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High and Lows
Plan your outing to include nature's best beyond the beaches. Visit the 4,000-acre Christoffel National Park, with miles of Jeep and mountain bike tracks and hiking trails that range from 20-minute strolls to four-hour treks. Tighten you laces and hike to the top of 1,240-foot-high Mt. Christoffel, the island's highest point. Concessions offer Jeep tours, horseback riding, guided walks and tours of an old plantation within the park. Trails connect to the adjacent Shete Boka National Park, with picturesque bays, beaches and cliffs. The park preserves nesting beaches for hawksbill and green sea turtles. Enter at Boka Tabla, a dramatic region where the surf crashes over miles of sea cliffs and carves deep caves. Hike and bike trails lead through stunning desert-seaside scenery.
 After the view from the top, see the underside of the island at Hato Caves. The limestone caverns were carved from a coral reef and exposed as the island was uplifted above sea level. Hourly guided tours lead down a lighted path past bizarre formations of flowstone, stalactites and stalagmites. Petroglyph images on the walls and burial sites indicate that Amerindian Arawaks used the caves as far back as 1,500 years ago.
After seeing the lush vegetation around the resorts and the stark native desert flora of the wild side, visit the Herbal Garden to learn how locals traditionally used plants in their everyday lives. Located in a suburb of Willemstad, the gardens grow plants used for Caribbean folk medicine and herbal remedies. The reconstructed rural settlement includes a shop that sells beverages made from aloe, ginger, lemon, medicinal wine, herbal tea and fruit juices. Natural perfumes and herbal potpourri made from the garden's harvest are also available.
Making Tracks
 Jeep Safari
To explore off pavement, join a caravan or choose a chauffeured safari with lunch included. Tours visit sea caves, the wave-sculpted west coast and isolated coves for a kayak break. Stops include Christoffel National Park with time for a hike to examine the native flora and fauna. Independent explorers can drive their own rentals and discover the many surprises on the two-track roads that lead off the beaten path. Maps direct the way to historic plantation houses, flamingo colonies, remote beaches, mangrove forests, the Aloe Vera Plantation and the Ostrich Farm. Be sure to plan a lunch stop at Jaanchie's, a roadhouse renowned for delicious seafood dishes prepared in the local style.
ATV Adventure
For an up-close view of the wild side of Curaçao, Eric's ATV Adventures takes you off the road to the most inaccessible sections of the island. Race your quad along narrow trails through acacia thorn-forests, explore bat caves, and stand on cliff-side promontories while waves cascade you with spray. You'll feel like you're in a James Bond movie as you speed past surrealistic power generators humming in the wind on one side and waves exploding on the other. Then stop at E Bista, an open-air cook shack at Playa Kanola, for the best fresh-fish lunch, beans, rice and veggies you'll find on the island.
 Mountain Bike
With 10 marked trails from one end of the island to the other, you won't have to pedal far to find an exciting route. Explore the network of two-track roads that crisscross the east side of Curaçao and discover a beauty most visitors miss. Cruise along the coastline and picnic in an isolated cove. Test the trails in Christoffel National Park and pedal to Boka Tabla where you can climb into a cave and watch the waves crash through the seaward opening. Explore the cliff-side trails, coves and lighthouse in Watamula National Park at Westpunt and return to Kalki Beach for a dip and dinner. In 2006, Curaçao hosted the World Cup mountain bike races, and the courses remain open for visitors. Bike rentals, about US$20/day, include helmets, pump, water bottle and map.
Hiking
Pick one of the 17 hiking trails described in the "Curaçao Hiking Guide" and personally experience Curaçao's dramatic scenery and diverse flora and fauna. Far from the crowded tourist centers, you and the iguanas will own vast stretches of wave-pounded coastline, beautiful beaches, waterspouts and blowholes, caves and remote coves. Guided hikes lead through national parks, preserves, mangrove forests and historical sites.
Golf
With a constant sea breeze as an extra hazard, the 18 holes at Blue Bay Golf and Beach Resort parallel the scenic shoreline and are located alongside small lakes and lagoons. As an added test for your powers of concentration, several of the rolling fairways and sculpted greens drop abruptly over sea cliffs, so forget about retrieving errant balls. The signature 5th hole plays over a sea cliff. Rocky Rocquemore of Atlanta designed the par-72 course. Facilities include a putting green, driving range, pro shop, Callaway club rentals and a bar. The island's other course at the Curaçao Golf and Squash Club is a nine-hole layout with sand greens.
 Horseback Riding
Novice and expert equestrians alike are sure to enjoy the beauty of the island from the saddle. Several ranches on the island provide guided tours.
Jogging
Koredo, a one and a half mile seaside track north of Willemstad, is the perfect spot for a morning or evening run. You'll also find tracks and paths at Rif Recreation Area and at some of the larger hotels. In addition, you'll find several walking trails at Christoffel National Park. Many tour operators, including Actief Curaçao, offer tours and maps for walking, hiking and mountain biking.
Spectator sports
Don't expect all-star games, half-time shows or even tailgate parties, but you can catch an exciting soccer match or baseball game at several stadiums around the island. Baseball in particular is well loved in Curaçao. The island, in fact, has turned out several big-time baseball stars, including Hensley Meulens (Arizona Diamondbacks); Ralph Milliard (Florida Marlins); Andruw Jones (Atlanta Braves) and Randall Simon (Pittsburgh Pirates). Curaçao also won the Little League World Series Championship in 2004.
Tennis
Curaçao offers tennis at a couple of sporting clubs, and there are pro-quality courts at many of the main hotels. A hot and heavy tennis match is a great way to work up an appetite for a tasty island dinner—or work off the calories resulting from one!
WET & WILD!
 The sea has always played a vital role in the life of islanders. For centuries, trading and fishing were Curaçao's economic mainstays. Equally important today are the many outlets offering water sports to tourists. Dive in and see for yourself.
Deep-Sea Fishing
Anglers the world over consider Curaçao a real catch. With a little luck, you can land marlin, tuna, wahoo, barracuda, dolphin and sailfish, not to mention snappers the size of small islands. Willemstad boasts charter-fishing boats aplenty, manned by expert crewmembers who are fluent in English. But you don't need a boat to fish at many spots. It's sometimes possible to pull in a 35-pound snook from shore, or even a tarpon that tops the scales at 150 pounds. In March, the Curaçao Yacht Club sponsors the Annual International Blue Marlin Release Tournament.
 Diving & Snorkeling
Like sister island Bonaire, Curaçao enjoys a worldwide award winning reputation as a dream destination for SCUBA divers. Underwater explorers can choose from scores of prime dive and snorkel sites. Several of the finest are on the western side of the island, and many are accessible from shore. That means big savings for divers on a budget. If you have your own equipment, you're all set. There's no need to hire a charter.
Visibility is excellent, often as much as 150 feet, and water temperatures are almost always balmy, from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. What's to see beneath the waves? Tropical fish in every color of the rainbow teem along Curaçao's magnificent reefs, which are composed of staghorn, elkhorn and other types of brilliant corals. Many of Curaçao's dive sites rank among the best in the Caribbean. Boka Fluit (Whistling Mouth) is a cave that "hisses" when water sluices through it. Divers and snorkelers alike will also enjoy exploring shipwrecks that are more accessible on Curaçao than on other islands.
Get complete details about the annual Curacao Dive Festival, here.
Sailing
 Whether you own a luxury yacht or rent a Sunfish or Hobie Cat, you'll find that Curaçao provides plenty of wind for your sails. Constant trade winds make this island a haven for those who love to zip across the waves. In addition, Curaçao hosts several races, including the Curaçao International Sailing Regatta in January.
Windsurfing
Trade winds in Curaçao average more than 13 knots, so it's not surprising that windsurfers flock to the island. Never tried your hand at windsurfing? Not to worry. Instructors skilled in this increasingly popular sport are happy to offer tips. Another plus for novices is that Curaçao's water tends to be calm and clear.
Wild Kingdom
With its dramatic terrain, desert-like climate, magnificent rock formations and unusual plants and animals, Curaçao is a paradise for nature lovers, perfect for hiking, exploring and wildlife spotting.
 Flippers and Feathers
If you want a close encounter with a creature, you have several options in Curaçao. At Curaçao Sea Aquarium, you can snorkel and dive or swim with dolphins and sea lions—it's an unforgettable experience. It's also interesting to learn all about truly odd birds at the Curaçao Ostrich and Game Farm. You can take a guided tour and even have your picture taken sitting astride one of the giant birds.
Park Safaris
A wildlife preserve covering 4,500 acres, Christoffel Park offers much for visitors. Prickly pear cacti and windswept divi-divi trees are just some of the exotic plants you'll find here. Some cacti can reach a height of 10 feet. They provide a secure—if thorny—home for rare blooming orchids.
 Bring your binoculars for close-up views of island animals, including blue iguanas, donkeys and protected whitetail Curaçao deer said to have been brought to the island by South American Indians in the 14th century.
The park offers a number of tours, from moonlight walks and deer-watching expeditions to bike, Jeep and horseback safaris. If climbing is your passion, head for the eponymous Mt. Christoffel. More than 1,200 feet tall, it's the highest point on the island and rewards climbers with spectacular views.
Shete Boka (Seven Inlets) National Park is another must for outdoor lovers. Here you'll discover rugged cliffs and bluffs, as well as caves carved by crashing waves. Sea turtles nest in the sand. You can see them on a guided morning walk. Boka Tabla is another site you won't want to miss. Centuries of pounding waves have carved out a magnificent cavern beneath a limestone terrace.
 Spelunking
Cool off by heading underground. At Hato Caves you'll discover centuries-old stalagmites and stalactites. The caves are actually coral reefs that emerged from the sea millennia ago. Tour guides point out chambers, pools, freshwater waterfalls and formations that resemble giants, sea tortoises, pirates and iguanas.
Shopping: Curaçao has been called a shopper's paradise — and for good reason. In Willemstad, there are more than 200 shops, stores and boutiques. If you can't find what you're looking for here, you may not find it anywhere in the Caribbean.
Get a complete list of activities organizers.
View Curacao's popular attractions in 360 degree images, here.
 Blue Bay Golf & Beach Resort
Landhuis Blauw z/n
Blue Bay, Curaçao
Tel: 888-2537 (Real Estate Office)
Tel: 868-1755 (Golf Course)
E-mail: info@bluebaygolf.com
Website: http://www.bluebaygolf.com
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Discover an oasis of natural beauty with exciting recreational activities at Blue Bay Golf & Beach Resort. This challenging 18-hole golf course will bring all of your golfing skills to the forefront while adding to your appreciation of Curacao's natural beauty. Spectacular vistas spotlight desert scenery, sand and sea. Some holes are by the water or at the base of cliffs. The par-72 course was designed by Rocky Roquemore.
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 Blues Bar at the Avila Hotel
130 Penstraat
P.O. Box 791
Willemstad, Curaçao
Tel: 461-4377
Fax: 461-1493
E-mail: info@avilahotel.com
Website: www.avilahotel.com/drink/blues_bar.html
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Cool cocktails and…live jazz. Blues bar is THE jazz spot in Curaçao! Located at the far end of the Avila Hotel beach pier, Blues offers the most spectacular sunsets in the Caribbean and is the preferred gathering place for local and visiting jazz fans.
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 Dive Center Scuba Do
Jan Thiel Beach, Curaçao
Tel: 767-9300
Fax: 767-9300
E-mail: scubado@cura.net
Website: www.divecenterscubado.com
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Enjoy a cool breeze and a unique view of the Caribbean while following your PADI course! We provide an outstanding adventure and an exciting experience for all divers including children! Every day of the year, you'll receive personal attention that helps you remain safe, so you can have a lot of fun.
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 Eric's ATV Adventures
Kaya Serafin 63
Willemstad, Curacao
Tel: 524-7418
Fax: 888-3234
E-mail: eric@curacao-atv.com
Website: http://www.curacao-atv.com
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Experience the best of Curaçao on an ATV (or "Quad"). No special drivers license is required to drive an ATV. Eric's ATV adventures offers you a first-class experience. You will drive a top of the line, automatic or semi-automatic 2005 or 2006 Honda ATV. We put safety first, so the use of a helmet is included.
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After perfecting your tan and finishing your novel on a sparkling beach, you're ready for more active adventure. Whether it's a mountain-bike challenge, a hike along the island's rugged east coast or a day on the links, Curaçao is ready to test your outdoor skills and astound you with nature's beauty. If the siren call of the turquoise waves rings in your ears, you'll find world-class diving and easily accessible snorkeling just off the many beaches. So buckle up, saddle up, gather your gear and go with the adrenaline flow.
