In Curacao, there is an undeniable temptation to lie back on a beach chair and spend the entire day in a blissful trance, sipping a piña colada and watching the waves crash on the shoreline. I can guarantee, though, that if you have children, they are not going to sit there for long. Since the family possibilities on this tiny island are endless, you can leave the beach chair behind and discover the adventurous, family-friendly side of Curacao.
The Dolphin Academy offers a unique, intimate, informative experience with dolphins through five different programs: Dolphin Encounter, Dolphin Swim, Dolphin Free Dive, Dolphin Scuba, and Open Water Dolphin Dive. Children of all ages can participate in the Dolphin Encounter making it a truly family-friendly experience.
2. Beaches
Almost all Curacao beaches are scattered along the sheltered and calm southwestern coast where the waters are calm and crystal clear. At some beaches admission is charged, but there are tons of opportunities to experience Curacao beaches for free. No matter where you go on the island, the water is spectacular. Kids will jump at the chance to explore the beaches of Curacao so pack your bathing suit, hop in the car, and take a drive. Maybe you’ll find an undiscovered gem in Curacao.
At the Curaçao Ostrich Farm, you have the opportunity to see these fascinating birds up close. You will be able to touch them, feed them, and even ride them (if you dare). On the hour every hour, the Safari truck departs for an amazing tour. At the end of the tour, you can get up close with the babies and even stand on an ostrich egg, but be careful not to drop it. It can still break.
4. Curaçao Zoo & Nature Reserve
The Curacao Zoo is small but it’s still a wonderful way to spend the afternoon with your family. Some animals include a lion, flamingos, turtles, monkeys, raccoons, a snake, and donkeys. There is also a great play area for young children. Current admission is free and since it’s centerally located in the district Cas Cora, it’s an excellent start our end to a busy day.
5. Trolley Train from Atlantis Adventure
Aboard the Trolley Train, you can experience historic Willemstad. The tour begins at Fort Amsterdam and continues by interesting sights including the Floating Market on Sha Caprilleskade, where Venezuelan merchants sell fish and vegetables from their boats. The train continues to Scharloo, a former residential neighborhood lined with picturesque homes built during the 1880s. In addition, the tour passes Queen Wilhelmina Park and Waterfort Arches. The tour ends where it begins at Fort Amsterdam.
All of these experiences are 100% family-friendly. Athena and I tested each one of them and can attest to their accessibility for all ages and interests. The only thing to worry about in Curacao is how you’re going to fit all of these unbelievable experiences into your schedule. Extend your trip? That was our solution.
*This journey was made possible with help from Tourism Curacao; however, as you probably know by now, all opinions & thoughts are my own.*
Lovely pictures.
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Colorful place!
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I love approaching Curacao from the water so you can see the dazzling buildings lined up. So beautiful. Nice photos.
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Way back in the old days when I was knee-high to a grasshopper, no-one could afford to travel the way most of us can today because only RICH people did that, or could. The activities available to you weren’t even dreamed of then. I LOVE progress. So many thing are so possible now.
Your photos make my eyes bleed. Hee-hee.
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I took my family there in1999. What a great place and people. As soon as I saw the picture of the buildings I knew what your post was about… Thanks for the memories…
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Looks great!
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Wow, looks like you’re having a blast, Lesley! Very cool. 🙂 Thanks for visiting my blog and for sharing your wonderful trips with us!
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Wow! Stand on an ostrich egg? Really? That’s cool! And the trolley trains look nice! Hmm, wish I could visit too!
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I totally want to see the ostrich farm! That looks like so much fun. My guys would love the train. Of course.
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Love the beach. Crystal clear water. Like to dive in it all day long. Bliss 🙂
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Nice location
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Awesome!
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Great pics!
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Awesome!
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Thank you for taking me to so many amazing places x Here’s an award for your inspiring blog http://lilywight.com/2013/07/27/promoting-peace-throughout-the-blogosphere-blog-awards/ xx
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Can I just say, YES PLEASE! If there is ever room in your suitcases, I’m sure I can fit in there somewhere. 😉
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Dolphin academy looks fun and great for kids!
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I lived in Curacao many years ago with my Uncle and Aunt. splendid! Wildlife in the garden back then. (large lizards &c). Now I would love to re-visit and would just stroll and sip and relax. Thanks for this. It brought back memories.
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Beautiful!
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I like the idea of the dolphin academy catering for all ages, which would work well for my family.
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Wow your pics are amazing! I saw you liked my post about Easy Canvas Prints, if your interested let me know and I’ll send you their address to work with them on getting a free canvas 🙂
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Nice captures! The Dolphin Academy looks like the most fun to me! 😀
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My kids are almost grown up so I’ll take the beaches and that drink! But the dolphin academy looks so fun!
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Nice work. I see New Zealand is yet to be added to your list 🙂
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I love the Caribbean. Nice photos.
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What a beautiful and vibrant place to be – I want summer back….
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Pingback: Curacao » Eleanor Dobbins Photography
After reading this post in the fall of 2013, I booked our trip to Curacao. We enjoyed every moment!
Here is the link to view the images from our trip:
http://www.eleanordobbinsblog.com/curacao/
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Wow! Thank you for messaging me about this. You made my day. 🙂
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I shared your post with Tourism Curacao and they shared it on their Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/curacaotb 🙂
I’d also love to share it on my site. Would you be ok with that?
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Wow! That made my day lol. Thank you! That would be great. 🙂
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