Curaçao - a pearl in the Caribbean

Curaçao has a lot to offer besides the beautiful turquoise crystal clear waters with bath water temperatures which makes it a paradise for snorkeling and diving. There is the wild unspoiled, rich diverse nature, its creative side with museums, galleries and cultural events, and many different sports which makes Curaçao truly a tropical playground. The capital, Willenstad ,with its colorful houses, the floating “Emma bridge” and the shops on the “Handelskade” is a World Heritage Site that will inspire your senses.

Dates, Facts Numbers:

Geography: Curaçao is one of the windward islands of the Dutch Caribbean in the southern Caribbean sea just off the coast of Venezuela.
Climate: It is always summer in Curaçao. The annual average temperature is 27°C (80°F) and the rainy season with daily short rain showers is from November to January.
Size: 444 m2, Length: 64 km, Width: 16 km.
Population: 150,000 from more than 50 nations
Capital: Willemstad
Flight time: 9.5 hours from Düsseldorf or Amsterdam. Hato International Airport is 12 km from Willemstad.
Entry requirements: EU citizens, Swiss and American citizens holding a valid passport valid for at least 6 months and a return ticket may enter Curaçao and remain a period up to 30 days.
Language: Official languages: Dutch and Papiamento. Other languages: English and Spanish
History: Discovered by the Spanish. Dutch sovereign island territory since 1634. Self governed since 1954 and became a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010. The original inhabitants were the Arawak Indians. Slavery was abolished in 1863.
Economy: Tourism, offshore banking and oil industry
Time zone: AST. Normal time difference to middle European time is -5 hours and during day light savings time -6 hours.
Electricity: 110-130 volts AC 50 cycles. Some hotels and apartments have 220 volts. Adapter for American sockets necessary.
Religion: 80 % Catholic. Other religions include Jewish, Protestant and Mu slims.

Currency: Netherlands Antilles Gilder (ANG) or Florin (Naf). Exchange: 1US$ = 1.77 ANG, Naf. US dollars are accepted in many establishments as well as the usual credit cards, EC.card and Maestro.

Drinking water: The desalinized seawater is excellent.

Crime: Compared to the other Caribbean tourist destinations, is Curaçao quite safe. It is safe to roam the streets and one should use the usual precautions concerning your valuables.

Medical facilities: The medical facilities dot the Island and are of European quality with many European doctors who speak English.