The temperature isn’t the only thing heating up these days on the island of Curaçao. For the adventure enthusiasts out there, Curaçao has become the hot spot for adventure travel. You can swim with the dolphins in the open ocean, trek through the desert-like terrain on an ATV or bump your way through a jeep safari tour of Mt. Christoffel.

For those of you who like to keep your body out of the ocean and away from off-road vehicles, new cultural sightseeing tours and hiking tours have also been added. So whatever level of adventure you prefer, Curaçao has it all.

Yellow Tourism Solutions is a one-stop shop for all your adventure tours.  This on-island tour operator offers a new National Park Yellow Jeep Safari, perfect for adventurous travelers who want to get up close and personal with the local landscape while dodging the flora and fauna as you whiz through the trails. The jeep safari began in late 2005 and is a full day of off-road adventure that includes exploring the north shore of Curaçao as well as Christoffel National Park. The tour also includes lunch at the historic Savonet Plantation. A Willemstad by Night City Tour is perfect for those low-key adventure seekers. The city of Willemstad is very colorful and even more beautiful at night when Handelskade and the historic Queen Emma Bridge are lit up. Yellow Tourism Solutions has also added a dive operation, Blue Bay Divers, offering private scuba diving excursions. Visit www.tourism-curacao.com for more info on Yellow Tourism Solutions and rates.

 

Swimming with dolphins at a sea aquarium is nothing new, but swimming with dolphins in the open ocean is an adventure. Stop by the Dolphin Academy, located at the Curaçao Sea Aquarium, and learn more about the bottlenose dolphin while diving with them in their natural environment. The Open Water Dolphin Dive, which began in May 2006, allows divers to interact with the dolphins in the open sea where there are no fences or barriers. Dolphins not adventurous enough for you? Then get up close and personal with sea lions during an Open Water Sea Lion Dive, which has been a huge success since it first began in late 2005.

 

For the real adventure lovers out there, don’t miss Curaçao’s ATV Tours. With Eric’s ATV Adventures, visitors can explore the rustic parts of the island that cars won’t allow you to see. Tour the eastern side of the island with stops at the Ostrich Farm and Playa Kanoa. Or, for a bumpier ride, tour the West End and climb the coral at Boca Tabla. No special license required so, ready, set, ride! For more information on Eric’s ATV Adventures visit www.curacao-atv.com.
If you prefer two wheels, Curaçao’s Eco-Adventure Scooter Excursion is perfect for the adventurous. Scooby’s Scooter Excursion just began operation in 2006 and includes scooter tours to historic caves, forts built by the Dutch in the 18th century and also a swim or snorkel at an underwater nature reserve.

Local tour operator Curaçao Actief has introduced a new round of eco-safari jeep tours in 2006. The Landhouse and Cultural Tour began in January and includes an exclusive tour of the most historic landhouses (plantations) on island. The tour also includes an authentic Curaçaoan lunch, as well as stops at a beautiful nature reserve and local art galleries or try the Christoffel National Park Hiking and Sightseeing Tour and go in search of orchids, iguanas and deer, and simply enjoy the beautiful view atop Mt. Christoffel.

 

Motors and gas power aren’t always necessary when touring Curaçao. Strap on a helmet and cycle your way across the island on a bike tour. The newest company, WannaBike Curaçao, offers tours that start on the visitor’s choice of the east or west side of the island. For those who are into mountainous terrain, enjoy a mountain bike tour of the island or, stay on smooth roads and take a city tour of Willemstad.

 

Curaçao, located outside of the hurricane belt, boasts an eclectic mix of history and culture, which creates a Caribbean experience like no other. Also known for its eco-tourism and pristine diving conditions, Curaçao attracts the adventure traveler as well as those looking to unwind and enjoy its perfect climate. Visitors to Curaçao will enjoy an 18-hole championship golf course, casinos and much more.
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