4 to 5 hours ashore
Willemstad
- Walk from the pier through Otrobanda.
- Cross the Queen Emma Bridge to the colorful Punda waterfront.
Rather book it? A walking tour of Willemstad.
Curaçao shore excursions
A Dutch-Caribbean island with a UNESCO-listed capital, dozens of small cove beaches, and some of the region's best shore snorkeling.
Getting ashoreShips dock at the Mega Pier in Otrobanda or at Mathey Wharf, both within walking distance of the colorful waterfront of Willemstad and the floating Queen Emma Bridge.
Curaçao port day essentials
read this before you book
Which pier you're at
Mega PierTwo berths in Otrobanda, about half a mile from the Queen Emma floating bridge.
Mathey WharfAlong the St. Anna Bay channel in Otrobanda, also walkable to the waterfront.
Cross the Queen Emma Bridge to reach the colorful Punda shopping district.
Taxis
Taxis charge per vehicle, with flat rates within the main areas of Willemstad. Confirm the price before you go.
Most rides in the city or to nearby beaches run about $10 to $35; Mambo Beach has been about $23 per taxi.
Money
Caribbean guilders. US dollars are widely accepted, and many prices are quoted in dollars.
Language
Papiamentu, Dutch and English are official; English is widely spoken.
Back on board
All-aboard is usually 30 minutes before sailing; your ship's daily planner has the exact time. The Queen Emma Bridge swings open to let ships pass; a free ferry runs across while it's open.
Last checked November 2026. Prices change; confirm before you pay.
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Plan your day in Curaçao
pick by your time ashore
6 to 8 hours ashore
City and a beach
- Morning in Willemstad.
- Taxi to Mambo Beach for the afternoon.
Rather book it? A beach day with transport.
9 hours or more
Beaches of the west end
- Drive about an hour to the beaches near Westpunt.
- Snorkel with turtles at a quiet cove.
Rather book it? A west end beach and snorkel tour.
Times are approximate. Whatever you choose, plan to be back at the pier an hour before all-aboard. Compare tours for each idea below.
Compare Curaçao tours
Start times and meeting points vary by tour. Check them against your ship's schedule before you book.
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Curaçao tours from GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide's own search results for Curacao, in GetYourGuide's order. Check each tour's start time and meeting point against your ship's schedule.
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Curaçao tours from Shore Excursions Group
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Scout's notes on Curaçao
Short port days
Willemstad itself is the highlight. Walk across the Queen Emma pontoon bridge to the Punda waterfront. Hato Caves and Mambo Beach are each about 15 to 20 minutes from the port.
Long port days
The cove beaches of the west end, such as Grote Knip and Cas Abao, are 25 to 45 minutes away and great for snorkeling. Boat trips to Klein Curaçao, an uninhabited island with a long white beach, take most of a day.
Getting back on time
The Klein Curaçao crossing can be rough and slow in strong winds, so only book it on a long port day. The Queen Emma Bridge swings open to let ships pass. If you're caught on the wrong side, a free ferry runs across the harbor.
From fellow cruisers
Tips from people who've been, read by us before they go up.
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