General Info “Real. Different.” Relishing in a warm tropical climate just 12° north of the Equator, the island of Curacao is a celebration of breathtaking beaches and living history. Oceanfront resorts and intimate coves balance on the rim of the Caribbean ocean and introduce a rugged interior of rolling hills and intriguing cacti. Colorful structures rise from the arid landscape and immerse travelers in the 17th and 18th century world of Dutch colonialism. Travelers are treated to duty-free shopping and a blended culture of European, African and Jewish descent. The diversity of natural, modern and historic pleasures are sewn into the fabric of the island and are summed up in the slogan of Curacao- “Real. Different.” Willemstad The historic capital of Willemstad boasts 750 historic buildings, 55 resident nationalities and is one of the most photographed cityscapes in the Caribbean. Streets lined with duty-free displays of fresh produce, fine meats and quaint handicrafts wind through colonial buildings. Antiquated structures from the 17thth century have distinguished Willemstad as a unique Caribbean island. Bright colors splash along the walls of open-air cafes and harmonize with the shores that have welcomed sea vessels for ages. Needless to say, the town of Willemstad is a must-see for anyone with Caribbean aspirations.
Sunken Ships and Scenic Trails Beyond the fine sands of Curacao’s shores is an underwater world of fascinating wrecks, long reef walls and teeming marine life. Swim to a sunken tugboat that sits upright on the ocean floor or explore the remains of a mysterious plane wreck. Scuba divers will find the warm, clear waters of Curacao to be a pleasant host for deep sea excursions. Looking back to the mainland, drier adventures are found among the resort activities, national parks and off-road safaris that challenge the ardent thrill seeker. Exciting tours and scenic trails indulge explorers in the various ecologies of the island. Weddings and Romance The endless beaches and colonial towns of Curacao make it a prime destination for weddings, honeymoons or spontaneous getaways. Oceanfront resorts capture the comforts of European flair while offering the unscathed shores of the Caribbean. Take a private charter to a secluded cove or find an 18th century cathedral to exchange vows. Curacao’s historic charms and surreal beauty welcome everyone seeking a romantic escape. Uncommon Vacation
Curacao is a colorful blend of blue water, white sands, limestone cliffs and brilliant European edifices. Island culture is distinctly woven into the Dutch elegance that permeates from every building. Fabulous duty-free shopping and a festive nightlife surround the resorts with a fascinating native experience. Those seeking an uncommon vacation will find it on the bustling island of Curacao. Destination information is subject to change without prior notice. Travelers are advised to use extreme caution and common sense when venturing out in any foreign destination. While luxury beach destinations can be quite alluring, remember to keep your guard up when approached by locals in any foreign area. We advise guests to attend the resort orientation upon arrival(if provided) and conduct plenty of research prior to arriving at your destination. The information provided on this site is not comprehensive and we advise travelers to utilize the official tourist board site for each resort area, the CDC, travel.state.gov and other official sources for up to date destination information. Available Resorts Getting There Entry Requirements All travelers between the U.S. and the Caribbean are required to carry passports beginning January 1, 2007 as mandated by the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. We encourage you to begin the passport application process early to avoid unexpected delays. Travelers should allow a minimum of eight weeks between their application submission and receipt of passport. Visas are not required. Foreign residents of the United States and all other foreign visitors not holding a US Passport must contact the appropriate government authorities to determine the entry and visa requirements. Vaccinations Vaccinations are not required unless arriving from, or traveling through, a country with a formally declared health epidemic. Consult with your doctor for final recommendations and current health requirements in Curacao. Departure Tax There is a $22.00 departure tax per person for international flights. What to Wear Light shirts and shorts are best suited for the warm year-round weather. Some restaurants may require jackets for men and dresses for ladies. Currency The standard currency in Curacao is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (abbreviated as Nafl. or Ang. It is also common for U.S. dollars to circulate freely. Major credit cards are accepted at most vendors. Driving Driving is on the right-hand side of the road in Curacao and standard driving procedures are in place. Electricity The electrical current in Curacao is at 127/120 VAC at 50 cycles. Most appliances made in the U.S. will work with the exception of those with internal time mechanisms. Water The water on Curacao is safe to drink, bathe in and brush with. Airports The Curacao International Airport sends and receives flights from major airlines around the world. Geography Curacao is a boutique island in the southeast of the Caribbean that is framed by elaborate coral and a vibrant marine life. The shores are made up of soft white sands and striking limestone cliffs. Looking further in-land reveals a rugged landscape of rolling hills with an impressive array of cacti and desert fauna. Wild trails meander through the terrain and along the shore, welcoming horseback riders, bicyclists and hikers to the unique scenery of Curacao. Climate Curacao is just 12 degrees north of the equator and stays in the mid 80’s year round. The annual rainfall averages to only 22 inches. History When first discovered in 1499 by the Spanish lieutenant Alonso de Ojeda, Curacao was inhabited by the Amerindian Arawaks. Eventual abandonment by the Spanish left the island completely open for Dutch claim. The bustling slave trade and immigrants from Holland slowly turned Curacao into a country of numerous backgrounds and peoples. Oil was discovered in the early 1900’s and led to a big economic boom as well as further integration as an international melting pot. The diverse culture and natural beauty of the island have since laid the foundation for increased tourism from America and around the world. Cultural Experience The varied cultures of Curacao have fashioned a joyful and friendly people that are seen in every bazaar and nightly event. Dance to calypso tunes during the famous Curacao carnival or enjoy nightly entertainment within the resort areas. Duty-free shopping compliments the Dutch structures that line the city streets, creating cultural ethos only found in Curacao. Time Zone Curacao is on Atlantic Standard Time, which is one hour later than U.S. Eastern Standard Time and four hours earlier than Greenwich Mean Time (GMT –4). Attractions Beaches More than 35 beaches stretch across the shores of Curacao and treat vacationers to a collection of fine white sands, clear blue waters and gentle Caribbean trade winds. Curacao is a versatile beach destination with everything from abandoned coves to active beaches. The fine edge of Curacao is perfect for every kind of family or romantic outing. Dining Fresh seafood is the foundation for local dining in Curacao and is aptly found on the ocean front venues within the major resort areas. European methods mix with the island spices and create a distinctive cuisine that captures the Caribbean. Other flavors from around the world are also available through a host of international and specialty restaurants. Bite into fresh lobster or savor the taste of genuine sushi. The culinary options on Curacao reflect its diverse culture. Excursions The rugged countryside, arid terrain and historic richness of Curacao provide unique opportunities for adventure on the island. Jeep safaris roam deep into the different ecologies of Curacao and present the famous displays of old plantations and abandoned mills. Trails spread throughout the landscape and welcome avid hikers, horseback riders and extreme mountain bikers into dramatic backdrops. The vast majority of Curacao is as wild as when it was discovered, affording more than enough adventure for those up to the challenge. Sports and Recreations Curacao’s clear waters and rolling hills have naturally made it a haven for island sports and recreations. Mysterious ships and vibrant coral welcome scuba divers into a diverse ocean world. Large catches and exciting voyages are secured on Curacao’s deep-sea fishing charters. Manicured fairways traverse the coastline and offer golfers a variety of courses in paradise. No matter your forte, the resources of Curacao will more than suffice. Nightlife Nightlife on Curacao is an electric display of island culture, local talent and in-house shows. Live calypso sets the stage as colorful dresses, smiling faces and travelers from around the world join in the island’s festivities. The fabulous carnival season is a celebration of diversity and is one of the Caribbean’s most spectacular events. Even in the “off season,” the carnival spirit is seen and heard on the mark of the setting sun. Weddings and Honeymoons From endless white sands to hundreds of historic sites, the small island of Curacao is a haven for destination weddings and honeymoon escapes. Soft shores teeming with activity and intimate coves without a trace of humanity are among the places for your Caribbean romance. Rising in between the beaches are old forts, ancient churches and roads that meander through 300-year old Dutch structures. Sip fine wines at sunset or find an evening hideaway on a beachfront cabana. The all inclusive wedding packages and resort specialists on Curacao can help with the finest detail of your romantic plans. Necessary Documents: - A written marriage petition needs to be sent to the town hall with the signatures of both partners and two wedding dates with times.
- Birth Certificates with the name of the parents.
- International declaration of single status by the civil registration of your hometown and an apostille/legalization.
- If divorced or widowed, a copy of the divorce decree or death certificate as well as an apostille/ legalization of proof is required.
- Documents must be no older than 6 months by the time of the wedding.
- All documents need to be with your wedding planner at least 2 months before the wedding date.
Restrictions: - A 3 days wait from the time of arrival on Curacao to the time of the wedding is required.
- Witnesses brought from outside Curacao must be 21 years old. Their full names, address and date of birth must also be registered. A copy of a valid passport and application for temporary residence are also required from the witness.
Fees: - Civil fees for marriage on Curacao are approximately $225 (U.S)
Destination Wedding Resorts The following resorts are recommended for destination weddings: Honeymoon Resorts The following resorts are recommended for honeymoons: |
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