The island Curacao is located in the southwestern Caribbean Sea, just 40 miles away from the Venezuelan coast.
It is situated between its sister islands, Bonaire and Aruba. Although the three islands are collectively known as the “ABC Islands”, they actually show as ACB reading from left to right on a map.
As it's sister islands Aruba and Bonaire, Curacao is located just outside the hurricane belt, which makes direct hits from hurricanes rare. The last hurricane to even touch the islands was Hurricane Felix in 2007, which was a Level 2 hurricane at 105 mph, causing minor damage.
Map Caribbean
Curacao is the largest island of the former Netherlands Antilles; it totals 171 square miles in area, and stretches for 38 miles east to west, and varies in width from 3 miles to 9 miles.
The Country of Curacao is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Curacao includes the main island and the small, uninhabited island of Klein Curacao (Little Curacao) which is located 15 miles south-east of the main island. The capital of Curacao is Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is known for its unique architecture and harbour entry.
Willemstad was the capital of the six island territories of the Netherlands Antilles (Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao, and St. Maarten, Statia & Saba), prior to its dissolution in 2010.
Although Curacao is mostly referred to as being a Caribbean island, Curacao, Aruba and Bonaire, and Trinidad and Tobago, are located on the continental shelf of South America, and are therefore geologically part of South America.
Curacao has an estimated population of more than 170,000, most of whom are of African or mixed African and European origin. All together, more than 50 different ethnic backgrounds are located on Curacao, and the people are very proud of the island's international flavor.
Check our video below for the location of Curacao.
Where is Curacao located?
Curacao can be broken down in two halves: Bandariba which means up side and Bandabou which means down side. Bandabou is the northwestern more rural half with the island’s two national parks and the most beautiful untouched beaches and Bandariba is the southeastern more populated/city life half that includes Willemstad.
The southeastern tip of Bandariba is private property known as Oostpunt. The owner has firmly refused selling it off, disallowing access to practically everyone.
If you’re looking for a more touristy place with lots of restaurants and nightlife, stay in Bandariba. If you prefer to dive or snorkel and hike the national parks find somewhere to stay in Bandabou.
Curacao map
Interested in staying in Bandabou close to all the beautiful beaches and national parks? Contact us for information about our oceanfront villa, the best Curacao vacation rental.