Looking for more adventurous Spring break ideas? Cruise to the Southern Caribbean and visit the exotic islands of Aruba and Curacao off the coast of South America! Only have one day to visit Curacao island? No problem! Here’s where to start.

First, no visit would be complete without an experiencing the Curacao Liqueur Distillery and sampling a blue curaçao cocktail.

Known mainly for their blue Curacao, it actually comes in a variety of flavors like chocolate, coffee, rum raisin and tamarind. Who knew?!

Curacao Island Stop #1 – Curacao Liqueur Distillery

Bon Bini! That means “Welcome” in Curacao’s language, Papiamento.

When I entered the distillery in the historic mansion there was a large room with information about the history of the distillery and how curaçao is made.

Curacao is made from the dried peel of the bitter laraha orange. This distillery was actually started and owned by a woman. Go female entrepreneurs!!

Then I moved through to see the window of the factory workers filling the distinctive curaçao bottles. They look about as excited as I am when I’m at work! I guess they don’t get the free samples.

After that I got to taste the different flavors of Curacao. My favorite was of course the chocolate!

Once I got my free samples I ended up in a large bar area where you can order your favorite curaçao cocktails.

The bar area was of course busy. I was here for a brief visit, so I didn’t have time to stop and order a curaçao cocktail.

Last stop was the gift shop. As with all tourist destinations all roads lead to the gift shop!

The gift shop was absolutely insane with people. If you don’t want to or have enough time to wait in line don’t worry. You can purchase many of the same products along the pier, often for about the same price.

I did a brief tour through the crowds and then got out of there. I’m not a person for crowds.

I bought a little bottle of chocolate curaçao at one of the shops near the port for $8. About two and a half shots.

They also have lovely gift packs with several different flavors if you are looking for great gifts for your friends back home.

Me not wanting to check a bag on the way home only bought one small bottle that fit in my 1 quart bag of liquids.

My friends were probably disappointed I didn’t bring any home to share. Ah, c’est la vie. Next time!

Curacao Island Stop #2 – Aloe Farm

Second, if you are looking for other unique and fun things to do in Curacao island in a day check out one of the Aloe Farms.

Aloe is a large export for Curacao and I loved getting to see one of the plantations. I gathered with my tour group in a large thatched roof palapa for an informational talk about aloe and its many uses.

In addition to its wonderful use as an aid to sunburn, people actually eat it to treat illness. I was able to try a piece which tasted to me a little like cucumber. In my opinion aloe is better as a sunburn aid then a snack. 😂

I made the terrible mistake of going out without sunscreen the first day at port and got a fiery, peeling sunburn to show for it. The aloe samples were a welcome treat to sooth my burning arms and chest. As a kid I remember my grandma always had a plant she used for cuts and burns too.

As much as I’ve traveled I still make the occasional mistake, so don’t beat yourself up when that happens to you.

Here’s a tip from your best friend. Buy a solid sunscreen stick to keep in your toiletry bag. This way you always have it handy and it doesn’t have to count as part of your liquids in your one quart bag for the plane.

I usually buy a can of sunscreen spray when I get to my destination, but didn’t have the opportunity before boarding the cruise this time

The aloe farm also has a nice gift shop with all kinds of potions and lotions you can try.

There is also a chance to try aloe juice. Be adventurous and give it a try! Not the best tasting, but definitely an opportunity that you don’t have often.

I love to try new experiences! Sometimes you will have a lovely new habit as a souvenir you can incorporate into your life back home. Other times you just have a bragging rights or a great story to tell your friends. If you have the opportunity go for it!!

I perused the shop and headed outside to their wraparound deck to check out the flora and fauna.

It’s was such a luxury to be somewhere warm and sunny while it’s cold and gray back home in March in Colorado. Plus, I was treated to seeing these beautiful yellow birds taking a welcome respite from the hot Curacao island sun under the shady palms!

How many birds can you spot? When I took the photo it was pretty bright out and I only saw one.

When reviewing and editing my photos I was thrilled to find there are actually four! Can you find the last one?

# 3 – Serena’s Art Factory

Lastly, if you are looking for more unique things to do in Curacao island check out some fun art at Serena’s Art Factory. They make Chichi sculptures.

A Chichi in Curacao is the oldest sister who doesn’t marry and takes care of her younger siblings and aging parents. They are much loved in Curacao.

This interesting artist enclave makes colorful sculptures of these voluptuous ladies like the one below.

Serena’s Art Factory has a pretty garden surrounding the workshop and gift shop that displays some of their sculptures. I liked this hanging coconut bird. Although not sure it was for sale.

In the workshop I watched the artists molding and painting the Chichis.

Being an animal lover my favorite sculptures in the gift shop were of course the little Pushis (cats) and Chochis (dog) below.

I love how colorful they are and they are the perfect size to bring home in your carry on bag.

I explored Curacao island as an excursion on a Holland America cruise. The above excursion takes about 2 hours, quick, but fun. Plus it leaves time for a blue curaçao cocktail and time to explore Curacao island a little on your own!

Here’s another tip from your best friend. Make sure your book your Holland America excursions at least a month before your cruise leaves. They fill up quick and you don’t want to miss out! These cruisers are planners.

I enjoy having the cruise ship take care of all the logistics once in awhile. Plus if there are any changes to your itinerary due to weather or mechanical issues they will rebook for you.

After the excursion take some extra time in Curacao to stroll along the port and check out all the vendor stalls. You can buy the authentic Curacao liqueur to make your curaçao cocktails, colorful Caribbean shirts and sarongs, hand painted signs as well as all the usual kitschy souvenirs.

There is a also a great cocktail hut right off the cruise ship with inexpensive frozen cocktails. Much cheaper than you will find on your cruise ship.

Keeping walking along the port and check out the cool fort below or wander further to explore more shops and restaurants.

My favorite store was the Heinen Delffts Blauw pottery store in the courtyard just past the fort. I bought a beautiful and colorful little ceramic replica of a Curacao island home to remember my trip.

I visited Curacao island on Holland America’s Southern Caribbean cruise in March on the Nieuw Statendam.

Read my reviews of Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam. Check out my other posts on their accommodations, food, drinks and entertainment, plus my stop in Aruba.

Bon Bini to Curacao island! Don’t forget to have a a blue curaçao cocktail when you visit!

If you liked this post enter your email in the subscribe box below to get more travel tips and vacation ideas.

You will receive an email to confirm you’d like to be notified when I make future posts.