Off the Beaten Path in Curacao

Curacao may be one of the most undervehicles are available for rent.
appreciated islands in the Caribbean. As manyOne of the most unique attractions anywhere in
cruise ships make brief stops at Curacao's ports,the Caribbean is the Curacao Seaquarium.
visitors only get to spend a few hours on theConstructed in 1984, this beachfront complex is
island. Hence, Curacao may seem like any otherrenowned for its open-water system that
Caribbean destination on the surface - beautifulcontinuously pumps fresh seawater into its
weather, pristine beaches and plenty of shoppingaquaria. If you are traveling with young children,
and dining. However, Curacao possesses a trulythe touch tanks and feeding shows offer great
unique small-town ambiance and a diverse culturalopportunities for safe and informative interaction
heritage unknown anywhere else in the world.with sea creatures. The Curacao Seaquarium also
With a wealth of activities available to visitors,allows visitors to snorkel and dive with sea turtles,
Curacao is a great destination for families andtropical fish and other exotic animals. You might
couples alike. If you are looking for a truly uniqueeven have the chance to hand feed a shark or
Caribbean vacation, visit some of these sites offstingray. Even if you don't want to get wet, the
the beaten path on one of the Caribbean's mostUnderwater Observatory Boat will allow you to
unique islands. Christoffel Park, Curacao's premierwatch divers interact with these exotic creatures.
natural attraction, is composed of three formerAfter you've had your share of fun in the water,
Caribbean plantations. Visitors can explore thecheck out the on-site museum and theatre for
park in a number of ways, from hiking and bikingsome added education on Caribbean Sea life. The
trails to horseback tours and jeep excursions.beach outside the Curacao Seaquarium is also
Along the way, you will see giant cacti, severalgreat place to relax with your family, highlighted
species of exotic flowers and divi divi trees whileby kid-friendly water sports options and pleasant
protected wildlife roams amongst the vegetation.shops and restaurants.
In addition to iguanas, rabbits and rare birds, youThough it may sound strange, Curacao is home
might catch a glimpse of the elusive whitetailto one of the largest ostrich farms outside of
Curacao deer - a species thought to have comeAfrica. At the Curacao Ostrich Farm, children can
from the coasts of South America in the 14thinteract with both day-old chicks and adult birds.
and 15th centuries. The park offers guided deerBetween 8am and 5pm you can take a tour of
watching expeditions each afternoon from 4pmthe farm, hold ostrich eggs, pet the newborns,
to 6:30pm. As only eight people are allowed inwatch over 600 birds wander about the grounds
each deer-watching group, space is extremelyand learn about the lives of these fascinating birds.
limited and reservations are required.The gift shop is full of distinctive souvenirs, from
When in Curacao, you should also try to takelocal products to African artwork. There is even a
advantage of Christoffel Park's other activities.nice café on site to enjoy a sunlit
With options as diverse as cave excursions, fullCaribbean lunch.
moon walking tours and presentations on theIf you are looking to escape the crowds while on
area's flora and fauna, the park has something foryour Caribbean vacation, Curacao may be the
every inquiring mind. Christoffel Park tours can beisland for you. With activities as diverse as those
arranged through your hotel or travel agent anddetailed here, you certainly won't regret your
everything from mountain bikes to off-roadjourney off the beaten path in Curacao.