11 Under-the-Radar Things to Do in Curaçao

Curaçao has many cool dive spots, but there’s only one where you can learn to plant a coral forest. Reef Renewal Curaçao gives divers the unique opportunity to tour its nurseries and restoration sites, learning first-hand about coral care. The half-day experience provides you with the necessary equipment, a guided dive, and a presentation on the organization’s restoration efforts. Reef Renewal Curaçao is on a mission to halt coral reef degradation and to inspire the local and international community to take an active role in protecting its ocean. The project initially launched with 20 coral nursery trees, which has since expanded to 40 trees and has reintroduced over 10,000 corals to the island’s reef.

No matter where you wander in Curaçao, it’s hard to miss the doll-shaped figurines called Chichi. Chichi is a Papiamentu word for “older sister” and a term of endearment used to describe strong, proud Caribbean women. These vibrant and hand-painted curvaceous figurines honor the women of Curaçao while supporting its female artisans. The dolls hail from Serena’s Art Factory, founded by German ex-pat Serena Israel, who has created a space that celebrates and employs Curaçao women, who each design a Chichi in a style reflective of themselves. You can buy a Chichi doll online or in their shop in the art alley of Punda, Willemstad. Better yet, you can create your own by visiting Serena’s Art Factory, which offers workshops.

Few things are more freeing than flying across the surface of Caribbean waters, exploring cove after cove and beach after beach. This is the experience waiting for you with Tourrific Curaçao, where you’ll venture to multiple beaches by jetski. Uniquely, Curaçao is home to dozens of stunning beaches found tucked inside coves along the island’s rugged coastline. As you skirt across the clear waters, you’ll visit each beach—seemingly defined by one characteristic or another. At one beach, you’ll spot snorkelers scrambling to catch sight of the many sea turtles that call this particular cove home. At another beach, you’ll notice a clifftop restaurant from where dare-devil patrons can dive into the shimmering waters below. Some of Curaçao’s beaches seem like an ongoing party, while others appear quieter and serene, making it clear that whatever your style, there’s a beach waiting for you.

Nestled in the neighborhood of Otrabanda, Bario Urban Street Food is one of those cool open-air food concepts you’ll be recommending for years to come. Imagine an inner courtyard surrounded by converted shipping containers, each boasting a unique food concept. Behind you sits a bar ready to whip up sumptuous cocktails as you debate between ordering ceviche or vegan Caribbean fare. As you dine, cultural performances showcase European and Afro-Caribbean dances unique to the island. While the culinary concepts rotate, at the moment, you can expect to find Piskechi (a seafood-focused eatery helmed by Chef Viktor), Bario Skina (a stand serving local dishes elevated by Chef Heinrich’s creative flare), BJ Caribbean Flavors (a vegan stand serving veggies made sublime by Chef Bernadette), and Adorable Cakes (a dessert stand serving traditional Curaçao sweets by Chef Nacheska).

Too often, we throw WebMD searches and prescription pills at anything that ails us. But, on the island of Curaçao, Dinah Veeris reverts to the healing powers of nature with her Den Paradera Herb Garden. Back in 1980, Veeris began her research on healing herbs and traditions, interviewing elders in her community in the hope of preserving their knowledge for future generations. Studying Herbal Studies in California, she returned to Curaçao in 1991 to start her garden, painstakingly tending (and even singing) to every plant. The result is a sprawling garden blooming with every herb and flower you can imagine, all promising a medicinal benefit. Whether you’re looking for an alternative way to manage headaches, arthritis, or stomach pain—this garden has it all.

Look no further than Number Ten for another stellar restaurant housed within a historic mansion. This beautiful café serves gorgeous breakfasts on the grounds of the Landhuis Bloemhof, the most imaginative art gallery in the country. After having your fill of waffles, stroll around the estate—making sure to stop by the Cathedral of Thorns—before returning to the inner courtyard for coffee beneath a canopy of native trees.