Sustainable tourism in Curacao

Curacao is well known for its pleasant climate, rich reef and snorkeling opportunities, as well as its numerous museums, cultural and historical highlights and shopping for tourists. Often overlooked, however, is the diversity and quality of Curacao’s eco-adventure opportunities. While diving is a true eco-treasure of Curacao, Sunset Waters is the only resort in close proximity (10 minute boat ride) to Curacao’s top three dive sites, including the world famous Mushroom Forest. The dive sites which comprise Sunset Waters own extensive house reef, which includes Harry’s Hole, the Airplane Wreck, Mako’s Mountain and Hell’s Corner, are world class on their own.

Of particular interest are the trails and natural areas close to Sunset Waters - Watamula, Shete Boka East, Christoffel Park, Santa Cruz and Hofi Pastor. These areas are within no more than 15 km from Sunset Waters and all include easy walks anyone can enjoy, especially at Hofi Pastor and Shete Boka Park East. Fees are required to access some areas. Right at Sunset Waters, Jim Hunter has been blazing local trails over the hills, along the shore and up the ridges of the Santa Marta Bay area.

Christoffel Park is Curacao’s pride and joy. Its main entrance is along the main road just before Shete Boka Park East. A small museum and sometimes open bird of prey exhibit are located at the entrance. Christoffel Park features the famous trial hike to the summit of 375 m Mt. Christoffel, Curacao’s highest point. You may start the hike from the main entrance or drive to the designated interior parking lot. Close to the top of the Mt. Christoffel trail some scrambling over boulders and cliffs is required. All the more fun for the fit and adventurous. The summit view is breathtaking in all directions as Christoffel’s lush green landscaped hills drop down to the sea. To the southeast you can see Santa Marta Bay and the beach and marina at Sunset Waters. The round trip is only 2 ½ hours at an easy pace, but it is best to start early to avoid the mid-day heat. Bring a good supply of water. Snacks for your summit party are also a good idea. A back or fanny pack for your water bottles will leave your hands free for the scrambles. Christoffel Park is Curacao’s largest nature park and includes many other nature trails with interesting flora and fauna, even deer and orchids, as well as mountain bike rentals and guided horseback riding.

ADORA (Animals Deserve Our Respect and Attention)Foundation

P.O. Box 513

WINDWARDSIDE, Saba

Email

Animals R Friends (ARFSXM)

The Mailbox, La Palapa Center

SINT MAARTEN, St. Maarten

Tel: + 599 557 5799

Fax: + 599 542 5340

Email

Bonaire Animal Shelter

Kaminda Lagoen 26

BONAIRE, Bonaire

Tel: + 599 717 4989

Fax: + 599 717 4989

Email

Curacao Sunchild Foundation

105 Villapark Girouette

WILLEMSTAD AN5999, Caracao

Tel: + 599 (9) 668 3500

Fax: + 599 (9) 461 0739

Email

Donkey Sanctuary - Help de Ezels

P.O. Box 331

BONAIRE, Bonaire

Tel: + 599 9560 7607

Fax: + 599 788 9111

Email

St. Eustatius Animal Welfare Foundation

Road to WhiteWall

ST. EUSTATIUS, St. Eustatius

Email

St. Maarten Animal Welfare Foundation

P.O. Box 966

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten

Tel: + 599 (54) 20 600/(55) 98 887m

Fax: + 599 (54) 24940

Email

Stichting Dierenbescherming Curaçao

P.O. Box 4456

WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao

Tel: + 599 (9) 737 1707

Fax: + 599 (9) 737 1707

Email

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