Lizards in Curacao ??
 

I heard that Curacao is overrunned with lizards - how bad is it ?? I hate lizards.

Yes, there are plenty of lizards on the island. The really large iguanas are usually seen from a fdistance as they don't care for humans & scurry out of the way when you even look like approaching. While driving in the national park area small ones were everywhere on the roads. We tried to avoid running them over, but it was difficult. No lizards were seen on the beach areas or in town. There were many small ones around our first floor hotel room at the Marriott & most would run away as you approached. We happen to love lizards & we happily enticed them over every morning where the would drink milk from our finished cereal bowls. We even started naming them. Curracao has been one of our favorite islands.

Thanks Sparks - we too are staying at the Marriott - I'll try to get a high level floor !! How was the Marriott ?

Hi JerseySue,

We stayed at the Marriott while in Curacao and enjoyed it greatly.

We didn't have any in our room however out by the pool they ran amuck.

These little fellas did not bother me for some reason. Most were little but some that were larger were actually very beautiful. (did I just say that? lol)

They reminded me of the geckos in Hawaii, you know if you see one they are good luck, or so I have been told...

Our rooms were on the second floor, and we never had any in our rooms.

Have fun, I have a trip report I could top for you, if you would like, just let me know.

(H)) Enjoy! Tiff

oops, missed a (

That was supposed to be a sunglass shades guy for you!

((H))

Thanks Tiff - a trip would be great !! Did you guys rent a car ?

Tiff - oops for got to type trip "report" !! Thanks

The Marriott in Curacao has quite a few lizards, but they're not as aggressive as those in the USVI or Aruba. When are you going? You are going to awake the first morning thinking you are still having a vacation dream - Curacao comes first in my heart of the Carribean's most desirable islands. Do rent a car for at least a day or two. The signage is bad, so check a map out throughly before getting on the road but it's a one-of-a-kind island. Enjoy unwinding and know that every moment spent there is going to be such a precious memory.

You will love the Marriott! I believe it made our trip that much better. Don't worry, the lizards do not come in the room. Yes, do rent a car & see the island. There are many nice restaurants & the national park is very nice to visit for a day. The snorkeling is great right off many beaches especially the Marriott's. During the week everything is fairly quiet, but on the weekends the hotel is crowded with families. If you have no children, I would suggest asking for a room away from the pool area. Our room was near the dive shop & that was a quiet area. The people are wonderful there & the food was excellent. Just remember that it is not a "lush" island. It has a fairly large city nearby & industry. Try eating at the market area in town for lunch. It is where the working people eat. A large, open-sided, roofed building where you sit at trestle tables with other folk. We ended up sitting with a retired teacher & discussed mutual problems of schools & kids. Waitress spoke mainly Spanish & we were able to get by with our bit of the language. Good Indonesian food also on the island. Have a great time!

Hi JerseySue,

Please accept my apologies, busy weekend, and forgot to check back on your post! :)

Here is the thread, it may be useful:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34487472

The posts following my OP asked some great questions, hope it may be of help!

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Happy journey, Tiff

p.s. If you decide to not rent a car, the Marriott provides a complimentary shuttle into Willemstad daily.

We used it, it worked for us. ((#))

Ok, just one more thing JerseySue, lol

After clicking on and reading my above post, you may want to read the trip report rahmanbar promised to us in my thread after his return from he and his wife's trip:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34519800

Very good, informative post!
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts! Tiff

JS, you'll have a great time at Curacao. My wife and I were just there May 27-June 13. We had a great time. We stayed at the Hilton. We rented a car and I would rent again if we go back. Cabs acn get expensive and you'll want to go to town, maybe to one of the private beaches, like Porta Marie, and to restaurants. There's Ok but not great dining by the Mrriott/Hilton.
The iguanas are all over but are more scared of you than you of them. They leave you alone.
One word of caution, if you go to a beach make sure it's got security. We went to Playa Kalki, no security guard like Porta Marie, and someone stole a tire! Makes for an interesting vacation story.

"Lizards" are very common anywhere it's warm. They are completely harmless unless you try to go after a iguana or something. Geckos, knutes, salamander types scurry around but have absolutely no interest in getting near you. Curious as to "Knowing's" comment regarding aggressive lizards in the USVI. Frankly, I've never encountered any "aggressive" lizards in the VI's.

Thanks guys - love those messages !!

Thanks Tiff for the great Trip Report - I printed it out so that I can take it along !!

JerseySue,

Tuxedocat gave you wise advice...relax, they really are more afraid of you. I know, I thought, and perhaps said, "NO...I don't think so " when I was in Jamaica.

But take it from an "afraidacat", you'll be fine :-)

Here in Maine we have flying squirrels. Your mental image is right...they are something to make you scream ;-)

Marion

Tuxedocat,

Perhaps one should use a better word like friendlier. In Aruba, you are just as likely to be sharing your lounge chairs with them as you are your towels (the smaller ones - not the larger ones).

No problem JerseySue, happy to help.

((F)) Tiff