Frequently Asked Questions

Curaçao is renowned for its beautiful beaches, each offering a unique experience. Here are some of the best beaches on the island:

1. **Kleine Knip (Kenepa Chiki)**:
– A small, secluded beach with crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. It’s a perfect spot for snorkeling and relaxing away from crowds.

2. **Grote Knip (Kenepa Grandi)**:
– One of the most famous beaches on the island, known for its stunning turquoise waters and picturesque cliffs. Great for swimming and sunbathing.

3. **Playa Porto Mari**:
– A popular beach with a unique double reef, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving. It has facilities like a beach bar, restaurant, and lounge chairs.

4. **Cas Abao**:
– Voted one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, Cas Abao offers a blend of natural beauty and comfort. The beach has crystal-clear waters, white sand, and amenities like a beach bar, dive shop, and massages.

5. **Playa Lagun**:
– A small, serene beach located in a narrow cove, perfect for snorkeling and spotting sea turtles. It’s less crowded and offers a peaceful atmosphere.

6. **Jan Thiel Beach**:
– A trendy beach with a lively atmosphere, Jan Thiel offers restaurants, bars, shops, and water sports activities. It’s a great place to spend a day enjoying various amenities.

7. **Mambo Beach (Seaquarium Beach)**:
– Located near Willemstad, Mambo Beach is a well-known tourist spot with a vibrant nightlife, beach clubs, restaurants, and shopping areas.

8. **Playa Kalki (Alice in Wonderland)**:
– A secluded beach known for its excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities, thanks to the beautiful coral formations just offshore.

9. **Playa Jeremi**:
– A quiet and undeveloped beach, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful, natural environment.

10. **Playa Grandi (Playa Piscado)**:
– Famous for the local fishermen and abundant sea turtles, making it a great spot for snorkeling and interacting with marine life.

Each beach in Curaçao has its own charm, whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a vibrant social scene.

Sure! Here are some popular Papiamentu words and phrases, along with their translations in English, Dutch, Spanish, and Portuguese:

### **Greetings and Common Phrases**

1. **Hello**
– **Papiamentu**: Bon dia / Halo
– **English**: Good morning / Hello
– **Dutch**: Goedemorgen / Hallo
– **Spanish**: Buenos días / Hola
– **Portuguese**: Bom dia / Olá

2. **Goodbye**
– **Papiamentu**: Ayo
– **English**: Goodbye
– **Dutch**: Vaarwel / Dag
– **Spanish**: Adiós
– **Portuguese**: Adeus / Tchau

3. **Please**
– **Papiamentu**: Por fabor
– **English**: Please
– **Dutch**: Alsjeblieft / Please
– **Spanish**: Por favor
– **Portuguese**: Por favor

4. **Thank you**
– **Papiamentu**: Masha danki
– **English**: Thank you
– **Dutch**: Dank u / Bedankt
– **Spanish**: Gracias
– **Portuguese**: Obrigado / Obrigada

5. **Yes**
– **Papiamentu**: Si
– **English**: Yes
– **Dutch**: Ja
– **Spanish**: Sí
– **Portuguese**: Sim

6. **No**
– **Papiamentu**: No
– **English**: No
– **Dutch**: Nee
– **Spanish**: No
– **Portuguese**: Não

7. **How much does it cost?**
– **Papiamentu**: Kuantu e ta kosta?
– **English**: How much does it cost?
– **Dutch**: Hoeveel kost het?
– **Spanish**: ¿Cuánto cuesta?
– **Portuguese**: Quanto custa?

8. **Where is…?**
– **Papiamentu**: Unda ta…?
– **English**: Where is…?
– **Dutch**: Waar is…?
– **Spanish**: ¿Dónde está…?
– **Portuguese**: Onde está…?

### **Food and Drink**

9. **Water**
– **Papiamentu**: Water
– **English**: Water
– **Dutch**: Water
– **Spanish**: Agua
– **Portuguese**: Água

10. **Food**
– **Papiamentu**: Kuminda
– **English**: Food
– **Dutch**: Voedsel / Eten
– **Spanish**: Comida
– **Portuguese**: Comida

11. **Beer**
– **Papiamentu**: Bier
– **English**: Beer
– **Dutch**: Bier
– **Spanish**: Cerveza
– **Portuguese**: Cerveja

12. **Coffee**
– **Papiamentu**: Koffi
– **English**: Coffee
– **Dutch**: Koffie
– **Spanish**: Café
– **Portuguese**: Café

### **Numbers**

13. **One**
– **Papiamentu**: Un
– **English**: One
– **Dutch**: Eén
– **Spanish**: Uno
– **Portuguese**: Um

14. **Two**
– **Papiamentu**: Dos
– **English**: Two
– **Dutch**: Twee
– **Spanish**: Dos
– **Portuguese**: Dois

15. **Three**
– **Papiamentu**: Tres
– **English**: Three
– **Dutch**: Drie
– **Spanish**: Tres
– **Portuguese**: Três

### **Directions**

16. **Left**
– **Papiamentu**: Man Robes
– **English**: Left
– **Dutch**: Links
– **Spanish**: Izquierda
– **Portuguese**: Esquerda

17. **Right**
– **Papiamentu**: Drechi
– **English**: Right
– **Dutch**: Rechts
– **Spanish**: Derecha
– **Portuguese**: Direita

18. **Straight ahead**
– **Papiamentu**: Stret dilanti
– **English**: Straight ahead
– **Dutch**: Rechtdoor
– **Spanish**: Derecho
– **Portuguese**: Em frente

These translations should help you navigate basic conversations and interactions during your visit to Curaçao.

Curaçao offers a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene that caters to various tastes, whether you’re looking for a laid-back evening by the beach or an energetic night of dancing and live music. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect:

Beach Bars & Lounges

• Mambo Beach Boulevard: One of the most popular spots for nightlife, Mambo Beach Boulevard offers a mix of beach bars, clubs, and restaurants. You can enjoy live music, DJs, and themed parties right on the beach.
• Jan Thiel Beach: This area is home to several trendy beach bars like Zanzibar and Papagayo Beach Club, where you can relax with a cocktail during the day and dance to live music or DJ sets at night.

Nightclubs & Dancing

• Club Spoonz: A well-known nightclub in Willemstad, offering a mix of local and international music. It’s a great spot for those who love to dance until the early hours.
• Cabana Beach Club: Located at Mambo Beach, this club often hosts lively parties with well-known DJs, creating a vibrant atmosphere by the sea.

Live Music

• 27 Bar & Terrace: Named after famous musicians who passed away at the age of 27, this spot in Pietermaai offers a great mix of live rock music and local bands, providing a more casual, yet lively atmosphere.
• Miles Jazz Café: Also in Pietermaai, this intimate venue is perfect for jazz lovers. Enjoy live performances in a cozy setting with a great selection of drinks.

Casinos

• Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort Casino: If you’re feeling lucky, the island has several casinos where you can try your hand at poker, blackjack, or slot machines. The Curaçao Marriott is one of the most popular options, offering a mix of gaming and entertainment.

Pietermaai District

• Pietermaai: Known as the cultural heart of Willemstad, this historic neighborhood transforms at night with its many bars, restaurants, and music venues. It’s the perfect place for bar hopping and enjoying a variety of nightlife experiences.

Local Events & Festivals

• Full Moon Party at Kokomo Beach: Held monthly, this party is one of the biggest on the island, attracting both locals and tourists for a night of dancing under the stars.
• Carnival: If you’re visiting during Carnival season (typically January to March), you’ll experience one of the island’s most vibrant celebrations, with parades, parties, and live music filling the streets.

Curaçao’s nightlife is a blend of Caribbean rhythms, international influences, and a laid-back island vibe, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Public transportation in Curaçao, including buses, is relatively straightforward but might be less frequent compared to larger cities. Here’s an overview of the bus system on the island:

### **Bus System Overview**

1. **Public Buses**:
– **Company**: The main public bus service on Curaçao is operated by **Kras Transport**.
– **Routes**: Buses cover several key routes across the island, connecting major towns, including Willemstad, Otrobanda, and other areas. Routes generally connect popular destinations and neighborhoods.
– **Frequency**: Bus frequency can vary, and services are generally more frequent during peak hours. However, buses might not run as often during off-peak times or on weekends.

2. **Types of Buses**:
– **City Buses**: Serve the local areas, including routes around Willemstad and to nearby neighborhoods.
– **Intercity Buses**: Connect different towns and regions across the island.

3. **Bus Stops and Routes**:
– **Bus Stops**: Bus stops are usually marked, but not always clearly. It’s a good idea to ask locals or your accommodation for the nearest bus stops.
– **Route Information**: Route maps and schedules may not always be readily available online, so checking with local sources or asking at your accommodation for the latest bus information can be helpful.

4. **Fare**:
– **Payment**: Bus fares are usually paid in cash. It’s advisable to carry small change as not all drivers may be able to provide change for larger bills.
– **Cost**: Fares are generally affordable, but specific rates can vary depending on the route and distance traveled.

5. **Alternatives to Buses**:
– **Taxis**: Taxis are widely available and can be a convenient alternative if you prefer a more direct and flexible mode of transport.
– **Car Rentals**: Renting a car is a popular option for visitors who want more flexibility to explore the island at their own pace.
– **Bike Rentals**: Bicycles are available for rent in many areas, offering a pleasant way to explore the island, especially in more urban areas like Willemstad.

### **Tips for Using the Bus System**:
– **Plan Ahead**: Given the variability in schedules, it’s useful to plan your trips in advance and confirm bus times with local sources if possible.
– **Ask for Help**: Don’t hesitate to ask locals or your accommodation staff for information about bus routes and schedules.

Overall, while the bus system can get you to many destinations around Curaçao, combining it with other transportation options might be necessary for a more comprehensive and flexible travel experience.

Sure, here are some tips to help you make the most of your vacation in Curaçao:

### **1. **Plan for the Weather**
– **Pack Light**: The climate in Curaçao is warm and sunny year-round. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat.
– **Stay Hydrated**: The tropical heat can be intense. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors.

### **2. **Explore the Beaches**
– **Visit Multiple Beaches**: Curaçao has a variety of beautiful beaches, each with its unique charm. Don’t miss popular ones like Playa Kenepa, Cas Abao, and Jan Thiel Beach.
– **Snorkeling and Diving**: The island is famous for its clear waters and vibrant marine life. Consider renting snorkeling gear or booking a diving tour.

### **3. **Experience Local Cuisine**
– **Try Local Dishes**: Sample traditional Curaçaoan dishes such as *keshi yena* (stuffed cheese), *stoba* (stew), and *pastechi* (savory pastries).
– **Visit Local Markets**: Explore local markets like the Floating Market in Willemstad for fresh produce, spices, and local specialties.

### **4. **Discover Willemstad**
– **Explore Punda and Otrobanda**: Wander through the colorful streets of Willemstad, including the historic districts of Punda and Otrobanda. Check out the iconic Handelskade waterfront and the Queen Emma Bridge.
– **Museums and Culture**: Visit museums like the Curaçao Museum and the Kura Hulanda Museum to learn about the island’s history and culture.

### **5. **Use Sun Protection**
– **Sunscreen**: Apply sunscreen regularly to protect your skin from the strong UV rays.
– **Shade and Hydration**: Take breaks in the shade and drink water frequently to avoid dehydration and heat exhaustion.

### **6. **Consider Renting a Car**
– **Explore Independently**: Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace, visit less accessible beaches, and discover hidden gems.

### **7. **Stay Safe and Respectful**
– **Follow Local Laws**: Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs. For example, be aware of regulations regarding beach fires and the consumption of alcohol.
– **Respect the Environment**: Practice eco-friendly habits like not littering, avoiding touching marine life, and using reef-safe sunscreen.

### **8. **Learn Some Local Phrases**
– **Basic Dutch and Papiamentu**: While English is widely spoken, learning a few phrases in Dutch or Papiamentu (the local language) can enhance your interaction with locals.

### **9. **Currency and Payments**
– **Understand the Currency**: The local currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. The exchange rate is approximately 1 USD to 1.75 ANG.
– **Carry Cash**: While many places accept credit cards, it’s useful to have some cash for smaller establishments or tips.

### **10. **Check for Local Events**
– **Festivals and Events**: Check out local events or festivals happening during your stay. Events like Carnival, local music festivals, or cultural celebrations can offer unique experiences.

### **11. **Stay Connected**
– **SIM Cards and Wi-Fi**: Consider buying a local SIM card for your phone if you need constant internet access. Many hotels, cafes, and restaurants also offer free Wi-Fi.

### **12. **Health and Safety**
– **Travel Insurance**: Make sure you have travel insurance that covers health, accidents, and unexpected events.
– **Local Healthcare**: Know the location of the nearest hospital or clinic in case of emergencies.

By following these tips, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy all that Curaçao has to offer and have a memorable vacation experience!

Contact us with an email

The currency used in Curaçao is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG or NAƒ). However, the U.S. dollar (USD) is widely accepted across the island. Many businesses, especially those catering to tourists, list prices in both guilders and dollars. The exchange rate is approximately 1 USD to 1.75 ANG.

Electricity Information

• Included Allowance: Your stay includes an allowance of 12.5 kWh per day. This should cover basic usage, but if you go over this amount, you’ll need to top up your electricity credit.

• Usage Monitoring: We use a prepaid electricity system called “Pagatinu.” You can easily check your remaining electricity credit at any time during your stay.

• Topping Up: If you need more electricity, you can purchase additional credit at local stores or have us do it for you. The cost is approximately $10 for 15 kWh, which works out to about $0.67 per kWh.

• Appliance Usage Guide:

  • Air Conditioning: 1.5 kWh per hour
  • Fan: 0.2 kWh per hour
  • Fridge: 1-2 kWh per day
  • Washer: 2.25 kWh per 30 minutes
  • TV: 1 kWh per hour

On average, guests use between 15-20 kWh per day. Your allowance will cover much of this, but for higher usage (e.g., heavy A/C use), you may need to top up.

If you have any questions or need assistance with the system, please feel free to reach out!