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We're thinking of going to Curacao in December mostly to scuba/snorkel. We'll probably be staying at this Hilton. Do we need to rent a car? If so do we just need it for a few days or the whole trip? Will probably be there 5 days before heading over to Bonaire. (I've heard we don't need one there.)

Thanks!

qwovadis

driver guides are cheaper than cars and less risky

so personally would go that route if needed.

KVR

It wouldn't hurt depending on what you want to do. Curacao has several inlets/coves of beachs on the West Side of the Island, so you will need transportation and a good map to get to them. We did a beach hopping tour to get to them for snorkeling,and we also did an Island tour. We used the public transport by our hotel to get to downtown and our hotel provided free shuttle service to one of the grocery stores, so we didn't need a car, but if you want to explore more than we did, it would be advisable.

We did the scuba dive at the Sea Aquarium and it was the best part of the trip. We are not divers and it was our first dive, but we were impressed.

StanKase

We have been to Curacao and rented each time. But in the round-abouts the locals drive like no one else is there so you have to be careful. Further they are not beyond having a mild bump of your car get them heading for the hills. That should not concern you as long as you take out the $25/day full coverage for any and all damage to your car or anyone elses vehicle. The restuirants are spread out. The one at the Marriott, Portofino, is in my opinion not very good but there are several good ones near the Arches, then the Kuru hotel has 2 excellent resturants that are a $15 taxi ride frolm the Hilton. In addition near the EAST END there is La Rousse a Swiss/French restaurant that is expensive but very good but a $40 RT taxi ride and the Avalon restaurant a nice more reasonably priced place a little further towrd the East End.
The snorkeling is a 30 minute drive from the Hilton on the West end with several good bays for snorkeling. So at $75/day a car for 5-6 days it would be worthwhile IMO.

Odin

We rented a car in all the ABC islands. Curacao is a big island, we like to have the freedom to go where we want. We rented a jeep in Bonaire, mainly to go to Washington Slagbaai National Park which was a highlight but again, great to have the freedom to get around. We mostly always rent a car at least for couple days.

schnitp

My wife and I will also be in Curacao in December and as we own a property in Royal palm resorts , right around the corner from the Hilton I would recommend the following

If its to scuba and snokel near the hilton you don't need a rental car but if you want to go further there is either the dive shop in pirate cove 5 min walk from the hilton that has boat/dive tours or rent a car to explore on your own

Knowing

We rented a car for some of the time. It gave us a little more mobility. Otherwise, we used taxi's. They do not have meters installed, so if you go this route, agree on a price with the driver before you go anywhere.