An ecotourist's paradise on Curacao — Photo courtesy of Getty Images
When it comes to ecotourism, the Caribbean is rife with iconic destinations, ranging from Puerto Rico’s lush El Yunque rainforest to the verdant hills of Dominica. However, one tiny island tends to fly under the radar for seasoned outdoor adventurers. Perched off the coast of Venezuela, the island of Curaçao is home to pristine beaches, picturesque national parks, and native flora and fauna.
While some of the Caribbean’s top ecotourism destinations are lauded for their lush jungles and humid climate, rain is a rare occurrence on Curaçao, even during its three-month wet season. Yet, despite its dry climate, the island is abundant with native wildlife.
There’s no shortage of places to explore on Curaçao, but perhaps the crown jewel can be found in its northern reaches: Christoffel National Park. Though only 4 square miles in size, it's the largest park on the island and serves as one of Curaçao’s top destinations for hiking and viewing flora and fauna.
A park with a view
The view from atop Christoffelberg in Christoffel National Park — Photo courtesy of Getty Images
For ambitious adventurers, the Christoffel Mountain Trail in the national park offers gorgeous views of the island. The hike takes roughly three hours and ends atop the 1,220-foot-tall Christoffelberg, the tallest mountain on the island. Due to Curaçao’s extreme heat, hikers must embark on this trail before 10 a.m. Those wanting to explore in the afternoon should check out the Plantation Boka Grandi Trail, which offers views of the park's salt marshes, mahogany trees and Curaçao’s historic Savonet Manor.
No matter which trail you end up choosing, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife, ranging from colorful hummingbirds to the elusive white-tailed deer, Curaçao’s largest native animal.
Just north of the preserve, Shete Boka National Park is a must-visit after a day spent exploring the trails. Established in 1994 to protect a nesting area for endangered sea turtles, this coastal preserve is renowned for its jagged coral formations that line the shore, each one serving as a dramatic photo backdrop as waves crash against the rocks.
Visitors will find numerous fossilized animals while strolling down to the park’s underground cavern. If you visit between May and December, you're likely to spy sea turtles returning to the preserve's shoreline to lay their eggs.
Explore: What to do on a Curacao vacation, in photos
Where to spot sea turtles
Endangered sea turtles love to swim near Playa Piskado — Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Another great spot for viewing the endangered sea turtles is Playa Piskado, also known as Playa Grandi. This vibrant seaside attraction has served as the stomping grounds for the local fishing community for decades, with merchants gutting their catch and tossing the entrails into the water. This longtime practice has taught the sea turtles that there’s always a feast to be found at Playa Piskado. Snorkelers can witness the turtles dining alongside a diverse array of native reef fish.
Just north of Playa Piskado, the tranquil Playa Kalki is home to soft sand, craggy rock faces and a wealth of native birds. Cas Abao and Kleine Knip offer more stretches of beach paradise. If you’ve worked up an appetite, be sure to swing by Playa Lagun to take a quick dip and then head to Bahia Beach Bar, which offers charming open-air dining with hearty local cuisine and cold beer.
Location, location, location
The Mangrove Beach Corendon Curaçao — Photo courtesy of Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive Resort, Curio by Hilton
While there’s a plethora of hotels to choose from across the island, the Mangrove Beach Corendon Curaçao is particularly suited for those wishing to explore the island's ecotourism highlights. This sprawling, all-inclusive resort is located a short walk from Curaçao Rif Mangrove Park, a small forest preserve that’s home to elevated boardwalks, towering lookout points and many native species, ranging from shorebirds to hermit crabs to upside-down jellyfish. The resort’s concierge can arrange guided tours and excursions to the most remote areas of the island.
Curaçao may not offer the lush, tropical terrain akin to most other Caribbean islands, but its arid, cactus-laden landscapes make Curaçao all the more unique and the perfect destination for ecotourism enthusiasts.
