Curacao excursions – Activities in nature
Venture out with Curacao’s most fun natural attractions
Are you looking for an unforgettable, active vacation experience in Curaçao? One of the best ways to have memorable experiences is to explore the wonderful nature attractions Curaçao has to offer. From lush national parks with wildlife to spectacular caves and seaside cliffs with amazing views. There are plenty of interesting activities in special places in pristine nature that you can enjoy during your visit. We will name some of the main attractions and the most enjoyable excursions.
Christoffel National Park
At 2,300 hectares, Christoffel Park is Curaçao’s largest park dedicated to nature conservation. Established in 1978, the park is located on the northern coast and features the hilly surroundings of Jeremi next to the old plantations of Plantation Savonet, Plantation Zorgvlied and Plantation Zevenbergen. Christoffel National Park offers an abundance of flora and fauna, including wild goats, iguanas and parrots.
Christoffel Park has something for everyone, from hikers looking for a challenge through the rugged terrain to bird watchers looking to see typical island species. These include the white-tailed deer, the cottontail rabbit, the native barn owl and the caracara. There are also several archaeological sites in this area that provide insight into the indigenous cultures that lived here centuries ago.
National Park
There are a number of ways to experience the park. Car paths have been fully paved for a few years now, so visitors can drive around at their own pace and discover the beautiful places. These days, you can drive around without a four-wheel drive vehicle. There are paved roads and also as many as eight different hiking trails. These range from the shortest and easiest, suitable for those with walking difficulties, to the extreme die-hard trek to the top of Mount Christoffel; the highest point on the island (and the Kingdom).
Climbing Mount Christoffel
For smaller groups, it is highly recommended to start the ascent of this mountain early in the morning with a guide. This can be done on Sunday mornings regularly at 6 a.m. or by appointment at other times. Be sure to book in advance. The cost is USD 30 (about €28.00) per person. Children up to 6 years old have free admission.
Terra Boutique Hotel
Located At Sea, In The Middle of Pietermaai.
Terra Boutique Hotel has a unique location in the heart of the island of Curaçao, Willemstad. While you can relax and have a dip in the Caribbean waters, it’s also possible to enjoy the Caribbean culture and bustling neighbourhood of Pietermaai. Shops, bars and the finest restaurants are within walking distance from our Hotel. Besides this, Pietermaai has a lot more to offer like museums, live-music, markets, local crafts and the best Caribbean street food.
After all the hustle and the bustle of Willemstad, you can enjoy the beautiful and relaxing sunset at our private beach with your favourite drink.
Shete Boka National Park
Adjacent to Christoffel Park is the national park Shete Boka (translated: seven coves or bays) established in 1994 and covering some 200 hectares. Located on the northwest coast of Curaçao, Shete Boka National Park is home to some of the island’s most beautiful landscapes. This protected area thus consists of several beautiful bays and inlets, each with their own unique features such as pristine beaches, caves and rock formations. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, iguanas and several bird species. You can do some fun excursions here.
Boka Tabla
One of the park’s most notable attractions is Boka Tabla, a cave accessible from land on one side and where the sea enters on the other. Visitors can explore the park through guided tours or walk on their own along one of the many trails.
Boka Pistol
You can take a one-hour hike to Boka Brown, where turtles come ashore to nest. You will also pass by Boka Pistol. This is a spot on the coast of Curaçao where large waves pound on the rocks, giving the impression of explosions. You can enjoy stunning views of the blue water at this great spot.
Boka Wandomi
During this approximately one-hour hike, you will pass lava rocks on your way to Boka Wandomi and Curaçao’s natural bridge over the sea. Returning to the park’s most famous spot, Boka Tabla, is a breeze.
Caves of Hato
In the northwest of Curaçao are the Hato Caves – an impressive network of stalactites, stalagmites and other fascinating cave formations created by limestone deposits millions of years ago. As such, it is a historical landmark and has a dark history. With the beginning of the slave trade in Curaçao, these caves served a necessary purpose. Slaves on the run often hid here for months.
Arawak Indians lived in the caves long before Europeans arrived. The petroglyphs and cave paintings date back about 1,500 years. The Hato Caves and the area around them can be explored. Inside the caves you will be guided by a professional guide who has been here for decades informing visitors about Curaçao’s history in a fun way. It is truly a unique experience.
Hofi Pastor
The oldest tree in all of Curaçao stands in a small orchard called Hofi Pastor. At more than 400 years old, this kapok tree is awe-inspiring to behold. In Barber, on the west side of Curaçao, you will find the orchard, near the big yellow Roman Catholic church. There are two trails you can take through Hofi Pastor, one of which leads to the rugged coast of Curaçao to the north. Both trails are 2 kilometers long and can be covered in about an hour. Above all, wear sturdy shoes and don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray. The courtyard is home to a variety of animals, including iguanas, butterflies and birds.
Flamingo spotting
These beautiful pink birds have permanent breeding sites in several places on the island. Flamingos can be seen at the Flamingo Sanctuary Sint Willibrordus on the salt flats at Jan Kok Bay, as well as at the salt flats of Jan Thiel and St Michielsbaai. You can best spot flamingos along the route from Willemstad to Willibrordus. Keep your car parked well to the side of the road at Jan Kok Bay so you can see the flamingos in peace. Although the beautiful, salmon-colored flamingos seen here are originally from Bonaire, they regularly visit neighboring Curaçao in search of food. You can see a flamingo at any time of day, but the best time to take photos of swarms is between 6:30 and 7:30 in the morning.
Ostrich Farm
Check out The Curaçao Ostrich Farm to get a closer look at the intriguing ostrich in its natural habitat. You can interact with them in many ways, including touching, feeding and riding (only for real daredevils). Every full hour, the Safari truck leaves for a tour. You can have lunch or dinner at Restaurant Zambezi while you are there to see the ostriches. There is also a souvenir store selling authentic African handicrafts.
We would love to welcome you at Terra Boutique Hotel
Aloe Vera Farm
You will learn everything there is to know about this medicinal plant, the plantation and the production process during the tour of the Aloe Vera Farm. If you happen to visit during harvest or production, you will have the rare opportunity to see these processes firsthand. There are also, of course, great products with Aloe Vera available from the plantation.
Venture out
So Curaçao certainly has plenty to offer nature lovers. Whether it is exploring Shete Boka National Park on foot or by car, admiring towering rock formations in Christoffel National Park or exploring the dark depths of the Hato caves – there is something everyone could add to their vacation checklist. Many of the above excursions can be booked through an Island Tour Road Trip. So what are you waiting for, pack your backpack and go on an adventure today!
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