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I came, I saw... I want to come back!

By Jeffrey Laign

Packed with historic treasures, natural wonders and fun-filled attractions, Curaçao offers up a smorgasbord for sightseers.

Day or night, there's always something to see or do in Curaçao. That's why this Dutch-flavored island is the perfect place for a wedding party, family getaway, incentive group or reunion.

Is there a history buff in your group? Those who enjoy exploring the past will have the time of their lives as they journey back to the days of Dutch patroons. Divers can spend their days enjoying the colorful world beneath the waters that surround the island, and nature lovers will be captivated by Curaçao's desert-like scenery and wealth of animals and plants.

Perhaps it's the sheer variety of diversions here that keeps visitors coming back. There's so much to see and do in Curaçao that tourists often find they need more than one visit to fully experience the island. It's also easy to mix and match activities. How about a morning dive followed by an afternoon hike or an early evening tour of a plantation house? Whatever your preferences, you'll find plenty of entertaining ways to fill your days in Curaçao.

Most tourists start out in Willemstad, Curaçao's charming capital. Along the city's harborfront, the island's cherished Dutch heritage is evident in gabled buildings trimmed in gingerbread and painted in every color of the rainbow. Dating from 1634, Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The floating Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge, which swings open several times a day to allow ships to pass, connects the two main parts of the town, known as Punda and Otrobanda.

You can easily see the sights of Willemstad by taking a walking tour or hopping aboard a tourist trolley. Either way, you'll want to visit the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, the oldest in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere. Dating from 1732, the synagogue features Dutch colonial-style architecture and a Spanish-style courtyard. In addition, it follows the Portuguese Sephardic custom of covering the sanctuary floor with sand that represents the deserts braved by ancient Israelites.

Next to the synagogue is the informative Jewish Cultural Historical Museum, which chronicles the island's centuries-old Jewish community. The comprehensive Museum Kurá Hulanda, one of the best of its kind in the world, pays similar homage to Africa and the slaves who were brought to Curaçao. Highlights include fascinating exhibits of art and utilitarian objects from the old empires of West Africa.

To learn more about Curaçao's early Dutch settlers, head for the restored 19th-century landhuis, or former plantation home, that now features the Country House Museum. Another old plantation house, Landhuis Chobolobo, is headquarters of Senior & Co., which produces world-famous Curacao Liqueur. You can tour the facility to learn how the distillery makes the island's signature cordial.

History lovers will also want to visit Fort Nassau, overlooking St. Anna Bay just northeast of the capital. Completed in 1797, the fort no longer protects the island but does house a good restaurant.

See It All

Active sightseers will discover plenty to do in Curaçao. The 4,446-acre Christoffel National Park on the western tip of the island is home to hiking and biking trails, varied landscapes and an array of wild animals, including goats, iguanas, donkeys and the Curaçao deer. On the northern coast is a turtle sanctuary at National Park Shete Boka.

Established in 1983, Curaçao Underwater Marine Park stretches for about 12 and a half miles on the east coast and offers pristine coral reefs, snorkeling and diving, as well as glass-bottom boat excursions.

At Hato Caves, you'll find stalagmites and stalactites formed from ancient coral reefs, an underground lake and prehistoric Indian petroglyphs. If close encounters are what you're craving, Curaçao offers several options. Make friends with stingrays, turtles and giant moray eels at Curaçao Sea Aquarium, where you can even feed nurse, lemon and reef sharks from behind a thick mesh barrier. With touch tanks, feeding shows and a dolphin center, the Sea Aquarium is fun for the whole family.

You should also consider a trip aboard the Seaworld Explorer, a semi-submersible submarine that allows you to discover the island's magnificent reefs in comfort and safety. Back on land, learn about big birds at Curaçao Ostrich and Game Farm or uncover the medicinal secrets of plants at Dina Veeris' fascinating herb garden. Here you'll learn about several varieties of local herbs, as well as visit a shop that sells products made from them.

One of the best things about Curaçao is that it's easy to get around if you rent a car. But maybe you'd prefer to leave the driving to someone else? During the day, the colorful, open-air Beach Express bus takes you to fabulous shores on the western side of the island, where you can swim, snorkel or simply relax. At night the express turns into the Party Bus, stopping at some of the island's liveliest clubs.

Mambo Beach, near the Sea Aquarium, is a red-hot spot after the sun goes down. Also popular in the Bapor Kibra area is Nemo, a bar and restaurant at Lions Dive & Beach Resort. If you're not in the mood to dance the night away, catch a first-run flick at The Movies in the Punda district. With six theaters, it's the largest film complex in the Caribbean.

See now why so many tourists fall in love with the island and return year after year? Curaçao offers enticing attractions for every sort of visitor.

Take a Tour

It's easy to explore Curaçao on your own. But why not leave the driving to someone else?

Check out just some of Curaçao's plentiful tours:

• Clang, clang, clang! Hop aboard a trolley and see the sights of historic Willemstad. Among the highlights: Fort Amsterdam, the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, the famous Bolo de Bruid (Wedding Cake House) and the Floating Market.
• Go wild. A Jeep safari is the perfect way to explore Curaçao's beautiful cunucu or countryside.
• Suit up. Curaçao offers some of the world's best dive sites. Most are just a 25-minute boat ride from shore.
• Make like Captain Nemo. Aboard the Seaworld Explorer a state-of-the-art semi-submarine, you'll get an up-close view of Curaçao's spectacular coral reefs—without getting wet.
• Tour in comfort. One call puts you onboard Taber Tours, to tour popular island sights in comfort. Tours include: Highlights & Island Tours, Jewish Heritage & City Tours, Canoe & Snorkeling or the Ostrich Farm & Hato Caves.
  View Taber Tours Video
  www.tabertours.com

Check out our interactive map for 360 degree views of the island highlights!

Please visit the Transportation Section for information about getting around the island.