Netherlands Antilles 2 Day Itinerary

2-Day Itinerary: Exploring the Netherlands Antilles

This itinerary assumes you’re visiting both islands: Curaçao & Bonaire.

Important: The Netherlands Antilles is now part of the Caribbean Netherlands, a special municipality of the Netherlands within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This means you’ll need to consider the specific island you’re visiting for the most accurate visa requirements.

Day 1: Curaçao Culture & History

  • Morning:

    • Explore Willemstad, the capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through the colorful colonial architecture of the historic Punda and Otrobanda districts.
    • Visit the Curaçao Museum (Curaçaose Museum) to delve into the island’s rich history, from its indigenous past to its colonial history and modern-day significance.**

  • Afternoon:

    • Relax and soak up the sun at Mambo Beach. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the beachside restaurants and bars.
    • Take a tour of the Curaçao Distillery and learn about the island’s famous Blue Curaçao liqueur.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner: Savor authentic Caribbean cuisine at a local restaurant in Willemstad.

Things to know:

  • Currency: The currency used in Curaçao is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG), which is pegged to the US dollar.

  • Language: While Papiamentu is the official language, English and Dutch are widely spoken.

  • Things to do:

    • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Willemstad, with its many bars, clubs, and casinos.

  • Activities:

    • Snorkeling/Diving: Explore the stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life around the islands (especially Bonaire’s renowned diving sites).
    • Beaches: Relax and enjoy the sun at one of the beautiful beaches like Sorobon Beach on Bonaire or Flamingo Beach on Curaçao.

  • Things to know:

  • Visa Requirements: Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, and EU member states, can visit the islands without a visa for up to 90 days (for EU citizens) or 180 days (for those from the US and Canada).**

For non-EU citizens, check with your embassy or consulate for specific visa requirements for entry into the Netherlands Antilles.

  • Things to consider:

    • The islands are popular tourist destinations. You’ll likely need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.

  • Enjoy the beautiful beaches and learn about the local culture: *

**Day 1:

  • Arrive in Willemstad (Curaçao) and enjoy some of the island’s beaches.

  • Explore the vibrant underwater world of Curaçao:
    The Netherlands Antilles are known for their incredible diving. Visit one of the many dive sites like the “Hilma Hooker” wreck, which is accessible to shore divers, or explore the stunning beauty of the “Blue Hole”

  • Experience the vibrant nightlife:

    • Take a walking tour of the colorful historic districts in Willemstad and learn about its fascinating colonial history.

Day 2:

  • Morning:

    • Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring the beaches and turquoise waters around the island.
    • Swim with the sea turtles at Playa Lagun, a popular snorkeling spot where you can see these gentle creatures up close.

  • Afternoon:

    • Relax and enjoy the island’s diverse landscape.

  • Things to consider for Day 2:

    • Day trip to Klein Curaçao: This uninhabited island offers pristine beaches, excellent snorkeling (especially at Playa Grandi), and breathtaking views.
    • Visit a local market or festival for an authentic taste of the islands.

  • Enjoy the vibrant culture:

Things you’ll want to know about traveling:

  • The official currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG), but US dollars are widely accepted and can often be used interchangeably.
  • Dutch is the official language, but Papiamentu, English, Spanish, and other languages are also spoken.

Accommodation:

  • Consider staying in a beachfront hotel or villa on either Curaçao or Bonaire, depending on your preference for a more lively or relaxed experience.

  • Food & Drinks:

    • Punda & Willemstad: Explore the vibrant food scene in the capital, with its colorful buildings and delicious local cuisine.
    • Beaches in the Netherlands Antilles:
      • Flamingo Beach: Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and diving in the crystal-clear waters of this beautiful beach.

  • Things to consider for visa requirements:

  • Visa requirements are typically determined by your nationality. You’ll need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.

  • For things you can do on the island:

    • Explore the underwater world: The Netherlands Antilles, particularly Bonaire, are renowned for their diving and snorkeling.

      • Things to consider for transportation:
      • Car Rental: Consider renting a car for maximum flexibility.
      • Public Transportation: Buses and taxis are available on the island.

  • Enjoy the beaches: The islands offer a variety of beaches, from secluded bays to bustling resorts.

  • Dive into the history: Visit historical sites in Willemstad like the Curaçao Museum, which explores the island’s rich past through exhibits on slavery, colonialism, and local art.

Important:

  • Always check with your embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements before traveling to Bonaire

For a deeper dive into the Caribbean Netherlands’ culture:

  • Visit museums and historical sites: Explore the history of slavery on the islands through memorials and historical sites.
  • Attend cultural events: Immerse yourself in the local culture by attending festivals or celebrations that showcase the island’s history, music, and dance.

Enjoy a unique experience:

  • Turtles: Consider visiting a beach with a turtle sanctuary, like Playa Kalki on Curaçao, to see these fascinating creatures.
  • Bonaire’s stunning reefs are perfect for diving and snorkeling.

Consider the following when planning your activities:

  • Day trips: Explore the beaches and watersports offered by the various islands.
  • Island tours: Consider a guided tour to see the highlights of the island.
  • Cultural events: Check local listings for any festivals, markets or events that are happening during your visit.

For snorkeling:

  • Bonaire:

  • Flamingo Beach: This popular beach offers a variety of snorkeling experiences, from exploring the shallow reefs to swimming with the diverse marine life.

  • 1000 Steps: A great spot for experienced divers, you’ll have a chance to see some amazing underwater formations.

  • Taxis and buses are readily available in the Caribbean Netherlands.

  • Local cuisine: Enjoy fresh seafood, local fruits and vegetables, and Dutch specialties like stroopwafels and bitterballen.

For a more adventurous trip:

  • Consider joining a guided diving tour for deeper dives and access to shipwrecks (specifically for Bonaire).

Carriacou:

  • Explore the beaches of Curaçao, a beautiful island with stunning beaches and clear, calm waters.

  • Bonaire’s National Marine Park:

Dive in the crystal-clear waters and explore the vibrant coral reefs.

  • Enjoy local culture:

  • Local markets and restaurants: Immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine.

  • Island hopping: The islands of Curaçao and Bonaire are close enough for a day trip.

Things to consider for visiting Curaçao (this is just a sample, you can choose specific activities)

  • Ferry services:

  • Explore the Caribbean and Dutch cultures:

  • For diving, check the dive sites in advance and find out if they are suitable for your experience level.

  • Consider the time of year: Some islands have different accessibility depending on the season, so research the best time to visit based on your preferred activities and the weather conditions.

  • Boat trips:

  • Explore the islands’ diverse landscape:

  • Dive sites: Enjoy a variety of dive sites and beaches.

For visiting Bonaire, consider these popular options:

  • Lac Bay: This shallow lagoon is perfect for beginners and those who want to enjoy a relaxed beach day, including swimming, snorkeling, and even windsurfing.
  • Donkey Sanctuary: Meet and interact with friendly donkeys.

For a unique experience:

  • Explore the island’s underwater world: Bonaire is known as a “diver’s paradise” and offers various dive sites for all levels of experience.

  • Boat trips: Dive sites like the “Hilma Hooker” wreck offer opportunities for snorkeling and diving.

  • Enjoy the local culture:

  • Food: Experience the island’s diverse cuisine, including fresh seafood, seafood dishes, and local specialties.

  • Activities: Enjoy diving and snorkeling, explore the island by bike or scooter, visit the “Washington Slagbaai National Park” for a variety of activities.

  • Remember:

  • Boat trips are available to nearby islands like Curaçao, Klein Bonaire, and Klein Isla:

  • Visit the “Klein Curaçao Diving” website for information on diving in Bonaire.

For travel tips:

  • Things to remember:
  • Safety: Always prioritize safety and follow local guidelines when enjoying any of the islands’ attractions, especially diving sites.
  • Respect: Respect the local culture by being mindful of customs, traditions and cultural sites.

Enjoy your trip!