Top Curacao Outdoor Activities - page 8

My wife and I recently (June) stayed at Sandals in Curacao. We wanted to explore the island and were going to rent a car but they were sold out. We went online and found a private tour where you could create your day long custom tour. My wife and I wanted to explore Willemstad, snorkel with a chance to witness sea turtles, a nice waterside place to eat seafood and places to make photo memories. Well, we could not have imagined what was ahead when we were picked up in our own private van with Alberto at the helm and Anita providing the color and background to our journey. We learned Anita had come from the Netherland over 25 years ago and Alberto was born and raised on the island. The both of them were so nice and inviting and Anita's knowledge was willingly shared and my wife and I learned so much history and how life is on the island. Our first stop was Willemstad and the beautiful colorful buildings and Queen Emma Bridge. We learned on a walking tour about the history of the government and parliamentary buildings. Anita left us for a bit so we could explore and shop. We boarded our van for a tour through the city's neighborhoods with Anita giving us background on the religious, cultural and lifestyle of folks on the island. We then had a stop at the Flamingo sanctuary where we were able to see Flamingos in the wild! In communication before our excursion we had asked to go to a spot where we had the best chance of seeing Sea Turtles. Well, it just so happens Anita is a volunteer with the Island's Sea Turtle conservation program. She brought us to Daaibooi Baai (Bay). Anita explained if she is able, (meaning small groups, small van tours) she brings guests to this little beach. She says it's more locals and we'd have a great chance at seeing turtles. My wife and I donned our gear and walked towards the shore. People were standing in the water looking for turtles. Anita spotted one right away just feet away from several people who didn't see it. Clearly Anita knew what she was looking for. After about a half hour of seeing a few colorful fish along the rocks, my wife and I headed back to shore feeling that seeing a turtle in person underwater would have to wait. As I approached the shore I stood up and took my mask off when my wife poked at me. There was a green turtle who had come up from behind us. I put my mask on and we were able to swim with the beautiful creature before it disappeared into darker water. Woo Hoo! We then stopped at Christoffel National Park and Plantation Knip. We had the pleasure to meet Anita's son who is a Park Ranger! Shete Boka National Park was our next stop where you can see waves crashing a spouting skyward and a natural bridge that crosses the jagged, rocky shore. We next headed for lunch. As I communicated with a representative of Samurai tours prior to tour day, my wife and I wanted some local seafood on the water. Anita, did not disappoint. We stopped at West Punt and Playa Forti, an old fort now a restaurant. We were escorted to our reserved table for an amazing lunch and local cliff divers! After lunch we made our way back to our resort and Alberto was amazing at stopping or slowing so we could photo sites along the way1 Our last stop was a stop at Senior&CO Curacao distillery and some wonderful samples. After 8 hours that passed like 20 minutes, we were back at our resort thanking Anita and Alberto for a most unforgettable day! Processing this journey days later we are grateful for such an opportunity we had. If this is indicative of all Samurai tours, you won't be disappointed.