Hato Caves & Willemstad Walking Tour
Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
What you will visit:
Hato Caves
A knowledgeable guide provides a walking tour through the dramatic, underground limestone grottos. Marvel at the imposing stalactites and stalagmites, which produce unusual shadows in the caves' eerie lighting. Your guide will point out the "Pirate's Head," the "Sea Turtle" and the "Giant," which you can see in the rock formations, as well as the famous Madonna statue. Within the caves, you will find unexpected crystal-clear pools. The caves are also a haven for a colony of rarely seen long-nose fruit bats. The caves were originally used as a hiding place for runaway slaves and prior to that as a shelter for island natives.
Willemstad
Travel through the historic district of Willemstad. The port of Willemstad is alive with historic treasures. One of the six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Caribbean, it was selected in 1997 because of the city's dedication to the preservation of culture and its multicultural community that has grown over three centuries. The architecture and ambiance of Willemstad reflect influences from around the globe, and you'll be able to spot Latin accents, African heritage, and Dutch traditions throughout the tour.
Queen Emma Floating Bridge
Supported by 16 pontoons, the bridge swings open to allow ships to access the port. Affectionately called the "Swinging Lady," this historic bridge, originally built in 1888, has recently been totally restored.
What you will see along the way:
On the way to Fort Amsterdam, you will pass the beautifully colored merchant houses on the quay of the harbor entrance. A perfect photo opportunity, they reflect the quintessential juxtaposition of Dutch architecture and bright Caribbean flair. Fort Amsterdam is one of the most important of Curaçao's eight forts and is included as a World Heritage Site. Look closely and you will see a cannonball embedded in the southwest wall. At the rear of the courtyard is Fort Church, Curaçao's oldest Protestant church. At the completion of your tour, your guide will escort you back to the ship through the Rif Fort shopping area and the new Renaissance Hotel.
Points of interest
Fort Amsterdam
Willemstad
Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge
Hato Caves
Schedule
Special Notes
Tour sequence may vary. If the bridge is open due to ship traffic, you will cross the harbor by ferry. At the caves, there are 50 steps to ascend to enter.
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Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
What you will visit:
Hato Caves
A knowledgeable guide provides a walking tour through the dramatic, underground limestone grottos. Marvel at the imposing stalactites and stalagmites, which produce unusual shadows in the caves' eerie lighting. Your guide will point out the "Pirate's Head," the "Sea Turtle" and the "Giant," which you can see in the rock formations, as well as the famous Madonna statue. Within the caves, you will find unexpected crystal-clear pools. The caves are also a haven for a colony of rarely seen long-nose fruit bats. The caves were originally used as a hiding place for runaway slaves and prior to that as a shelter for island natives.
Willemstad
Travel through the historic district of Willemstad. The port of Willemstad is alive with historic treasures. One of the six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Caribbean, it was selected in 1997 because of the city's dedication to the preservation of culture and its multicultural community that has grown over three centuries. The architecture and ambiance of Willemstad reflect influences from around the globe, and you'll be able to spot Latin accents, African heritage, and Dutch traditions throughout the tour.
Queen Emma Floating Bridge
Supported by 16 pontoons, the bridge swings open to allow ships to access the port. Affectionately called the "Swinging Lady," this historic bridge, originally built in 1888, has recently been totally restored.
What you will see along the way:
On the way to Fort Amsterdam, you will pass the beautifully colored merchant houses on the quay of the harbor entrance. A perfect photo opportunity, they reflect the quintessential juxtaposition of Dutch architecture and bright Caribbean flair. Fort Amsterdam is one of the most important of Curaçao's eight forts and is included as a World Heritage Site. Look closely and you will see a cannonball embedded in the southwest wall. At the rear of the courtyard is Fort Church, Curaçao's oldest Protestant church. At the completion of your tour, your guide will escort you back to the ship through the Rif Fort shopping area and the new Renaissance Hotel.
Points of interest
Fort Amsterdam
Willemstad
Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge
Hato Caves
Schedule
Special Notes
Tour sequence may vary. If the bridge is open due to ship traffic, you will cross the harbor by ferry. At the caves, there are 50 steps to ascend to enter.