With pastel-coloured architecture along its hypnotically blue waters, Curaçao makes a postcard-perfect destination for families, couples, and solo travellers alike.
Curaçao is one of four countries in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which also includes Aruba and St. Maarten, and features a whopping 35 stunning beaches to relax on.
Looking for a place to enjoy a night out on the town?
The oldest bar in Curaçao, Netto Bar, was established in 1954 and services its popular green rum in the historical district of Willemstad.
If you're keen on a view, the Cascada Rooftop Bar + Kitchen offers stunning 360-degree views of the island and the ocean. A DJ spins house music while visitors snack on tapas and sip cocktails all day and into the night.
Find out everything you need to know about planning your trip to Curaçao from Vancouver.
What airlines should I fly to to Curaçao?
From Vancouver International Airport (YVR), travellers fly to Curaçao International Airport (CUR) via a couple of routes; there are no direct flights but many of them make stops at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Los Angeles (LAX), or Panama City (PTY) on the way.
Airlines that fly to or partially to Curaçao via one of their airline partners include:
- Air Canada
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- Avianca
- COPA
- Delta
- JetBlue
- Qatar Airways
- United Airlines
- WestJet
When should I book my ticket to Curaçao?
One-way tickets for flights from YVR to CUR start for as little as $200 -- but those deals are few and far between and involve a couple of stopovers rather than one. However, you can snag a ticket for as little as $240 booking one only a couple of weeks to a few months in advance. Trips booked beyond six months tend to cost a great deal more.
For return trips, prices start at about $500 but will involve a couple of stops and one of them is generally quite long. However, this price is about $350 cheaper than an average round-trip ticket, according to Google Flights. These tickets are also few and far between but you can find them using Google's flight price calendar. You can also use the toggle to keep your stopovers shorter or include only one rather than two.
When is the best time of year to visit Curaçao?
Since it is located in the Caribbean, Curaçao faces a long hurricane season. The best time to visit the island is between December and April. During this period, visitors will enjoy primarily bluebird skies and hot temperatures.
If you do visit the island during hurricane season, the Canadian government offers the following recommendations:
- know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
- be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
- stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
- carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
- follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
Is it safe to visit Curaçao?
The Canadian government gives travellers the green light to visit this Caribbean paradise.
While travellers should heed the same safety precautions they would take in any country, Curaçao has the lowest risk rating available for Canada's advisories. Petty theft, such as purse snatching and pick-pocketing, does happen in some tourist areas. Violent crimes also occur but rates are low.
Important considerations in Curaçao for tourists to know
By Dutch law, you must always carry identification in Curaçao. Canada advises you to carry your "passport with you at all times."
Thinking of taking some seashells home from the seashore? Think again.
"It is strictly prohibited to remove and attempt to leave the island with pieces of coral or conch seashells," according to Canada's advisory.
The currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG) but US dollars are widely accepted.
Do I need to get any special travel vaccines ahead of visiting Curaçao?
Visit a travel medical clinic before you book a ticket. The healthcare professionals will inform you about what vaccinations you require and what you can expect on your trip. There are risks of contracting several viruses spread by mosquitoes including Zika and chikungunya.
Pregnant women, or women planning to get pregnant soon, may want to rethink their travel plans. The Canadian government recommends that you wait for two months after visiting Curaçao or after the onset of illness due to Zika virus (whichever is longer) before trying to get pregnant. If your male partner travelled with you, wait three months after travel or after the onset of illness.
What kind of activities can I enjoy in Curaçao?
Known for wide-spread coral reefs, the tropical gem offers numerous places to snorkel and dive for people of all ages and skill levels. Popular sites include the Airplane Wreck and a vibrant "sponge forest" near a secluded and intimate beach. There's even a popular spot known as "Eel Valley" that was once teeming with long sea creatures. Divers can still see some of them but there are a great deal of other marine inhabitants to discover in the unique spot.
Tourists can also enjoy rock climbing, a jeep safari, skydiving, laser tag, kayaking, or visit one of many luxurious spas. There are also several museums and historical attractions to visit.
Do I need a visa to visit Curaçao?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you expect to leave Curaçao.
Tourists do not require a visa for stays up to 30 days but you must fill out an Embarkation and Disembarkation card (ED-card) before arrival. Your ED-card can be completed online, upon booking your travel.
How much money will I spend on accommodation?
The accommodations range from $130 to $150, climbing upwards of $500 for a night's stay.
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