PLAYING IN CURACAO

Most Curaçao beaches are small bays with white sand and clear water. The best beaches are on the southern coast of the island, where the water is calm. The northern coast is quite rocky, and swimming is inadvisable due to choppy waters. The closest beach to the port is at the Seaquarium south of Willemstad—they have a man-made beach (admission of 5.25 guilders/person). Daaibooi to the north is a white sandy beach with a snack bar and chairs for rent (free admission).

Diving is excellent in Curaçao—a coral reef completely encircles the shoreline, meaning most sites are about 50–100 yards off the coast (so no need to charter a boat). We hear Mushroom Forest is one of the most beautiful sites—it has giant mushroom-shaped coral formations. Playa Porto Mari has an interesting “double coral reef”—explore one reef, swim over it, and find another reef. To find a dive operator, visit http://www.cdoa.org. Prefer snorkeling? The Natural Underwater Park, which extends from the Seaquarium to Jan Thiel Beach, was designed for snorkelers—it features a trail of interpretive markers.

There are plenty of sightseeing spots, including Hato Caves, Curaçao Ostrich and Game Farm, Boca Tabla, the Seaquarium, and Landhouse Chobolobo (where Blue Curaçao liqueur is made). If these turn you on, we suggest you do one of the many Disney excursions to these sites.

Curaçao is well-known for its variety when it comes to shopping. You can expect to fi nd items from Europe, Latin America, and North America—jewelry, watches, and clothing are specialties. Most shops are within walking distance in Punda’s Breedestraat, Heerenstraat, and Madurostraat, and Otrabanda’s Breedestraat. While goods are not duty-free, the shopkeepers do pay lower duties. There is no sales tax. Avoid sticker shock by always asking if prices are in U.S. Dollars or Netherland Antilles Guilders (Florins). Note that bargaining is not common, though it may be tolerated at the floating market.

For more details on Curaçao, visit http://www.curacao.com.