Curaçao

Curaçao (pronounced "kura-sow") is the largest of the three ABC islands, 37 miles long by about 6 miles wide. The Arawak Indians are believed to be the first inhabitants. The Spanish arrived in 1499, and in 1634 the Dutch claimed the island. The British had a short tenure in the early 19th. century. Consequently, Curaçao has a fascinating and rich cultural heritage, further enhanced by being a thriving centre of commerce and government for many hundreds of years. The climate is the "Antilles" climate, sunny with a steady breeze, keeping the air fresh and the temperature to around 29C (84F), a little higher in summer. Annual rainfall is just 56 cm. (22 inches).

Curaçao is the big sister of the ABC islands. Bonaire and Aruba share Curaçao's history and culture, but each island has developed in distinct ways, Aruba becoming more developed, and Bonaire resisting almost all development. Curaçao combines elements of both these characteristics, with a unique and exciting character of it's own. Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, has a lively, varied nightlife and hundreds of historical buildings, evidence of a wonderful mix of cultures. The island of Curaçao also has a wide choice of activities and attractions, rather like Aruba. There is a lot of outdoor sports activities to enjoy, on land and sea, many natural attractions, plus tours and excursions. However, the bulk of the island is undeveloped, like Bonaire, unspoilt and very peaceful.

The west coast has 37 miles of beautiful, pristine coastline, 38 secluded coves with wonderful sandy beaches, and a placid, turquoise ocean. The coves and bays are perfect for relaxing, very quiet and usually shared with no more than a handful of people. They are perfect for shore diving and water sports. They offer easy access to the ocean, and with few other people around, you can enjoy your chosen pastime in freedom and at your own pace. The rugged east coast, the open ocean side, is 37 miles of powerful ocean crashing against spectacular volcanic rock formations. You have the best of both worlds. Curaçao has a wonderful blend of interesting history, natural beauty, sociable nightlife and sports and activities, not least it's world class diving. Over 60 official dive sites, 40 of which are shore diving sites. Curaçao has so much to offer, for all tastes and ages. But, like the other Antilles islands, Curaçao is not commercially developed. There is no mass tourism, no theme parks here. What Curaçao gives you is so much more enjoyable because it is not manufactured.  You have to have an independent spirit, be a bit of a pioneer and explore a little. It's there if you look.

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