We are thinking of a round trip to Curacau on the ferry during one of our diving "break" days in September. Has anyone tried this and would you recommend it?

We are going to Bonaire in Sept. and we're thinking the same thing. Do you know where you get tickets, where it leaves from and how much it cost? What about when you get there, should you wing it on your own or hire someone to show you around? I have read on this board somewhere that the return trip is rough but OK if you take pills 20 minutes before leaving. Have a great trip. You might look under the topic, everything else Bonaire or getting around Bonaire for more info???

Ang

Hello Angela and El Caringo,

If you are a bit sensitive and easily get seasickness you really should take a pill. That should do most of the trick. If you sit inside the ferry (which is actually a catamaran built in Australia) you should sit as far in the back as possible and in the middle. If you have no objection against diesel-fumes, sitting or standig outside would be okay as well. If you have taken a pill or are a born sailor, sitting on the upper deck is quite nice (use some sunblock though if it's sunny and you're going between 11:30 AM and 03:00 PM).

If the wind is blowing the right way (which it *almost* always does, except the times when I was going ) the trip to Curaçao will be much more relaxed than the trip back to Bonaire. Due to the rough streams in the sea between the ABC-islands the catamaran has to sway sideways regularly in order not to be split in two by the waves. That's the reason the journey is considered 'rough'.

If you forgot to take your pill, the crew is able to offer you one or two if necessary. And if you should get sick, plastic bags are available at every seat. But, of course, that is just in case...

But it is very nice to visit Curaçao. I have lived there for 13 years and it is *so* different from Bonaire. One day on Curaçao really isn't enough - but just a short time to take a very quick look.

If you are a diver, diving in Curaçao is also an option. Though a lot of people say it is not as beautiful as diving around Bonaire...

When we are going the end of this month we'll be combining our trip to Curaçao with a stay in Bonaire. I have done this before and it is really nice. Bonaire is quiet and peaceful. Curaçao is less quiet and er... less peaceful... But don't worry! ;-))

I wish you a very nice trip and a great stay on our/the island(s).

Kitty

Thank you for info on ferry Kitty.

Ang

Lisa wanted to go shopping, so we took the ferry for a day trip to Curacao. Ride wasn't too bad. She was finished shopping after about 1 1/2 hrs after she saw the 'bargain' prices. We looked around town for another hour, and decided it wasn't our cup of tea. We decided not to wait 6 more hours for the ferry, and took a taxi to the airport and got a flight of divi divi air... much better... only a 1/2 hr or so.

I didn't see anything to go there for, but again, it just wasn't what we wanted to be doing while on vacation, so we didn't look too hard for sites to see. If you do want to go, I'd recommend flying vs. taking the ferry.

Divi divi is a small (cesna type) airline, and DCE has multiple flights also.

By the way, if you want to visit Curaçao just to shop - I think that could be a waste of time, like Ken & Lisa are saying.

If you have the time and could really make a trip around the island (west and north, and maybe some beaches in the south) you'll get a much more interesting look at it, than if you were just staying in the centre of Willemstad to shop. I really *don't* like shopping so that would never be an option for me.

If you are interested in colonial Dutch architecture, Otrabanda has some nicely restorated houses and a whole different atmosphere than Punda (the side of Willemstad where the ferry stops). Touring the island would mean renting a car or taking the bus or a guided tour. But those guided tours are relatively expensive, and renting a car would mean you had to have a bit of time...

But I guess if you're fine with just diving, swimming, quietness, looking at a bunch of flamingo's, salty hills and not much to do besides that - Bonaire is the place to be and to stay... And I really don't mean that in a bad way...

We will hope to be on the ferry from Bonaire to Curacao on September 18. Here is the link to the ferry info.
-------------------------------------------------------http://www.chogogo.an/Frameset.htm---------------------

That doesn't seem to work here.
Maybe try this?
www.chogogo.an