Willemstad - Curacao

This is the Curacao mega pier were cruise ships can dock while in port. This is just one of the dock available. Read the full Curacao cruise port guide to view all the options. However, if only 1 ship is in port, you are most likely going to dock here at the Mega Cruise Terminal.

When the Dutch West-Indian Compagnie took over the island a fort needed to be build to offer protection to the Dutch. At the entrance of the St. Anna baai, just across the water from the dock you can still see this Fort guarding the entrance to the capitol. Nowadays the parliaments hold house in this building. Feel free to stroll around explore the fort by foot.

The UNESCO world heritage site of Willemstad is the old colonial boulevard. This must be the most recognisable sight of Curacao. A row of colourful, restored waterfront warehouses resemble the canal houses of Amsterdam. This is proof of the colonial era when the Dutch would rule this part of the world.

This is the oldest still in use Jewish synagogue in the New World. It was build in the 1730’s by Pieter Roggenburg. The outside might not be very appealing, but wait until you see the inside.

The Penha building is the most photographed building in Curacao. It was build in 1708 in Curaçao Baroque architecture with Dutch influences. It still stands proud on the “Handelskade”. Nowadays if it home to a large department store.

Nautical charts, ship models and navigation equipment tell the 500 years of maritime history of Curacao.

If you are docked at the Mega Pier (main pier in Curacao) you will have Rif Fort at your door step. Together with Fort Amsterdam on the other side of the bay it was build in the 1820’s to defend the city. Rif Fort has now been transformed into a pleasant recreation area where you will find high end shops, souvenir shops and lots of bars and restaurants.

The most unusual site which will catch your eye as soon as you dock in Curacao is the pontoon bridge. This is a floating pedestrian bridge from 1888 connection the two parts of the city centre. The bridge blocks the entree to one of the biggest natural harbours in the world. The bridge will swing open every now and then allowing ships to sail in. When the pontoon bridge opens make sure not to be on it or you’ll be stuck. If the bridge is open free ferries will go up and down to service the pedestrians.

Each morning the Venezuelans gear up their small boats to make the journey over to Curacao where they dock in the historical centre to sell any kind of fruit and vegetables.

Curacao has a dark history of slavery. Kura Hulanda is a hotel and museum near the city centre that will show you a chapter of the african slave trade and Curacao and the centre of slave trade for the ABC islands.

The ostrich farm is one of the most famous in the area. At the visitors centre you will find a restaurants and cafes and this is also where the guided tours leave from. On the tour you are going to befriend a ostrich or two. Stand on the eggs, feed the ostrich and if you want: ride the ostrich. Find the Ostrich farm at about 30 minute drive from the cruise dock.

Blue Bay is one of the nicest beaches on the island. Enjoy lots of different facilities here. Hang on out the beach, go snorkelling or golfing. Find this resort at about 20 minute drive from the dock.