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Jewish families
have lived on Curacao since 1651. This tour takes you into an amazing
past. Your
Jewish tour takes you into an amazing past. The first Jew who set foot
on the island was Samuel Cohen, an interpreter, pilot, and guide to
Johan van Walbeeck, the Dutch naval commander who took Curacao from
the Spanish in 1634. In 1651, a group of 12 families arrived under the
guidance of Joao d'Yllan and settled in the "Jewish Quarter".
Your tour will include this area, which is now in the center of the
oil refinery because the famous Beth Haim cemetery is still there. You
will also travel to a Jewish countryhouse and the Maduro Library
before moving into the residential area for the present Jews on the
island and you can explore an Ashkenaz synagogue. Another section of
the city will offer an array of 17th century baroque Dutch
architecture, homes once occupied by prominent Jewish families. The
highlight of this tour is the most beautiful Mikve Israel Synagogue,
built in 1732. This Synagogue and its ancient ritual objects bear
witness to the long and peaceful history of the Jewish people in
Curacao. Your tour will also include the Jewish Historical Museum with
its exquisite ceremonial silver, many of it in the typical filigree
style. The last stop will be the already mentioned Beth Haim cemetery,
the oldest Sephardic cemetery of the Western hemisphere. The
inscriptions on the marble tombstones are of historical importance;
they offer information about the countries and towns that the Jews
from Curacao traded with. You'll hear about the Tauro family that
emigrated from Curacao to North America with a group in 1693. (The
famous Tauro Synagogue at Newport, Rhode Island was named after one of
them). This is an exceptional tour. It just took one of these stops to
give me goosebumps!
Departures (Local Island Time): 09:00 AM (3.5
hrs) 01:00 PM (3.5 hrs)
Pricing: Charter: $295.00 USD (Pays
for up to the first 4 passengers.) Additional: $72.00
USD (Per person after the minimum of 4.)
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CUSTOMER REVIEW HISTORY
OF THE JEWS OF CURACAO |
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CURACAO
The Mandel Family - 12/23/2003 |
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What
a treat to have Liesbeth all to ourselves for 3
hours. This charmingly brilliant woman really
knew the history of not only the Jews, but the
entire island. She filled us with stories, that
even my children were captivated. We loved the
synagogue so much that we returned to experience
a Shabbat. Shoretrips, thank you! You are
organized and thorough. |
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You get to see a
lot of the island on this well known tour. Bring your camera.
Your guide
will take you to Sorsaka, the old slave camp; the Middle signalpost,
for an unforgettable panorama; the Chobolobo liquor distillery; San
Pedro, the natural spring; the Boca Tabla cave; flamingos at Jan KoK;
and a photo stop at Knip Bay. |
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Departures (Local
Island Time): 08:30 AM (7.5 hrs) |
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Pricing: Per
Person: $54.00 USD |
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Our wild and crazy
guide will take you into the Caves of Curacao... and more.
You will be
expertly guided to some of the most spectacular caves on Curacao - the
caves of Shigot, San Antonio and Jechi.
The early afternoon is spent on the beach at Knip Bay. A lunch stop is
provided, cost of lunch not included. |
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Departures (Local
Island Time): 08:30 AM (4.5 hrs) |
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Pricing: Per
Person: $54.00 USD |
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Include this in
your Curacao day and see the best of the waters with time to explore
island charm.
If you are on a cruise,
take yourself to the dining room today for a real breakfast while
everyone else rushes off the ship. Whether you're on a cruise or at a
hotel, you should be ready for pickup around 9:15am to 9:30am. This
tour will follow the hint and provide a relaxing day along the
coastline of Curacao.
Your captain or members of his crew will pick you up and transfer you
to this beautiful boat. Capable of handling 50 guests, you will
usually find only 20 to 25 people in total on board.
After boarding, you'll set sail to sea after a tour on the Spanish
water through the lagoon, passing beautiful Barbara Beach. After a
comfortable sail, you will arrive at the first snorkel stop, called
the tugboat wreck. You will usually find that you are the only boat
there.
While you snorkel, feed the fish and have fun trying the rope-swing,
your crew members will be putting the finishing touches on an
excellent BBQ-buffet & salad-bar. Lunch is served at about 12.30pm.
Afterwards, you'll head to a second snorkel site at a
shallow reef just 'around the corner'. At around 2:00pm, it's time to
lift the anchor and gently cruise back to Brakkeput Ariba, enjoying
tropical fruits along the way. You'll be back at the dock at 2:30pm,
allowing you time to browse for souveniers.
Your sail will include two snorkel stops at some of the gorgeous reefs
surrounding the island. Snorkel gear is on board for your convenience.
You will also delight in a BBQ lunch and an open bar. There are a few
surprises on board this schooner but you will have see them to believe
them |
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Departures (Local
Island Time): 09:15 AM (6 hrs) |
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Pricing: Per
Person: $66.00 USD Charter: $1,414.00 USD (Charter for up to 16
people.) |
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A day on the beach
- with ALL THE TOYS !
You will love this day on
the beach at the Hilton Hotel. You'll receive 1/2 hour on a Jet ski,
plus your choice of kayak (1 hour) or Pedal boat (1 hour). Plus your
choice of snorkel equipment (all day)or a float (all day).
Your family can share the components of this trip. Just purchase one
funpak and your family can join you on the jet ski, paddle boat and
kayak and share the use of the snorkel equipment.
Everyone, even the person purchasing the funpak, is required to pay
the beach admission upon arrival at the hotel. Cost is $10 for adults
and $5 for children age 2-14. |
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Departures (Local
Island Time): 10:00 AM (6 hrs) |
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Pricing: Per
Person: $93.00 USD (Beach admission not included ($10 adult, $5
child)) |
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You'll visit
Curacao's best dive sites, with Curacao's most experienced dive team.
Your Dive
Master will decide on where you'll dive. Here are some of Curacao's
famous dive sites:
Playa Largu (2 minute boat ride)
Drop off starts at 30 ft and slopes down to 60 ft.
Blauw Baai (Blue Bay) (7 minute boat ride)
Slope to 60 ft with a more vertical drop off beyond 60 ft.
Boca St. Michiel (15 minute boat ride)
Drop off at 30 ft, slope to 110 ft
Off the Road (15 minutes from the hotel)
Gradual drop off to 60ft where about 150 car wrecks were dumped years
ago, to create an artificial reef.
Port Marie (50 minute boat ride)
Average depth of 80ft with canyon formations and coral islands with a
distance of 20ft between them.
Bullen Baai (Bullen Bay) (25 minute boat ride)
A vertical drop off. Reef starts at 40ft and drops to about 140ft. It
has valley-like coral formations, including some small caves.
The water temperature is about 80º and water visibility 100ft.
Curacao offers the best diving year round.
This is a two tank dive trip with all necessary equipment included in
the price. |
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Departures (Local
Island Time): 09:00 AM (5 hrs) |
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Pricing: Per
Person: $104.00 USD |
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Supplied Air Snorkeling
for Youth - a GREAT EXPERIENCE for kids. 8 to 11 years of age. This shore course will get
your child ready for SCUBA by having them gain confidence in the use
of SCUBA type equipment. They stay on the surface, held up by special
air-inflated vests (BC vests), while they breathe through a supplied
air system.
It's a lot of fun... and they'll learn something. |
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Departures (Local
Island Time): 09:00 AM (2 hrs) |
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Pricing:
Child: $39.00 USD (5 to 8 years) |
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Your first SCUBA
diving experience... This will be a memorable day !
A unique way of
getting your first diving experience.
After viewing a video presentation, you will be taken to the swimming
pool to become familiar with the various equipment. Only after you are
comfortable with the mask and fins, the B.C. vest, and the tank and
regulator are you guided out on your very first underwater dive.
Within a couple of hours you'll be diving in the facinating underwater
world off the shore of Curacao.
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Departures (Local
Island Time): 09:00 AM (4 hrs) 02:00 PM (4 hrs)
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Pricing: Per
Person: $61.00 USD |
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Real SCUBA, taught by
real pros, just for kids... Did you know that Scuba diving can be
experienced by people of ages 8 and up? The PADI Bubblemaker program
now allows kids to put Scuba equipment on and jump into our pool with
one of our highly trained and professional instructors.
Each participant will need to have a parent or guardian complete and
sign a Discover Scuba waiver and Medical History. |
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Departures (Local
Island Time): 09:00 AM (2 hrs) |
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Pricing:
Child: $45.00 USD (8 to 11 years) |
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Just like DISCOVER
SCUBA DIVING... but with 2 dives.
A unique way of getting
your first diving experience.
After viewing a video presentation, you will be taken to the swimming
pool to become familiar with the various equipment. Only after you are
comfortable with the mask and fins, the B.C. vest, the tank and
regulator are you guided out on your very first underwater dive.
Within a couple of hours you'll be diving in the facinating underwater
world off the shore of Curacao.
A second afternoon dive is included |
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Departures (Local
Island Time): 09:00 AM (5 hrs) |
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Pricing: Per
Person: $121.00 USD |
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Everything you
need for a hole in one at the Blue Bay Golf Resort.
Curacao has a new
course as of Winter 2000. It is also the only course. So play 18 holes
with the knowledge that it is unlikely that any of your friends have
tried this course.
Established: December 1999
Par: 18 holes = 72
Yardage: 6,735 yards
Practice Facility: driving range & putting green
Hole 5
Hole number five will take its place among the spectacular par three
holes, reminiscent of the seventh at Pebble Beach or the sixteenth at
Cypress Point; this may be a better hole!
Par: 3
Pro: 220 yrds
Men: 175 yrds
Women: 145 yrds
Women: 120 yrds
Hole 9
The ninth hole is quite a memorable par four playing 400+ yards around
the lagoon, the second shot over water. Precision is required to stop
the ball on the proper level between the water and the gaping bunkers.
Par: 4
Pro: 430 yrds
Men: 415 yrds
Women: 350 yrds
Women: 340 yrds
Hole 10
Hole ten goes outbound the lagoon around a lake. A reachable par five
but very puntive if missed with the second shot... A lay up and short
wedge is probably prudent for most.
Par: 5
Pro: 515 yrds
Men: 500 yrds
Women: 455 yrds
Women: 415 yrds
Hole 18
Think of the eighteenth of Pebble Beach as a par four. This would
approximate Blue Bay's Finisher. Over four hundred yards of pounding
surf on the left to a nearly postage stamp green hanging over the sea.
Definitely not a hole for the faint hearted!
Par: 4
Pro: 470 yrds
Men: 420 yrds
Women: 355 yrds
Women: 290 yrds
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Departures (Local
Island Time): 09:30 AM (6 hrs) |
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Pricing: Per
Person: $158.00 USD |
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This captain is
SERIOUS about fishing.
This is a 32 ft fishing
boat, fully rigged with HF, GPS, Fishfinder, 2 livewells, 2 fighting
chairs, outriggers and Penn International 2-speed reels. Especially
designed for the serious fisherman and insured with the best captains
and mates.
Fish for: Dolphin, Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Barracuda, and
snapper.
Trips include: bait, tackle, sandwiches, softdrinks and beer.
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Departures (Local
Island Time): 08:30 AM (5 hrs) |
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Pricing:
Charter: $380.00 USD (For up to 6 people) Additional: $69.00 USD (Per
person, for 7th and 8th after charter purchase) |
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The countryside,
or kunuku, is full of fascinating island scenes.
You will get a sense of
the stunning city of Willemsted as you begin your tour. This city has
been divided into two wonderful parts, the Punda and the Otrobanda.
Your direction will take you to the South High Elevation Seinpost,
where you will get a beautiful overview of the southern portion, a
hilly countryside, of the island.
From here, you will travel through residential areas as you travel
north. At the "waist" of Curacao, which is the narrowest part of the
island, you will turn towards the west to make a photo stop at an old
Kunuku hut. Here you will learn how the homes of the countryside were
made, using natural materials produced by the soil.
A short distance away is the famous cave at Boka Tabla. It is an
impressive spot and part of the Shete Boka National Park. Here you
will see how gorgeous grottos have been carved from the land by the
strength of the waves. Boka TAbla is the largest of them all. You will
have a chance to see and listen to the waves crashing against the
rocks beneath a limestone overhang.
On to WEstpoint, the ultimate western point pf Curacao where the
prodominating features include black sand and fishermen hauling in
their nets. As you begin your return along the southern coastline, you
will see the beautiful sandy beaches and the salt flats of Jan Kok.
You may catch a glimpse of some flamingoes looking for shrimp as you
go by. |
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Departures (Local
Island Time): 08:30 AM (4 hrs) 01:00 PM (4 hrs)
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Pricing: Per
Person: $38.00 USD (Group of 15 required) Child: $25.00 USD
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Willemstad was one
of our favorite cities in the Caribbean with incredible points of
interest.
Willemstad is divided into two parts because of the Santa Ana Bay. The
Punda is on one side and is full of shops, restaurants, monuments, and
markets. The Otrabanda, which means "other side", is less touristy but
no less interesting. It is more residential but holds much of the
history of the island in its public buildings.
You will begin your tour on the other side, where you will visit the
Curacao Museum, housed in an 1853 plantation house in the Otrabanda.
It is filled with artifacts, paintings, and antiques that will help
you understand this rich culture. It also holdsthe first plane that
ever crossed the Atlantic Ocean to the Western Hemisphere.
There are 3 ways to get to the other side of the city, the Punda. You
can walk over the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge. You can take the free
ferry when the bridge is swung open or you can travel over the Juliana
Bridge, which is a must-do. It is magnificent both as you approach and
while you cross and will give you the best view of the city. It is
this last method that you will use to cross to the other side.
During your sightseeing of the Punda, you will see both commerce and
residential areas. Particularly interesting are the old buildings that
have given Curacao a place on the World Heritage List.
You will have a chance to visit the Curacao Liqueur Factory and taste
this blue liquid named for the island. You will also take a drive
through Rooi Catootje, a plantation house situated in one of Curaçao's
busiest residential areas. The mansion dates from about 1820. Since
1853, the house has been the property of the Maduro family, who are
still living on the island. The Maduro family built a successful
business in the shipping industry and you will see their name in many
places while touring this island.
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Departures (Local
Island Time): 09:00 AM (2.5 hrs) 01:30 PM (2.5 hrs)
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Pricing: Per
Person: $30.00 USD (Requires a minimum of 15 people.) Child: $21.00
USD (Children under 12) |
CURACAO
CARIBBEAN SHORE EXCURSIONS & CRUISE TOURS
