curacao national park

CONTACT. Via a natural stairs we eventually reach the cave where we find a sign indicating we should not enter because of the extremely rough sea that day. From the foot of the mountain it will take two hours. What a dramatic landscape, the photos look incredible (particularly the waves). You can walk or jog through the pristine jungle forests and mountain bike along coastal paths or jagged mountain ranges. Parking places are available at all viewpoints and you can walk to the boka in a few minutes. cultural and historical experience, providing a complete perspective on Visit the Savonet Museum located in Landhuis Savonet inside the Christoffel Park. Required fields are marked *. My name is Antonette. From the westcoast of the island we already had a panoramic view of the Christoffelberg, which at first made me think its not a mountain but a volcano because of its significant cone-shaped peak. place for a long break. Check out the awe-inspiring view from the top, and keep an eye out on the side of the path for the tiny snails that look like little white rocks. With limited Its great to see theres a lot more to see and do. A medium With island creatures roaming around freely, pink salt pans, and coastal trails, the island is buzzing with outdoor adventures. Short and alone at the top of Curaao for at least half an hour. Most guests start at Boka Wandomi, where there are two lookout points to see a natural bridge carved into the limestone cliffs. We hope to see the white tailed deer here but this seems like a difficult task, especially because the dense vegetation leaves little space for wildlife spotting. A major reason for visiting the quaint island of Curacao is to embark on a hiking journey through Christoffel National Park. The wooden viewing platforms are ideal for gazing at this natural creation. With eight different hiking routes at Christoffel National Park, Christoffelsberg is just a glimpse of the natural beauty you can find in the reserve. CARMABI (Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity) is responsible for the ongoing preservation and protection of both parks. Thank you for subscribing to my weekly hiking newsletter. +5999 692 5499 The Christoffelpark is open from Monday thru Saturday between 07.20 16.00 hrs and on Sunday from 06.00 15.00 hrs. DISCLAIMER There are many ways to explore the park at your own pace and time, however if you are looking to dig a little deeper into the history, flora and fauna of the park, we recommend you to join us on one of our guided hikes or (jeep safari) tours! routes are all located on the west side of the highway. Travelers wandering this path will It is nice to see that Curacao has much more to offer than white sand beaches, hotel resorts and diving! Visitors pay an admission fee of 17,50 ANG. Now the grounds have been transformed into an enchanting hiking trail that leads you through extraordinary vegetation and beautiful, soft pink salt pans. While planning on exploring the different activities to do in Westpunt, you should beyond any doubt plan Vista Montaa 60-61, Willemstad Curacao For us, the Dutch, this is a very important vacation destination and whoever thinks of Curaao, will think of sun, sand and beaches. Where else in the world would something like this be possible? Thanks for sharing such amazing pictures and your experience on Curaao! We offer tours, guided hikes, and seasonal activities. However, there is no admittance to the park after 1.30 pm and climbing Christoffelberg is not allowed after 10am. day. Inside the caves, walk along the smooth, gently lit path and explore the 300,000-year-old crevices and unique terraces that the caves feature. Jan Thiel Landhuis was once a thriving salt plantation that sat right along the popular Jan Thiel beach. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Curacao white-tailed deer is a local sub-species that has adapted its behavior to the islands harsh climate in several interesting ways. Another Hours: Daily from 9 am- 5 pm (no arrivals permitted after 4 pm). The second inlet we visit is called Boka Tabla, where a deep cave is located. As you can see, at Curaao its not just about sand and beaches. The best time to go to Curacao is from May to November when temperatures arent too hot. The Shete Boka national park was established in 1994 to protect important nesting areas for sea turtles. If youre looking for a group tour, this is a great option. The shades of blue of the waves crashing into the inlets are quite beautiful. On our way over the the north of the island, the guide receives a message: the Christoffelpark will close at 15:00 hrs that afternoon because Brazil is playing for the World Cup. Shete Boka looks so rugged; hardly Caribbean at all. Polar bear count z, Belugas + bears, the ultimate combo during an adve, Practicalities for Shete Boka National Park, Otrobanda, the colourful cultural hub in Willemstad, Curacao, The perfect Nashville itinerary for three days in the Music City, Sandals Grenada review: What to expect during a week in paradise, Playground in paradise: Fun and flamingos on De Palm Island, Aruba. We get a quick impression of the park and even though they are tied to each other, the Christoffelpark is completely different than Shete Boka. from the observation tower and to see some more of the landscape from the top. Curaao is a small island located in the southern Caribbean Sea. Visitors booking an overnight stay at Boka Grandi will have to bring their own You may also enjoy these posts: The largest and most biodiverse park gentle stroll on a hot day. Its named after the explorer Christoffel Columbus and is climbed by many. | One would be surprised at how many species of birds you will find in the national parks if you know whereto look. By then we have arrived close to the mountain and from here, it still looks like a volcano. Officially, the park has not 7 but 10 inlets and all of them offer a different kind of natural attraction to its visitors. As an island once colonized by the Dutch, one may be wondering what made this island so special? You may do this by jeep over an unpaved road from Boka Tabla. The Christoffel National Park is one of those, and after spending three days inside this nature reserve, I realised that the iconic Christoffelberg mountain itself is just the cherry on top. I know so little about the Caribbean but the more I see, the more I want to go. So whether youre venturing to the island for the vibrant, colorful streets or hoping to snorkel your way around the reefs, embarking on a hike is a fantastic addition to your itinerary. I dont know much about Curaao except of the blue cocktails. Here we walked right through a moon-like landscape and within half an hour we arrive at a impenetrable green forest. Looks like you did loads and saw lots of beautiful sites I love that little lizard! The islands national parks host the highest peaks for hiking with all kinds of fascinating flora and fauna secreted within and the wildest, most picturesque windswept coasts are also within protected park confines. Follow the simple trail and spot an array of interesting plant life, with the occasional orchard making a bold appearance. The colorful country is influenced heavily by Dutch design and architecture with its own island-style twist. But other than an unusual take on an island getaway, Curacao is still a paradise for snorkelers, divers, nature enthusiasts, and hikers. Especially with the hot and burning Caribbean sun, it can be more comfortable to grab the car between the bokas but this is not necessary. We spend as much time as possible searching for the best beaches, snorkeling, hiking, and fun in the sun! I know that Curaao is far from the British style landscape that I associate with usually, but this part of the world really intrigues me with so many things worth experiencing. As I mentioned before, this beach is located in the National Parks only inlet and surrounded by several limestone terraces. These pictures are gorgeous. They explode on the rocks with an immense power and if it were up to me, Id have loved to spend the rest of the day here, staring at these forces of nature with my mouth wide open. Part of its magic is that its the only route on the island that provides a mountain hiking experience. I can just hear the sound of the waves crashing! opening hours and most visitors gathering early in the morning, many see a Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful sceneries and experience the varied flora and fauna of the island. It was truly captivating, as I sat Youll discover the far corners of Bandabou, places you can only get to with a 44. Today I will tell you about the rough north coast en its national parks: Shete Boka and Christoffelpark, also known as the best National Parks of Curaao. free and inspiring we12travel day hike packing list, Travel tips for Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, The highlights of Yellowstone National Park, The ultimate New Zealand itinerary for outdoor fans, Elena (http://gonewiththebackpack.blogspot.com/ ). The 14 best beaches in Curaao The Christoffel Mountain is open for climbing between 6 AM 10 AM. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! However, you may only start the trail when its before 11.00 am because of the heat. For more information read our disclaimer here. Curaao were the perfect backdrop for a quick bite before heading back down. You can access the park with you own car and there are no less than 8 hiking trails, from easy to difficult. When Im not traveling, I live in a cabin in the woods in The Netherlands. Parts of the trail wind through an inland lagoon, while others venture into nature. Climbing the Christoffel Mountain is one of the most popular and more advanced - hiking trails in the park. considered a little bit more difficult than the North Coast Routes, the views Spy upon a collection of bats hanging from the cave roof, learn about the history and culture of the cave, and view creative formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Before tying up your laces and trailing through the paths, there are a few things you should take note of before the journey. On We12travel you will find everything you want to know about outdoor travelling, nature and hiking. In the national park you will find 4 bokas provided with specially built wooden viewing platforms, from where you can see what the power of the water does to the coastline: See the natural bridge of Boka Wandomi, follow the hiking trail to the beautiful beach of Boka Kalki, experience the shooting sound of Boka Pistol and enter the famous Boka Tabla cave. It costs ANG 2.00/$1.50 for children aged 6-12, kids 0-5 are free, and locals only pay ANG 2.00/$1.50 provided they present a drivers license. However, the island has a lot more to offer than just this and during a trip hosted by Curaao Tourism Board, I was introduced to the unknown side of the island. This is one of the most scenic spots of the park and a great Definitely worth a visit! Did you know that Christoffel National Park and its sister Shete Boka National Park comprise of over 12,00000 acres of protected nature reserves on Curacao? Youll also see other wildlife when you take a guided birdwatching tour. Your pictures are really impressive! Savonet Museum has a stand-alone entrance fee but is also included in the Christoffel Park price. and panoramas alone make this walk worth the trip. Parking: The main parking lot at the entrance is used to access Boka Tabla, and the three other bokas also have their own parking areas. The research that is conducted by Carmabi is vital to understand the behavior of the sea turtles nesting at the Shete Boka national park. The first inlet we visit is the natural bridge at Boka Wandomi. for all your future hikes, click on the link below. I was thinking the whole time about turquoise water and sandy beaches and the drink when I read Curacao. info@mycuracaoguide.com from each one of these routes will be worth the extra effort. Depending on Guided safaris in an open-air land cruiser are a great way to explore the wilds with informed park rangers who will introduce you the wonders of the park. Besides the natural riches the park also offers a unique From the parking lot its about a 5 minute walk through a limestone field towards the sea. Youll see remnants of the rectangular lines that indicate where the salt was once harvested. From the best outdoor clothing to the greatest multi-day treks in the world, and everything in between. Boka stands for inlet and the translation of Shete Boka National Park is actually seven inlets. Your email address will not be published. Want to find out which beautiful species you can spot inside the park? you to enjoy. Waves fiercely crash into the rocks and this impressive landscape invites you to see all the other inlets, too. Fabulous images of the crashing waves! You will experience a spectacular panoramic view of the east side along with the sunset. Safari Tours The largest and most biodiverse park on the island! one of the most beautiful hikes in the National Park. The path stretches 7 miles and features 10 pockets of beach, which are home to three species of turtles who use the grounds for breeding. I was really surprised about Curaao and now cant wait to explore some more Caribbean Islands! Did you know that there are beautiful white-tailed deer hiding in the park regions? walk. We offer guided hikes on several hiking trails in the park such as the Mountain trail and the Boka Grandi trail. walk through the former plantation. easy. The park also organizes special tours including park safaris, deer watching tours, bird watching tours and guided hikes. These parks are absolutely beautiful! With several photo ops along Located adjacent to Christoffel National Park, Shete Boka was established as a protected area in 1994 to preserve these nesting areas for sea turtles, as there are nearly a dozen pocket bays where Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Green turtles lay eggs. Not in The Netherlands at least, thats for sure! info@nightspublications.com, Our site uses cookies. There is no better way to end your afternoon than during this sunset catamaran trip! They can be very exclusive but taking a guided tour on foot or by land cruiser is your best chance of seeing them. Carry a bag that can hold any litter you may have and watch the wildlife from a respectable distance. Visitors pay an admission fee of 5 ANG. For information visit:www.christoffelpark.org. Powerful waves pound into the craggy coastline at Shete Boka National Park, making a boisterous booming sound that seems to shudder through the earth while sending salty spray high into the sky. This 2.000 hectares park is located in the far north and is also the largest park on the island. A very n our exposition: Nos Naturalesa, you find out more about our nature. plantation of the island. | The sweet and shy white-tailed deer is a surprise native to Curacao, and though they like to hide, park rangers know where to find them! Guided hikes can be reserved for small groups and customized to suit your comfort level. food, tents, and everything else you might need to survive in the wild. Located on The trail is the perfect chance to discover the local flora and fauna, as well as spot some Indian carvings done by the Caiquetio Indians. How to get there: Shete Boka is about a 45 minute drive north of Willemstad. Join us on this beautiful 2 12 -hour sunset cruise and discover our island is even more stunning in a sunset orange glow on the waters of Curacao as we sail from the beautiful Spanish Water into the open sea. travelers prefer to sleep in a hammock and wake up once the first rays of Make sure to call several days in advance if you want to give this activity a try. This includes Seru Bientu and Seru Grasia, where you can enjoy the Sabal palms which only grow in this part of the park. This special tour takes you to secluded parts of the park. You will probably see species that are not easily seen elsewhere on the island! Find out more information about the Savonet Museum here. Whilst in St. Michiel, use your time in the old fishing village to visit the Fort Sint Michiel built-in 1701. Look for interesting geological formations, Roi Ber (a dry riverbed), lichens, beard moss, bromeliads, and orchids along the way. These cravings date back 1,500 years and only exist here and along the South American Orinoco river where the tribe originated from. Go here to learn more! CARMABI Foundation Piscaderabaai z/nWillemstadCuraao(+5999)462-4242. Let us give you the comfort of a guided hike. I think I would have liked to stay staring at those waves too! Nature lovers will find the park teeming with birds and plants. Never had a chance to go to Curacao but it looks great! From the parking lot its about at 5 minute walk on a rocky trail. not only the most scenic, but also the most popular attraction among visitors. However, when we get closer shortly after, it slowly gets in the shape of a table mountain. Somehow, I thought of Curacao as of a mini Las Vegas kind of place I have a friend from there and that is how she describes it most of the time. Scenic car routes take you through underbrush, around hills and across sea swept bluffs. Throughout the nesting season of sea turtles, running approximately from May to December, researchers of the Carmabi foundation monitor the Shete Boka beaches for signs of nesting sea turtle activity. Hands up if youd want to spend this long weeken, Life on the open tundra. short, shaded walk which passes through the white-tail deer sanctuary and stops However, the trail is protected from the wind, meaning that you might bake in the sun on a hot day. Start your hikes early to enjoy the most splendid time of the day. Try your luck at making a rock cairn, and admire the bay which was shaped by rainwater from the surrounding hills and nearby Christoffel Mountain. Shete Boka literally means Seven Inlets en has a surface of about 200 hectares. Visit the Christoffel National Park for a beautiful experience! Inside the park Boka Kalki has the largest stretch of beach, where crabs crawl over the shoreline that was formed from the sedimentary skeletal remains of corals. This 1,5-hour trail will take you through the picnic area and the deer NOTE: With a standard price of 200 USD per night for 1-10 people and only 1 booking per night available, staying at the Christoffel National Park is an activity that gets fully booked quite quickly. The hike also passes Boka Grandi, Overall, making your way from the pans to Michielsberg isnt extremely strenuous. Breaking cities: How much is a day in Amsterdam? The park has two hiking/strolling trails, both of which can be done in a day. During the upcoming months I will continue to share the stories about my visit to this friendly island. I knew nothing about Caracao (apart from the fact that it is a drink!) The climb is a must-do when visiting Curacao. Christoffel park is the largest national park of Curacao and a must see for everyone. the north-western end of the island, Christoffel National Park is mostly known Price: The entrance fee is ANG 17,50 for ages 12 and up, which is about $10. In the local dialect the word boka means inlet, so the name of this nearly 10 kilometer-long park translates to seven inlets.. The Boka Tabla hiking trails then leads us to the other side of the inlet where the waves are even more extreme. Adventure and adrenaline at Caracasbaai the first one to reach the top that day. Thanks for sharing! So glad to see there is more to Curacao than a pretty beach. Its hard to imagine many visitors to Curacao manage to pull themselves away from the beach to explore any of the local parks but they are definitely missing out! popular hike among locals, this trail will take you to an area with abandoned the panoramic views and the unique flora Curaao offers. I love your pictures of the waves crashing. Of course, youre free to explore the parks on your own- on foot or by car- however, first-time visitors will really benefit from a guided tour through the park. It works well to combine a visit to the park with a trip to the beautiful beaches in Westpunt, which are less than 10 minutes away. There are a couple of places to see the spectacular show; from the viewing platform on the right, or heading down toward the water for an up close view. Peek inside the caverns along the coastal paths and sit on the edge of the rocks to be thrilled by the enormous, thundering waves. With 8 hiking trails, various weekly activities and SHETE BOKA NATIONAL PARK The Christoffelpark is the most famous national park of Curaao. Our park harbors a rich variety of local flora and fauna. by Kristin Young | Updated On: November 5, 2020 | Curacao. However, the trails do offer access to a small caves and Tafelberg Mountain. Then, head down the path toward another viewing platform on the beach. Located on the southeast of the island, Santa Barbara is a private beach and golf resort. Your email address will not be published. Unfortunately, we have to continue our journey the next park is waiting for our visit! Mountain, beautiful birds, the national white tailed deer and wonderful hiking Looks incredible! Also read: The 15 Best Things to do in Curaao. I visited the park very early in the morning and was Parks only inlet. Christoffelpark is well known for its abundant mix of plants and wildlife and each year attracts a lot of visitors. ABOUT The sounds of the birds Highlights of Yellowstone National Park Unfortunately, that means that travelers not staying at the resort cant access the short hiking trails on the property. I now see that its a beautiful part of the world. An The trails and national parks are beautiful and I would like to visit them too. Required fields are marked *. To book a tour call: +5999 864-0363 or e-mail at info@christoffelpark.org. fee is just 25 ANG (around 12 EUR) to foreigners, which makes Christoffelsberg Since this is also a protected area, you will be far away from any parties, loud music, or city lights. You can also subscribe without commenting. Although the island is relatively safe, make sure youre not hiking any time near dark and that youve always got a Curacao map. Experienced guides will take you to the best locations for deer spotting. forget for a moment that you are on a Caribbean island. Besides its beauty, the island was rich in salt, a hugely valuable commodity at the time. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Those national parks really do look amazing. there appears to be lots of things to keep you busy. Its a quick drive between each boka, and despite it being a relatively short walk between them most guests opt to drive since it can be very hot outside with little shade. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A beautiful jeep safari or camp on the beach! A simple These three are the Hawksbill turtle, the Loggerhead turtle and the Green turtle. Trail will pass though the seven hills of Curaao. To reach the entrance of the limestone cave, youre required to walk up 49 stairs. You can also go on a safari in a pickup car or cycle around on a mountain bike. Although this is a small island, there are gems of unique hiking spots and spectacular viewpoints to visit. A detailed map of the pocket bays is available for purchase at the entrance of the park. That nice view from the Columbus peak was unexpected. From wooden platforms, you can get a closer look at the ocean and experience panoramic views of your surroundings. One of the park rangers will also spend the night at Boka Grandi with you, which makes the whole experience feel more comfortable in case any emergency should occur. Curaao is an island of contrast and for those escaping the traditional beach spots, breath-taking rewards await. Serious birders will enjoy adding many new species to their life lists like the rare native barn owl and amateur ornithologists will also enjoy the large variety of local and migratory birds that frequent the park. The scene replays over and over along these rocky shores, to the delight of visitors who make the trip up to the north coast to visit this Curacao national park. The first park was reminiscent of places like Scotland and Ireland, and the mountain in second one looked totally like a volcano! Are Batanes and Ilocos the destinations travelers in South East Asia dream about? your level of fitness, climbing Christoffelberg can take anything between 2-3 In the park you can find stunning nature, the Christoffel Mountain, beautiful birds, the national white-tailed deer, and wonderful hiking trails. Once there, travelers can enjoy It is considered a nice walk for deer watching A relaxed stroll or a more advanced trail, there is something to do for everyone! where travelers can experience more of the nature of the park in a more personalized DISCLOSURE POLICY So when youre not underwater, exploring the reefs, take your legs for a walk and discover the most beautiful parts of the island. , Yeah totally true, I think most people will eventually make it for a day trip to the north of the island, however I could have stayed there endlessly .

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