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Travel and Lifestyle
Travel and Lifestyle

Shades Of Summr

03-06-2025T16:39:50Z

Travel and Lifestyle
Travel and Lifestyle

Shades Of Summr

03-06-2025T16:27:08Z

Travel and Lifestyle
Travel and Lifestyle

Shades Of Summr

30-05-2025T19:54:29Z

Are you wondering if Curacao is safe to visit? Then you are in the right spot! The Caribbean is one of the most beloved destinations for a beach vacation but there are many less-than-safe islands in that region as well. Curacao does have a reputation for not being safe and for parts of the island that is definitely true. I have lived in Curacao for many months over the last three years and I can definitely speak to any safety concerns you might have about the island. To help you navigate Curacao safely and figure out if it is the right destination for you I have created this ultimate guide for you! Lets get to it! Is Curacao Safe for Tourists? In Short If you are here for a quick answer only then here it is: yes Curacao is safe for tourists. The violent crime rate against tourists in Curacao is pretty low and I havent heard of any case during my time on the island nor experienced anything scary myself. The biggest issues tourists (and myself) are facing in Curacao are small scams and petty theft. Leaving your belongings alone anywhere on the island is an issue. Locals will try to rip you off or scam you so you cant be too trusting with your money. There are certain areas on the island I would not visit at night especially not by myself. But since they are far from the touristy places you wont be tempted to go there either way. Curaçao does face drug-related challenges typical of Caribbean islands because of its location on drug trafficking routes. But if you dont involve yourself in these circles you dont have to worry. So to sum it up you can have a safe and fun vacation in Curacao without worry – just be smart about your stuff. Crime Rates in Curacao Here is a small overview of the crime rates and safety issues in Curacao. Crime Category Level Description Overall Crime Rate Moderate Mixed perceptions skewed by small population size Homicides and Violent Crimes Low Includes assault and armed robbery Property Crimes (Burglaries Theft) High Home and business burglaries car thefts Petty Theft and Scams Common Perception of crime increases Safety Index 46.19 Indicates a moderate level of general safety Crime Increase Over Past 5 Years 75.64 High Crime Increase Over the Past 5 Years Safety Walking Alone Day/Night High/Moderate Safer in daylight caution advised at night Source: Numbeo It is worth noting at this point that homicides and property crimes usually dont involve tourists. These crimes are usually contained in some of the more unsafe areas on the island. As a tourist youll most likely not stay in one of these areas so you wont have to worry about that too much. For more details on safe areas to stay in Curacao check out my neighborhood and hotel guide. Which Areas in Curacao Should I Avoid? My rule of thumb in Curacao is this: stick to anything that looks nice! Youll immediately notice when leaving the safe areas of the island. Downtrodden houses with bars on the windows are a good indication that you are leaving the tourist areas. A couple of examples of places I would avoid in Curacao: Another spot to be careful about is the remote beaches out in the West. We tend to go there often and sometimes you are all alone on the beach. Make sure to lock your car and dont leave anything of value in there since it is very common in that area to get stolen from. Curacao Safety Tips There are quite a few things you can do to make your stay in Curacao safer. Here is my advice on how to stay safe in Curacao as a tourist: 🏝️ Use the 247 taxi app or ask at your hotel lobby what an appropriate price is for a ride. We have been scammed so many times by taxi drivers 🏝️ Dont ever leave your stuff alone anywhere. Especially on the beach I recommend putting your phone and your credit cards in a waterproof case that you can bring to swim. 🏝️ If you rent a house in the Western part of the island make sure it is in a gated community and keep your doors locked. 🏝️ Dont do drugs and avoid the scene when going out. 🏝️ Dont go exploring all by yourself at night. 🏝️ Especially in Willemstad there are lots of pickpockets – make sure to keep your bag safely closed. 🏝️ The people at immigration and customs at the airport are no joke – make sure to have all your things in order. My wife was unlawfully detained there for a small tear in her passport. Is Curacao Safe For Solo Female Travelers? Yes Curacao is safe for solo female travelers. My wife explored big parts of the island by herself while I was at work. However you need to be a little extra cautious and make sure to stick to tourist areas or explore with a group or a tour guide. During the day you usually have nothing to worry about. At night I wouldnt recommend going out by yourself too much. The Jan Thiel area and the Pietermaai area in Willemstad have some good nightlife and should be ok to visit. Apart from that I would not suggest going out alone at night. My wife has never felt unsafe exploring by herself she has also never been harassed or catcalled in Curacao so far. The only exception to this was the rude airport staff who harassed her. Is Curacao Safe to Live? Whether Curacao is a safe place to live really depends on your income. Living on the island is an entirely different story from going there as a tourist. If you are planning on staying there longer youll likely not stay in a hotel in the safe areas. If you have the money to buy or rent a house in a gated community and to do your grocery shopping in the more upscale shops you should be absolutely fine. If you are planning on living in the cheaper areas where most locals live you might experience more crime. Especially break-ins and drug-related crimes are common in the less wealthy areas of the island. Also most of the cheaper supermarkets are a bit sketchy. Personally we were toying with the idea of buying property on the island. In the end we decided against it because we felt like most areas where locals live are not up to the European safety standards that we are used to. Is Curacao Safe from Natural Disasters? Curaçao is considered pretty safe from major natural disasters especially from hurricanes. They are a big concern in other parts of the Caribbean. We never had any issues with natural disasters on the island (except for a longer power outage). But here are a couple of things to consider: 🌧️ Hurricanes: Curaçao is located outside the traditional hurricane belt. This means that while hurricanes can affect the region they are rare. The island has fewer and a lot less severe hurricanes than other Caribbean islands. Most hurricanes pass well to the north of Curaçao. 🌧️ Earthquakes and Tsunamis: These events are also rare in Curaçao. The island does not have significant seismic activity that leads to these events. 🌧️ Flooding: While Curaçao has a dry climate heavy rains can occasionally cause localized flooding. Usually it is not a problem and most people just drive straight through it. Compared to many other Caribbean destinations Curaçao offers a relatively low risk concerning natural disasters. Of course there are ideal times to visit the island to make the chances even lower like in spring or summer. Conclusion: Is Curacao Safe For Tourists? In short Curaçao is pretty safe for tourists. You dont have to worry too much about big crimes or natural disasters like hurricanes. Just keep an eye on your stuff as small thefts like pickpocketing can happen. If you take the usual precautions you should be fine. In case something does happen make sure to know the phone number of your embassies and consulates as well as having travel insurance papers ready. Also it is always good to know about the medical facilities close by especially in rural areas. So if youre looking for a place where you can relax and not stress too much about safety Curaçao is a good choice. The island has a low crime rate and apart from bad road conditions it is year-round considered a safe destination. Keep up standard precautions follow traffic rules and listen to local authorities. If you are not totally convinced yet you should definitely also consider going to Aruba or Bonaire since both of those islands are even safer. Frequently Asked Questions Is Curacao Safe For American Tourists? Yes Curaçao is generally safe for American tourists. American tourists are treated especially well in Curacao because they tend to spend and tip more than the average Dutch visitors. Curacao is known for being friendly and has a low rate of serious crime so it is a great place for a holiday from the US. Just remember to watch your belongings as petty theft like pickpocketing can happen especially in busy tourist spots. The island rarely faces severe natural disasters sitting outside the hurricane belt which adds to its appeal as a stress-free vacation destination. Is Aruba or Curacao Safer? Aruba and Curaçao are both quite safe for tourists. Personally I felt a lot safer in Aruba. Both islands are outside the hurricane belt reducing risks from major natural disasters. Aruba might have a slight edge in perceived safety. They have more tourism traffic and well-established infrastructure. Especially in the evenings Aruba feels a lot safer. There are lots of pedestrian zones and you can walk around freely. However the difference is minimal making both islands excellent and safe choices for a Caribbean getaway. Is Tap Water Safe In Curacao? Yes tap water is safe to drink in Curacao. It really doesnt taste well though. Does Curacao Have Drug Problems? Yes Curaçao does have some issues related to drugs. Due to its strategic location along major drug trafficking routes from South America Curacao has not been untouched by drug-related issues. There are some international drug syndicates using the island as a transit point. Additionally local gangs are also involved in the drug trade. But these activities mainly involve the local underworld. They dont usually impact tourists directly. But of course they contribute to some of the crime-related challenges on the island.

03-06-2025T16:39:50Z

Aruba - Bonaire - Curacao! The three ABC-islands are nothing short of amazing. Learn which one is suited best for your dream vacation!

03-06-2025T16:27:08Z

Are you going to Ocho Rios Jamaica for a day with your cruise and are looking for a great itinerary? Then I got you covered! Ive rolled into Ochi more times than I can count yet the rush of packing jungle waterfalls jerk smoke and late-night reggae never gets old. Are you only in Ocho Rios for the day? There is much to see and very little time to do it all! Luckily I got the solution for you. This one-day itinerary squeezes waterfall thrills jerk-smoked lunch and a salty cooldown into a typical shore day. Lets get to it! One Day in Ocho Rios Itinerary: at a Glance If you are simply here to snatch up your shore day itinerary you are in the right spot. Further down below in this post Ill give you lots of insider tips and practical info for your shore day so make sure to keep on reading! ☀️ Early Morning: Island Gully / Blue Hole ☀️ Late Morning: Dunns River Falls ☀️ Lunch: Scotchies Jerk-Flavoured Brunch ☀️ Afternoon: Adventure or Beach Time About the Ocho Rios Cruise Terminal 🛳️ Where is the Cruise Terminal? There are two cruise piers in Ocho Rios. Both are located right on the north coast of Jamaica: Make sure to check first where your cruise ship will be docking to avoid any confusion. Closest Airports: Ocho Rios is two hours from both Montego Bay (MBJ) and Kingston (KIN) airports 🏝️ Whats Nearby? 🧳 Terminal Amenities At Turtle Bay Pier: At James Bond Pier: Fast Facts at a Glance Language: English Jamaican PatoisCurrency: Jamaican dollars (JMD) rule at roadside stalls bring small billsDriving: Left side of the road watch blind curves on the coast highwayBest weather: December–April for blue skies May or November for thinner crowds Best Day Trips and Shore Excursions If following a self-guided itinerary does not seem too appealing to you I have good news. There are plenty of amazing shore excursions from the cruise ship that will take you to all the attractions around the island. Theyll pick you up at the cruise ship docks and take you to all the great places for entertainment and adventure in Ocho Rios. Here are my favorite shore excursions in Ocho Rios: Private Sightseeing Tour in & Around Ocho Rios Triple Action Pack Combo (Blue Hole horseback riding and river tubing) Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour from Ocho Rios How to Hit the Ground Running — Quick Tips 🌴 Keep on ship time. Jamaica stays on standard time year-round but many ships shift their clocks. Set your phone to ship time and ignore island clocks. 🌴 Disembark early. Every minute matters once tour buses start rolling—aim to clear the terminal as soon as possible to avoid all the masses of people 🌴 Book a taxi not a ship tour. Licensed red-plate cabs wait outside the fence. Agree on a flat rate for the full loop (Blue Hole → Dunns River → Scotchies → White River or James Bond Beach → port). 🌴 Budget about USD $ 120–140 per car that seats four plus entry fees and tips. For each guide or raft captain who elevates your day tip J$500–1000. Ocho Rios Shore Day Itinerary 1. Early Morning: Island Gully / Blue Hole Wake-Up Plunge ≈ 90 min on site Well hit the ground running with an excursion to one of the coolest places in Ocho Rios. High in the rainforest the Blue Hole is a string of limestone sinkholes that collapsed into a flooded cave system. There is mineral-rich water that was filtered through porous rock. This is giving the pools a surreal electric-blue color. Local guides—often barefoot pros who grew up here— can steer you toward safe ledges (the highest is about 30 ft) and hidden tunnels linking the falls. Why visit: Its still community-run with fees supporting nearby villages. We suggest arriving early so youll have to share those sapphire pools with only a handful of other people. Practical: Entry ≈ USD $25 guides required water shoes are essential. Tip J$ 1000 pp (≈ US$ $7) if your guide doubles as a photographer. 2. Late Morning: Dunns River Falls Hand-Over-Hand Climb ≈ 1 hr including locker time Right after enjoying the Blue Hole well head to another cool spot in the area: Dunns River Falls. This 180-metre cascade is one of the few on Earth that empties directly into the sea. Youll start at the beach and follow a guide-linked human chain up natural terraces sculpted by calcium deposits. Why visit: Its a Jamaican rite of passage—and still the islands most iconic selfie spot. Practical: Entry USD $25 try to arrive before 10 a.m. to beat the cruise crowds waterproof phone pouch strongly advised. 3. Lunch: Scotchies Jerk ≈ 45 min including grill time Scotchies began as a roadside shack and grew into the holy grail of jerk. It is a great insider tip for lunch. Their meat is marinated in Scotch-bonnet allspice and thyme then slow-roasted over pimento-wood embers. That gives it a unique flavor that you cant get anywhere else on the island. Why visit: Youre tasting jerk cooked in the time-honoured Maroon way—smoky fiery unforgettable. Order like a pro: Quarter-pound jerk pork festival fritters and an ice-cold Ting. Vegans can grab the coconut-rich ital stew. 4. Afternoon: Adventure or Beach Time Option A — White River Bamboo Raft Drift If you are in need of some adrenaline after lunch a White River Bamboo Raft Drift might be just what you need! The local captains guide 30-ft bamboo rafts—modelled after those that were once used to float bananas to port—down a shaded stretch of jade-green water. Why visit: Its Jamaicas most relaxing thrill: storytelling captains rope-swing splashes and rum punch in a coconut. Practical: About USD $80 per raft (seats two) ride lasts 40–50 min. Option B — James Bond Beach Snorkel & Sun James Bond Beach is a beautiful and scenic spot in the little town of Oracabessa. Its got a fun twist of movie history. It was named after James Bond because the author Ian Fleming wrote many of the novels at his nearby estate Goldeneye. Parts of the James Bond: Dr. No movie were also filmed around this area. I love the calm turquoise water shallow coral gardens – all minus big-resort crowds. Practical: Entry ≈ USD $10 snorkel rentals showers and lockers on site. Alternative Activities in Ocho Rios If you have some more time on your shore day or simply want to switch out some of my itinerary points do not fret. There is much to do in Ocho Rios so I have created a list of alternative activities: 🇯🇲 Mystic Mountain – Zipline 🇯🇲 Konoko Falls & Park – Waterfalls tropical gardens and amazing views 🇯🇲 Fern Gully – Lush rainforest filled with ferns 🇯🇲 Bob Marley Mausoleum (Nine Mile) – Visit the legendary reggae icons birthplace and final resting place 🇯🇲 Yaaman Adventure Park – Ride ATVs meet camels or take a cooking class 🇯🇲 Green Grotto Caves – Underground limestone caves with hidden lakes 🇯🇲 Turtle River Park – Park with fountains shady trees and cute walkways 🇯🇲 Island Village Shopping Centre 🇯🇲 Seville Heritage Park – Learn about Jamaicas colonial past and early cultures from the Tainos to the Spanish and British. 🇯🇲 Ocho Rios Bay Beach – A calm easy-access beach in town Conclusion: One Day in Ocho Rios In this post we discussed an amazing itinerary from the Ocho Rios Cruise Port. We started off with a scenic drive to a stunning waterfall followed by some river rafting botanical gardens a traditional lunch of jerk and rice followed by some beach time. Alternatively you can go horseback riding visit the Duty-Free Shops in the shopping center for souvenirs or visit the childhood home of Bob Marley. The Ocho Rios Craft Market is also worth exploring. Make sure to bring some change in US Dollars for entrance fees and tips as well as a bathing suit and a phone case. Leave your jewelry on the boat. Well end our day sipping traditional blue mountain coffee at James Bond Beach while watching tropical birds and iguanas stroll by casually. I hope you enjoyed your shore day in Ocho Rios and keep on reading more Caribbean itineraries: Best Things to Do in Bonaire on a Cruise – One Day Itinerary Dominican Republic Cruise Ports – How to Plan Shore Excursions One Day in Aruba From Cruise Ship: Perfect Itinerary One Day in Curacao From Cruise Ship – Itinerary With Map One Day in Cozumel From Cruise Ship: Amazing Itinerary How To Spend One Day in Puerto Rico: San Juan Cruise Port Amazing One Day in Nassau Bahamas Itinerary: From Cruise Port