Curacao: Willemstad City Tour, Blue Liqueur & Beach Stop

Summary

Willemstad murals, blue liqueur tasting & beach time in Curacao

You’ll wander Willemstad’s painted alleys with a local guide, taste genuine Blue Curaçao at Landhuis Chobolobo, spot wild flamingos on your way to Que Tapa Beach, and pause at monuments honoring freedom’s fight. Expect laughter, honest stories—and maybe sand between your toes when you get back on board.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the start because I’d forgotten my hat—classic me. Our guide, Miguel, just grinned and said, “The sun here is a little bossy,” then handed me an extra bottle of water from the cooler. We squeezed into the van with a few other folks off the ship and rolled straight into Otrobanda. The alleys were loud with color—murals everywhere—and Miguel pointed out one by an artist he knew personally. I tried to pronounce the street name; he laughed, corrected me gently, and told us how this part of Willemstad used to be pretty quiet until the artists moved in.

Driving through Scharloo felt like flipping pages in some old storybook. Pastel houses with shutters half-open, kids waving from doorways. Miguel explained it used to be a Jewish neighborhood and now it’s all UNESCO-protected. I could smell something sweet drifting from a bakery but we didn’t stop—probably for the best or I’d still be there eating pastries. At Landhuis Chobolobo, we got tiny glasses of Blue Curaçao (the real stuff). It tasted sharp and citrusy; honestly, better than I expected. Bought a small bottle for my dad even though customs will probably give me trouble.

We stopped at Fort Waakzaamheid for photos—the city and our ship both looking weirdly small from up there. After that came my favorite bit: flamingos picking through pink water at the salt lake. Everyone went quiet for a second except for one kid who kept whispering “flamingo” like it was magic. Then we hit Que Tapa Beach. I didn’t swim (forgot my towel too), but sat at the edge with my feet in warm sand while someone grilled fish nearby. Still think about that smell.

The last stop was Parke di Lucha di Libertad—a quick walk around monuments about freedom from slavery. It felt heavy but necessary; Miguel just let us wander without much talking. On the way back he asked if we wanted to be dropped off in town or at the ship—I picked town because I wasn’t quite ready to leave yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Willemstad and beach break

• Drive to Otrobanda district
• Guided walk to photograph murals
• Drive through Scharloo historic district
• Visit Landhuis Chobolobo for liqueur tasting
• Photo stop at Fort Waakzaamheid viewpoint
• Stop at salt-lake to spot flamingos
• Beach break at Que Tapa Beach
• Photo stop at Parke di Lucha di Libertad
• Return to ship or town drop-off

Top questions

How long is the Curacao city highlights tour?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Does this Willemstad tour include liqueur tasting?

Yes, there’s a stop at Landhuis Chobolobo for Blue Curaçao liqueur tasting.

Is pickup included for cruise passengers?

Yes, pickup is included and you can choose drop-off in town or back at your ship.

Do we visit any beaches during this tour?

Yes, there’s about an hour break at Que Tapa Beach near Pirate Bay.

Are entrance fees included in this day trip?

All entrance fees are included in your booking price.

Can infants join this city highlights tour?

Infants can join; they may ride in prams or sit on an adult’s lap as needed.

Will we see flamingos on this Curacao day trip?

You’ll stop at a salt-lake known for wild flamingo sightings en route to the beach.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included throughout the tour for all guests.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water throughout, all entrance fees covered, liqueur tasting at Landhuis Chobolobo, convenient pickup (and drop-off either in town or right back at your ship), plus time to relax or swim at Que Tapa Beach before heading back refreshed—or maybe just sandy—to where you started.