Curacao Actief

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Preserving and Enjoying the Environment

28-07-2009
 
SpongeSuikerdiefjeTrupial

Sponge, a useful inhabitant of coral reef: "The hidden sponges that reside in underwater caves play the most important role in the ecology of coral reef", says Marine Biologist Sander Scheffers. Sponge, like tunicates and chaetopodes populate 60% of the cavities in underwater caves. Sponge has a remarkably useful function. It filters the water of bacteria which is detrimental to the growth of coral reef. This same bacteria is processed and re-released into the water in the form of nutrients, which in turn is beneficial to other marine life. 

Hato Caves: These beautiful caves form an enormous corridor on the northern side of the island. The entrance near the airport is easily accessible. Adventure seekers can book special tours, exploring the hidden parts of these caves.  Filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites as well as underground lakes and waterfalls, these caves should not be missed. Ancient wall paintings dating back to Curaçao's original Indian inhabitants inspire the imagination.

Christoffel Park: A beautiful natural park where hiking enthusiasts can climb to the top of Curaçao's highest peak, Christoffelberg(Christoffel Mountain). From 1240 feet up the views are amazing! Jeep, biking, and horseback riding tours are also available, and for those desiring a more relaxed outing much of the park can be enjoyed from your own rental car. See our fantastic Christoffel hiking and sightseeing tour.
Hato Caves View of Christoffelberg Watamula National Park
Caracas Bay Island: The Caracas Bay Peninsula, close to Willemstad is worth a visit whether you're on foot, cycling, or sight-seeing by car. For the hikers, take a walk from Mambo Beach all the way to the Peninsula! The small beach at Caracas is a favourite with the locals and there's some great snorkeling to be done here. You can enjoy a light snack from one of the two local vendors.
Rooi Rincon Park: The beautiful Rooi Rincon Park has some historical highlights like the caves with stalagmite formations. These caves also contain archeological remains of a settlement of the island’s original inhabitants, the Caiquetio Indians. They arrived on Curacao about 4,500 years ago by canoe from Venezuela. The remains include objects used to make tools and a primitive kind of food. One of the trails in the park leads to a former slave wall going back to 1863 when slavery was finally abolished on the island.
Spectacular landscapes:  The island's four landscapes:- volcanic, sediment, limestone terraces and coral reefs were formed on top of centuries of volcanic rock over millions of years. In the terraces you will find springs and beautiful caves which were formed along the reef caverns in the limestone. Volcanic dark sand can still be found at the Kenepa formation and in the black sand at Boka Santu Pretu.

San Mateo Trail at Porto MariSalt Pans at Daaibooi

Boka Patrick: More southwest lies Boka Patrick, a beautiful beach where from the rocklike peninsula in the middle you have a beautiful panoramic view over the bay with her big waves. This area is a delight as it has many different faces: a coconut palm tree grove, different varieties of cacti, hills, plains, a waterspewing cave, beautiful beaches and rich green valley.
Watamula National Park: Situated along the northwest coast, this park offers great hiking, biking and four-wheeling opportunities. It’s free, never crowded, and often deserted during the week. Make sure to check out the unspoiled view from the lighthouse hilltop, the water spout at the tip of the island, and the natural bridge at Boca Tabla.
The birds on Curacao: "There are 51 breeding species of birds on Curacao, which do not include a further 77 migrants from North America, 19 visitors from Continental South America and another 19 species of seabirds. With a bit of luck, a lot of patience and a good pair of binoculars you can observe many of them during your stay." (A quote from the signpost at the Bird Lookout Point at Porto Mari).  At Playa Charomba you can observe several species of herons,  pelicans and sometimes an osprey.

CaracaraCaracara or WarawaraFish Eagle

Boka Ascension: Just beyond the Hato Plains, Boka Ascension is home to many sea turtles who can be seen swimming into the bay. A must see!
San Nicolas: By appointment, take a short walk through the plantations of San Nicolas towards Santa Cruz where you can go snorkeling in search of the Obresi shipwreck or the beautiful blue underwater cave of Boka Flùit, renowned for its "Blue Room", a hidden cave under water. The light effect in the cave is spectacular with various blue and green undertones.
Hòfi Pastor: This is a nature reserve and camping ground with a fairytale like atmosphere due to the old mango trees and impressive gigantic old Kapok tree. 
Mangrove Trees: Curaçao has 4 kinds of mangrove trees occupying 10% of the total surface area. Mangroves perform a vital ecological role providing habitat for a wide variety of species. Adult Barracuda lay their eggs on the roots of the mangrove trees so when the young hatch they have plenty of food. Many other fish species, reptiles and mammals  utilize mangroves as their natural habitat during some period of their lives. Mangroves are often used by birds for foraging, roosting and breeding. 

 Brown Booby
Natural Jacuzzi: Close to Boka Patrick lies nature's wonder Supladó, where the sea-water is sprayed through a chute into the air magically displaying beautiful fountains and rainbows. Surrounding the Suplado hole is a shallow pool filled with sea water warmed by the midday sun.

Frigate (Makuaku)