Curaçao is located in the southwestern Caribbean. The largest of the Netherlands Antilles, it is 38 miles long and from 2 to 7.5 miles wide. It is located just 35 miles north of Venezuela, 42 miles east of Aruba and only 2 1/2 hours by air from Miami. Curaçao is outside the hurricane belt, making it a sure holiday destination for good weather. Willemstad from the Water Willemstad from the Water Sunbathers will find 38 popular beaches, from large strands to secluded coves that dot the coastline like pearls, while the Curaçao Underwater Park is a haven for divers and snorkelers - a 12-mile (19km) reef with coral beds, walls and shallow wrecks. Watersports such as fishing, windsurfing and water-skiing are major island activities, as is golf. For exciting after-dark entertainment, there are smart casinos, discos and dozens of restaurants, many of them set in historic forts and mansions, offering the best in Caribbean and international cuisines. Curacao Beaches: Curaçao has some thirty public and private beaches, ranging from intimate rocky coves to long strands bustling with activity. Almost all of the swimming beaches are scattered along the sheltered southwestern coast, where the waters are generally calm and crystal clear. The northern coast, with its powerful surf and strong undertow, is not suitable for swimming. Topless bathing is officially prohibited on all public beaches and some private ones, although tacitly accepted in some places. Restaurants: Curaçao has a large selection of international restaurants, with a wide variety of cuisine. A note on dress: beachwear is not appropriate except for beach bars and takeout, shorts and sandals for men are not acceptable at many places. Expect locals to dress very fashionably. Many restaurants are air-conditioned; you may want to bring a light jacket or coverup. Most restaurants add a 10% service charge beside the government 5% sales tax.. You may leave an additional tip if you are pleased with the service. Nightlife: Once the tropical sun sets, the ever-present trade winds make Curacao pleasantly balmy, even after the warmest day. Happy hours are a local institution, almost ever hotel and restaurant has one, as well as most pubs and casino's. Locals tend to dress very fashionably for a night on the town; most places are air conditioned. Hotels have a full calendar of evening events. If Lady Luck seems to be beckoning try your hand at a casino; most are open 2 pm till 5 am daily. Scuba Diving: Curaçao 's more than 100 dive sites are famous all over the world with visibility ranging from 60 to 150 feet and water temperatures a comfortable 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The Curaçao Underwater Park is a 12.5 mile coral reef that has been protected as a National Park. Guides are available for hire, and lessons are offered for beginners. Golf: At Blue Bay Golf and Beach Resort the sand, sea age-old trade winds and spectacular natural environment challenge the golfer right through to the last hole. This 18-hole championship course will require not only that you bring a sound game but that you bring a good camera as well. Deep Sea Fishing: Private boats are always available for charter. The marlin, Dolphin, sailfish, tuna, and wahoo, Barracuda, Snapper in nearby waters provide an exciting challenge even for accomplished fishers. Multi language crew are ready to help you with any request you may need. Please see below the info charts for more information. Horseback Riding: Ashari's Ranch and Rancho Alegre provide guided tours on horseback for beginning as well as experienced riders. Hiking: Trails run throughout the 4,500 acres of Christoffel Park, and the 2-mile Rif Recreation Area offers a surfaced track for jogging. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/Curacao/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Mon, 9 Nov 2009 13:13:02 EST Curacao is located in the southwestern Caribbean, at 'altitude 12' north and longitude 68' west. The island is just 70 km (44 miles) north of South America. It is 2.5 hours by air from Miami. The island is part of the Dutch Caribbean and is one of the "ABC" islands - Aruba, Bonaire Curacao. Because Curacao is located so far south, it lies outside of the the primary hurricane belt. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/Curacao/ Mon, 9 Nov 2009 13:13:02 EST Located in the tropics, just 12° north of the Equator -- and outside of the hurricane belt -- Curaçao has a warm, sunny climate year round. The average temperature is about 27° C ( mid 80s F). Refreshing trade winds blow constantly from the east, picking up in the spring months. The rainy season, October to February, is marked by short, occasional showers, usually at night, and continued sunny weather by day. Total annual rainfall averages only 570 mm (22 inches). Occasionally a tropical storm brewing elsewhere in the Caribbean can cause uncharacteristically cloudy weather for a day or two. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/weather/Curacao/ Mon, 9 Nov 2009 13:13:02 EST Driving in Curacao is on the right-hand side. Plan your gas fill-ups since there are few stations on the north/west side of the island. Most of the roads in Curacao are in very good http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/car_rentals/Curacao/ Mon, 9 Nov 2009 13:13:02 EST Restaurants and Dining: From roadside delicasies to elegant dining, with just about everything between Curacao offers a wide range of dining options. Look to the hotels and several Willemstad restaurants for fine dining, and to the countryside for great seaside seafood and barbecue spots. With Curacao's influence from numerous nationalities, it enjoys a wide variaty of dining options. Indonesian rijstaffel or rice table is especially popular. Curacao's specialties include stoba di cabrito (goat stew), fried plantains, seafood, and conch. Amstel beer is a plentiful and local rums such as San Pablo are choice drinks. For an after-dinner liqueur, try Senior Curaçao's Blue Curaçao (it comes it several other colors as well.) Made from a bitter orange grown on the island, select from flavors including orange, chocolate, rum raisin, and coffee. Most restaurants add a 10% service charge besides the 5% government sales tax. An additional tip, if you are pleased with the service, is a nice gesture. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/restaurants/Curacao/ Mon, 9 Nov 2009 13:13:02 EST