find endless stretches of untouched white sandy beaches in Curacao, the small beaches offer unparalleled access to underwater adventure.

For the kids there is a small Children’s Museum that offers hands-on exhibits, a donkey sanctuary, and a Sea Aquarium, which is one of the Caribbean’s largest and offers a host of daily animal interactions that kids will enjoy.

For those that like to hike, you can drive to the island’s eastern end and visit the verdant Christoffel National Park, home to Christoffel Mountain, the highest point in the ABC Islands.  While you’re on that side of the island, stop for lunch and snorkel with turtles.

 Curacao has many rocky coves, small bays, and thriving coral reefs for snorkeling and diving. While you may not find endless stretches of untouched white sandy beaches in Curacao, the small beaches offer unparalleled access to underwater adventure.

Things to do in Curacao go far beyond endless stretches of white-sand beaches with turquoise Caribbean waters and include museums, outdoor adventures, snorkeling and scuba diving, and live entertainment. You can go swimming with sharks and dolphins, dive a shipwreck, take an ATV tour of the island, or see real-life plantations.
 
The best places to go shopping in Curacao include top-notch malls, art galleries and independent boutiques where you can take a break from the tropical warmth. While many come to this island for its idyllic beaches and historic towns, it’s also a great place for a shopping trip in the Caribbean.

​Now that Delta has begun the non-stop flights on Saturdays from Atlanta, Curacao is much more appealing as a destination!  Curacao is one of the shining jewels of the Dutch Caribbean where you'll find a variety of towns and resorts that offer unique experiences. Whether you're looking for something relaxing or thrilling adventures, the local towns offer a variety of things to do with a welcoming atmosphere.