Curaçao Tuk Tuk Tour

Our family took the Carnival Horizon on its eight-day Southern Caribbean cruise from Miami. We visited Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao (ABC Islands). I really wanted to go to the ABC Islands since I had not gone to the southern Caribbean on past cruises. I celebrated my retirement in the southern Caribbean, fulfilling a bucket list item.

The third port on the cruise was Curaçao. We researched for a private tour that could accommodate our group of eight. We decided on the unique experience of a tuk tuk tour in the capital city of Willemstad.

The tuk tuk meets outside the dock area

Shops in the cruise port area

Buildings with colorful artwork

What to expect

• UNESCO World Heritage City: Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a tuk tuk offers a unique and intimate way to explore its colorful architecture, historic districts, and cultural landmarks.

• Knowledgeable guides: Tours typically include a driver/guide who provides commentary on the island's history, culture, and points of interest. Some can even act as your personal photographer.

Caravan of tuk tuks on tour

Example of artwork seen throughout area

Key sights

You'll likely see highlights like:

• Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge: A famous floating bridge

• Handelskade: The iconic colorful Dutch colonial buildings along the waterfront

• Scharloo: A historic Jewish neighborhood with impressive mansions and street art

• Pietermaai District: Known for its restored buildings, lively pubs, and restaurants

• Queen Wilhelmina Park: Home to the "DUSHI" & "CURACAO" signs, which are great for photos

• Fort Amsterdam: The Governor's Palace and government seat

• Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue: The oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere (can be included upon request)

Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge

Handelskade: the iconic colorful Dutch colonial buildings along the waterfront

Queen Juliana Bridge

• Book in advance: Tuk tuk tours are gaining popularity, especially for private experiences.

• Communicate your interests: If you have specific sights or themes you'd like to focus on, let the tour operator know when booking. Confirm your pickup location and time, especially if relying on port pickup.

• Meeting points: If you book a general "City Tour" that doesn't explicitly state port pickup, the meeting point is often at the foot of the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge on the Otrabanda side, which is about an eight-minute walk from the cruise port depending on your ship's berth.

• Dress comfortably: With the open-air design, light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended. Don't forget sunscreen and a hat! Tuk Tuks provide an open-air experience, allowing for good views and a breeze, which can be pleasant in the tropical climate.

• Be prepared for an authentic ride: While comfortable, it's still a small, open vehicle, so embrace the fun of a slightly bumpy ride on some of the roads.

• Flexibility: While some tours have set itineraries, others offer a "rental service" where you have a private tuk tuk and guide for a set time (e.g., two hours) and can customize your stops to include beaches, shopping, or museums within the city area.

• Accessibility: Most tours note that tuk tuks are generally wheelchair accessible if the wheelchair is collapsible and a caretaker is present. Infants typically need to sit on laps.

• Duration: Tours generally range from one to two hours for city explorations. Longer rentals (over two hours) are available for more extensive sightseeing within and around the city.

• Capacity: Each tuk tuk typically comfortably accommodates two adult passengers. Some may allow a third adult if they are slim, or one or two children in addition to two adults, but this is at the customer's own risk, and no refunds are given if the additional passengers don't fit.

• Inclusions: Tours generally include the driver/guide and local taxes. Gratuities, food, and drinks are usually not included.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Curaçao page.