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Is Curaçao Worth Visiting? My Honest Thoughts After a 7-Day Solo Trip

  • C
  • Aug 13
  • 3 min read

✈️ Why I Booked Curaçao in the First Place

I was craving a beach trip—bad. Living in San Antonio, the closest I get to an ocean view is a screensaver. So I did what any sun-deprived girl would do: I Googled "places with pretty beaches." Curaçao kept popping up when I searched ‘is Curaçao worth visiting’—and honestly? It looked stunning.

I didn’t plan much. I just booked a flight, found some hotels with ocean views, and figured I’d let the island surprise me.

Colorful Curaçao sign in Willemstad, popular photo spot for tourists on the island
Curaçao sign

🧳 Curaçao Trip Overview

  • Trip Length: 7 days

  • Travel Style: Solo, relaxed, soft adventure

  • Where I Stayed:

    • Saint Tropez Boutique Hotel (Willemstad)

    • Coral Estates Luxury Resort (Willibrordus)

    • Mangrove Beach by Hilton (All-inclusive)

What I Did:

  • Swimming with sea turtles

  • Scuba diving (first and last time lol)

  • ATV tour

  • Hato Caves

  • Perfume-making experience


🌴 What I Loved About Curaçao

🏖️ The Beaches Were Actually That Pretty

From Grote Knip to Baya Beach, the water is crystal clear and every shade of turquoise. Curaçao isn’t overrun with tourists, so some beaches feel almost private. My favorite beach moments were at Coral Estates—just me, a book, and the sound of waves. Heaven.

🛌 Coral Estates = A Solo Traveler’s Dream

Out of the three places I stayed, Coral Estates was 100% the vibe. Quiet, safe, gated, and with private ocean access just steps from my suite. If you’re traveling solo and want rest without constant stimulation? Book Coral Estates.

🐢 Swimming with Turtles Was Magical

Hands-down my favorite excursion. I wrote a whole post about it 👉 [Read it here: Swimming with Turtles in Curaçao].

😬 What I Didn’t Love

🍽️ Mangrove Beach (Hilton) Was Disappointing

The food was cold, the vibe was chaotic, and the "security" was more decorative than functional. It was the only all-inclusive I tried, and honestly... it felt like the bottom-tier version of what an all-inclusive should be.

🐝 Surprise Bee Attack

Hato Caves? Beautiful. But the waiting area outside? Swarming with bees. As someone allergic, it was a full-body NOPE. Inside the cave, I was fine—but I wish there was a heads-up about the outdoor situation.

🥵 The Climate Was Giving… Desert Vibes

Okay, hot take: Curaçao kind of gave me Arizona near the ocean. It’s dry, rocky, and has cactus-lined roads. I thought it would feel more lush and tropical (like DR or Hawaii), but it leaned more desert island. That’s not bad—just not what I expected.

💸 Is Curaçao Worth the Cost

Let’s be real: this trip wasn’t cheap. Between flights, hotels, food, and activities, I spent more than I probably should have.

If you're going for a quick 3–4 day beach getaway, Curaçao is perfect. But for a full week-long trip, I personally think other destinations offer more value.

💡 Final Thoughts: So, Is Curaçao Worth Visiting?

I’m glad I went, but for the cost, I’m not sure Curaçao is worth visiting again—at least not for a full week. I saw some incredible beaches, pushed my limits underwater, and had some sweet solo moments of peace. But if I’m spending that much money again, I’d rather return to the Dominican Republic or explore a different Caribbean island that feels more tropical and lush.

🏝️ Should You Visit Curaçao?

If you’re someone who:

  • Loves quiet beaches

  • Is traveling solo

  • Wants a short, relaxing getaway

Then yes—Curaçao might be your perfect fit.

📱 Want to See the Trip?

Check out my full Curaçao content series here:

 
 
 

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