When you’re planning a Caribbean vacation, it’s easy to get caught up in the surf and sand and overlook the beauty of the island itself. While we’re all for basking in the tranquility and beauty that the ocean provides, when you look inland, you’ll discover a whole world worth exploring. In Curacao, beyond the pristine beaches and colorful and historic downtown, you have turquoise lagoons, impressive salt flats, jagged coastline, and forests filled with wildlife. For those looking to take advantage of all that Curacao has to offer, we’ve come up with some great reasons why you should swap the beach towel and windsurf for a helmet and mountain bike.
Go at Your Own Pace
The ocean is a powerful force, and when you’re scuba diving, jetskiing, or parasailing, you’re always adapting to the ebb and flow of the sea. On land, you have more control of your environment and can speed things up or slow things down at your leisure. Unlike driving, where you zip past stunning landscapes left and right, when you mountain bike, you can really absorb your surroundings and take things in slowly. Spend the day cruising through mangroves or take a few hours to picnic next to an old plantation. When time is on your side, you have plenty of flexibility to bask in the moment.
Be Your Own Guide
Mountain biking gives you access to off the beaten path locations that you wouldn’t be able to reach otherwise. Embrace your road warrior and discover the 25 miles of single track and dirt roads that spread across Curacao. Discover hidden caves, thriving forests, and isolated beaches that are nestled around the island. This is your chance to beat the crowds and find your own personal oasis within paradise. With your bike as your guide, you can create your own adventure and every day is a new discovery.
Ride With the Experts
If you’d rather be led through the best landscapes in Curacao, we suggest booking a mountain biking tour with WannaBike Curacao. They offer three different trips to test your biking prowess. Uncover the allure of Koraal Tabak cave where you can spot the neighboring island of Bonaire across the water. Taste salt from the salt flats in Jan Thiel Lagoon and spot local flamingos cooling-off nearby. Visit a charming fisherman village in Boca St. Michiel. Beyond seeing the highlights of Curacao, you’ll also get plenty of historical background from your tour guide, enriching your ride even more. With each tour ranging in duration and skill level, you can find the right one to fit your needs.
Explore Resort-Side
For door-to-door bike service, book a stay at Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, a premium resort with 2,000 acres of land and plenty of trails to whet your appetite for adventure. Get a sneak peek at the trails around the resort in this mountain biking video. After a fruitful day of biking, you can take a refreshing swim at the resort’s private white-sand beach and throw on a plush robe and lounge around your luxury suite. This is our top spot on the island to keep you refreshed and recharged while uncovering the best sights of Curacao.
Want to get a better look at the resort lifestyle? Check out their 360-degree virtual tour. You can step inside the resort, take a stroll on USA Today’s ’Best Carribean Golf Course’, and see impressive aerial views of the island’s top spots.
