Adventure minutes from the Villa
Playa Piskadó
Walk ten minutes to Playa Piskadó to buy fish directly from the fishing boats. Barracuda, Mahi Mahi, Blacktail Tuna, Yellowtail Tuna, Red Snapper, Queen Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Wahoo, Sailfish, Amberjack, Bluejack, Black Grouper, Lobster, Octopus, Lion Fish and many more.
The fishing village of Playa Piskadó was founded in the early 20th century by a group of fishermen who came to Curacao from the nearby island of Bonaire.
Local fishermen speak of a benevolent spirit who protects the sea near Playa Piskadó. According to the legend, a fisherman from Bonaire gave his life during a storm to save his companions when they first settled in the area. His spirit is said to bless their nets, ensuring bountiful catches, and guide them back to shore in bad weather.
Fishermen sometimes pour a few drops of rum into the water before casting their lines, a small tribute to honor the Guardian Fisherman.
The Tale of the Golden Turtle:
A myth passed down among locals tells of a massive golden turtle that swims near Playa Piskadó. This turtle is said to appear only to those with pure hearts, guiding them to hidden treasures beneath the waves. Some say this treasure belonged to early pirates, while others believe it is the sea’s reward for those who respect and protect its creatures.
Christoffel Park
Click here for a detail description of your trip up the mountain.
Mount Christoffel is the largest and most biodiverse park on the island. There is an incredible selection of birds and the rare national white tailed deer. There are eight hiking trails and a path to the summit. Wake up early and make the assent - it is a majestic view - see Venezuela in distance.
The mountain is named after Christoffel van der Laan, a former slave who gained his freedom and became one of the first landowners on the island. The mountain is made up of ancient volcanic rock, which is over 200 million years old. Interestingly, there is evidence of human settlement dating back to at least 3,000 years ago. The mountain and surrounding area were once used by the indigenous Arawak and Carib peoples for hunting, fishing, and agriculture.
The original name of Christoffel Mountain in Curaçao, before it was named by Europeans, was likely tied to theses indigenous Arawak and Carib peoples who inhabited the island. However, the precise indigenous name has been lost to time, as many aspects of native Caribbean languages and culture were erased or altered following European colonization. That said, it's possible that the mountain had a name that reflected its significance in the natural and spiritual life of the island's indigenous people.
Bush Wack
From the villa, adventure along the northward path following marker rocks painted yellow along the coastline. Walk along the edge of the rock until you get to a small hidden beach called Playa Guepi to picnic and swim. It is a magical hike and well worth the effort.
Over the hill find a large natural sea geyser carved into the coral. Watch the sea waves explode through the bottom of the rocks in large and small holes across the beach.
Up from the Watamula natural sea geyser is a moon landscape that visitors have made into a pebble balancing beach. Hundreds of rock piles line the sea line. Build one and make a wish.
On the way back, stop at the Noordpunt Lighthouse, also known as the Northern Point Lighthouse on the hilltop. Built in 1884 and was used to help guide ships around the northern tip of Curaçao. It was in operation for many years before being decommissioned in 1963. The lighthouse is open to visitors daily from 9am to 4pm. There is a small admission fee.
Walk down the cliffs and find a private gem of a sugar-white beach called Playa Guepi to picnic and swim. The beach is surrounded by limestone cliffs, which provide a stunning backdrop for the turquoise waters and white sand. The name "Gipy" comes from the Papiamentu word "gipido," which means "crack" or "cleft." This refers to the narrow cove that leads to the beach, which is formed by two towering cliffs.
The beach is small and beautiful with crashing waves and protected white-sugar sand. Walk up the coast following the yellow painted stones from the Cliff Villa Peninsula and bring supplies for a few hours. It is Robinson Crusoe territory and will remind you of pirate tales and skullduggery. Imagine being 200 years back in time with full rigged pirate ships off the coast smuggling wears past the Dutch Brigade in Willemstad. Do not stay after dust otherwise you maybe wittiness for some modern skullduggery. See drone video here.
Watamula Hole
Walk up the coast from the Villa and find natural sea geyser carved into the coral. Like a moon landscape. Watch the sea waves explode through the bottom of this natural wonder. Pipe rocks up and make a wish.
The hole is a vertical shaft that opens up in the limestone cliffs that line the coast, dropping down about 250 feet (76 meters) to the sea below. Do not slip. The hole is was formed by the constant pounding of the waves on the limestone cliffs over millions of years.
Here are many myths of the Watamula Blowholes — the one that is true of course it the tale of the Sea Witch. Other are …
1. The Breath of the Earth:
Indigenous Arawak people believed that Watamula was where the Earth breathed, connecting the land, sea, and sky. According to their lore, the blowholes were portals through which the Earth exchanged energy with the heavens. Shamans would visit the area to pray, perform rituals, and listen to the "voice of the Earth." The rhythmic sounds of the water and the blasts of air were interpreted as messages from the spirit world.
2. The Sea Dragon's Nostrils:
An old legend tells of a mighty sea dragon that once guarded the northwestern shores of Curaçao. The blowholes are said to be the creature's nostrils, where it snorts and breathes out ocean spray when angered. Locals claimed that stormy seas and dramatic eruptions from the blowholes were signs that the dragon was disturbed by trespassers or those disrespecting the ocean.
3. The Forbidden Lovers:
This romantic legend speaks of a young fisherman and a local village girl who fell in love despite their families’ bitter feud. Unable to be together, the lovers planned to elope by sea. As they approached the cliffs near Watamula, a sudden storm caused massive waves to crash over their small boat. The sea swallowed them, and their bodies were never found. It’s said the blowholes now release their sighs and longing for freedom, and the sprays represent their love transcending time and nature.
Tula
5 mins by car, visit the Tula Museum. The building was once the island's most largest plantation and now a symbol its dark past as a slave trading hub for the Caribbean. Kenepa was the site of a devastating, month-long slave rebellion in 1795, led by a hero named Tula. The Landhuis Kenepa has been made into a museum dedicated his bravery. The museum tells the story of how Tula traveled from Kenepa liberating enslaved people across the island, escaping to Watamula near Cliff Villa Peninsula where he was finally captured and killed by the Dutch authorities.
Blue Grotto
Under a natural lip in the coral is a hidden cave. Dive down and watch the fish in this beautiful blue wonderland. The Blue Room is called "Boka Fluit" in Papiamentu, the local language of Curacao, which translates to "whistling mouth" in English. It is approximately 70 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 20 feet high, and its water is crystal clear. The cave is formed from limestone, which was slowly eroded by the waves and currents of the sea over thousands of years. The Blue Room is located near the Playa Santa Cruz.
The Siren of the Blue Room: According to local tales, the Blue Room Cave was once the home of a siren, a creature with the power to entrance sailors and fishermen. Her songs would lure them toward the cave, but unlike the destructive sirens of Greek mythology, this one was thought to be protective. Those who reached her were said to have been offered safe passage or divine inspiration, provided they proved their love and respect for the sea.
Portal to Another World: The indigenous Arawak people believed the Blue Room Cave was a spiritual portal. They referred to it as a “meeting place of the spirits” where ancestors could connect with the living. Shamans would perform rituals near the cave to ensure bountiful harvests from the sea and to appease marine deities.
The Blue Jewel: A story popular among divers and local guides tells of a rare glowing gem hidden within the cave. Legend has it that the light in the Blue Room comes from the gem, a gift from the ocean goddess Yemayá. Brave souls who find the gem will be blessed with endless prosperity but warned that those seeking it out of greed will lose their way in the cave forever.
Flamingo Sanctuary
Drive 20 mins from the villa to find wild Flamingos flocked in the salt flats at the Flamingo Sanctuary Sint Willibrordus. The birds are shy so please stay at least 100 m (328 ft) away.
The flamingo is the national bird of Curacao and is one of the most iconic symbols of the island. The flamingos in Curacao are actually a subspecies of the American flamingo known as the Caribbean flamingo or the American Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber). They are larger and have more vibrant coloration than their counterparts in other parts of the world.
Interestingly, the flamingos get their pink coloration from the pigments in the algae and small crustaceans that they eat. The more algae and crustaceans they consume, the more intense their pink coloration becomes.
Jumping Rocks
Along the cliffs at Playa Forti there are a number of designated safe jumping rocks. Enjoy the beautiful beaches along the coast. Here is a guide to the beaches. The height of the rocks varies, with the highest point being around 30 feet (9 meters) above the water.
Tomasito Cave
On the property, a short 4 minute walk from the Villa, is a natural wonder carved into the coral over millennia. Walk down into a magical private pool. Did I say pool? More like a natural jacuzzi!
The Tomasito Cave is a breathtaking example of natural beauty sculpted by time. Its intricate rock formations and whispering echoes invite visitors to explore, reflect, and immerse themselves in the serene ambiance of this captivating underground world. Perfect for an afternoon of exploration or an evening of storytelling, the cave is a must-see for travelers seeking to connect with the natural wonders of Playa Kalki.
Please treat this spirit cave with respect. Do not leave garbage and do not touch the lime stone walls!
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