Is Curacao Safe? | 2024 Travelers Guide

Is Curacao a Safe Country to Travel to in 2024?

When traveling to a new country, the inevitable question of safety always pops up. It’s one of the first things I search when deciding on a new destination for my family; we travel with our young son and it’s high on the priority list.

I had never heard of Curacao until a couple of years ago, and when I found out it was on the tip of South America; I felt a little skeptical.

Some of the South American countries are having some serious civil issues within their regions just now, but I’m here to tell you that my family found that Curacao (which is a kingdom in The Netherlands) is perfectly safe.

Is Curacao Safe for Travellers?

Where is Curacao?

Curacao is a Lesser Antilles island in the southern Caribbean Sea, specifically the Dutch Caribbean region, about 65 km (40 mi) north of Venezuela. It is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Curacao has a population of 158,665 (January 2019 est.), with an area of 444 km² (171 sq mi); its capital is Willemstad. Together with Aruba and Bonaire, Curaçao forms the ABC islands.

Is there Crime in Curacao

Like anywhere in the world, some types of crime can be found in Curacao. You must always exercise vigilance and caution when travelling abroad. Luckily, the crime rate in the country is very low, making Curacao a safe place to visit.

Canada and the United States both have Curacao at an advisory warning of Level 1, or ‘Green’ which are the lowest level a country can have as an advisory.

Is Curacao Safe? Pink Flamingos stand gracefully in deep blue water

What Types of Crime are in Curacao

There are several types of crime that are happening in Curacao, and they are mostly crimes of opportunity and target unwary tourists.

For example, cars that are left unlocked at the beach run the risk of being broken into and stolen from. A simple solution is to lock the doors, and remove all valuables from sight by placing them in the trunk.

The government in Curacao cares very much for the tourist industry, and has recently posted guards at most beach parking lots as a safety measure, and it has greatly reduced the amount of theft.

Another example of crime that happens in Curacao is items being stolen from the beach itself. This typically happens when tourists are out snorkeling in the beautiful waters, and are not paying attention to their belongings on shore.

Although this type of crime doesn’t happen often, I recommend purchasing and bringing along a small portable waterproof safe that you can secure to a chair or palapa. My family loves this Portable Beach Safe! It works like a charm.

Common Scams in Happening in Curacao

Scams happen all over the world, and Curacao is no exception. There isn’t a lot of scams happening, so please don’t panic. Use your head, and if someone approaches you with an offer to good to be true, or if you feel that they are trying to distract you – walk away.

This is a common tactic with pickpockets, and they typically target large groups of tourists exiting a cruise ship terminal. Wear your important documents across your body, or invest in an anti-theft cross body bag like this one from Amazon.

Are There Parts of the Island that are More Dangerous than Others?

Is one part of Curacao safer than others? The beautiful island of Curacao overall is a safe place, and there are no “dangerous” areas. The places I would be more vigilant however are in busy parts of downtown Willemstad, and the parking lots at remote beaches.

What to Avoid in Curacao

Avoid anyone trying to “help” you with the ATMs in Curacao. These people do not have good intentions, and the ATMs in Curacao work like they do in any other country. Just be confident and let them know you don’t need any assistance.

You should also avoid any poorly lit and desolate areas at night. Do not put yourself in dangerous situations unnecessarily.

My family and I have travelled down to Punda (downtown Willemstad) several times for ‘Punda Vibe’. It’s a fun, party-like, social atmosphere that felt completely safe, but of course we stayed with the other tourists, in well-lit areas, and on the main streets where the entertainment was happening.

You should also try to avoid flashing large amounts of cash, or valuables out in the open. These kinds of behaviors’ are not acceptable anywhere, and leave you open to robbery.

Is Curacao Safe from Extreme Weather?

This is a big question! A lot of people base their entire trip around weather patterns in the Caribbean. Read more below to find out if this is something you should do when visiting Curacao.

The Weather in Curacao

The weather in Curacao is pretty much the same year-round. People are always asking on the travel forums if there is a “best time to visit Curacao”, and the answer is ANYTIME!

It can rain a little more than usual during September and October; although rainfall can be intense and short-lived.

Landhuis which doubles as a beautiful gallery. Colonial style property with tiled roof and cacti out front.

The average daily temperature is around 28C or 82F. There are sometimes some trade winds blowing across the island, but without them the heat might feel unbearable.

The temperature at night only drops a couple of degrees making sleeping under a blanket unnecessary.

Does Curacao Have Hurricanes

Curacao sits in a sweet spot in the Caribbean, and it OUTSIDE of the hurricane belt. Unlike other destinations in the Caribbean where you have to be more careful about the time of year you book, this isn’t the case in Curacao. The country is very close to the equator and so receives a lot of sunshine every year. It is so important to make sure you’re covering your skin properly when outside, or using an appropriate sunblock.

Are There Sharks in Curacao

When you visit the beautiful crystal clear waters to swim and snorkel, I’m sure you’ll ask yourself if you might spot a shark. The answer is almost certainly not. The last shark attack was decades ago.

Although sharks do live in the Caribbean, the number of sharks visiting the waters around Curacao is incredibly low. Some divers have spotted the occasional Hammerhead shark, or Mako shark but these are rare sightings indeed.

There have been many studies recently on why the decline is happening in the shark population. Conservation strategies are being developed as you read this post.

The fish population is a wide and diverse one on the island. You will be amazed to see all sorts of rays, clown and parrot fish, eels, octopi and more.

There are several companies that will take you out to either snorkel or scuba on the island. It offers some of the best glimpses of coral reef in the Caribbean!

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions I get when talking about the island of Curacao.

Should I take a day trip to Klein Curacao?

Download my free guide to take a look at what your day would look like below.

Can you drink the water in Curacao

The water is desalinated ocean water, and is some of the best quality water in the world. We love the refreshing, clear taste of the local H20!

Do you need vaccinations in Curacao

There are no mandatory vaccinations needed to visit the island of Curacao, but dengue fever has been making it’s rounds the last several months.

Dengue fever is spread through mosquitos, and mosquitos can be found in abundance on the island. Take the proper precautions and cover your legs at night, or use a mosquito repellant.

Do you need a visa to visit Curacao

You do not need a visa if you’re staying in Curacao less than 90 days, but you do need to fill out a digital immigration card about 24 hours before you enter the country.

It is straight forward, and you need not carry a physical copy of it. Upon reaching immigration at the airport, if filled out correctly – the agent should be able to see all the data you provided online.

Find the link to the DI card here.

Pink Flamingos with their beaks together. Is Curacao Safe?

Necessary documents

To enter the country, you need:

a passport that is valid for at least the next 6 months
and a Digital Immigration card

Is Curacao expensive

Expense can be a relative thing. My family typically stays at airbnbs on the island. There are PLENTY to choose from, and it gives you a little more freedom and space compared to a hotel.

On average we pay around $250/night for a 2 bedroom airbnb with a pool. You can increase that to around $320/night if you’d like a villa with a ocean view.

All inclusive hotels are not common on the island, but one of the better ones is the Avila Beach Hotel which offers a meal and drink plan. This is the most raved about resort on the island.

Basic hotel rooms start at around $250/night and luxury 3 bedroom suites can run you almost $1000/night. Avila Beach hotel is located in a prime position right on the beach only 1km from downtown, and 12kms from the airport giving it a big advantage.

—- > Book the Avila Beach Hotel Right Here < —-

Is Curacao worth it

Curacao has only recently become a very popular destination with many new google searches every month! Lots of people are looking for that beautiful tropical destination, at a reasonable price. Curacao certainly fits the bill.

The best snorkeling I’ve ever experienced has been on the island. The white sand beaches are unparalleled in their beauty, and there are still lots of wild places on the island. Snorkeling with wild turtles is a serene and beautiful experience.

The culture is rich, and there is so much history to be discovered on the island, some of which might really surprise a person! Curacao has a rich arts scene, and amazing food. There is something for everyone on this island.

Conclusion – is Curacao safe to stay?

Is Curacao a safe place to stay? Absolutely! It is family friendly, or a great romantic destination? YES AND YES! There is something for everyone on the island. In fact, I wrote an entire guide about the 25 BEST Things to Do in Curacao!!

So what are you waiting for? Get busy planning and packing!

Places to stay:

The Merakii Resort is a soulful resort in Willemstad, Curaçao. With its stunning sea view, proximity to the vibrant town, and a deep appreciation for creativity, Merakii Resort is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Curaçao.

Stay at this highly rated resort in Curacao! The MERAKII. The owners are amazing!!

Located in Willemstad, 1.7 km from Parasasa Beach, MERAKII SEAVIEW ESCAPE CURACAO provides accommodation with free bikes, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. Featuring a concierge service, this property also provides guests with a barbecue. A terrace, an on-site bar and shared lounge are available.

—- > Book the best rate for the MERAKII SEAVIEW ESCAPE CURACAO here < —-