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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

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Caribbean Curaçao Willemstad Tourist Information Best Time to Visit

Overview

Best Time to Visit

The guide was updated: 2024-09-10

Curaçao enjoys a tropical climate, and since it is located outside the hurricane belt, the weather is pleasant (albeit often windy) and relatively stable all year round. The dry season lasts from around February to June and is considered the high season, when prices too tend to be higher. While more rainfall occurs from October to December, the amount is unlikely to ruin your holiday.

Useful Information

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit

Curaçao enjoys a tropical climate, and since it is located outside the hurricane belt, the weather is pleasant (albeit often windy) and relatively stable all year round. The dry season lasts from around February to June and is considered the high season, when prices too tend to be higher. While more rainfall occurs from October to December, the amount is unlikely to ruin your holiday.

Passport & Visa

Passport & Visa

Citizens of the European Union member states, the majority of countries in the Americas and Europe, as well as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and a handful of others do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days in Curaçao. Visitors of other nationalities might need to apply for a visa in advance. For complete information on entry requirements, please contact the Curaçao Tourism Board or the embassy or consulate in your country. All international travellers must obtain the Digital Immigration Card (DI card) online up to 7 days prior to departure. Visitors will also need to provide a passport that is valid for the duration of the stay and has some unused pages, a valid return ticket, and the necessary documents for returning to the country of origin. Finally, they can be requested to demonstrate that they have arranged for accommodation in Curaçao, and that they have the financial means to support themselves while staying there.

Mega Pier

Mega Pier

Curaçao boasts two key docking points: the Curaçao Mega Piers I and II cater to mega ships and is positioned in West Willemstad, just a short stroll from downtown. Smaller vessels dock at the Curaçao Cruise Terminal, known as the Mathey Wharf and conveniently located within a stone's throw of the floating Queen Emma Bridge, offering easy access to the city's principal shopping and business hubs. The largest cruise port of Curaçao nestles to the west of St Anna Bay, in the Otrabanda quarter. This spot not only provides tourist information, taxi and car rental services, and souvenir shops, but it also boasts superb signage. Just a brief walk away, you can lose yourself in Otrabanda's colourful streets teeming with additional shops, bars, and restaurants, many of which occupy the grand Renaissance Mall.

Mathey Wharf

Mathey Wharf

Smaller ships dock at Mathey Wharf in St Anna Bay, between Queen Juliana Bridge and Queen Emma Bridge, of which only the latter has pedestrian traffic. The cruise port has tourist information, taxi and tour operators and souvenir shops, and is only a few minutes' walk from various landmarks in Otrabanda. By crossing the bridge, you can reach Punda for walks on the famous Handelskade waterfront and for further dining and shopping options.

Curaçao International Airport (CUR)

Curaçao International Airport (CUR)

Curaçao International Airport (CUR) is located 12 kilometres from the city centre of Willemstad. Most flights are destined for Aruba, Bonaire and Amsterdam. It has a range of shops and restaurants inside the terminal, and offers VIP services, free WiFi, car rental and parking facilities.

Taxi

Taxi

Upon arrival and throughout the island, you'll find a wealth of options for hailing a taxi or hiring a car. Taxis, identifiable by 'TX' on their number plates, operate on standard, non-metered rates. While services are typically reliable, it's good practice to confirm the fare before setting off.

Public Transport

Public Transport

Public transport in Curaçao is run by Autobusbedrijf, with one main terminal located in Otrabanda (Sebastopolstraat) and the other in Punda (Waaigatplein). Although the buses serve a good range of locations on the island, taxis and car rental are generally more preferred and recommended.

Pharmacy

Pharmacy

Pharmacies are called 'botika' and are found in numerous locations across Willemstad. BENU Otrobanda Pharmacy is the closest to the cruise terminal, but the chain has other stores on the island.

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