Willemstad Cruise Port Guide

Willemstad, Curaçao — cruise port — Coolcaesar · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Photos: Coolcaesar (CC BY 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; João Damásio, faisel anita, Taxi Max, Dencill Estanista · via Google Maps

Country:: Curaçao
Region:: Caribbean
Coordinates:: 12.1080° N, 68.9350° W

About Willemstad

Willemstad stands out among Caribbean ports for its distinctive character and cultural heritage. As the capital and largest city of Curaçao, an island constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Willemstad accounts for around 90% of Curaçao's population. The city is home to the Curaçao synagogue, the oldest surviving synagogue in the Americas, and its historic centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city's layout centres on four quarters: the Punda and Otrobanda, separated by the Sint Anna Bay inlet that leads to the natural harbour called the Schottegat, plus the Scharloo and Pietermaai Smal quarters across the smaller Waaigat harbour. This unique geography and colourful architecture make Willemstad instantly recognisable and highly photogenic.

Things to do in Willemstad

Attractions are concentrated close to the port. The Queen Emma Bridge (0.2 km away, rated 4.7) is within easy walking distance, as is Museum Kura Hulanda (0.1 km, rated 4.5) and the Curaçao Sign (0.4 km, rated 4.6). For aquatic experiences, visit the Curaçao Sea Aquarium (4.9 km, rated 4.4) or explore Hato Caves (8.1 km, rated 4.4). Active visitors can enjoy desert safaris through CURACAO BUGGY ADVENTURES (4.2 km, rated 4.7), whilst guided exploration is available via Free Walking Tours Curaçao (0.4 km, rated 4.8).

Willemstad is the capital and largest city of Curaçao, an island in the southern Caribbean Sea that is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It was the capital of the Netherlands Antilles prior to that entity's dissolution in 2010. The city accounts for around 90% of Curaçao's population, with 136,660 inhabitants as of 2011. The historic centre of the city consists of four quarters: the Punda and Otrobanda, which are separated by the Sint Anna Bay, an inlet that leads into the large natural harbour called the Schottegat, as well as the Scharloo and Pietermaai Smal quarters, which are across from each other on the smaller Waaigat harbour. Willemstad is home to the Curaçao synagogue, the oldest surviving synagogue in the Americas. The city centre, with its unique architecture and harbour entry, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Things to do in Willemstad on a port day

Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.

Photo: Martin Weiss · via Google Maps
Bridge

Queen Emma Bridge

4.7 (11,703) 0.2 km from port

Called the Swinging Old Lady, this 1888 pontoon pedestrian bridge opens laterally for passing ships.

Near: Island Treasures (38 m) · Penha Duty Free Curacao in Punda (48 m)
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “The Queen Emma Bridge in Willemstad, Curaçao, looks unusual because it is a floating pontoon bridge rather than a fixed…” — Al Kuehnast
- 5 · “Hang around at the harborside cafe and wait for the bridge to open and close. We watched from the side…” — Tim Szczesny
Google Maps Directions
Photo: PEDRO AVILA RAMOS · via Google Maps
Aquarium

Curaçao Sea Aquarium

4.4 (5,376) 4.9 km from port

Marine museum with live shows featuring dolphins & sea lions, plus shark & stingray experiences.

Near: Curacao Island Rentals ~ Curacao Ocean Resort (52 m) · Dolphin Academy Curacao (89 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “Absolutely worth visiting for families with children! It took us a couple of hours to see all of the exhibits.…” — Sally C
- 5 · “We went during a weekday and we enjoyed the park. The trip was mainly for our toddler and he enjoyed…” — Dn Bz
Website Google Maps Directions +599 9 461 6666
Photo: Tim Floor · via Google Maps
Tourist attraction

Hato Caves

4.4 (2,763) 8.1 km from port

Cave system with guided tours leading past limestone stalactices, stalagmites & ancient paintings.

Near: Indian Trail (153 m) · Capital C Dome (271 m)
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- 5 · “We bought our tickets at the booth for the tour as it was cheaper than booking it online. They have…” — Marcianna Totaram
- 5 · “No reservations were required for a group of 4. After a 45 step high stairway, you gain access to the…” — Julien Bellavance
Website Google Maps Directions +599 9 868 0379
Photo: Frank van den Bosch · via Google Maps
History Museum

Museum Kura Hulanda

4.5 (1,308) 0.1 km from port

Quaint museum featuring African art, history & exhibits relating to the local slave trade.

Near: Basilica of St. Anne, Willemstad (130 m) · Kura Hulanda Village and Spa (132 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
- 5 · “This museum contains so many artefacts from West African kingdoms. Each artefact has a description. The tour is self- guided…” — Amraya Baptiste
- 5 · “A must-visit place in the island. Are you reading this? A MUST VISIT. Very well organized collections and placements. The…” — Brunella Nunes
Website Google Maps Directions +599 9 462 9737
Tourist attraction

Curaçao Sign

4.6 (587) 0.4 km from port

Near: Plein Café Wilhelmina (32 m) · San Marco Hotel & Casino (71 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- 5 · “"The signs in Curaçao show the pride of its people. They reflect the island's vibrant culture, colorful heritage, and welcoming…” — Al Kuehnast
- 5 · “Nice area. Me and my lovely lady walked around taking pictures and exploring. We even got to sit down and…” — Ivandro Cardoso
Google Maps Directions
Tourist attraction

CURACAO BUGGY ADVENTURES & DESERT SAFARI

4.7 (435) 4.2 km from port

Near: The Beach House Curacao (158 m) · The Kontiki Curaçao Beach Resort (173 m)
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- 5 · “Angelo was the man! Made the whole tour fun and enjoyable. Our whole family enjoyed the whole experience. The ATVs…” — Frank Viloria
- 5 · “We had a blast and I actually learned a lot about the history of the land Come prepared to get…” — Jamila Scott
Website Google Maps Directions +599 9 523 8618
Tourist attraction

Free Walking Tours Curaçao

4.8 (166) 0.4 km from port

Near: Renaissance Mall & Rif Fort (12 m) · Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Resort (188 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 7:30 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “We did a morning walk with Mitch and we had a good sized group. It was great to have a…” — Jose Vazquez
- 5 · “We were in Curaçao for the day on a Royal Caribbean stop and did this walking tour in the morning.…” — Terry Harvill
Website Google Maps Directions +599 9 670 9036