| FESTIVALS:
Curaçao's colorful, musical Carnival festival runs from January 8, 2011 through mid-March. There are parades, floats, crowning of Carnival royalty and something for all ages.
The Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival will be September 2 and 3, 2011. Check back often to the jazz festival web site for updates on performing artists.
DIVING and SNORKELING:
Diving in Curaçao? There are many excellent dive locations and dive facilities all over the island.
Without rivers or other sediment sources, visibility averages 90 degrees and the water temperature is usually around 80F. But the main reason for Curaçao's popularity is its commitment to reef conservation and maritime parks. The island's conservation programs have fostered some of the Caribbean's most pristine coral reefs and a dazzling variety of marine life. Curaçao has more than 60 identified dive spots with 57 coral species and more than 500 species of fish. See awesome underwater life photos at Curaçao Diving Paradise. Flamingo Villa has a convenient, secure dive locker with provisions for cleaning and storing your equipment, conveniently located near the driveway.
July 2-9, 2011 marks the annual Curaçao Dive Festival. Registration is free and visitors can enjoy a week full of guided dives, workshops, seminars and advanced dives, while nightfall brings happy hour gatherings with live entertainment, movies on the beach, BBQs and night dives. Visitors are welcome to join the full week of activities, or just join in for two or three days, since it’s a free festival there is no monetary commitment that ties visitors in to a strict schedule. Plus, local dive operators offer special packages throughout the festival.
Annual Coral Spawning This miracle of coral reef reproduction is a spectacular phenomenon rarely seen by few only happens 3 days after the full moon in September and October in Curaçao. Divers can witness several types of coral, urchins and brittle stars release their eggs to be fertilized in the open waters around the reef. This elusive mating ritual is not to be missed! An amazing abundance of sea life of every size and color imaginable! Curaçao offers over 100 dive sites with wrecks, reefs, walls (some near-vertical), shore dives and a protected underwater park (since 1983). The visibility often reaches 150 feet and averages 60–100 feet. Water temperature ranges between 75F to 85F. There are over 400 species of fish, crab, anemones, colorful sponges and coral. Curaçao also has some 36 beaches; many in small coves with cliffs surrounding them. The northern coast is rough but offers beautiful spots for photographers.
INFORMATION:
Read winteravoider's posts on the TripAdvisor Curaçao forum for everything you need to know about visiting the island.
BEACHES:
Bask in the sun at two of the BEST Beaches in Curaçao, which are just minutes from Flamingo Villa! Playa PortoMari offers exquisite swimming, snorkeling, and diving with its white coral sand beach and clear, calm waters. Dine at their restaurant while watching the sunset and relax at their famous beachside bar. Believe me, it is not one to be missed on your adventure to Curaçao.
Only five minutes away, Daibooibaai Beach features crystal clear water with giant cliffs rising out of their depths. Beachgoers can spot vibrant corals which cover the steel-gray rocks that protrude from these waters.
HIKING:
Jan Kok Salt Ponds (just a few short steps away)
A short walk away from Flamingo Villa is a wonderful foot path leading to a beautiful overlook of the Jan Kok Salt Ponds, which is home to the flock of flamingos that live on the island. At the end of the short path is a very private picnic table and seating area, so many bring a lunch or snack to eat, relax and enjoy the view. At night, bring your wine and cheese and be astonished at the marvelous clear sky with its bright stars shinning over the salt ponds ... it doesn't get any better. Here is a view during the daytime.
Shete Boca /Boca Tabla
On the North-West side of Curaçao, you will find the sea battered volcanic landscape mixed with coral.
Shete Boca Park, which contains Boca Tabla, and Boca Pistol, is just pass the entrance to Christoffel Park. Huge waves thunder into an underground cavern and various displays of geyser like sprays are spectacular. The smaller inlets are protected turtle breeding areas.
St. Christoffel National Park
A large part of Westpunt is occupied by St CHRISTOFFEL NATIONAL PARK - a nature preserve. You can climb Mt. Christoffel at 375 meters (1400 feet), with a guide or on your own. Many hikes are well-marked and maintained, eight hiking trails are available to cover all fitness choices.
PUNDA:
A short drive to town brings you into Punda, the city's commercial center with its colorful historic buildings and distinctive architecture. The pedestrian only streets lead you to the quaint stores stocked with quality items for sale. Savor authentic island cuisine at the many downtown cafes. While relaxing at the waterfront market, watch the Floating Bridge (Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge) move from its anchor to open the Sea gate for ships to pass into the St. Anna Bay. You can even stay on the bridge during its detachment, just watch that last step.
ACTIVITIES:
- Golfers will enjoy playing a round at nearby Blue Bay Golf Club, which has stunning panoramas over the Ocean.
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Casinos & Gambling - Curaçao has numerous elegant casinos for your evening entertainment.
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Kids "of all ages" love swimming with the Dolphins at Curaçao’s Dolphin Academy.
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Another terrific experience is a safari around Curaçao’s Ostrich Farm where you can even hold a softly chirping baby ostrich.
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