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CRUISING TO THE CARIBBEAN:
CURACAO ATTRACTIONS: OUTSIDE WILLEMSTAD |
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Most of Curacao's beaches are along its southern coast,
particularly at the western end of the island. However, unlike some Caribbean islands, e.g. Aruba and Grand Cayman, which have long stretches of sandy beaches, the beaches on Curacao are smaller, often in scenic, sheltered coves along the coast. Various sources estimate that Curacao has between 38 and 50 beaches or "playas" in Spanish and Papiamento. These vary widely in their development with some having no facilties and some having all of the amenities of a resort. Some beaches are free while others have an admissions charge and/or a charge for facilities. The clear waters and the fact that the sea floor drops steeply a few hundred feet from shore make many of Curacao's beaches attractive to scuba divers. Above and left: The pictureseque Playa Forti (West Point
Beach). Below: Groot Knip Baai (Playa Kenepa Grandi or Playa Abou), one of the most popular beaches on the island. 
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Curacao's shoreline also has another form of natural beauty - - the awesome power of the ocean crashing against the limestone rocks of the northern coast. The best and most popular spot for viewing this phenomenon is Boka Tabla, where the thundering
water has carved out a deep grotto in the rock. 
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The area around Boka Tabla is a national park cllaed Shete Boka. In addition to the coast, one can see examples of the island's exotic vegetation.
Adjoining Shete Boka is the island's largest national Park Chritoffel Park which is centered around Mount Christoffel (left). The park has eight hiking trails and is alive with birds and wildlife.
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The Dutch built plantations (landhuis) on Curacao and several have been restored and opened to the public. Museo Tula on the former Kenepa plantation is dedicated to documenting and illustrating the life of the African servants and slaves who worked the plantations.
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One of the objectives of the Dutch in colonizing Curacao was to obtain a source of salt which they could use in the herring industry to preserve the fish. Curacao's salt marshes retain a wild beauty. They also attract flocks of flamingos on an irregular basis.
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Cruise destination travel guide - Curacao - Curacao Attractions: Outside Willemstad