Willemstad, the colorful capital of Curaçao, is a vibrant blend of Dutch colonial charm, Caribbean culture, and stunning coastal landscapes.
When our cruise on the Norwegian Viva docked here, we decided to skip the ship’s excursions and explore at our own pace. Instead of booking a tour in advance, we hired a private driver right at the port, paying by the hour to take us around the island. This turned out to be a fantastic way to experience Willemstad, allowing us to visit key attractions efficiently while enjoying local insights from our driver.
This was one of the best decisions we made because:
✔ Flexibility: We controlled our itinerary and spent as much (or as little) time at each stop as we wanted.
✔ Convenience: No waiting for a tour group—just hop in the car and go!
✔ Local Experience: Our driver shared insights about Curaçao’s culture, history, and hidden gems.
✔ Cost-Effective: Instead of paying per person for an excursion, we paid by the hour for the driver’s services.
How to Hire a Private Driver in Curaçao
• Right outside the Mega Cruise Terminal, you’ll find licensed taxi drivers offering private island tours.
• Negotiate a rate per hour (typically $40–$60 per hour, depending on the group size and vehicle).
• Tell your driver the places you want to visit, or let them suggest an itinerary!
Here’s a detailed look at our self-guided tour of Willemstad, including Queen Emma Bridge, Kokomo Beach and Hato Caves—plus some tips to make the most of your visit!
Stop 1: Queen Emma Bridge – The Iconic Floating Bridge, one of Willemstad’s most famous landmarks. Known as the “Swinging Old Lady,” this floating pedestrian bridge connects the two halves of the city:
• Punda (historic downtown with colorful Dutch-style buildings)
• Otrobanda (more local, with great street art and cafés)
• The views of Handelskade (Willemstad’s famous waterfront lined with pastel-colored buildings) are postcard-perfect.
Tip: If you want an incredible photo of the bridge and harbor, head to the Rif Fort area or the waterfront promenade in Punda.
Stop 2: Kokomo Beach – A Relaxing Caribbean Escape: We drove about 20 minutes west of Willemstad to see Kokomo Beach, one of Curaçao’s more secluded yet Instagram-famous beaches.
✔ Crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
✔ Laid-back atmosphere—fewer crowds than some of the more touristy beaches.
✔ Iconic overwater swing for that perfect Instagram shot!
There’s a beachfront restaurant and bar, where you can grab cold drinks & food.
Tip: The beach is free to enter, but bring cash for food, drinks, and renting loungers if you plan to stay longer.
Stop 3: Hato Caves – Exploring Curaçao’s Underground Wonders was our final stop before heading back to the port was Hato Caves, located near the airport (about 15 minutes from Willemstad). These limestone caves are rich in history, geology, and even a bit of local mythology.
• Ancient cave formations – Stalactites, stalagmites, and eerie shapes formed over thousands of years.
• Prehistoric cave paintings – Some carvings are believed to be over 1,500 years old!
• Bat colonies – The caves are home to a variety of small, harmless bats.
• Taino history – The indigenous Arawak people once used these caves as shelter.
The guided tour took about 45 minutes, leading us through different chambers with cool formations, natural pools, and a “skylight” where sunlight filters in.
Tip: The caves can get warm and humid, so wear light clothing and comfortable shoes for walking up the stone steps (approximately 30 steps up).
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We had the best day exploring Willemstad! Hiring a private driver made the entire experience seamless, allowing us to visit multiple locations without feeling rushed.
If you enjoy flexibility, adventure, and discovering local gems, hiring a private driver in Curaçao is an excellent option. It was more affordable than a cruise excursion, and we got a customized tour based on what we wanted to see.
Tips for a Successful DIY Tour in Curaçao:
✔ Negotiate the hourly rate upfront with your private driver.
✔ Carry some cash (USD is widely accepted).
✔ Have a rough itinerary in mind, but be flexible.
✔ Wear sunscreen and bring water—Curaçao’s sun can be intense!
✔ Give yourself plenty of time to return to the port—cruise ships don’t wait!
If you’d prefer to book a tour, we love using Viator. It’s easy, flexible and doesn’t require payment until 24 hours prior to excursion. 🔗 vi.me/17qB8
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