Shared Curacao East Side Tour and Liquor Tasting

Discovering Curacao’s East Side: A Practical Guide to the Shared Tour and Liquor Tasting

If you’re visiting Curacao and looking to get a quick but meaningful glimpse of the island’s charming neighborhoods and scenic vistas, the Shared Curacao East Side Tour and Liquor Tasting offers an accessible way to do so. For just $45 per person, you’ll spend approximately two hours exploring Willemstad’s historic districts, panoramic viewpoints, and ending with a visit to a well-known distillery.

What we like most about this tour is how it combines cultural insights with delightful photo stops—perfect for travelers who want a taste of history and natural beauty without committing a whole day. The visit to the Chobolobo plantation, where the legendary Blue Curacao is made, offers a fascinating peek into local craftsmanship. Another highlight is the Queen Juliana Bridge, offering breathtaking views from the Caribbean’s highest bridge.

However, it’s worth mentioning that this is a bus tour, which might not satisfy those craving a more immersive walking experience or closer photo opportunities of the historic buildings. Expect a quick, scenic drive with limited time at each stop. This tour suits travelers who prefer comfort and efficiency over in-depth exploration or those with limited time on the island. If you’re okay with a bus ride that offers scenic vistas and a brief cultural slice, you’ll likely find this tour worthwhile.

Key Points

• Convenient 2-hour round trip with scenic stops and a tasting experience.
• Focus on iconic landmarks like the Queen Juliana Bridge and historic districts.
• Insight into Blue Curacao production at Chobolobo, with a traditional distillation process.
• Limited walking, making it suitable for mobility-challenged travelers.
• Cost-effective at $45, with included bottled water or beer.
• Not ideal for those seeking an immersive, walking experience or detailed historical exploration.

A Closer Look at the Curacao East Side Tour

Starting Point and Overall Experience

The tour begins at the Curaçao Cruise Terminal or the designated meeting point in Willemstad, usually around 10:30 am, with a guide ready to share stories from the island’s past and present. Since the tour lasts around two hours, you’ll want to arrive promptly and be prepared for a mostly scenic journey.

You’ll sit comfortably on a bus, which means you’ll cover several sights without the fatigue of walking long distances. This setup is ideal for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace but still want a glimpse of Curacao’s vibrant landscapes and architecture. On the downside, as one reviewer pointed out, “bus tour not walking”, which may limit your ability to take close-up photos of the buildings or explore on foot. If capturing detailed shots of historic homes or wandering through neighborhoods is your priority, this might not be the best fit.

The Historic and Cultural Stops

Scharloo District is the first major stop. This area, once home to wealthy Jewish merchants, is packed with beautifully restored mansions and colorful, one-story houses dating from the 1986 restorations. These structures are classified as UNESCO World Heritage monuments, so even from the bus, you can appreciate their significance and stunning facades.

We loved the way the guide described how these mansions once housed wealthy businesspeople, and now they serve as museums or government offices, adding a layer of living history to your view. However, the short stop means you won’t have much time to wander freely or take extensive photos, so keep your camera ready.

The Chobolobo Liqueur Factory

Next, you’ll visit the Landhuis Chobolobo, a Dutch colonial mansion turned famous liqueur distillery. Here, witnessing the traditional distillation process of Blue Curacao—aged in century-old barrels—is a highlight. The free 20-minute visit includes a glimpse into how the bright blue liqueur is crafted, which is a fantastic insight into local industry and craftsmanship.

One reviewer mentioned, “interesting history,” and another noted that seeing the barrels and process made the tour worth the price. Plus, you get to sample the liqueur, which is a fun way to link the landscape and architecture with a tangible product.

Scenic Viewpoints and the Queen Juliana Bridge

From the distillery, the tour proceeds to the Tafelberg (Table Mountain) and Spanish Water viewpoint. These stops are primarily for photos and enjoying the views of Willemstad’s harbor. Expect breathtaking vistas over the water and the city skyline.

The Queen Juliana Bridge is a standout feature. At 185 feet tall, it’s the highest bridge in the Caribbean, and crossing it offers a panoramic backdrop of Willemstad’s colorful buildings and busy harbor. Its massive weight of 3,400 tons underscores the engineering marvel it represents—definitely a photo-worthy moment.

Practical Details and Logistics

• Transportation: The tour uses a comfortable bus, with a maximum of 44 travelers, making it a good choice for those who prefer social but not overly crowded settings.
• Duration & Timing: The two-hour experience is packed with scenic drives and quick stops. The time allocated for transportation means you don’t spend too long in transit, but it also limits time at each site.
• Price & Value: At $45, including bottled water or beer, the tour offers decent value for a quick overview of Willemstad’s highlights. The free liqueur tasting adds a unique flavor to the experience.

What Travelers Say

A recent review summed it up: “Bus Tour not walking! Interesting history! Expected a walking tour and the ability to take pictures of the historical building that was impossible on an open bus.” This underscores how some travelers might feel limited by the bus format, especially if photography or close-up exploration is a priority.

Despite that, many appreciate the scenic viewpoints and the fact that it’s an easy, no-fuss way to see key sights. The tour’s reputation, backed by over 30 years of experience, suggests it’s reliable and well-organized, though it might not satisfy those craving a more immersive experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This East Side Tour suits travelers seeking a quick, scenic overview of Willemstad’s most photogenic spots and a taste of local craftsmanship without the hassle of extensive walking or planning. It’s ideal for cruise passengers or those with limited time who still want a snapshot of Curacao’s colorful architecture and views.

If you’re someone who prefers wandering and exploring on foot, or wants to spend more time inside historic buildings, you may find this tour a bit too brief. Also, it’s not suitable for children under 4 or anyone with mobility challenges, due to the bus-only nature and short stops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for travelers with reduced mobility?
No, it’s not suitable for persons with reduced mobilities because of the bus format and short stops which don’t involve much walking.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes transportation, a guide, bottled water or beer, and a visit to the Chobolobo liqueur distillery with a tasting.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, including transportation and stops for sightseeing.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Curaçao Cruise Terminal or designated meeting point and ends back at the same location.

Is there any extra cost besides the tour price?
No, the main tour fee is $45, but gratuities are not included and are at your discretion.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Yes, especially at scenic viewpoints like Spanish Water and from the Queen Juliana Bridge, but note that the short stops limit time for detailed photography.

What is the minimum age for the liquor tasting?
The minimum age for participating in the Blue Curacao tasting is 18 years old.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours prior are non-refundable.

Will I be able to walk around during the stops?
No, since it is a bus tour, stops are brief, and you will mainly view sights from the bus or designated viewpoints.

In summary, the Shared Curacao East Side Tour and Liquor Tasting offers a convenient and affordable way to see some of Willemstad’s best sights, with a unique peek into Blue Curacao production. While it’s not designed for deep exploration or extensive sightseeing on foot, it excels at providing quick access to scenic viewpoints and historic landmarks with the added bonus of sampling local liqueur. For those short on time or preferring comfort, this tour hits the right notes—just keep in mind its limits if you’re craving a more immersive experience.