The island of Curacao lies off the coast of Venezuela in the southern part of the Caribbean Sea. Unusual in climate, unlike a typical Caribbean island, Curacao lies outside the hurricane belt therefore producing cactus, thorny shrubs, and evergreens. From its unique history of immigration and international trade, this island’s diverse multiculturalism has evolved its own cuisine called Krioyo. The blending of flavors and cooking techniques has been compared to an amalgam of Caribbean and Latin American cuisine, The Curacao liqueur came from here, the result of a local’s experiment with the rinds of oranges that are grown here. Deserts on the island tend to be very sweet!

Water Sports
The most attractive feature of Curacao is its coral reefs. On the south side of the island, the seas floor drops steeply close to shore in calm waters, and the reef can easily be reached by swimmers. This drop-off is known to locals as the “blue edge”. Some of the water sports that you can enjoy while here are: diving, snorkeling, swimming, surfing, and deep sea fishing.

Island Diversity
Curacao belongs to the Netherlands Antilles, and features the architecture of historical buildings which blend Dutch and Spanish colonial styles. The Dutch West India Company made Curacao a center for slave trade in 1662, and founded the capital of Wellemstad on an inlet. In Willemstad and on its natural harbor, many land houses and West African style ‘kas dipal’I’ slave dwellings have been restored and can be visited by tourists.

Activities
Curacao’s beautiful Christoffelpark, a wildlife reservation, is located in the northwestern part of the island. Many hiking trails are prevalent. Visitors may travel this area by foot, car, bike or horseback. The Salinas salt water lakes attract flamingos. Fifteen miles southeast off the coast is the small uninhabited isle of Klein Curacao. Some of the other activities that you can enjoy while here are: hiking, tours, shopping, bird watching, beaches, and the cuisine!