7 Best Sights in Curaçao

Located in Sea Aquarium Park—along with the independently operated Animal Encounters and Dolphin Academy, —the island's original and largest marine attraction is entertaining and educational for all ages. Admission allows access to more than 40 saltwater tanks full of sea life; dolphin and sea lion shows; shark-feeding sessions; and opportunities to interact with stingrays, sea turtles, and flamingoes. For extra fees, you can also swim and snorkel with dolphins or get up close to sea lions under the supervision of a trainer as part of the Sea Lion Encounter program. Don't miss the cool Ocean Lens underwater observatory. A snack bar and souvenir shop are also on-site.

The Dolphin Academy—in the same location as but run independently from the Curaçao Sea Aquarium and Animal Encounters—specializes in up close interactions with its friendly, ever-smiling, namesake mammals. The trainers are extremely professional and knowledgeable, and the well-cared-for dolphins thrive in a spacious, natural, saltwater lagoon. Options include shallow-water encounters or swims, free-dive or snorkeling sessions, and lagoon or open-water scuba dives (with Ocean Encounter dive operators). There are also special packages for stays at the nearby Dolphin Suites hotel complex, which is well-equipped for people with disabilities.

Set beneath an historic plantation site, you'll find calm, clear water and a long stretch of white sand and full facilities on this beach. A decent bar and restaurant, well-kept showers, changing facilities, and restrooms are all on-site; a nature trail is nearby. The double coral reef (explore one, swim past it, explore another) is a special feature that makes this spot popular with snorkelers, equipment rental is available on site. It's also known as home for visiting wild pigs. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

This white-sand gem has the brightest blue water in Curaçao, a treat for swimmers, snorkelers, and sunbathers alike. Full services include a beach bar and restaurant, lockers, changing rooms on-site, and even full massages surfside are available. It can become crowded on weekends, especially Sunday, when local families descend in droves. You can rent beach chairs, paddle boats, kayaks, and snorkeling and diving gear. The beach is open from 8 am to 6 pm. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; snorkeling; swimming.

This museum's hands-on, interactive, and multisensory exhibits—indoors and out—cover several educational themes, including nature, language, culture, and arts. Special seasonal events are held throughout the year.  School groups often visit in the mornings, so plan your visit post-lunch for better access to the experiences.

Though ostriches are not native to Curaçao, the island is home to one of the largest ostrich farms outside of Africa. Guided safari tours depart every hour. You'll learn about the bird's development from egg to maturity. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the chance to hold an egg, stroke a day-old chick, and sit atop an ostrich for a memorable photo. At the Restaurant Zambezi you can sample ostrich meat specialties and other African dishes. A combo safari and tour of the farm, which includes lunch or dinner, is also available, as are quad tours that cover more of the countryside. The Special African Nights package includes a visit to the aloe farm, ostrich facility tour, and three-course dinner with pickup and drop-off at your hotel. The souvenir shop sells crafts made by local artisans.

Two protected coves offer crystal-clear turquoise waters. Big (Groot) Knip, also known as Playa Kenepa, is an expanse of alluring white sand, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can rent beach chairs and hang out under the palapas (thatch-roof shelters) or cool off with ice cream at the snack bar. This spot is also famous for cliff jumping by locals and adventurous visitors. There are restrooms here but no showers. It's particularly crowded on Sunday and school holidays. Just up the road, also in a protected cove, sister beach Little (Klein) Knip is a charmer, too, with picnic tables and palapas. There's no fee for these beaches. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; sunrise; sunset; swimming.