Best things to do in Curacao on a Cruise!

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Are you visiting Curacao on a Caribbean cruise? There are so many things to see and do on this gorgeous island. Today we are sharing our best things to do in Curacao on a cruise!

We have had the opportunity to visit the island multiple times and love spending time in Curacao.

1. Explore on your own

You can easily explore the main city of Willemstad on your own from the cruise ship. A short walk through the Rif Fort along the water and you are in town. The city is easily walkable and quite gorgeous. From the multi-colored buildings to the friendly people in town. The Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour are a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

2. Walk the Queen Emma Bridge

The Queen Emma Bridge is a floating bridge that moves when ships come into the harbor. It is not surprising to see people running and leaping at the end to get into town. Keep an eye out for ships pulling into the harbor so you know if the bridge is going to open. If the bridge is open, you can also take a free water taxi across the harbor.

3. Visit the Floating Market

The floating market is filled with fruits, vegetables and amazing spices from South America.

4. Wander around Willemstad

Willemstad is a colorful city that is easily walkable. You can wander the streets exploring the local shops, markets, and historic sites. The city is painted in bright, cheerful colors that are amazing.

5. Visit a nature park

Many of the cruise excursions will take you around the island. Keep an eye out for flamingos and other tropical birds while exploring.

6. Taste the local liquor at a Curacao liquor factory

7. Starbucks

There is a Starbucks near the cruise port terminal at the Renaissance Mall. They offer free wi-fi, your favorite coffee drinks and comfy lounge chairs and outdoor seating. This is a great place to catch up on social media and fill your Starbucks needs.

8. Snorkeling

There are some truly gorgeous beaches and snorkeling areas in Curacao. To reach these locations, you will most likely want to take an excursion. They are on the far side of the island. We always take excursions when we want to go snorkeling in the Caribbean. We know how much fun we can have and how easy it is to lose track of time while in the water. The last thing we want to do is look up, and we are late getting back to the ship.

9. Visit the beach

Most of the gorgeous beaches we have found on Curacao are a bit of a drive from the port terminal. We have taken an excursion and tour to reach the beaches. I always worry about taking a taxi when it is a fair distance back to the cruise terminal.

10. Take a Dushi photo

Dushi means sweetheart, and you will see it printed on everything from sweatpants to postcards.

11. Sit along the harbor and enjoy a cold beverage while watching the boats go by.

One of the things we love to do on port days is finding a waterfront bar just to sit and relax for a while. You can enjoy watching the world go by while resting your feet. Many cruise ships spend a long day in Curacao giving you the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing night off the ship.

For more ideas of things to do in Curacao check out our Curacao Travel Tips and Foodie Tips for Visiting Curacao!