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Aqua-Adventures
 Only 150 yards off of Playa Laguna on the island's west side, a fantasia of fungi-looking star corals make Mushroom Forest one of Curaçao's classic dive spots and earned it the name of "one of the world's best dives" by Sport Diver. Night divers should check out the sparkling orange cup corals encrusted on the Superior Producer, a cargo ship now sitting upright in about 100 feet of water outside of Willemstad's harbor. An abundance of sponges, including the brightly colored orange elephant ear, yellow tube and purple stove pipe, earned Sponge Forest, a favorite boat dive off of Landhuis San Nicolas, its name. As an added bonus, a large cave, said to harbor a nurse shark or two, is just a few strokes away.
Wreck lovers will want to explore the waters around the coral-encrusted Tugboat, an easy offshore site resting in 17 feet of water, and just beyond it a steep slope provides a diverse environment for moray eels, seahorses and lobsters. Close by, swim among dock pilings accented with tube sponges and orange cup corals. About 200 feet from the shores of Jan Thiel Bay, the 2003 wreck of a sailboat, with its finger and fire coral, sponges and brightly colored fish, is perfect for both snorkelers and divers. Rent any gear you may need from nearby Dive Center Scuba Do.
 Back in 1888, Klein Curaçao was a German naval base. Now this pretty, uninhabited isle 15 miles from the mainland features a lighthouse, a few fishing shacks, beautiful white-sand beaches, several washed-ashore wrecks and one of the best diving spots around. Noted for its underwater caves, coral formations, turtles and dolphins, it's a must for snorkelers and divers alike. Atlantic Diving Curaçao takes certified divers on day trips to Klein Curaçao and even provides a delicious barbeque lunch.
Get complete details about the Curacao Dive Festival.
Grab a paddle for Caribbean Research & Management of Biodiversity Foundation's Mangrove Kayak Tours. Go beneath the water to swim, snorkel or dive with dolphins at the Dolphin Academy, which offers eight types of encounters (if you've never kissed a dolphin, here's your chance!). If stingrays, sea turtles and sharks are more your thing, watch a feeding show or join them in the water for a snorkel or dive at the Curaçao Sea Aquarium next door. Like land animals? Climb aboard an open-air truck for a safari tour of Curaçao Ostrich Farm, the largest of its kind outside of Africa. Conquer the waves by renting a motorboat or kayak at Pro-Sail Curaçao or jet skis at Baya Beach Club. Learn to sail at Cat Sailing Curaçao at Jan Thiel Beach, the island's only beach sailing school, or take their sailboat or trimaran tours.
Tee Time
 Curaçao's seemingly endless sunny days and soothing trade winds make golf an everyday option. Designed by William "Rocky" Rocquemore to follow the contours of the sea, the 18-hole, 72-par Blue Bay Golf Course offers a unique challenge to players of all levels. Blue Bay's signature Hole 5 is a shot across the bay while the crosswinds on Hole 15, a par 5, require adept skill and concentration.
Spanish Water, a sheltered harbor just 25 minutes from Willemstad, was once a place where sailors from Spain came ashore to fill their casks with fresh drinking water. Now, centuries later, golf aficionados make the trip to hit the greens of the recently opened, Pete Dye designed, 18-hole, par-72 Old Quarry Golf Course at the Hyatt Regency Curaçao Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, the centerpiece of the magnificent Santa Barbara Plantation. Open to the public, the less than 7,000-yard course offers such special features as three ocean holes, five bayside holes, two mountain holes, a driving range facility and 8,000-square-foot clubhouse with golf shop, locker rooms and grill.
 Heineken Regatta
Take to the waters around Willemstad to win a cash prize at the Heineken Regatta Curaçao. This annual three-day sailboat competition attracts racers from all over the globe vying for the coveted NIBanc Cup. Evenings at the Heineken Regatta Village transform into a concert venue with internationally known musicians, including Grammy-winning Shaggy. Enjoy food, fun and a colorful illuminated boat parade.
Land Lovers
Christoffel Park, Curaçao's largest national park, is the perfect one-stop spot for outdoor enthusiasts. An animal lovers delight, take one or more of the guided tours to spot birds (there are over 168 species on the island), white-tailed deer, land snails and green iguanas. Look for bromeliads, with their brightly colored flowers flowing from the plant's cup-like interior, and white and purple orchids that dot the park. Travel to the top of the 1,230-foot high Mount Christoffel, Curaçao's highest point, by Jeep, horseback, mountain bike or the old-fashioned way—on foot.
For organized events and spectator sports, tournaments and festival dates, please see Events.
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
Enjoy a family day at Blue Bay Golf & Beach Resort, situated on an 18-hole championship golf course with spectacular holes right on the sea and endless recreational possibilities. Or visit our website for the opportunity to make Blue Bay your home, whether it be for vacation or permanent living.
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Landhuis Blauw z/n
Willemstad, Curaçao
Tel: 868-1755
Fax: 869-0212
E-mail: info@bluebaygolf.com
Web: www.bluebaygolf.com
Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express
Hours: 7 a.m.-7 p.m., 365 days per year
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 Obsession Watersports
Curacao's hard-core surf shop, serving the local surfer and watersports community for over 20 years. Obsession Watersports offers the latest in surf and beach fashion for guys, girls and kids. Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, Volcom, O'neill, Reef, Von Zipper, Nixon, Element, Dakine, bikinis, surfboards, wakeboards, water skis and snorkel gear. And lots of rash guards, the ultimate UV protection. So stop by and visit the coolest store on our HOT Island. Now also located at Jan Thiel Beach and Punda.
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Schottegatweg Oost 171
Tel: 5999 736-5659
Fax: 5999 737-5314
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9 a.m.—6 p.m.
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 Santa Barbara Plantation
At the center of Santa Barbara Plantation is the new Hyatt Regency Curaçao Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, featuring Old Quarry, Pete Dye's new 18-hole championship golf course. Guests also enjoy clay tennis courts at the Peter Burwash International Tennis Center and an on-site dive operation, creating the ultimate destination resort experience. Enjoy true Caribbean hospitality and European flair at Curaçao's finest resort and residential community.
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Tel: 5999 840-1234
Web: www.santabarbaraplantation.com
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 Breezes Curaçao Resort, Spa and Casino
A super-inclusive experience where you can enjoy land and water sports. Dining options ranging from Japanese to the never-ending Jimmy's Buffet. Premium-brand drinks at all bars and the Hurricane Disco. Day and night passes available. Get pampered at the Blue Mahoe Spa, offering treatments at reasonable charges. Sauna and steam room included. Also, we are pleased to announce a brand-new Kids' Club.
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Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. #78
Tel: 736-7888
Fax: 461-4003
E-mail: BZCSales@Superclubs.com
Web: www.superclubs.com
Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club
Hours: 24 hours
Cuisine: International, Italian, Japanese
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