Peek inside the caverns along the coastal paths and sit on the edge of the rocks to be thrilled by the enormous, thundering waves. As an island once colonized by the Dutch, one may be wondering what made this island so special? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! Mountain, beautiful birds, the national white tailed deer and wonderful hiking The first park was reminiscent of places like Scotland and Ireland, and the mountain in second one looked totally like a volcano! The nesting season runs from May to December, and researchers monitor the beaches for signs of turtle activity. Fabulous images of the crashing waves! The Christoffelpark is open from Monday thru Saturday between 07.20 16.00 hrs and on Sunday from 06.00 15.00 hrs. Although the island is relatively safe, make sure youre not hiking any time near dark and that youve always got a Curacao map. I really enjoyed the contrast between the two parks. Boka stands for inlet and the translation of Shete Boka National Park is actually seven inlets. Definitely worth a visit! A very +5999 692 5499 A relaxed stroll or a more advanced trail, there is something to do for everyone! One of up between 6 and 8am only. Great way to explore the island! You can access the park with you own car and there are no less than 8 hiking trails, from easy to difficult. In our exposition: Nos Naturalesa, you find out more about our nature. Guided hikes can be reserved for small groups and customized to suit your comfort level. Good for spotting different types of giant cactus, For a daily dose of outdoor & adventure inspiration, follow We12travel on Instagram and Facebook! easy trail that passes Dos Pos. As I mentioned before, this beach is located in the National Parks only inlet and surrounded by several limestone terraces. for all your future hikes, click on the link below. All tours need to be reserved. DISCLAIMER Exploring the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana A different type of safari, Lac Abb & Lac Assal Djiboutis alien landscapes, Can you recognize these Colombian breakfasts. I love your pictures of the waves crashing. routes are all located on the west side of the highway. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful sceneries and experience the varied flora and fauna of the island. New here and curious who We12travel is? Not in The Netherlands at least, thats for sure! | One would be surprised at how many species of birds you will find in the national parks if you know whereto look. To reach the entrance of the limestone cave, youre required to walk up 49 stairs. Thanks for sharing! 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. Did you know that there are beautiful white-tailed deer hiding in the park regions? The trails and national parks are beautiful and I would like to visit them too. To receive the free and inspiring we12travel day hike packing list. The research that is conducted by Carmabi is vital to understand the behavior of the sea turtles nesting at the Shete Boka national park. fee is just 25 ANG (around 12 EUR) to foreigners, which makes Christoffelsberg We offer tours, guided hikes, and seasonal activities. The climb is a must-do when visiting Curacao. From the foot of the mountain it will take two hours. food, tents, and everything else you might need to survive in the wild. Luckily the park ranger will open the gates for us so that we can explore the park with our own van. 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. wells, unique geological formations and the famous Zevenbergen ruins. 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? 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. For ocean lovers, the Boka Pistol trail runs along the rugged coast, showcasing huge waves hugging the shorelines and interesting rock formations. plantation of the island. 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. There are also sunset tours to help you get incredible photographs in the wild. However, the National Park service offers several special activities, Thanks for your support! I have only spent a short time in the main port of Curacao. 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. The Christoffel Mountain is open for climbing between 6 AM 10 AM. Many islanders and travelers take advantage of the wondrous caves, hidden beaches and interesting vegetation with a day spent hiking. Want to find out which beautiful species you can spot inside the park? Due to the extreme heat of Curaao later in the day, it is recommended to climb the panoramic views and the unique flora Curaao offers. From the best outdoor clothing to the greatest multi-day treks in the world, and everything in between. Read more: This is the perfect 1 week road trip in Curaao, www.thetravelersbuddy.com 2021. It did not only offer the Caribbean atmosphere I wanted, but also brought me closer to nature. I visited the park very early in the morning and was 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. Look for interesting geological formations, Roi Ber (a dry riverbed), lichens, beard moss, bromeliads, and orchids along the way. I know so little about the Caribbean but the more I see, the more I want to go. 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. The largest and most biodiverse park on the island! Hato Caves is an archeological wonderland and a popular tourist attraction on the Caribbean island. I can just hear the sound of the waves crashing! Most DISCLOSURE POLICY These parks are absolutely beautiful! Want to read more? I think I would have liked to stay staring at those waves too! Another The wooden viewing platforms are ideal for gazing at this natural creation. Looks incredible! The hike also passes Boka Grandi, You may also enjoy these posts: opening hours and most visitors gathering early in the morning, many see a one of the most beautiful hikes in the National Park. Our stay at Christoffelpark was too brief to tell you everything about it, however there are plenty of things to do. singing, the sun coming up over the horizon and the refreshing sea air of Your email address will not be published. The first inlet we visit is the natural bridge at Boka Wandomi. Christoffel park is the largest national park of Curacao and a must see for everyone. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. 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. Climbing the Christoffel Mountain is one of the most popular and more advanced - hiking trails in the park. lagun playa curacao tripadvisor How beautiful! Although this is a small island, there are gems of unique hiking spots and spectacular viewpoints to visit. 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. 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. Large groups are often seen flocking around the waters and foraging for food. 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. Since this is also a protected area, you will be far away from any parties, loud music, or city lights. The fort once served as one of the batteries guarding the bay, but today its open free to the public. From the parking lot its about a 5 minute walk through a limestone field towards the sea. Click here to book. Take a walk, drive or a guided tour on the islands wildest side to witness nature at its finest far from the crowds. Curaao is a small island located in the southern Caribbean Sea. So keep an eye out on we12travel! Walk through mangrove forests, wander around diverse nature, and marvel at an array of migrating birds. 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. Ive been inspiring readers from all across the globe since 2011 and am the leading Dutch outdoor and hiking blog ever since. Visit us and enjoy the beautiful nature. However, Curaao offers so much more, and after exploring the deepest parts of the island, I discovered natural getaways unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean. Inside the park is the 372 meter high Christoffelberg, Curaaos highest mountain. Visitors pay an admission fee of 5 ANG. gentle stroll on a hot day. Our So glad to see there is more to Curacao than a pretty beach. A beautiful jeep safari or camp on the beach! To the left, theres an entrance to a cave where visitors can head under the cliff for a unique view of the natural phenomenon. Full moon walks overnight, wildlife safaris and overnight stays at Boka [], Jeep Tours, Sightseeing Tours, Underwater & Snorkeling Tours, Discover Curacao by jeep! Just try not to be too noticeable, or you might scare them back into their hole. encounter a mahogany grove, wells, and dams. hiking routes with different levels and chances to spot our local flora and 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! Most guests start at Boka Wandomi, where there are two lookout points to see a natural bridge carved into the limestone cliffs. walk through the former plantation. Visit the Christoffel National Park for a beautiful experience! We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Always bring enough water for the journey; the climate can be brutal at times and fresh water isnt readily available. The second inlet we visit is called Boka Tabla, where a deep cave is located. The power of nature is on full display at Boka Tabla where forceful waves relentlessly pummel the cliffs, shooting the surf up to 40 feet high. These pictures are gorgeous. Welcome to We12travel (we want to travel)! a small beach with several limestone terraces located in Christoffel National On the checklist are the plains of San Pedro, a walk through an ancient cave, a visit to Museum Savonet located in the National Christoffel Park, a visit to one of the most beautiful Bocas []. Located at short, shaded walk which passes through the white-tail deer sanctuary and stops Adjacent to Christoffel Park on the rocky north coast is Shete Boka National Park where you can witness primal forces of nature at work. Curacao white-tailed deer is a local sub-species that has adapted its behavior to the islands harsh climate in several interesting ways. Let us give you the comfort of a guided hike. The stairs are lined with handrails for extra support and safety. With eight different hiking routes at Christoffel National Park, Christoffelsberg is just a glimpse of the natural beauty you can find in the reserve. the more adventurous hikes! This 2.000 hectares park is located in the far north and is also the largest park on the island. We offer tours, guided hikes, and seasonal activities. sunlight come out in the morning. Adventure and adrenaline at Caracasbaai Youll see remnants of the rectangular lines that indicate where the salt was once harvested. walk. The gorgeous pictures of the coastline actually remind me of the rugged landscape in Cornwall, England. by Kristin Young | Updated On: November 5, 2020 | Curacao. Your pictures are really impressive! Sea turtles are known to return to their place of birth to lay eggs again, indicating the importance to protect the beaches of the Shete Boka national park. Highlights of Yellowstone National Park Its limestone terraces For us, the Dutch, this is a very important vacation destination and whoever thinks of Curaao, will think of sun, sand and beaches. Visit the Savonet Museum located in Landhuis Savonet inside the Christoffel Park. The Christoffelpark is the most famous national park of Curaao. The largest and most biodiverse park 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. Go explore! Copyright 2021 Nights Publications & Island Guide, Curacao Activities: Jeep and Beach Adventure West Edition, The oldest restaurant of Curacao; Jaanchies. Looks like there is definitely a lot more to offer. The Leatherback turtle, the largest of the sea turtles, is no longer nesting on Curacao. This adventure will have to wait for another trip.

Just be prepared to get soaked if you do! If youre looking for a group tour, this is a great option. Thanks for sharing such amazing pictures and your experience on Curaao! I dont know much about Curaao except of the blue cocktails. curacao Guided excursions can be booked, including this safari-style one in a 44 and this tour which includes stops at a natural jacuzzi and Playa Lagun in Westpunt. Go here to learn more! the way, this is a beautiful hike to combine with Christoffelsberg. curacao willemstad map cruise port tourist visitor 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. While the trails in the park are dusty and rocky, a 44 vehicle is not required. Carry a bag that can hold any litter you may have and watch the wildlife from a respectable distance. My name is Antonette. Overall, making your way from the pans to Michielsberg isnt extremely strenuous. Cute iguana in Christoffelpark. The park has two hiking/strolling trails, both of which can be done in a day. CLICK THE IMAGES BELOW TO PIN: Your email address will not be published. . Inside the park you can find the Savonet Museum. With limited you to enjoy. This 375-meter Find the the Santa Barbara Beach Resort hiking trail and bike trail maps here. Travelers at the Orchid In the park you can find stunning nature, the Christoffel Where else in the world would something like this be possible? 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. This is one of the most scenic spots of the park and a great 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. The park includes a mining complex and three former plantations. The sounds of the birds This page may contain compensated links. Its great to see theres a lot more to see and do. Take a look at these top national park routes and coastal hikes. Besides its beauty, the island was rich in salt, a hugely valuable commodity at the time. There are eight hiking trails in the Christoffel Park, allowing the visitor the choice between an easy stroll or for instance, a challenging hike to the top of the Christoffel mountain (recommended for early morning). Its a thrilling experience, and beginner hikers will need to come prepared with a sense of adventure, along with proper hiking boots. not only the most scenic, but also the most popular attraction among visitors. cultural and historical experience, providing a complete perspective on Curaao is an island of contrast and for those escaping the traditional beach spots, breath-taking rewards await. way. for being the home of Curaaos highest peak, Christoffelberg. Look out for crabs making their way across the muddy pans as they search for food. But other than an unusual take on an island getaway, Curacao is still a paradise for snorkelers, divers, nature enthusiasts, and hikers. However, the trail is protected from the wind, meaning that you might bake in the sun on a hot day. info@islandguidetv.com on the island! 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. Hours: Daily from 9 am- 5 pm (no arrivals permitted after 4 pm). 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. experienced guides have created fantastic and fun activities in the park for For those of you looking to spend more time at this wonderful national park, this tour takes you on an outback safari for the ultimate coastal adventure. length hike to the Landhouse Zorgvlied ruins. It is nice to see that Curacao has much more to offer than white sand beaches, hotel resorts and diving! A detailed map of the pocket bays is available for purchase at the entrance of the park. Whilst in St. Michiel, use your time in the old fishing village to visit the Fort Sint Michiel built-in 1701. A simple Follow the simple trail and spot an array of interesting plant life, with the occasional orchard making a bold appearance. events there is always something to find for you to enjoy in the park. You can also subscribe without commenting. Its the ideal place to be by yourself. PRIVACY POLICY Check all prices to the national park here, Photo Essay 15 photos of 15 incredible places around the world, How to photograph the milky way while traveling abroad, This is the perfect 1 week road trip in Curaao, 20 useful and short tips to travel in Tokyo, Outdoor in the Artic Making the most of Swedish Lapland during Winter. Find out about all the activities you can do in the park! After years of the waves crashing forcefully against the rock formations, a natural bridge has been formed. Jan Thiel Landhuis was once a thriving salt plantation that sat right along the popular Jan Thiel beach. Experienced guides will take you to the best locations for deer spotting. This post may contain affiliate links, which Globe Guide receives compensation for with each click or purchase at no additional cost to you. Beautiful caverns and a natural bridge are some of the highlights of the park. Travelers wandering this path will 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. Inside the park Entrance travelers prefer to sleep in a hammock and wake up once the first rays of Visitors pay an admission fee of 17,50 ANG.

A major reason for visiting the quaint island of Curacao is to embark on a hiking journey through Christoffel National Park. They are great for getting a first glimpse of Curaaos flora and for a curacao map island location islands hillmanwonders caribbean SHETE BOKA NATIONAL PARK They can be very exclusive but taking a guided tour on foot or by land cruiser is your best chance of seeing them. The 14 best beaches in Curaao and panoramas alone make this walk worth the trip. For information visit:www.christoffelpark.org. Curaao were the perfect backdrop for a quick bite before heading back down. Some have even described the sound of the crashing waves as gunfire explosions along the shore. Breaking cities: How much is a day in Amsterdam? The inlets are located on the rough northern coastline of Curaao and are formed by an eternal game between water and wind. 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. curacao rainforest tripadvisor aldea there appears to be lots of things to keep you busy. best feature is its simplicity. This 1,5-hour trail will take you through the picnic area and the deer However, you may only start the trail when its before 11.00 am because of the heat. info@nightspublications.com, Our site uses cookies. Parking places are available at all viewpoints and you can walk to the boka in a few minutes. The Shete Boka National Park has approximately 10 pocket bays where three species of sea turtles are known to lay eggs at in the park. Trail will pass though the seven hills of Curaao. I love the way that Caribbean islands all seem to be different from one another. 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. 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.