So you’ve set your heart on that dream Caribbean vacation and you’ve chosen Curaçao as your destination? Great choice! You won’t be disappointed. But before you get too excited, take some time to learn about our island because it is rich in history, multi-cultural and its natural beauty is breathtaking. By planning all the logistical elements of your trip ahead of time, you can arrive on Curaçao with peace of mind, allowing yourself to focus on relaxing and enjoying the vacation of a lifetime.
And, we understand that all that research and work involved in making arrangements can feel overwhelming at times. That is why we’ve broken it down to make life easier for you. Here are the 7 Things You Don’t Want To Forget as you start thinking about your trip to Curaçao
Planning Your Visit
Doing the groundwork before arriving in the idyllic paradise of Curaçao is key. Start by getting to know your destination – with so much to see and do on this little island you’ll need to do your research and create an itinerary so you don’t miss out on any of the highlights. Next, you’ll have to choose where to stay – LionsDive Beach Resort Curaçao is a great choice with an array of choices to meet a range of budgets and guest requirements. Be sure to book your flights in advance to ensure you get a good deal.
What To Pack
Now that all the logistics have been taken care of, the countdown to that dream vacation can begin. Curaçao is in sight. While the island is well equipped when it comes to shopping facilities, there are a few essential personal items you’ll need to pack. This might be stating the obvious, but you won’t get very far without a valid passport (check the visa requirements too!) If you plan on exploring the island at your own pace you’ll want to hire a car so be sure to bring your driver’s license with you.
Curaçao being a world class diving destination of note means that holidaymakers are often keen to discover the island’s underwater wonderland. If this is you, you’ll need to bring your scuba diving certification card. While most places on the island accept international credit/debit cards, having some US dollars or guilders is always handy. Last but not least, you’ll be getting your fix of sunshine while in Curaçao so be sure to pack some reef-safe sunscreen and when you need a top-up, then Ocean Encounters is well-stocked.
Getting To Your Hotel
After a long journey, the last thing you’ll want is to stress looking for your hotel. You won’t struggle to get to LionsDive Beach Resort though. We are located near Mambo Beach Boulevard, one of Curaçao’s most popular tourist locations so grab a shuttle or a taxi from the airport and you’ll arrive at your home away from home in next to no time. Alternatively, if you are planning on roaming the island on your own terms then fetch your pre-arranged hire car when you arrive and make your own way to the resort.
Enjoying Your Stay
Now some useful tips to help you make the most of your island vacation. Book your activities ahead of time to avoid missing out. Don’t stress if you’ve forgotten something, the shops on Mambo Beach Boulevard stock a range of beachwear and personal care items. And once you’ve got your gear on it’ll be time to get beach-hopping and explore the best of island life. Once the sunsets, don’t expect Curaçao to go to sleep – head downtown for some fun. Punda Vibes is a blast, especially on Thursday nights.
Eating Out
You better come hungry because Curaçao is a foodie’s dream. Whether you’re after a light snack or a decadent feast, one thing is for sure you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options. Curaçao boasts a wealth of restaurants – holidaymakers can try local delicacies or sample a range of international offerings! And of course, it wouldn’t be a true Caribbean vacation without a tropical cocktail or two, and with Happy Hours galore you’ll have no excuse not to indulge. Hemingway Beach Bar and Restaurant and Chill Beach Bar and Grill are always a hit for sundowners and luckily for our LionsDive Beach Resort guests, these hotspots are right on-site.
Experiencing History And Culture
Of course, most visitors come for the beaches but it would be a shame to miss out on the rich history and culture of the island. A visit to the ‘Plasa Bieu’ or the Old Market is a great place to get an authentic feel for the island while sampling some decadent local cuisine.
Walking tours are a great way to see the main features of the city while stretching your legs. Art enthusiasts should take the art tour to check out some local talent. If you are looking for a more in-depth insight into the island’s past check out the Curaçao Museum or the Maritime Museum.
And for something quite memorable, visit the Blue Curaçao Factory to see how the island’s world-famous liquor export is made!
Enjoying Nature
From the moment they arrive on the island, vacationers can’t fail to be inspired by Curaçao’s natural beauty. For many holidaymakers diving and snorkeling will feature in their vacation plans. If you want to make the most of Curaçao’s marine treasures head to Ocean Encounters where you’ll get the best advice when it comes to your underwater adventures. Be sure to leave some time for some land-based adventures too – a hike up Christoffel Mountain will leave you with a huge sense of accomplishment but for those looking for a more of a leisurely ramble the island boasts plenty of lovely nature walks at Shete Boka National Park. And for something truly spectacular right on your LionsDive Resort doorstep, why not take an early morning hike through the Jan Thiel Salt Pans and try your luck at spotting flamingos.
Now, having covered all the bases, it’s time to start getting excited! Whatever your idea of fun – be it a grueling hike, lazy days on the beach, discovering the marine world or discovering Caribbean Island culture, Curaçao has it all! Get ready to make memories that’ll last time you a lifetime as adventure and inspiration await you on the beautiful Dutch Caribbean Island of Curaçao.
