Curacao is an island off the coast of Venezuela with a population of about 140,000. It is one of the five islands that comprise the Netherlands Antilles, making it part of the Netherlands. The gap between its location and its political/cultural status renders Curacao an interesting mix of European architecture and Caribbean climate.
All visitors to Curacao (except citizens of the Netherlands) must present a valid passport valid for at least three months after the intended date of return. Nationals of most Western countries, including the United States and EU nations, do not need a visa for stays of up to one month at a time and up to 90 days in any year. A return ticket is required, although not always enforced in practice.
Never agree to carry anyone's bags across the border or leave your baggage unattended, because Curacao is a popular conduit for drugs passing from South America to markets in the U.S. and Europe.
Swimwear outside of beach and poolside areas is frowned upon by the locals. The informal dress code outside these areas is somewhat more formal than you might expect for a Caribbean island because of its Dutch cultural influence. English is widely spoken, as is Dutch, Spanish and Papiamentu (a mixture of several languages), with Dutch enjoying the status of first among equals.
As you might expect, blue water, white sand and plenty of sunshine are what draw many visitors to Curacao. Perhaps the most popular beach is Cas Abou because of its sparkling blue waters. Snorkeling and scuba diving are available, although the underwater views are not world-class. Despite its rural location, Cas Abou can become quite crowded on the weekends, mostly with local sunbathers. For this reason it is best to plan a weekday outing unless you enjoy crowds.
Although Curacao is hot year-round (it lies 12 degrees north of the equator), it is not prone to hurricanes like much of the rest of the Caribbean. Weather tends to be in the mid-80s most of the year, with gentle breezes that keep the air from getting too muggy. The rainy season lasts from October to February but is characterized by short, nocturnal bursts of rain with sunny days.
The annual Curacao Carnival, an explosion of music, food, traditional customs and street parades, lasts for five weeks every year in January and February, when temperatures are slightly cooler.
