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Curacao vacations are so fun to plan! Curacao is a small island off the coast of Venezuela. It is located outside of the hurricane belt so its a great choice for a family vacation! There are countless stunning beaches, top notch snorkeling and scuba diving making it ideal for Curacao vacations with your children. Don't forget to wear biodegradable sunscreen so you don't harm the coral reefs!
With its brightly colored colonial buildings, cultural diversity and the sea always in view, Curacao is a safe, interesting and fun destination for families. Curacao is located off the coast of Venezuela in the South Caribbean Sea and most visitors will head for the capital, Willemstad. Willemstad is rich with 17th and 18th century tall gabled houses some of which are UNESCO sites.
The island is home to about 50 ethnic cultures including European and African but Dutch is the official language in Curacao and the Netherlands are one of the most prominent cultural influences. However the Creole language of Papiamentu is the most widely spoken, it is a mix of Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish and African languages. The Jewish culture also left its mark on the island, Curacao's Mikve Israel Emanuel Synagogue is one of the oldest functioning synagogues in the Western hemisphere. The African influence on the island culture can best be felt in the island music.
Curacao is one of the ABC islands together with Aruba and Bonaire and was part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands but has recently become its own country. You can reach the island through the International Airport Hato which is located in Plaza Margareth Abraham, 11km from the Willemstad city center.
You can also arrive in Curacao by cruise ship at Curacao Mega Pier or Curacao Cruise Terminal. If you're arriving with your own yacht you can dock in the capital's harbor. Once on the island you can get around by rental car, bus or taxi, you can even take a ferry to several parts of the island. Renting a car is inexpensive and the driving is easy.
The climate is rather dry, there is low humidity and warm weather throughout the year. The edge is taken off the hot weather by the pleasant trade winds which blow in from the east. This means that when planning what to wear on the island you need to take into consideration clothing for warm weather but always carry a light sweater or warmer outer-layer with you.
You'll need sunscreen, hats and summer clothes for the day and warmer clothes for the evening. The rainy season occurs sometime between October and February but even then the rain is light and short lived. The island lies outside of the Hurricane Belt but sometimes between June and November there can be storms caused by hurricane activity elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Your family will not be bored on this Curacao vacations guide as there are so many beaches to explore as well as a national park. One of the highlights of your trip will be the snorkeling or scuba diving as the marine life is amazing. Curacao is best known as a diving and snorkeling destination and you can take a course with your kids or rent a snorkel and mask to explore the waters.
The attractions here include the Museum Kura Hulanda where you can teach your kids about the history of the island; The Curacao Sea Aquarium where there is the opportunity to swim with dolphins and even feed sharks. Curacao Ostrich and Game Farm is another popular attraction.
The Curacao Beaches are perfect for a day out with the kids, diving, snorkeling and swimming. Abao, Mambo Beach and Zanzibar are just a few of the beaches recommended for families
Highlights:
The island is a duty-free zone making it perfect for shopping. There are a number of good shopping centers as well as areas like Punda and Otrabanda Street where you'll find excellent stores
Curacao restaurants reflect the many cultures living on the island, you'll find traditional Asian cuisine, South American, Caribbean and other international foods on offer. At the floating market on the Willemstad canal you can buy fresh vegetables and fruit and even fish if you're staying in self-catering accommodation. The sights and sounds of this market are an attraction in themselves even if you don't need to buy food. Dont miss the food on your Curacao vacations as this place rocks for cuisine!
Finding the perfect family friendly accommodation will be easy. There is a big selection of hotels to suit all budgets. Whether you are looking for a standard hotel room, holiday apartment, or villa - you will find one to fit your whole family. Several hotels on the island offer kid's clubs and others also have arcade game rooms, playgrounds and babysitting services.
Sunscape Resort, Curacao Marriott Beach Resort and Emerald Casino and Papagayo Beach Resort all have kid's clubs and entertainment activities for kids. Click the link below to read more and book your hotel!
Another option is to choose one of the all inclusive resorts where your meals, drinks and entertainment are included.
What are you favuorite Curacao Vacations ideas?
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