In the past century, Curaçao has seen a dramatic reduction in its mangrove forests, as valuable coastland has been gobbled up for development. It's not a problem unique to the island; mangroves around the world have come under similar attack. But with the help of Ryan De Jongh and the Carmabi Foundation, the plants are making a comeback on Curaçao.
It used to be that everyone's grandmother knew which herb to apply to a wart, or how to prepare a tea that might soothe an upset stomach. But, in today's modern age, we all just run to the pharmacy. Curaçao's Dinah Veeris sees the dangers of forgetting the ways of natural healing, and has made it her mission to preserve them.
After visiting Boka Sami and the dilapidated Fort St. Michiel, we found a trail which leads up the hill and along the cliffs to Vaersenbaai, which is home to Kokomo Beach. A short, mildly strenuous walk through the woods, followed by incredible views from high above the Caribbean, and then cooling off in clear blue waters? Sigh, if only all our hikes were like this!
If you're looking for solitude, lace up your hiking boots and tromp through the woods to Santu Pretu, a small beach of black sand accessible from Santa Cruz. Here, you'll find untouched nature, strange sand, and excellent snorkeling, but you probably won't find any other people.
The plantations of colonial-era Curaçao had it rough, because the island's arid ground makes it difficult to grow produce or raise livestock. How exactly were the unlucky Dutch landowners going to earn the fabulous fortunes for which they'd come to the New World? Many turned their eyes to something which Curaçao has in abundance: seawater. Or rather, the salt inside of the seawater.
Armed with only a vague notion of the hike we were supposed to be embarking upon, we set off into the cactus fields and brambles near Playa Port Mari. Online, it had been described as a "History Trail," and the printout we grabbed at the dive shop called it a "Bird Trail." But we shortly discovered there wasn't much of a "trail" of any sort. Let's just say, a machete would have come in handy.
Sint Willibrodrus sits along the edge of the Jan Kok Bay, on the western coast of Curaçao. It's a small town, but one with big ambitions. As you approach, it's impossible to miss the "Williwood" sign on a hill in the distance. Actually, you might miss it, if your attention has been captured by all of the flamingos.
Watamula, at the northern tip of Curaçao, is a windblown wasteland of jagged volcanic rocks. It's not an area in which you'd want to spend a majority of your vacation, but it has a few geological features that are worth hunting down.
The eastern coast of Curaçao is completely different from the tranquil west. Here, the Caribbean Sea greets the shore with power and violence. You won't want to swim, but it's fun to watch massive waves smash against the rocks. And nowhere is the view more impressive than the Shete Boka National Park.
