Curaçao: A Handpicked Guide to Where to Eat, Swim & Explore

Explore Curaçao’s colorful coves: Curaçao’s beaches feel more like intimate, colorful coves than long sandy stretches. Each one has its own shade of turquoise and its own personality. They’re perfect for swimming, floating, or finally diving into that book you’ve been meaning to read.

Snorkeling with the sea turtles at Tugboat Beach: Curaçao is one of the best places in the Caribbean to spot turtles in calm, clear water. It feels magical when they glide right beside you. Tugboat Beach adds its own charm, with occasional sightings along the reef‑rich edges of the bay. It’s best enjoyed by confident, experienced swimmers.

Watch the floating bridge move for ships: The first time I saw the Queen Emma Bridge swing open, I was genuinely shocked. The gates might close, but if you’re already walking across when the bell sounds, you simply stay on and float with it. It’s one of those delightfully unexpected Curaçao moments that stays with you.

Swim in the deep ocean at Baoase’s Luxury Resort Bida Beach: Swimming in the deep ocean right off Bida Beach is unforgettable. The access is easy, and it’s the perfect spot for a refreshing open‑ocean dip. And if you get thirsty, just ring the beach‑butler bell at your cabana—someone appears with exactly what you need.

Wander colorful Willemstad: The UNESCO‑listed historic center is full of vibrant Dutch‑Caribbean buildings, murals, boutiques, and waterfront cafés. It’s the perfect place to soak in the island’s culture and take in that iconic pastel skyline.

Experience the Baoase Beach Club: By reservation only, Baoase Luxury Resort allows just five non‑hotel guests per day to enjoy what truly felt like heaven to me. It’s a serene, intimate beach experience paired with a lovely three‑course lunch. With that level of exclusivity and service, you may never want to leave.

Take a boat to Klein Curaçao: Klein Curaçao feels like stepping onto a remote desert island. The powder‑soft sand, impossibly clear water, and shipwreck‑dotted shoreline make it feel completely untouched. Most visitors spend the day swimming, snorkeling with sea turtles, and wandering out to the iconic pink lighthouse for that classic windswept photo moment. The boat ride can be choppy, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, take something beforehand to ensure you can fully enjoy the day.

Shete Boka National Park: Shete Boka shows off Curaçao’s wild side, with crashing waves, blowholes, and dramatic cliffs that feel completely different from the island’s calm coves. It’s a beautiful contrast and a great way to experience the island’s raw, rugged coastline. We didn’t have time for it on this trip, so it’s already on the list for when we return.

Sunset cocktails at Koraal or Saint Tropez: Curaçao sunsets are magic, and these two spots give you the perfect view. Settle in with a drink and watch the sky shift into shades of pink and gold. It’s one of those slow, perfect island moments.

Guided snorkeling trip: A guided snorkel is the easiest way to see Curaçao’s underwater world up close. You’ll spot turtles, bright reefs, and even a few hidden little swim‑throughs. Local guides know exactly where to go, which makes the whole experience feel relaxed and effortless

Kome is easily one of my favorite restaurants on the island, with creative, beautifully executed dishes and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit feel special. Reservations are a must—and whatever you do, save room for the brownie with salted caramel ice cream, caramel drizzle, and pretzel bark.

SOI95 brings bold Southeast Asian flavors to Curaçao with dishes that are vibrant, aromatic, and beautifully balanced. It’s intimate, stylish, and perfect for travelers who love a little spice and a lot of personality in their meals.

Baoase Culinary Beach Restaurant: You can only dine here as a guest of Baoase Luxury Resort or with a Beach Club day pass, which makes the experience feel exclusive, intimate, and incredibly serene. The lobster roll and tuna tartare are outstanding, and the crème brûlée—with its stunning, over‑the‑top presentation—is easily one of the fanciest desserts I’ve ever eaten at a beach.

Kava 95: We had a great meal here with shrimp skewers, fresh cucumber salads, and some pretty tasty cocktails that made the evening feel easy and fun. And if you happen to order the burger—spoiler alert—it’s served flambé at the table, so have your camera ready for the presentation.

Lemon Tree offers a refined, modern dining experience with beautifully plated Mediterranean‑inspired dishes and a chic, open‑air setting. It feels stylish and elevated while still being relaxed enough for an easy, elegant meal.