Curaçao's reefs, land, water, wildlife and people make this island what it is. A few mindful habits keep it that way.
Pick a topic, run through the checklist, and travel in a way the island — and the next visitor — will thank you for.
Every drop from the tap is desalinated from the sea. Use it with care.
Coral and marine life are protected. Watch, don't touch, never feed.
Pack out what you bring and take nothing natural home.
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Curaçao's reefs, dry forest and national parks are protected and fragile. Enjoy them lightly so they stay healthy for the people and wildlife that depend on them.
The Curaçao Marine Park, managed by the CARMABI foundation and designated in 2021 as a protected area (SPAW Area 1) under the Cartagena Convention, safeguards some of the Caribbean's most intact reefs along the coast from Jan Thiel to Oostpunt. Coral and marine life are protected by law, and the island's national parks have their own rules. Treat every visit as a privilege, not a right.
Chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate damage coral. Use a mineral, reef-safe sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), or better still cover up with a rash guard or UV shirt. Apply well before you enter the water so less washes off onto the reef.
In parks such as Christoffel, Shete Boka and the Rif Mangrove Park, keep to established trails. Shortcuts trample slow-growing plants, disturb wildlife and cause erosion that takes years to recover in this dry climate.
Book dive, snorkel and tour operators who use mooring buoys instead of anchors, keep group sizes small, brief guests on reef etiquette and follow park rules. Your choice rewards businesses that protect the island.
Do not remove shells, coral, rocks, sand, plants or anything else from beaches, reefs or parks. Even small souvenirs add up across thousands of visitors, and collecting from protected areas is prohibited.
Organisations such as CARMABI, Reef Renewal Curaçao, SECORE International and Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao work to restore reefs and protect wildlife. You can donate, volunteer, adopt a coral or join a cleanup.
Respect signs, closures and park instructions, which exist to protect both you and the environment. If you see coral damage, poaching, dumping or wildlife being harassed, report it to park rangers or the relevant authority.
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Simple answers to the things thoughtful visitors ask.
Yes. Curaçao's tap water is desalinated seawater produced by Aqualectra and is safe to drink across the island, so refilling a reusable bottle avoids plastic waste. Keep in mind that making fresh water from the sea uses a lot of energy, so it is still worth using water carefully.
Choose a mineral, reef-safe sunscreen based on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and avoid products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, which harm coral. Better still, cover up with a rash guard or UV shirt and apply sunscreen well before entering the water so less washes onto the reef.
No. Collecting coral, shells, sand, sea fans and other marine life is prohibited, and coral and marine life are protected by law in Curaçao. Support local artisans and buy a locally made souvenir instead — it helps the community and leaves the reef intact.
Local organisations such as CARMABI, Reef Renewal Curaçao, SECORE International and Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao protect and restore the island's reefs and wildlife. You can donate, volunteer, adopt a coral or join a beach or reef cleanup during your stay.
Try "Bon dia" (good morning), "Bon tardi" (good afternoon) and "Bon nochi" (good evening), plus "Danki" for thank you and "Kon ta bai?" for "How are you?" Locals appreciate the effort, and it is a warm way to show respect.
No. Feeding wildlife changes their natural behaviour, harms their health and can make them aggressive or dependent on people. Feeding fish and turtles is also prohibited. Enjoy watching animals from a respectful distance instead.
This guide offers general, good-faith advice for travelling respectfully in Curaçao. Rules, protected-area boundaries, park regulations and conservation guidance can change, and some sites have their own specific requirements. Always follow posted signs, local laws and the instructions of park staff, rangers and operators.
Coral and marine life are protected by law in Curaçao, and collecting, touching or harming them can carry penalties. When in doubt, keep your distance, take nothing and ask a local guide or the relevant authority.
Information last reviewed: July 15, 2026.
Plan a trip that's kind to the island — discover local places, responsible operators and the beaches worth protecting.