Willemstad, Curaçao Port Guide
Captivating Curaçao: What You Need to Know About the Willemstad Cruise Port
Willemstad is the capital city of Curaçao, and it's pronounced “kur-uh-sau.” It's a popular cruise port because there's a lot to do here, including walking around and enjoying the island's colorful colonial architecture and sites like the famous floating bridge which can make for an affordable port of call stop.
This Dutch Caribbean gem is a popular stop on southern Caribbean itineraries, offering a unique blend of European charm and Caribbean allure. It’s one of the “ABC” islands, along with Aruba and Bonaire. Oddly enough, I've seen (and personally taken) many cruise itineraries that call upon Aruba and Curaçao, but skip Bonaire.
The Willemstad cruise port in Curaçao features two main docking areas: the Mega Pier and the Mathey Wharf (also known as the Cruise Terminal or Handelskade Terminal). The Mega Pier is typically used for larger cruise ships that cannot pass under the Queen Juliana Bridge, while Mathey Wharf accommodates smaller vessels.
The two are relatively close to each other—within walking distance of downtown Willemstad—so for most cruise visitors, it doesn’t make much of a difference which terminal you use.
The Curaçao Ports Authority has a handy map showing the cruise port location and things to do nearby in Willemstad. Once off the pier, if you hang a right, you’ll enter into one of my all-time favorite cruise terminal areas, Rif Seaport. Later, I’ll explain why this is such a fabulous area.
When exploring Curaçao, you’ll likely hear what sounds like a wide array of languages... and you kind of are. One of the most unique is Papiamentu, a Creole language spoken in Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire.
It’s a fascinating blend of Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, and English, reflecting the islands’ multicultural history. That said, most locals are also fluent in English, so communication is rarely an issue for visitors.
One Papiamentu word you’ll want to take home with you is “dushi.” While you certainly wouldn't want to call someone that in America, where it's spelled quite differently and has a very different meaning, in Curaçao, it's a term of endearment.
It’s a versatile term that means sweet, nice, good, or even sexy, and you’ll see and hear it everywhere, from menus to souvenirs. It's basically Curaçao’s way of saying “all the good things.”
Note: Like several other Caribbean nations, civilians in Curaçao are prohibited from wearing camouflage clothing. It’s best to leave anything camo-patterned at home (or at least back on the ship) because you could be asked to change or even sent back to the ship if you're wearing it ashore.
Willemstad Cruise Port to the City Center
One thing I love about the Willemstad cruise port is that it’s so close to everything. Once you step off the cruise ship and walk down the pier, you’re right in the heart of Curaçao as the city center is conveniently located just half a mile from the cruise port. Many of Curaçao’s top sites are also walkable, meaning this is one of those port stops where spending money on an excursion isn't necessary.
Cruisers with mobility limitations or who prefer not to walk can enjoy shuttle services provided by some cruise lines or taxis, which are regulated and have set fares.
Uber is unavailable in Willemstad, and public transportation here is pretty limited, so the best ways to get around Curaçao involve walking, taking a taxi, booking an excursion, or hiring a private driver.
Related: Watch all my Willemstad video content
Best Beaches Near the Curaçao Cruise Port
Curaçao is stunning, and there's a lot to do here, but it's not exactly the ideal spot for a beach day. If you're doing the ABC islands, your best bet for a beach day is Bonaire.
Why? Well, Curaçao beaches are a little different from what cruises may be used to in other Caribbean ports of call. The finest beaches on the island aren’t the vast stretches of sand but rather cozy, secluded inlets known as “Bocas” in Papiamentu.
Many of the most popular beaches in Curaçao front hotels or are behind gated resorts, and because of that, these will likely require an admission fee. Additionally, some of Curaçao’s biggest and best-known beaches are located at the island’s western tip, called Westpunt, making them impractical for a visit on a short port day. Here, though, are some options that are close to the cruise port area:
Mambo Beach
Mambo Beach is about 4 miles from the port and is a popular one with cruisers. A taxi ride there costs about $8 USD per person. At Mamo Beach, cruisers will find a lively atmosphere, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops nearby.
This is a manmade beach, and some cruisers don’t like the commercialized nature of the area, but the water is clear and great for snorkeling. It fronts a resort, so expect an admission fee, and lounger rental will also come at a cost.
Blue Bay Beach
Another great option that’s a little less than 7 miles from the port is Blue Bay Beach, and it’s also around $8 USD per person to get there by taxi. Located on Curaçao’s northwest coast near Willemstad, this beach tends to be less crowded than Mambo Beach and features soft white sand and calm turquoise waters framed by rocky cliffs.
It’s a popular spot for snorkeling and diving and is also part of a resort, so like Mambo Beach, there is an admission fee to access this beach, with other amenities available at an additional rental cost.
Kokomo Beach
Kokomo Beach is a free beach option close to the cruise port. Located less than 8 miles northwest of the port, it is known for its soft white sand, clear turquoise waters, and tranquil atmosphere.
The beach also features a dock with steps and a floating dock just a short distance from the shore, making it easy to enjoy the water. Additionally, a nearby coral reef is ideal for snorkeling, and beach chairs are available for rent.
Boase Luxury Resort (Bida Beach)
Private resort day passes are a great option at many cruise port destinations, and they're also available in Curaçao, although they're more limited than what you'll find at other Caribbean locations, such as Nassau.
However, one excellent resort day pass option in Curaçao is newer and more upscale, close to the cruise port. It's Boase, a luxury boutique beach resort that now offers private beach day passes to cruise visitors, just about 3 miles from the terminal. In fact, you can see the cruise ships off in the distance while visiting here.
Admission here is pricey (it is luxury, after all), but you'll enjoy what feels like a lush, upscale, and exclusive experience with gourmet food served with impeccable presentation and service. If you're a fan of the show White Lotus, it gives off that kind of energy. But in a good way. :)
Boase offers two options: Bida Beach Day Pass and the Resort Beach Day Pass. On a recent visit to Curaçao, I visited Boase at Bida Beach, which was a magical experience and nearly perfect day. We were at times the only people there, so the secluded and exclusive nature felt special.
Unlike the Resort Beach Day Pass option, Bida Beach doesn't provide beach access, but a wooden stairway deposits you into the water if you want to swim in the ocean. That's what we did, and it gave us our "beach day" fix.
Related: Book a resort day pass in Curaçao for Boase
Top Things to Do in Willemstad
One of the great things about Willemstad, which makes Curaçao a favorite among cruisers, is the fact that there's a lot to do and see within a short walking distance of the cruise port.
Rif Seaport
Rif Seaport is basically the Willemstad cruise terminal, and of all the cruise terminals I’ve visited, this one is probably the best. It doesn’t feel at all like a cruise terminal but rather like a modern open-air entertainment and shopping area. It serves as a key gateway for cruise passengers visiting the island, with a pedestrian connection from the cruise pier to downtown.
If you explore Curaçao on foot (which I highly recommend, even if you take an excursion), you’ll venture through this area. It’s gorgeous, vibrant and colorful. Although it feels modern and trendy, it’s part of the larger Rif Fort complex, a historic fort turned vibrant shopping and entertainment area, owned by the Renaissance hotel, all organized around a wide waterfront promenade.
When you walk through the Rif Fort you'll find restaurants and coffee shops, souvenir shops, and more upscale boutique. It's clean and impeccable, and it feels cool to walk through a historic fort while enjoying modern amenities.
Queen Emma Bridge
If you walk through Rif Fort from the cruise pier, you’ll end up right at Curaçao’s famous floating bridge, one of the must-see attractions on the island.
The Queen Emma Bridge, also known as the “Swinging Old Lady” or just the “Floating Bridge,” is a floating pontoon bridge. Willemstad is split into several districts, each with its own unique character and attractions, and this bridge connects the Punda and Otrobanda districts.
It is a short walk from the cruise port, taking less than 10 minutes (again, taking you through Rif Fort), and there’s no cost to visit, as it’s a public area. This unique bridge swings open to allow ships to pass and offers stunning views of the harbor and cruise ships docked at the Mega Pier.
Punda Love Hearts
At the end of Queen Emma bridge, Curaçao's famous “Punda Love Heart” or "Love Locks" sculpture used to reside. This was a large heart-shaped frame to which visitors attach padlocks to symbolize love and connection, much like the tradition on bridges in Paris and other touristy cities.
In 2025, the sculpture unexpectedly collapsed under the weight of thousands of locks added over the years. At the time of writing, it has not yet been reinstalled, but locals and visitors alike are hopeful it will return, as it's become one of Willemstad's most beloved photo spots.
In the meantime, visitors have started affixing their "heart locks" to other things near the original heart sculpture site, including a historic cannon, which is sparking controversy and concern over damage to an important landmark.
Handelskade
Also located at Queen Emma's bridge is Handelskade, a picturesque waterfront street lined with colorful Dutch colonial buildings, just a 15-minute walk from the port. To get there from the cruise terminal, walk through Rif Fort, cross the iconic Queen Emma Floating Bridge, and you’ll find yourself at Handelskade.
Walking around here feels like you've been transported to Amsterdam. The area is perfect for a stroll, and it has great photo opps. There are many charming restaurants, cafes, shops, and boutiques located in this area, along with the standard cruise port souvenir shops and jewelry stores.
Kura Hulanda Museum
Located about a mile from the port, the Kura Hulanda Museum explores the history of the African slave trade and Curaçao’s cultural heritage. It takes roughly 20 minutes to walk there. The museum charges an entry fee of around $10 USD. The exhibits are housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century merchant’s house, offering an immersive and educational experience.
Curaçao Liquer Distillery
While the aforementioned attractions are within walking distance of the Curaçao cruise port, other top sites on the island require transportation. One is the Curaçao Liqueur Distillery, located about 3.5 miles from the Willemstad cruise port in the historic Landhuis Chobolobo.
The distillery offers a fascinating look at the production of the island’s famous Blue Curaçao liqueur. It's a popular stop on many cruise line excursions that provide “Best of Curaçao” tours. Because of its inclusion in so many group tours and the facility's small size, it can get quite crowded, especially during peak port hours.
Although I’m not a big drinker, I always enjoy a stop here because of the guided tour, learning about the distillation process, sampling various flavors, and exploring the grounds.
Admission is $18 USD or free for children under 12 (yes, children are allowed here). They have a small concession stand at the end of the tour where visitors can buy Curacao-instilled beverages and other goodies, and the on-site store is a prime spot for souvenir shopping.
Curaçao Aloe Farms
If you’re looking for a unique and locally rooted experience, consider visiting one of Curaçao’s aloe farms. Aloe vera is one of the island’s major natural products, thanks to Curaçao’s dry climate and sunny conditions, which create ideal growing conditions for the plant.
One of the most accessible options is Curaloe Plantation, located about 6 miles from the cruise port. Because of its proximity to the cruise port, this site is often included in cruise line tours of the island.
On my first visit to Curaçao, I visited here and it was interesting and educational, although a bit slow-paced. I even got to sample aloe (yes, people eat it!) and it was... interesting. ;)
If you want to go on your own as an independent adventure, it's an easy taxi ride, and the facility offers a short, self-guided tour. Visitors can walk through the aloe fields, learn about the cultivation process, and see how the plants are processed into skincare products. The on-site shop features lotions, gels, and beauty items made with pure aloe, many of which make great souvenirs or gifts.
While it’s not an all-day activity, a quick stop at an aloe farm can be a relaxing and interesting addition to your Curaçao itinerary, especially if you want a break from the typical beach-and-shopping combo.
Private Drivers in Curaçao
Because there’s so much to see within walking distance of the cruise port, like Rif Fort, the Queen Emma Bridge, and Handelskade, many cruisers choose to skip the pricey cruise line excursions and explore on their own on foot.
But for those who want to see it all in one day, including sites that aren’t walkable, like the Curaçao Liqueur Distillery, aloe farms, or beaches further out, a private driver is a fantastic option. I'm a big fan of this option and use it in several cruise port locations.
Related: Check out my list of preferred private drivers.
Hiring a private driver in Curaçao can surprisingly be more affordable than booking a formal tour, especially through the cruise line, where they mark up the price. But for me, the biggest advantage of a private driver is the personalized experience. You’ll (mostly) avoid the crowds, set your own pace, and have the flexibility to stay longer at the places you love.... or skip out on sites where you don't care to linger.
My top recommendation for a private driver in Curaçao is Tasha. She’s friendly, reliable, and knows the island inside and out. Tasha can take you everywhere a group tour would, and more while serving as your personal local tour guide for the day. To get more info and check dates and prices to book Tasha, submit my private driver form.
Language and Currency
In Curaçao, the primary languages spoken are Papiamentu, Dutch, Spanish, and English. As noted above, Papiamentu is a widely spoken language among locals. However, most people commonly speak and understand English in touristy areas near the cruise port and throughout Willemstad.
The official currency in Curaçao is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG), also known as the florin. However, US dollars (USD) are widely accepted across the island, especially in tourist areas like the cruise port. Many businesses display prices in ANG and USD, and ATMs often dispense both currencies. This makes it convenient for visitors to use US dollars during their stay.
In many Caribbean ports, vendors may accept US dollars but could refuse bills that are worn, marked, or damaged. Change may also be given in local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but I highly recommend using a travel-focused credit card—like this one—instead of a debit card.
Credit cards offer better fraud protection, plus perks like travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and rewards points. Debit cards, on the other hand, put your bank account at risk if fraud occurs, as funds are withdrawn immediately and may take longer to recover.
Willemstad Cruise Port Ship Schedule
The Willemstad, Curaçao cruise ship schedule can be found at Cruisemapper.
Climate and What to Wear
Willemstad enjoys a tropical savanna climate with warm temperatures year-round, averaging around 82°F. The climate is generally dry, with a rainy season from October to February. Lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes and sun protection such as hats and sunscreen are recommended.
Related: Shop my favorite cruise clothes and essentials
Time Zone
Keeping track of time zones can get complicated when cruising, especially for itineraries with multiple time zone changes on one sailing. Your captain will make announcements during the cruise to update you on these changes, but it’s good to be aware of these differences ahead of time when planning your stop at the port, especially for excursions.
Most cruise lines operate on “ship time” set to the time of their departing port, so it’s generally good practice to keep your phone or watch set to ship time. As for the port, Curaçao operates on Atlantic Standard Time (AST). Keeping track of the time is crucial, especially to ensure you stay coordinated with ship time.
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