When our Virgin Voyages cruise made a stop in Curaçao, we hadn’t booked a shore excursion in advance. But once onboard, we opted for a tour that included a visit to the Hato Cave, followed by a scenic drive and walk through the colorful capital city of Willemstad.
If you’re looking for a mix of nature and culture in one stop, this half-day outing is a great choice. We booked directly through the cruise line, but you can also go through a travel agent, Viator, or even your favorite travel portal.
Exploring Hato Cave
Located just a short drive from the port, Hato Cave is a limestone cave formed millions of years ago when much of Curaçao was still underwater. The caves now sit above sea level and are open to visitors via guided tours.
Having been on several cave tours—from national park sites like Carlsbad Caverns to privately operated ones like Natural Bridge Caverns in Texas—we’d probably rate Hato Cave as a solid “shrug” or meh. It’s a decent stop, but not especially memorable compared to larger or more immersive cave experiences.
One challenge, which isn’t unique to Hato Cave, is how much the quality of your visit depends on your tour guide. Ours seemed very fixated on the cave’s bat population (since the cave is open to the outside and above ground), frequently warning us not to look up with our mouths open. Meanwhile, we overheard another group getting a more geology-focused talk, with insights into how the cave was formed and the variety of formations inside.
Unlike more immersive cave experiences, this one felt more like a structured walk-through. You’re never far from artificial lighting, handrails, or the next tour group. It’s the kind of place where it’s totally appropriate to snap a smiling photo in front of some stalactites—and yes, we leaned right into that tourist energy.
A Warm Stroll Through Willemstad
After the cave tour, we boarded our bus for a ride back toward Willemstad. The city is a visual treat with its Dutch colonial architecture, brightly painted buildings, and iconic waterfront.
Though the sun was intense—even in February—we managed to browse some stalls at the waterfront market before making our way back.
Crossing the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge
When we decided to head back to the ship, we walked across the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge, a floating pedestrian bridge that connects the Punda and Otrobanda districts. It’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in Curaçao—and yes, we did get to see it swing open to let ships pass!
Final Thoughts
This excursion had just the right balance: a unique natural site, some panoramic views, a bit of shopping, and a touch of history. If you’re stopping in Curaçao on a cruise—or even staying longer—it’s an easy and rewarding way to explore the island’s underground and above-ground highlights. Just keep your expectations in check, and you’ll be OK.
We’ve done a few excursions during this sailing, including a unique underwater adventure with the Atlantis Submarine in Aruba. That one took us below the sea, while this one let us go inside the island. Both showed us different sides of the Caribbean.
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