13 reasons Curacao is your new favorite Caribbean island

If you have never heard of Curaçao, let us let you in on a little secret: it’s amazing. If you consider yourself a trendsetting traveler, which if you’re reading this we imagine you do, then this is a place that you need to know about. Think white sand beaches, incredible diving and snorkeling, culturally rich locals, interesting cuisine and endless adventures. When you’re a trendsetting traveler isn’t the point of taking a trip to explore and experience something new? Somewhere you can brag to your friends about? Well this is it. This is why Curaçao is your new favorite Caribbean island: 1. At MarsheBieuw eat with locals and hear the island gossip Known as the Old Market, this is the best place in town to get pumpkin pancakes and an authentic island meal. It gets hot in here with everything being cooked on hot charcoal, so cool off with an ice cold Polar beer (a local favorite) or a fresh batidos (fresh juice smoothie). To order like a local, ask for the guiambo, or ochre soup. And keep an ear open, this is the place to get the scoop on what’s happening on the island. 2. You can’t help but love the Swinging Old Lady More commonly known as the Queen Emma Bridge, the Swinging Old Lady connects the Punda and Otrobanda districts in Willemstad, Curaçao’s eclectic capital city. The bridge gets its nickname because it “swings” open and close via motors to let boats in and out of the port. A sight that shouldn’t be missed. 3. Dive and snorkel to a sunken tug boat Yes, it’s true. And amazing. For more experienced snorkelers and divers, the tugboat site is one of the most popular spots on the island. Get there early in the morning before the tourist diving boats arrive, otherwise you’ll find yourself quite literally in a sea of tourists. 4. Hand feed sea turtles, sharks and stingrays at The Sea Aquarium Dive in and feed lemon sharks and sea turtles through a plexiglass barrier through the Aquarium’s “Meet & Feed” experience. The coolest part might surprise you, it’s when you sit in the shallows and let stingrays glide over your lap to nibble on the food you brought for them. 5. Adventurous eaters, you will want to try the iguana at Jaanchie’s To Curaçaoans, eating iguana is not a big deal and is not at all surprising to see on a menu. Just like kadushi, or cactus paddle soup. Live life on the wild side (and eat like a local) when you’re visiting the island and try iguana at Jaanchie’s, one of the most famous restaurants on the island for serving the dish. 6. A day at the tiny uninhabited island of Klein Curaçao is the perfect getaway Just a two hour boat ride away, this little island is perfect for snorkelers and divers looking to explore reefs and swim with sea turtles. Between the white sand beaches, crystal blue water and countless things to discover above and below the ocean’s surface, you will have just found your new favorite happy place. 7. If someone calls you “dushi”, it’s a good thing In Papiamento, the mother-tongue of the island, “dushi” means “sweetie.” So try not to overact the first time someone calls you a dushi. Just smile and call them one back, it’s the polite thing to do. 8. There’s a non-floating, floating market The Floating Market in Willemstad isn’t actually floating at all, it’s right on solid ground. While the market itself doesn’t float, the Venezuelan boats that delivered the market’s goods and house the Venezuelan vendors do, giving the market its name. 9. The capital city of Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Willemstad, the bright and beautiful capital city of Curaçao, is one of those cities that you don’t easily forget after visiting. Especially since you’ll have taken about a million pictures of Handelskade, the famous harbor facing row of brightly colored buildings. 10. Go off the beaten path and visit Netto Bar for some green rum Opened in 1954, Netto Bar is an island institution. Ròm Bèrdè, which is Papiamento for Green Rum, is produced at Netto’s and should be enjoyed on the rocks or with fresh coconut water. 11. A kayak is all you need to go beach and cave hopping With easy to explore waters, Curaçao is best seen via a kayak. This is definitely the most exciting and exploratory way to get from beach to beach, you never know what remote seaside caves you’ll find along the way. 12. You can ride an ostrich Really. At the Curaçao Ostrich Farm, thrill-seeking visitors can sign up to ride one of the farm’s ostriches. One piece of advice, hold on tight. 13. Equus, a restaurant with no menu, no plates, no forks, no knives is the hottest place to be on a Friday night Only open on Fridays, this restaurant on an old horse farm is the best place for pinchos and mojitos on a Friday night. Come hungry and wear loose pants, you might only get one chance to do this right.