Willemstad, Curacao

Travel into the countryside, passing salt flats and flamingos before arriving at the Hato Caves. This dramatic collection of grottoes is filled with stalactites, stalagmites and crystal-clear pools, centuries in the making. At the foot of the Caves, is the Petroglyph Trail, where, time permitting, you may choose to take a short independent walk along, passing an ancient slave shelter and exceptional 1500-year-old religious scenes carved into the rock walls.

Afterwards you will head to the Curaçao Museum which was founded in 1946, and combines contemporary art with an exhibition of life in 19th century Curaçao. During your tour you will also enjoy a brief stop at the Chobolobo Liqueur Factory, giving you an ideal opportunity to taste and purchase the locally distilled Curaçao Liqueur.

Cross the Queen Juliana Bridge and catch a glimpse of the wonderful view over Willemstad.

Note: There are approximately 50 steps to negotiate when entering the caves and some steps once inside. The terrain is uneven and gravel in parts and can become slippery. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are essential. Guests are requested not to touch the formations in Hato Caves for environmental reasons. Photography is only permitted in certain areas of the Caves. If you wish to remain in Willemstad after your tour, please note that you will be responsible for your own return to the quayside.

A taxi will transfer you the short distance across the Queen Juliana Bridge to your waiting Trolley Train.

Your tour begins at Fort Amsterdam. Sit back and relax as you pass by the floating bridge and floating market, before heading off to Scharloo, lined with picturesque homes built by Curaçao’s wealthy merchants. You will stop at Bolo Di Bruit, known as the ‘wedding cake’ house, said to be the city’s most photographed building. Stop by the Cathedral and pass the ancient Synagogue, Queen Wilhelmia Park and Waterfort Arches.

After your scenic tour, you will return to Fort Amsterdam, built in 1635 to guard the entrance to the harbour from enemy ships. The old Citadel has now been converted into the Governor’s Palace and the office of the Central Government of the Netherlands Antilles.

You may choose to remain in Willemstad at the end of the tour. If so, you will be responsible for your own return to the quayside.

Note: The trolley train ride is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, however both the train ride and tour duration may be affected by local traffic conditions. Guests must negotiate the step onto and off the Trolley Train. Please note that the Cathedral may not be accessible during services. Modest dress is recommended to enter the Cathedral.

Descend into the hull of the Seaworld Explorer underwater observatory. Sitting in air-conditioned comfort five feet below the surface, you can watch the watery world and its inhabitants pass you by through the large windows. You will see coral reefs along the south side of the island and notice the ocean wall dropping sharply to depths of several hundred feet, a view only normally seen by submarines and divers. Dozens of colourful tropical fish such as Yellowtail Snapper, Sergeant Majors, Parrotfish and Angelfish make these warm waters their home.

Once back on land, cross over the Queen Juliana Bridge, 200 feet above Willemstad and onto the Chobolobo Liqueur Factory, where you will have the opportunity to sample the famous Blue Curaçao Liqueur.

Note: You may choose to end your tour in Willemstad and make your own way back to the quayside. Guests must be able to negotiate 2 or 3 steps onto and off the Seaworld Explorer.

Step aboard this state-of-the-art semi-submarine developed in Australia for use on the Great Barrier Reef. The vessel does not submerge; you descend into the hull of this cruising underwater observatory and sit in air-conditioned comfort five feet below the surface of the water, exploring sea life through clear glass windows.

Your tour begins at the dock in Willemstad, where you will be driven the short distance to board the Seaworld Explorer. Your trip includes a narrated tour of the coral reefs along the south side of the island. Just offshore is the ocean wall, dropping sharply to depths of several hundred feet. See dozens of colourful tropical fish such as Yellowtail Snapper, Sergeant Majors, Parrotfish and Queen Angelfish, as well as delicate colonies of coral that took thousands of years to grow.

Note: Guests must be able to negotiate two or three steps onto and off the Seaworld Explorer. Marine life sightings are dependent on local sea conditions.

After a short guided walk from the ship, you will arrive at a beautifully restored 100 year old mansion and your venue for the day; Angelica’s Kitchen. Meet the chef and enjoy some light refreshments of tea or coffee and a delicious local pastry.

Your chef for the day will begin to demonstrate how to prepare a variety of Caribbean and local dishes, telling you all about the special ingredients and methods of preparation and cooking. Following the demonstration, you and your team will prepare the same dishes, while the chef offers assistance and advice.

When the dishes are all prepared, it’s time for you to sample the fruits of your labour, accompanied by specially selected local wine.

After your light luncheon, you will receive recipes of the food that you have prepared before taking the short, leisurely walk back to the ship.

Note: This tour involves approximately 30 minutes of walking over some uneven ground. Guests will be required to stand for some periods of time during the demonstration and cooking. Dishes cooked may include Angelica’s Plantain Soup, typical Caribbean Salt Fish stew or other delicious local specialties.

Take a scenic drive across to the west coast and on to Boka Tabla, one of the island’s national parks. Stop and admire the rock formations of Curaçao’s volcanic coastline and the views out to sea.

Your journey will continue past West Point, which offers a delightful view over the Caribbean Sea at Playa Forti. A short stop will be made at the Tula Museum, which is located in a restored plantation house and features a large collection of Curaçao’s African heritage. Discover fascinating facts about our African ancestors, during and after the slavery period.

Afterwards, head for the UNESCO designated Knip Beach, a natural beach surrounded by volcanic hills. Enjoy a short stop to take in more of the island’s coastal sights.

Your return journey will show you the Jan Kock salt flats, where flocks of pink flamingos make their home. You will also pass by the house of Jan Kok, a legendary Dutchman famed for his amorous adventures.

Note: This tour involves approximately one hour of walking over varying terrain, which includes uneven ground, shingle and some steps. Comfortable, non-slip flat walking shoes are recommended.

Setting off the port by bus, take a scenic drive across the island to the west coast and on to Christoffel Park. Upon arrival you will enjoy a visit to the Savonet Plantation House, which is home to the nature museum. As you follow your guide through the museum, you will learn many interesting facts about the exhibits. The museum is part of an ongoing protection and conservation project, in particular the local Iguana’s, which you may have the opportunity to view.

Afterwards, board your 4x4 jeep for a drive along one of the trails, taking you through the national park. Discover an abundance of flora, including Divi Divi trees, prickly pear cactus and exotic flowers. During your drive look out for some of the many species of animal life and you may be lucky enough to catch sight of white tail Curaçao deer.

It is then time to rejoin your bus for the return journey to the port, en-route you will pass by the Jan Kock salt flats, where flocks of pink flamingos make their home.

Note: This tour is not suitable for those with injuries or conditions, which may be affected by the bumpy ride. Pregnant women and children under 12 may not participate. This tour involves around one hour of walking over varying terrain which includes some uneven ground and steps. Flat, closed toe shoes are recommended. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Setting off from the port, take a short ride to the kayaking point, where you will be met by your guides. After a full safety briefing and instruction, you will be shown to your kayak.

As you follow your guides, you will paddle under the old pier gliding through the clear Caribbean waters. Enjoy the beauty of the coastline as you pass by Fort Beekenburg and a typical old manor estate, known as Quarantine House.

Kayak your way to Doctor’s Bay, where you can enjoy some time snorkelling and discover the underwater world of Curaçao. Afterwards, it is time to kayak back to the starting point, where you will enjoy a soft drink refreshment before the return drive to the port.

Note: Pregnant women and children under the age of 12 are not permitted to participate. Those with conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, high blood pressure or other medical conditions may not be able to participate. Participants should be competent swimmers and physically fit. Please take a hat, sunglasses, shoes that can get wet, a towel and non-oil sunscreen. You will be required to wear a life jacket. Snorkel equipment is included. Marine life sightings cannot be guaranteed and visibility is dependent on sea conditions. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ and ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.