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5 Best Experiential Tours on Curaçao

5 Best Experiential Tours on Curaçao

Curaçao has so much to see and do. If you're looking for something fun and special to do on the island then this list will surely have what you're looking for. These tours will not only tell you the history and the culture of Curaçao, but you'll be able to see, taste and feel it. You will get a total local experience that will make your vacation even more memorable.

1. Cocktail Workshop at Landhuis Chobolobo

Cocktail Workshop at Landhuis Chobolobo

Feel like a true mixologist, even for a day, during the Blue Curaçao Cocktail Experience at Landhuis Chobolobo. Landhuis Chobolobo is home of the genuine Curaçao Liqueur where the famous Blue Curaçao is made. At the Curaçao Liqueur Distillery, that sits inside the Chobolobo mansion, you’ll get the unique opportunity to learn about this famous liqueur. But, during a cocktail workshop, you’ll also get to experiment with the different colors and flavors of the Senior (Curaçao) Liqueurs.

When you arrive for the Blue Curaçao Cocktail Experience you’ll be greeted with a welcome cocktail to get you in the mood. Then you get a tour through the distillery to get a good explanation of how the liqueur is crafted and also about the history of Curaçao. During the tour, you’ll get to taste 5 different liqueurs and at the end, you can make your own creation with one of those liqueurs. A charming bartender will give you instructions on how to make and shake the perfect cocktail. Afterward, the real party starts when you will create your own cocktail, and drink it too.

The Blue Curaçao Cocktail Experience is offered on Fridays at 2 pm and cost $40 which includes tasting and cocktails. Read more about this tour.

The Blue Curaçao COcktail Experience at Landhuis Chobolobo

2. Chichi® Workshop at Serena's Art Factory

Chichi Workshop

The Chichi® sculptures are a popular souvenir, and local brand, designed by the artist Serena Israel. The meaning of her sculptures can be directly traced to the culture of Curaçao where the term Chichi refers to the eldest sister in the family. She is the support system of the family that takes care of her siblings. She is bold, she is strong, and at the same time kind and caring. And, just like the women on Curaçao, the sculptures are curvy and sexy.

Though there are places that sell these dolls at Serena’s Art Factory you can also paint your own Chichi®. Just next to her workplace, in the shades of her garden, you can take a seat and let your artistic side come loose. Before the start, Serena herself—or one of her team artists—will passionately tell you about the Chichi® or the Bubu® (the big brother) and the work they do.  You will then get a tour through the factory where you can follow the production process. After that, you’ll be inspired enough to paint your own Chichi® or Bubu® based on your imagination. The team will be there to help you along the way and give you tips on how to perfect your artwork. At the end, you’ll leave with your own personalized souvenir.

The Walk-In Chichi® Workshop starts every Friday at 9:30 am and the participation fee is 20 guilders plus the additional cost of the sculpture of choice. There is also VIP Workshop at the Chichi®-Shop in Punda with the same conditions and includes a glass of bubbles and a snack. Private group workshops are also possible on request. For more information check out their website.

Serena Israel in the Serena Art Factory Curaçao

3. Dolphin Swim at Dolphin Academy

Dolphins at the Dolphin Academy

Fairytales have a prince charming, Curaçao has dolphins. At Dolphin Academy, you cannot only get that perfect kiss by one of their sweet dolphins, but you can also spend some quality time with them. A swim session with the dolphins starts with an informative movie and where you’ll be guided to the lagoon afterward. Once in the water, you can calmly swim together in the lagoon while gently caressing one of them (or two if you’re lucky). The actual fun begins when playtime starts.

You’ll learn some hand gestures so you can give the dolphins instruction on what tricks to perform. Lay on your back and let them float with you, let them sing a song or, better yet, start a fun water fight with the dolphins. They will win the water fight, but you will get the laugh of your life.

There are Dolphin Swims daily at different times and the costs are $174. You can check their website for more information

Dolphin Swim at Dolphin Academy Curaçao

4. Culinary Walking Tour at Clarita Food Trail

At Plasa Bieu Curaçao during the Culinary Walking Tour

If you’re looking for local hidden gems than a culinary walking tour with Clarita cannot be missed. In an intimate setting, she will guide you through the city center and tell about the culture, architecture and the food culture of Curaçao. Clarita is a well-known local who worked her whole life in the tourism industry. She knows all the ins and outs, all the truths and tales, and she will tell you all.

Learn about the influences that the neighboring countries had on the food culture of Curaçao. What the typical dishes are and the local ingredients used in it. Stop at local vendors and get a taste of what they have to offer. The tour ends with a lunch at the popular Plasa Bieu where both locals and tourist go to have a delicious lunch.

This tour is by request only. It starts at 9 am at Brionplein and is $45 plus the additional cost of your lunch choice. The price includes a tasting of various local bites during the walking tour. For more information on the tour or to reserve your place, send an e-mail to [email protected].

Floating Marketing in Curaçao with Clarita Food Trail

5. Modern Caribbean Cooking Class by Helmi Smeulders

Modern Caribbean Cooking Class

Helmi Smeulder is not only the author of the cookbook Modern Caribbean Flavors, but she also gives fun and interactive cooking workshops in an intimate setting. Through her cooking classes, she shares her knowledge of local and Caribbean flavors but gives it a modern twist that reaches beyond traditional dishes. The class is given on Tuesday mornings. With a small group of people, she’ll explain about the different ingredients that you can find in our local cuisine. In the meantime you can taste her creation with these different ingredients and after it's time to get your own hands dirty and make your own dishes. Following her recipe, and in groups of two, you will be able to recreate a dish of your choice where you'll learn about the cooking process of the different ingredients. In the end, when everyone is done, you get to take a seat at the dining table where you can taste all the different delicious dishes. From lionfish to polenta fries, every dish will be a delightful surprise of flavor. 

The cooking classes are on Tuesdays at 9am till 1:30pm and cost $99. You can find more information and book this workshop here.

Modern Caribbean Cooking Class by Helmi Smeulders