Curacao-Caribbean: Curacao Vacations, Travel Guide Books

Of all the Caribbean's many destinations, Curacao may have the most to offer children and their families. From the family-friendly resorts to the island's small-town ambience, Curacao is an ideal destination for a Caribbean family vacation. To get the most out of your trip, consider including some the activities outlined here in your Curacao vacation package.

Perhaps the most unique of Curacao's family attractions is the Curacao Seaquarium. Constructed in 1984, this oceanfront complex is renowned for its open-water system that continuously pumps fresh seawater into the holding tanks. For younger children, the touch tanks and feeding shows offer great opportunities to interact with sea creatures. The Seaquarium also allows visitors to snorkel and dive with sea turtles, tropical fish and other distinctive animals. When you're done in the water, head over to the on-site museum and theatre for additional learning possibilities. The beach outside the Seaquarium is also great place for children, highlighted by kid-friendly water sports and charming restaurants.

For a more personal interaction with everyone's favorite sea creature, the Dolphin Academy Curaçao offers visitors of all ages an opportunity to swim, snorkel or dive with these extraordinary animals in a variety of programs. The all-ages Dolphin Encounter lets children stand on a platform in the holding tank amongst the dolphins. After trainers teach you the basics, the dolphin will come by for a hug. The Dolphin Swim allows participants to take rides on the dolphins' dorsal fins. Then, the swimmers can give signals to the dolphins to sing, spin or wave. For older children and adults, the Dolphin Snorkel and Dolphin Open Water Dive programs allow you to swim side-by-side with the dolphins in one of Curacao's finest coral reefs. For families looking to completely immerse themselves in the world of dolphins, the Academy offers two courses, one for children and one for adults, which impart all the basics of dolphin training during 2 and 3-day sessions.

Another great activity for a Caribbean family vacation is the Kids Sea Camp, an education center open during June and July. In addition to activities like those offered at the Dolphin Academy, the Kids Sea Camp has a number of detailed training sessions designed for your young ones. Activities include Supplied Air Snorkeling for Youth (SASY) training, Professional Association of Diving Instruction (PADI) training and open-water dive training for children.

Being in the Caribbean, your family will want to spend time at the beach, relaxing in the sand and playing in the water. Curacao has several beaches suitable for the whole family, many with facilities designed specifically for children. The following beaches are great places for your family to explore.

First up is Little Knip Beach, the choice of Curacaoan families. This beautiful little beach offers a calm place to swim and have a barbeque. If your children want to play in the open water, Kontiki Beach is probably the safest option. Besides offering a number of shops, restaurants and watersport activities, the surf at Kontiki is tamed by a wave breaking system. Jan Thiel Beach offers excellent diving and snorkeling in the open bay while children can enjoy the enclosed wading area. Though one of Curacao's busier beaches, Cas Abao Beach is one of the best locations for families to lay in plush white sand and soak up the sun. On the quieter side, Port Marie is lovely beach with nice facilities for novice divers and snorkelers.

When your family has had its share of fun in the water, consider taking a tour of the island on horseback or visiting the ostrich farm. Horseback tours are easy to arrange, whether you choose to make it part of your vacation package or set up a tour while on the island. With over 600 birds, the Curacao Ostrich Farm is one of the largest ostrich farms outside of Africa. Children can interact with day-old chicks and guided tours are available to shed some light on the lives of these peculiar birds. When it is time to leave, you can even take an ostrich egg as a souvenir. There is always a great Caribbean family vacation waiting for you in Curacao.

About the Author:

This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select pieces about travel

in the Caribbean for the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino.