Curaçao’s tour operators offer a new range of excursions, including jeep and ATV safaris, scooter excursions, swimming with dolphins in open water and more
Willemstad, Curaçao (June 2006) – The temperature isn’t the only thing heating up these days on the Caribbean island of Curaçao, which has become the hot spot for adventure travel. Swim with dolphins in the open ocean, experience the island’s desert-like terrain on an ATV or hop aboard a jeep safari tour of Mt Christoffel. New cultural sightseeing tours and hiking tours have also been added for the less adventurous. So whatever level of adventure you prefer, Curaçao has it all.
Yellow Tourism Solutions is a one-stop shop for all your adventure tours. This on-island tour operator offers a new National Park Yellow Jeep Safari, perfect for travellers who want to get up close and personal with the local landscape. Spend a full day of off-road adventure exploring the north shore of Curaçao as well as Christoffel National Park, and lunch at the historic Savonet Plantation. For low-key adventure take the Willemstad by Night City Tour. The city of Willemstad is very colourful and even more beautiful at night when Handelskade and the historic Queen Emma Bridge are lit up. Yellow Tourism Solutions has also added a dive operation, Blue Bay Divers, offering private scuba diving excursions. For more info on Yellow Tourism Solutions and rates call (599-9) 462-6262 or e-mail info@tourism-curacao.com.
Swimming with dolphins at a sea aquarium is nothing new, but swimming with dolphins in the open ocean is an adventure. Stop by the Dolphin Academy, located at the Curaçao Sea Aquarium, and learn more about the bottlenose dolphin while diving with them in their natural environment. The Open Water Dolphin Dive, which began in May 2006, allows divers to interact with dolphins in the open sea without fences or barriers. For something a little different get up close and personal with sea lions during an Open Water Sea Lion Dive. For more information call the Dolphin Academy at (599-9) 465-8900 or e-mail reservations@dolphin-academy.com.
With Eric’s ATV Adventures, visitors can explore the rustic parts of the island where cars can’t go. Tour the eastern side of Curaçao with stops at the Ostrich Farm and Playa Kanoa or, for a bumpier ride, tour the West End and climb the coral at Boca Tabla. No special license is required to ride. For more information call Eric’s ATV Adventures at (599-9) 524-7418 or e-mail eric@curacao-atv.com.
If you prefer two wheels try Curaçao’s Eco-Adventure Scooter Excursion. Scooby’s Scooter Excursion just began operation in 2006 and includes scooter tours to historic caves, forts built by the Dutch in the 18th century and also a swim or snorkel at an underwater nature reserve. For more information on designing your own tour, call Scooby’s Scooter Excursion’s at (599-9) 523-8618 or e-mail info@thescooterexcursion.com or scoobysscooters@yahoo.com.
Local tour operator Curaçao Actief has introduced a new round of eco-safari jeep tours for 2006. The Landhouse and Cultural Tour began in January and includes an exclusive tour of the most historic landhouses (plantations) on the island, an authentic Curaçaoan lunch, as well as stops at a beautiful nature reserve and local art galleries. During the Christoffel National Park Hiking and Sightseeing Tour go in search of orchids, iguanas and deer, and simply enjoy the beautiful view atop Mt Christoffel. For more information on Curaçao Actief’s tours and rates call (599-9) 433-8858 or e-mail infor@curacao-actief.com.
Motors and gas power aren’t always necessary to tour Curaçao. Strap on a helmet and cycle your way across the island on a bike tour. The newest company, WannaBike Curaçao, offers tours that start on the visitor’s choice of the east or west side of the island. Enjoy a mountain bike tour of the island or stay on smooth roads and take a city tour of Willemstad. For more information on WannaBike call (599-9) 527-3720 or e-mail info@wannabike.net.
Curaçao, located outside of the hurricane belt, boasts an eclectic mix of history and culture, which creates a Caribbean experience like no other. Also known for its ecotourism and pristine diving conditions, Curaçao attracts the adventure traveller, as well as those looking to just unwind and enjoy its perfect climate. Visitors to Curaçao can enjoy an 18-hole championship golf course, casinos and much more.
American Airlines offer daily flights into Curaçao through Miami. Continental Airlines provides weekly service to Curaçao through Newark.
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