Cruise Port Stop Guide: Willemstad, Curaçao
Updated November 6, 2025
Originally published November 5, 2025
If your Caribbean cruise includes a stop in Curaçao, you’re in for one of the most colorful and vibrant destinations in the Dutch Caribbean. Curaçao blends Caribbean relaxation with European charm. Whether you’re strolling through colorful Willemstad, sipping Blue Curaçao, or snorkeling/diving in turquoise water, this island is a top highlight on any Caribbean cruise itinerary. This island offers so much – so let’s dive in and discover the best things to do, eat and buy whilst ashore.
Please note: this post contains affiliate links which means if you buy something following a link on this page, I may get a small commission. There is no additional cost to you and helps reduce the ever-increasing costs of keeping this site active. Thanks for supporting my blog (AKA feeding my ice cream addiction around the world!) Rosemary
- book activities via GetYourGuide(GYG) or Viator & day/spa/pool passes with ResortPass
- combine that with using a shopping portal to earn cashback or miles
- Stay connected/informed with T-Mobile or Airalo
- Read this for info on GYG and this for why I use Viator and this for more on ResortPass
- Details on using Rakuten for cashback and here’s for AA eShopping
- Here’s why I love T-Mobile & the deets on using Airalo
LOGISTICS
PORT: Mega Pier | CURRENCY: Caribbean Guilder (XCG)
DOCK | Arrival: 8:00 | Departure 18:00 | 1 USD = 1.80 (CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE)
LANGUAGE: Dutch (Official) / Papiamentu
Bon dia- hello/good morning (bohn-dee-ah) | Ayo – good bye (ah-yo) | Diskulpami – excuse me (dees-kul-pah-mee) | Por fabor – please (por fah-bor) | Danki – thank you (dahn-kee)
MONEY MATTERS
As of July 1, 2025, Curaçao officially retired the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) and replaced it with the Caribbean Guilder (XCG). Note that U.S. dollars are widely accepted at shops, restaurants, and beaches. Credit cards are also accepted in most tourist areas.
COMMUNICATION
While the official language is Dutch and many locals speak English, you will hear Papiamentu spoken most frequently around the island. It’s a Creole language that blends Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, African, and indigenous Arawakan influences.
Besides learning a basic phrase or two, there are sometimes words that are really important and help capture the essence of a place (such as hygge in Denmark). For Papiamentu that would be Dushi which has a variety of positive meanings. Whether describing delicious food, a beautiful view, or a pleasant experience, “dushi” is the go-to word to express something sweet, good, or delightful. You might even hear locals referring to each other as “dushi,” which is a term of endearment like “darling” or “sweetheart.
PORT INFO
Maps credit to Curaçao Port Authority https://curports.com/cruise/maps/
BEAUTIFUL TIP: Reminder that arrival times for port days are estimates for when the ship will be docked and may not be when the port has given approval to the ship to allow passengers to get off. IF the activity start time is close to arrival times, I will always reach out the activity/tour provider and find out exactly what their policy is if I am not able to be there on time. I have found that many operators are flexible especially if the majority/all of the participants are from the cruise ship but some may not be able to accommodate late arrivals with no refund given. Whilst both scenarios are valid business practices, don’t make the mistake of finding out it’s the latter when you aren’t able to join!
For those who do better with pictures than maps for visualization (as seen from the photos above taken aboard the MSC Divina) look at how conveniently located the cruise terminal is. To the right of the Mega Pier/Cruise Port, Willemstad is just a short walk away!
CRUISE TERMINAL LOGISTICS
- There is complimentary Wi-Fi at the Cruise terminal / good for 30 minutes.
- As you head out there is a small tourist information area as well as tents to book tours and taxis
TOP SHORE EXCURSIONS/TOURS
Best Walking Tour Willemstad (1.5 – 2 Hours)
Willemstad is a city that rewards curiosity. Around every corner is a burst of color, a piece of history, or a piece of art that tells the island’s story and this walking tour offers the perfect blend of culture, color, and connection.
Willemstad: City Tour, Chobolobo & Mambo Beach Escape (Half Day / 4 hours)
Photos credit from tour provider via Viator
A relaxed half-day experience on this guided tour blending Curaçao’s city charm, culture, and coastal vibes, from the colorful streets of Otrobanda & Punda to a beachfront unwind at Mambo Beach. Also includes a visit to Landhuis Chobolobo where you’ll learn about and taste the island’s iconic Blue Curaçao liqueur.
Pick-up at cruise terminal
Curaçao: Swimming with Sea Turtles meets Sea turtle beach – Small Group (Half Day / 4 hours)
Be amazed by the sea turtles on this swimming and snorkeling tour from Willemstad with free digital photos from a pro photographer / snorkeling gear provided. There’s a stop to check out the wild flamingos.
Pick-up at Mega Pier-cruise port / Gate 2 by the security
The Best Full-Day Beach Hopping in Curaçao (8 Hours)
This tour has visits to Grote Knip (Kenepa Grande), Playa Piskado/Playa Grandi (known for swimming with turtles), Cas Abao Beach (according to National Geographic, this gorgeous beach is one of the world’s 21 best beaches) and Saliña Sint Marie (flamingos!)
Pick-up available all around island – coordinate with tour company / Maximum of 40 travelers
Island Treasures: Hato Caves, Turtles and Turquoise Beach Break Tour (5 – 6 Hours)
Hotel/port pickup and drop-off (extra fee) + Bandana/Mask/ goggles( Starts at USD 3 / Maximum of 20 travelers
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in Curaçao that blends adventure, natural beauty, and a touch of relaxation, chose this tour that includes visiting the stunning Hato Caves, snorkeling with turtles, and a serene beach break at Playa Kalki, showcases what some consider the best that Curacao has to offer.
Pick-up at cruise terminal / Maximum of 42 travelers
Curaçao Half Day ATV East Adventure Tour (3 Hours)
Ride an ATV through Curacao’s rugged island landscape on this half day tour. Get off the beaten path and explore sites where even most locals haven’t been. No experience necessary as detailed instructions on the operation of your ATV and coaching regarding how to navigate different types of terrain along the way provided (but you must have a valid driver’s license in order to operate the ATV and bring said driver’s license with you!)
Christoffel National Park Jeep Safari (6 Hours)
A must-do tour for nature and wildlife enthusiasts and see parts of the island you couldn’t reach any other way – Flamingo Sanctuary Sint Willibrordus, Boca Patrick, Christoffel National Park including special permission to visit ‘The Orchid Trail’!
Pick up is available – close to cruise terminal / max of 16 participants
Personalized Discover Scuba Dive Experience (3 1/2 Hours)
Ready to try scuba diving for the first time? At Soul Divers, they make it easy and fun. You’ll get to explore one of Curaçao’s most beautiful reefs, full of colorful corals and tropical fish. This Discover scuba experience does offer free cancellation / up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).
Pick up is available – check with provider if possible from cruise terminal / max of 4 participants
Guided Shore Dive for PADI Certified Divers with Scubaçao – 2 tanks (5 hours)
Discover the stunning underwater world off the coast of Curaçao during this half-day excursion for PADI certified divers. Alongside a private guide, venture out to sea for a 2-tank dive off the eastern side of the island. This scuba activity does include use of scuba equipment. Pick up from Mega cruise terminal / max of 7 divers
Curacao Helmet Diving-Walk the Ocean Floor, No Swimming Required
Immerse yourself in the world beneath the waves as you stroll among colorful corals and playful fish. This unique experience allows you to feed the fish as they gracefully swim around you, creating a truly immersive encounter with nature.
Pick up from Starbucks a short walk from cruise terminal is available for additional $15 / Underwater Video and pictures for 50 USD per group / max of 12 guests
WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO
Founded in the 1630s by the Dutch West India Company, Willemstad quickly became one of the Caribbean’s key trading ports. Its strategic location made it a crossroads for cultures, with influences from Africa, the Netherlands, and South America visible in everything from architecture to cuisine.
Curaçao’s capital is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its colorful facades which is a design choice rooted in legend. In 1817, the governor ordered all of the houses to be painted as before all houses were white. The lore is that he owned a paint factory and did this to line his own pockets which is untrue. He suffered from migraines and his brother who was an optician, made the suggestion to alleviate/prevent headaches. This also happened to follow the fashion at that time with painted houses being a way to signify wealth. Centuries later, those hues define the city’s identity.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Walking
Many attractions are within short/medium walking distance of the cruise terminal (with the exception of beaches). Note that walking through Willemstad tends to be flat but with many cobblestone streets with paved and maintained sidewalks. Listed are some of the attractions/main sights within Willemstad with walking distance/time info from Mega pier
- The cruise terminal does offer 30 minutes of complimentary wi-fi
- Renaissance Mall-Rift Fort entrance / Dr Efrain Jonckheer Statue: 550 meters / 8 – 11 minute walk
- Queen Emma Floating Bridge / Handelskade Waterfront: 850 meters / 12 – 16 min walk
- Museum Kura Hulanda (Otrobanda District): 1 km / 14 – 19 min walk
- Curaçao’s Sign (Punda District): 1.2 km / 16 – 21 min walk from cruise terminal
City Bus
The public bus is an affordable and comfortable way (large and air-conditioned) to get around but with some caveats. ABC bus company’s larger buses run longer routes and fixed routes but typically once per hour. For more information on routes, timetables, tickets visit the official ABC website here. There are small mini-van/min-buses but these are privately owned and operated.
Taxis
There are no ride shares on the islands (ie Uber). Taxis have set prices but are not metered so verify pricing prior to getting into taxi. I cannot verify as I didn’t ask pricing nor take a taxi but I was told to get a taxi near Queen Emma bridge not the cruise terminal for better pricing. And as with most Caribbean countries, pricing is per person not taxi.
TOP ATTRACTIONS/POINTS OF INTERESTS
Queen Emma Floating Bridge / Handelskade Waterfront
Within Willemstad: 850 meters / 12 -16 min walk from cruise terminal
(Shown in the foreground of photo) The Queen Emma Floating Bridge AKA The “Swinging Old Lady” is a pontoon pedestrian bridge that opens laterally to allow for ships to pass through. You bound across it to get from Willemstad’s two districts of Punda and Otrobanda (I mean that as you can literally feel the a little bounce as you walk across!)
(Shown in the foreground of photo) The iconic, colorful waterfront with distinctive Dutch colonial architecture is the original part of Willemstad and is today known as the Punda district. Create your own version of the Instagram/postcard image that Curaçao and then spend some time at a cafe overlooking St. Anna Bay.
Street Art (Both in Punda and Otrobanda)
The vibrancy and colorful nature of Willemstad can be seen not only in the buildings but also with the street art that is all around the city. Beyond its historic charm, Willemstad has become a canvas for Caribbean creativity. Artists have transformed walls into storytelling murals that celebrate Curaçao’s culture, identity, and resilience. These open-air galleries make the city one of the most photogenic cities in the Caribbean, perfect for Instagram shots and cultural exploration alike.
I really loved the walking tour I did because not only did we learn about the history, culture and people of Curaçao + Willemstad but there was also an emphasis on the street art and how it celebrates all of that – for more on what the tour was like and my review, read this.
Beaches
Mambo Beach (7.9 kilometers / 3 miles from the port)
Also known as Aquarium Beach due to its proximity to the Curacao Sea Aquarium, Mambo Beach is the closest to the cruise port. This man-made beach has an entry fee of $3.50 (USD). Facilities include public restrooms, volleyball courts, a playground, and other amenities. Covered beach loungers are available for rent at $4/day.
Kokomo Beach (12 kilometers / 3.5 miles from the port)
Kokomo Beach is one of the most popular options near Willemstad. There is no entrance fee, and daybeds cost $3.50 to rent for the entire afternoon. The beach also features a restaurant, beachside showers, and a dive shop where visitors can rent snorkel equipment and more.
Tugboat Beach (14 kilometers / 8.75 miles from the port)
Tugboat Beach is known for the sunken tugboat/ now a teeming reef that is a short swim from shore – making it a popular snorkeling / diving location. There is no entrance fee, and beach chairs cost $3.50 to rent. The beach also features a restaurant, beachside showers, and a dive shop where visitors can rent snorkel equipment and more.
Blue Bay Beach (16 kilometers / 10 miles from the port)
Blue Bay Beach, also known as Blauwbaii, is a popular destination for many shore excursions, as the crystal-clear waters are perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. The white sand beach is also shaded by palm trees, and the loungers provide beachgoers with a great view of the Caribbean Sea.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS/POINTS OF INTERESTS
Fort Rif
Within Willemstad: 550 meters / 8 – 11 minute walk to Renaissance Mall entrance / Dr Efrain Jonckheer Statue
Originally built to protect the Dutch colony from pirates and other settlers, Fort Rif houses a small museum. There is a small section atop the fort that is accessible to the public for free that has a great view over the bay. In the above photo on the left, the Queen Emma Floating Bridge, Handelskade and Queen Juliana Bridge framed by a lookout atop Rif Fort. Note that there are free public restrooms nearby in the Renaissance Mall.
Floating Market
Vendors from Venezuela selling fruit and fish right from their boats.
Museum Kurá Hulanda
Within Willemstad (Otrobanda District): 1 km / 14 – 19 min walk
The museum focuses on the predominant cultures of Curacao and also chronicle of the Origin of Man, the African slave trade, West African Empires, Mesopotamian relics and Antillean art. Purchase tickets here
Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue & Jewish Museum
Within Willemstad (Punda District): 1.2 km / 17 – 23 min walk
Consecrated in 1732, the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue is the oldest Jewish temple in continuous use in the Americas. One unique feature of the Synagogue are the sand floors.
Christoffel Park
Outside of Willemstad: 36 kilometers from Mega Pier Terminal
The largest and most biodiverse national park on the island. The expansive, oceanfront park offers 8 hiking trails, scenic car routes and a multitude of native wildlife. Consider booking this must-do tour for nature and wildlife enthusiasts!
Hato Caves
Outside of Willemstad: 9.7 kilometers from Mega Pier Terminal
Cave system with guided tours leading past limestone stalactites, stalagmites & ancient petroglyphs left behind by the South American Arawaks, Curaçao’s earliest settlers. Now updated, most of the path is vary accessible with smooth surfaces, lighting and hand rails.
Landhuis Chobolobo Distillery
Outside of Willemstad: 6.1 kilometers from cruise terminal
A visit to the Curaçao Liqueur Distillery at Landhuis Chobolobo is a journey through the history of Curaçao. Learn how the island’s famous Blue Curaçao is made such as it has been produced since 1896. The tasting room and gift shop are fun stops for a quick, flavorful visit—and you can even sample unique flavors like coffee and chocolate Curaçao.
CRUISE TIPS FOR DIFFERENT SEASONS IN CURAÇAO
- Winter (Dec – Feb): Peak Cruise Season
- The weather is ideal—warm, dry, and sunny (around 82°F / 28°C). This is the busiest cruise season, so expect more tourists at beaches and markets.
- Beautiful Tip: Book excursions early and go snorkeling early in the day before crowds arrive.
- Spring (Mar – May): Great Weather, Fewer Crowds
- Late spring is a perfect balance—beautiful weather, moderate prices, and fewer cruise ships (March may still be crowded with spring breaks for US schools/universities)
- Beautiful Tip: Explore Willemstad’s colorful streets or take a beach-hopping tour for great photos and less congestion.
- Summer (Jun – Aug): Hot and Sunny
- Curaçao lies outside the hurricane belt, so summer cruises tend to be safe and sunny.
- Beautiful Tip: Stay hydrated, wear reef-safe sunscreen, and plan indoor visits (like the distillery) during midday heat.
- Fall (Sep – Nov): Quiet and Budget-Friendly
- Expect brief rain showers and smaller crowds. It’s a great time for deals and relaxed sightseeing.
- Pack a light rain jacket, enjoy less busy beaches, and take advantage of souvenir sales.
- Year-Round Tips
- Check ship time vs. local time (Curaçao doesn’t observe daylight savings).
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral reefs.
- Curaçao is safe and walkable, but use standard precautions as in any busy port.
EAT / DRINK
- Where & What I Ate + Prices
- Champs Ice Cream: $7.50 (Double Scoop – Strawberry Cheesecake + Cookies & Cream)
- Dushi Meow’s Boutique / Cafe: $25.71/45 ANG (10.80- Empanada Pabellon + 10.80- Empanada Shredded Chicken + 9- French Fries + 14.40- Passion Fruit Smoothie – prices in ANG)
Or consider trying these top rated restaurants / bar
- Plasa Bieu (Old Market): Authentic Curaçaoan food like goat stew and fried plantains.
- The Gouverneur de Rouville A waterfront restaurant with views of Handelskade serving both local and international cuisine
- Mundo Bizarro: A colorful, bohemian bar in Pietermaai District.
SHOPPING & SOUVENIRS
Most shopping is centered in downtown Willemstad, especially around Punda, Otrobanda, and the Rif Fort Village area near the pier. These areas are within walking distance and filled with boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops.
- Rif Fort Village: Upscale shops and cafés right by the Mega Pier
- Beautiful tip: there’s a small lookout point at the top of the fort for some gorgeous views of Willemstead
- Breedestraat (Punda): Lively street for clothing, jewelry, and local art.
- Floating Market: Open-air stalls with spices, produce, and handmade goods
- Island Treasures Gift Shop: Known for authentic, locally made souvenirs.
Bring home a piece of the island with these local favorites / popular Curaçao souvenirs
- Blue Curaçao Liqueur: The island’s signature and distinctive citrus spirit (distilled at Chobolobo).
- Aloe Vera Skincare: Locally grown and produced, great for sun care.
- Chichi Dolls: Colorful, hand-painted figurines representing strong Caribbean women.
- Sea-Glass Jewelry: Handmade pieces with coastal charm.
- Local Art and Pottery: Hand-painted tiles and sea-inspired ceramics.
Beautiful Tip: For authentic cultural souvenirs, look for local crafts rather than imported trinkets.
FAQ + GOOD TO KNOW FOR VISTING CURAÇAO CRUISE PORT
- How far is the Curaçao cruise port from downtown Willemstad?
- The Curaçao cruise terminals are just a 10-minute walk from downtown Willemstad. The route is safe and scenic, crossing the famous Queen Emma Floating Bridge with great photo opportunities of the colorful Handelskade waterfront.
- Can you walk to the beach from the Curaçao cruise port?
- No, Curaçao’s main beaches are not within walking distance from the port. The closest beaches, like Mambo Beach and Blue Bay Beach, are about a 10–15-minute taxi ride away. Taxis are available right outside the cruise terminal.
- Can I wear camouflage?
- Accurate as of publication of this guide (November 6, 2025), it neither illegal nor banned as in some other Caribbean countries to wear camouflage items and I have not seen any warnings for wearing it in Curaçao. But always check before your sailing in case things change!
- Do I need water shoes for the beaches?
- For most beaches, yes as they tend to be rocky.
- What time zone is Curaçao in?
- Curaçao follows Atlantic Standard Time (AST) and does not observe daylight savings. Be sure to double-check your ship’s time before returning to the port!
Related Curaçao Posts
Related Cruise Port Guides
