Solo Travel in Curacao

Types of Girl about the Globe (GatG) – Beach GatG, Food and Wine GatG, Ocean GatG

Curacao is a beautiful island in the Caribbean with white sand beaches and turquoise waters. It's also known as one of the best places to snorkel so if you're looking for an underwater adventure then this is your destination. 

If you are planning a holiday to Curacao, below is my guide on solo travel in Curacao. Find out the must sees in Curacao, the best things to do in Curacao, recommended tours and how to get around. I’ve also included solo female-friendly accommodation if you are travelling to Curacao alone. All companies included have been recommended by either myself or our solo female community. Just choose the relevant section or read the full article to help you plan your trip to Curacao. 

N.b. By booking through this Curacao guide you are helping to improve the lives of vulnerable girls about the globe. Thanks for helping.

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solo travel in Curacao

Curacao Solo Travel

Solo travel in Curaçao is the perfect way to escape and relax. The island has plenty of beaches and activities to keep you busy, but it's also small enough that you can easily explore on your own. Plus, with Dutch roots, the locals are friendly and welcoming, making it a great place to meet people. That’s why I’ve given it 4 out of 5 stars. 

Curacao culture is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe. This unique mix of cultures can be seen in the food, music, art, and architecture on the island.

Places to see in Curacao

Places To See in Curacao

There are plenty of things to do in Curacao, from exploring its natural beauty to enjoying its vibrant nightlife. Some popular activities include diving and snorkelling in the island's world-renowned reefs, sunbathing on the beaches, and partying all night at one of the many nightclubs. No matter what your interests are, there is something for all types of solos to enjoy on this multicultural island. 

Curaçao is a Dutch island located in the southern Caribbean Sea. It’s one of the ABC islands along with neighbouring Aruba and Bonaire. Curacao is known for its beaches, coral reefs and colourful colonial architecture. The island is also home to surprising wildlife like flamingos and sea turtles. Below are some of the must-sees in Curacao to visit on your solo trip.

Places To See in Curacao

Willemstad

Willemstad is the capital, known for its colourful Dutch-style buildings, 17th-century warehouses and a harbour filled with yachts. Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has some of the most photogenic colonial architecture in the Caribbean. Make sure to see the colourful buildings of Willemstad along the waters edge and wander the streets to explore all the different neighborhoods. 

Explore Downtown Willemstad and its colourful squares whilst stopping to take photos whilst exploring the city. It has beautiful buildings that are painted bright colours like pink, blue or yellow so you can't miss them. 

Places To See in Curacao

Willemstad

Curacao Museum

If you love museums, the Curacao Museum is the oldest museum on the island and is located in Willemstad in the western part of Otrobanda. The museum has a collection of old photographs and maps from Curaçao as well as artefacts from the pre-Dutch colonial period. It's closed on Sundays and Mondays but open every other day so if you're interested in history or want to learn more about this little island before your trip, be sure to visit during its hours of operation.

Places To See in Curacao

Kasadi Kultura

Kura Hulanda Museum 

The Kura Hulanda Museum is another interesting museum that depicts what life was like for slaves during colonial times. Located in the city centre, they have an exhibit on slavery in Africa, one about the slave trade in the Caribbean, and another about the emancipation of slaves. It's a sobering but important look at history.

Floating Market Curacao

Floating Market Curacao

Sadly, one of Curaçao's most popular tourist attractions is no longer there. The floating market in Willemstad was once an important part of history. The market had been around for more than a century and was run by the same family. It used to be located right next to downtown Willemstad where you could buy all sorts of fresh produce. If you wander down to downtown you may still see some of the fishing boats here. 

For sunset, head to Queen Emma Bridge, a pontoon bridge in the city for some beautiful views over Willemstad cityscape (and maybe even catch sight of a cruise ship!) To meet others at night, consider taking a happy hour sunset sail for stunning views on the water's edge with others. 

Beaches in Curacao

Beaches in Curacao

The best things about this island are its beaches. Mambo Beach is great for swimming, sunbathing and people watching. There’s a lagoon that’s been created by wave breakers so it’s safe to swim or you can just relax on a sun lounger after a morning of sightseeing. This trendy beach with a boulevard has restaurants and bars where you can do a spot of shopping, eat sushi or pizza and then head to Hemingway Beach Bar after sunset for happy hour. It’s one of the most sociable beach areas. 

For the ocean GatG You can find plenty of snorkelling spots on Curaçao Island. Playa Kalki located in Sabana Westpunt is famous for being one of the most beautiful beaches on Curacao even though there isn't much sand here but instead lots of corals and marine life. So hire some snorkel gear to explore these calm waters or go diving here instead. If you haven't dived before, you can even take an introductory dive with Scubacao.

Swim with sea turtles at Playa Piskado, a small fishing beach, or see them at Playa Lagun or Playa Grandi. If you have time, visit Klein Curacao, Curacao’s uninhabited island that lies 8 miles off the coast. It’s the scenery of picture-perfect postcards and you can take a catamaran here for the day. This is also one of the places to see the turtles. 

Places To See in Curacao

Westpoint

Curacao Sea Aquarium

If you prefer to stay on land and explore the underwater world dry instead, the Curacao Sea Aquarium near Mambo Beach has over 200 species of marine life including sharks, stingrays and jellyfish that you can see up close. There are also interactive exhibits where visitors can touch or feed some animals and learn about the ocean as you dive in and explore the underwater world.

Christoffel Park

Christoffel Park

For the active and nature GatG, Christoffel National Park is Curaçao's largest national park and the most biodiverse. Christoffel is a great place for hikers and bird watchers with its well-marked trails that take you through different landscapes like cactus forests and coastal scenery. You can also find an old plantation here and learn the story of it at the Savonet Museum, a 19th century plantation house. 

Hiking along Christoffel National Park trails leads up to the highest point on Curacao: Mount Christoffel (or Christoffelberg as it is also known) is 375 meters above sea level and offers 360 degrees from the top.

Places To See in Curacao

The church of Willibrordus near the flamingos

See The Wildlife

For the wildlife GatG, one of the best things to do in Curacao is spot flamingos at the Flamingo Sanctuary in Williwood. Apparently, the flamingos are born grey then due to their diet of shrimp, they turn pink! This is where you’ll also find the salt lagoon and the church of Willibrordus which is more than 140 years old. 

Then there’s the Ostrich Farm where you can learn more about the life stages of an ostrich and can even get up close and personal to these giant birds and feed them! It’s definitely an experience. 

Places To See in Curacao

Hato Caves

Other Curacao things to do include stepping inside the Hato Caves. Used as shelter by the Arawaks and by slaves that escaped during colonial times, these limestone caves are now a hideout for fruit bats. Inside are cave paintings dating back 1,500 years and stalactites and stalagmites resembling a turtle and a pirate’s head. You need a guide to explore inside the caves. 

Curacao Liquor Factory

For the food and drink GatG, one of the best things to do in Curaçao, is visit the Curacao Liquor Distillery. Discover the distilling process of this colourful liquor at Landaus Chobolobo and taste the famous liquor. You can also make your own cocktail if you attend during the cocktail workshop. It’s worth going here to see this iconic yellow 19th-century mansion. There’s also a Blue Curacao Experience in Willemstad where you can sample the blue liquor and relax at the cocktail bar. Tours aren’t available Saturday or Sunday.

* Check prices and dates for Curacao Distillery tour

Curaçao definitely offers something for everyone so whether you're looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an action-packed adventure, this island is the perfect destination.

Where to stay in Curacao

Where To Stay in Curacao

When it comes to accommodation, Curaçao offers a wide range of options. You can find everything from hostels and B&Bs to luxury hotels and resorts on the island. If you're looking for the best deals, try booking during the low season or searching for packages that include flights and accommodations together. 

When it comes to finding a place to stay in Curacao, there are plenty of options no matter what your budget is. If you’re on a budget, the Bed & Bike Curacao is a hostel with female-only dorm rooms starting from £20 per night.

All of the accommodations below have been recommended by solo female travellers from our Girls about the Globe community and come with a Solo Female Friendly endorsement. For all other accommodation, click on the link below and search for the solo traveller reviews. 

* To book, check prices or availability for all Curacao accommodations

Willemstad Resort – $

Willemstad Resort is an aparthotel in the capital. This is where I stayed. It’s a cheap option for the island and the rooms are clean and comfortable. There’s also a kitchen so you can buy food from the mini-market and cook your own meals and or explore the nearby market for more local dishes. The onsite bar makes it easy to meet others here and I met several different nationalities and explored the nightlife with them. You can rent a car from the resort too. Choose from a studio apartment with single bed, an economy double room, a standard or deluxe studio or an apartment. 

Saint Tropez Boutique Hotel – $$

The Saint Tropez Boutique Hotel is a beachfront property with style. It’s in a great location near the city centre but far away enough to escape it. There’s an outdoor infinity pool and a great restaurant or if you want to explore the local area cafes and restaurants are just a short walk away. Plus they arrange airport shuttles too. You can also take the bus a quick ride away to Mambo Beach. Choose from an executive double room, a superior double room with a balcony or sea view (or both!) Or a junior suite or one-bed apartment. 

Bayside Boutique Hotel – $$$

For those looking to stay close to the beach, the Bayside Boutique Hotel is one-minute walk away and is located at the Blue Bay Golf & Beach Resort so you can try your hand at golf for a discount! There’s a restaurant on-site and water sports to keep you active during the day. The rooms are spacious with soundproofing and a coffee machine plus there’s a pool if you don’t want to swim in the sea. The staff are welcoming and friendly. Choose from a standard or superior double room, a deluxe king room or a king suite with a balcony.

Curacao Tours

Curacao Tours

If you're not comfortable driving or renting a vehicle, then consider signing up for a tour. There are plenty of companies that offer tours of Curacao's highlights (including its beaches, reefs and jungles) so you can see as much as possible in one day without having to worry about getting lost or driving yourself around.

Day Tours – Viator helps you to find top-rated activities and day trips in worldwide destinations including Curacao. Choose from a half-day ATV adventure tour around the island, a beach-hopping tour along the west coast or a tour to the Hato Caves, including swimming with turtles and Porto Mari Beach. There are several to choose from including a happy hour sunset sail from Willemstad and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews for the guided tour, price and availability then book online.

* Check all Viator tours and prices for Curacao

Yellow Adventures – One of the best ways to explore Curacao is to take a jeep safari. I took a jeep safari with Yellow Adventures and it was such a cool bumpy ride through deserted landscapes. The 4×4 takes you off road to the north shore and Christoffel National Park where you get to see historical sites from the slave trade and plantations with some amazing views. 

How To Get Around Curaçao

How To Get Around Curaçao

Curacao is not a large island so it's easy to get around by car. You can rent one from the airport and drive yourself around if you're comfortable doing this or take taxis when needed. There are also some public buses with routes running throughout Willemsted (the main city on Curaçao) that go as far as the Christoffel National Park so you can easily get around without a car.

If you're looking to explore the island and don't want to drive, then consider renting a scooter or bicycle. This is a great way to see more of Curacao in a shorter amount of time and there are plenty of places to rent them both in Willemstad and at other tourist destinations around the island.

Curacao International Airport

The airport that serves Curacao is Hato International Airport. This airport is located near Willemstad, which makes it easy to get into town after landing on your flight. A taxi will cost approx $30 from the airport to Willemstad and expect to pay more for Mambo Beach. There is also a bus from Hato Airport to Willemstad that takes 30 minutes with 20 stops to Otrabanda Bus Station. See here for fares. 

Best Time To Visit Curacao

Best Time To Visit Curacao

Curacao is always warm. Temperatures usually don’t fall below 29 degrees Celsius so you’re guaranteed sun any time of year. The best time to go to Curaçao is during the dry season, from December to April. The temperatures are a little cooler then, but it's generally sunny and there is very little rain. It also happens to coincide with Carnival celebrations on February 20th so there will be plenty of fun things happening during this period as well. 

Expect rain from July to September with October to December being the wettest months during the Curacao rainy season. If you're looking for the best deals on hotels and flights, try visiting in the low season (May to November). The chart below shows the average temperatures in Curacao from January to December. 

Curacao weather

FAQs

  • Can I drink the water? Yes, it is safe to drink in Curacao. There is a desalination plant on the island.
  • Is tipping expected in Curacao? – Tipping is not mandatory in Curacao, but it is customary to leave a small tip (usually around 10-15%) if you were happy with the service you received.
  • Fixed price or barter? Fixed price.
  • What currency is used in Curaçao? The currency used in Curacao is the Antillean guilder (ANG) which is also called the Florin. This is also accepted in Saint Maarten. You can exchange your currency for ANG at most banks or airports on the island. There are several ATMs in Willemstad and credit cards are also widely accepted throughout Curacao (but not American Express). 
  • Which side of the road do they drive? They drive on the right-hand side in Curacao 
  • Any Seven Wonders of the World? No.

Map of Curacao

solo travel in Curacao