We visited Curacao during a 10 day cruise to the Southern Caribbean. It was easily one of my favorite islands and one I cannot wait to return to someday for a longer trip. The water here is crystal clear and pure turquoise blue – a true Caribbean gem. Mixing beaches with the adventurous area of Shete Boka National Park in the north made for a perfect balance of relaxing and exploring.
Our one day Curacao to do list covers the best of northern and western Curacao and is perfect for a cruise port day or a day of exploring during a longer trip in Curacao.
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Renting a Car in Curaçao
For this Curacao to do list road trip, I would recommend renting a car since it will give you complete control over your day and timing. Renting a car in Curacao is really easy. They drive on the right hand side of the road and their roads are in great shape. As long as you know how to use roundabouts you’ll find driving in Curacao is no problem.
If you’re arriving via cruise ship, you can easily rent a car from Smart Wheels Car Rental located right outside of the port. This is who we used and it couldn’t have been easier. A one day rental car cost about $140 – much cheaper than paying for a tour for seven people.
If you’re spending longer on the island, there are a lot of different rental options depending on where you are arriving from. Check out other car rental options here.
What To Pack for Your Curacao To List Adventure
👟 Closed Toe Shoes – If you’re going to visit Shete Boka National Park, make sure you wear closed toe shoes | My favorite lightweight travel tennis shoes
🩴 Waterproof Sandals – Perfect for heading to the beach but also exploring other spots on the island | My favorite waterproof dress up or down sandals
👙 Swimsuit – If you plan to spend time swimming at one of Curacao’s famous beaches
☀️ Reef safe sunscreen – Reef safe sunscreen is always a must in the Caribbean. My favorite reef safe sunscreen
💦 Towels – Always nice to have for the beach or if you happen to get wet at Shete Boka
📱 eSIM – If you’re renting a car, make sure you have an eSIM installed on your phone so you are able to navigate on the island. I love using the Airalo Caribbean eSIM
One Day Curaçao To Do List – Road Trip Guide
Stop 1: Shete Boka National Park – My Favorite Stop on This Curacao To Do List
Drive Time: 45 Minutes | Opening Hours: Daily 9 AM-5 PM | Entrance Fee: $15/adult, $2/child 6-12
Shete Boka National Park is located on the north end of the island and features different bokas, or pocket inlets, where you can watch the waves splash into the rocky cliffs and fly into the air.
This is a really fun and beautiful stop during your time in Curacao. Experiencing the bokas is very unique and there is a lot to explore depending on how much time you have to spend here. If you have kids with you, this is a safe and fun spot for them to explore. My kids loved climbing all over the rocks, adventuring up and down rock stairs, and playing in the shallow waters and looking for crabs.
Stop 2: Lunch – Restaurant Playa Forti
Drive Time: 7 minutes | Opening Hours: M-F: 10 AM-7 PM, Sat-Sun: 10 AM-8 PM
Restaurant Playa Forti is a must during your time on the northern end of Curacao. The views from this seaside restaurant are absolutely stunning so grab a local fish dish and an ice cold beer and take it all in. Keep an eye out for cliff jumpers who will wander to the side of the building where they can plummet into the gorgeous, crystal clear water. If you have young kids with you, there is a small play area where they can run around while you wait for your food to arrive – always clutch with little ones!
Stop 3: Grote Knip (Playa Kenepa Grandi)
Drive Time: 2 Minutes | Opening Hours: M-F 9 AM-5 PM; Sat-Sun 9 AM-6 PM | Entrance Fee: Free
Grote Knip (Playa Kenepa Grandi) is one of the most beautiful beaches in Curacao. If you have more time on the island, stop here for some absolutely gorgeous water and white sand beaches. If you have less time, choose between stopping at Grote Knip (Playa Kenepa Grandi) or Playa Porto Mari (see next stop).
Stop 4: Playa Porto Mari
Drive Time: 35 Minutes | Opening Hours: Daily 9:30 AM-5:30 PM | Entrance Fee: $3/per person (under 4 years old: Free)
Another top rated beach in Curacao is Playa Porto Mari. Known for its crystal clear waters, snorkeling, diving and family of wild pigs that roam about. You will not necessarily see any pigs as they do their own thing but it’s always a possibility.
As of 2026 there is now an entrance fee to get onto the beach ($3/per person) so if you’re going to visit, make sure you have enough time to spend there to make paying the fee worth it. You can also pay for chair rentals ($3.50/chair).
We were running low on time when we got here so we decided to explore the area outside of the beach and the restaurant instead of spending time on the beach itself. If you are staying in Curacao for longer than a day, this would be a great beach to spend an entire day at.
If you’re in need of a drink or a meal, check out restaurant located at the entrance near the beach.
Stop 5: Wiliwood Sign
Drive Time: 8 Minutes | Opening Hours: Always | Entrance Fee: None
There’s nothing really to this stop besides getting to see the cute Wiliwood Sign on the side of the road. It gives Hollywood vibes but in the middle of nowhere Curacao. You’ll pass this on your way to/from Playa Porto Mari so you can pull over to see it and take a photo. If you don’t visit Playa Porto Mari, I wouldn’t suggest making a special trip here.
Stop 6: Flamingo Salt Flats
Drive Time: 1 Minute | Opening Hours: Always | Entrance Fee: None
Just past the Wiliwood Sign you’ll pass the salt flat called Saliña Jan Kok where it’s likely you’ll be able to see flamingos in the wild. If you’ve never seen wild flamingos before, don’t skip spending a few minutes here. Pull to the side of the road here where you can watch from your car or get out and walk along the dock for a better look.
Stop 7: Willemstad
Drive Time: 30 Minutes
After you return your rental car, take some time to wander through Willemstad. The best way to spend an hour or so in Willemstad is to admire the pastel Dutch colonial buildings lining Handelskade, one of the most photographed spots in Curaçao. Walk across the iconic floating Queen Emma Bridge to Otrobanda for sweeping harbor views and a quick peek at the vibrant street art. If time allows, wander through the courtyard of Rif Fort for ocean views and a refreshing drink before heading on your way.
FAQs
Can you do this Curacao to do list with a taxi?
It is possible to do this itinerary with a taxi but it will get expensive very quickly. A car rental in Curacao is very affordable and if you’re visiting from a cruise there is a rental site right outside the port exit making it a no-brainer for cruise travelers.
How long does this itinerary take?
This itinerary took us about 6 hours which I would say is probably the minimum amount of time you want for this route. You can easily add on time at the beaches if you have more time to spend.
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