Curacao

One of the Caribbean's most delightful ports, colorful Curacao is famed for its blue-tinted liqueur, partially made from the island's oranges. Distillery tours sample the spirit, and other outings explore capital Willemstad, the salt flat's wild flamingos or the 300,000-year-old Hato Caves. Curacao has the Western Hemisphere's oldest continuously inhabited Jewish community and some shore excursions visit the historic Jewish neighborhood and a cemetery consecrated in 1659. White-sand beaches and swimmable bays abound on the island's less developed western side. For water activities, choose between renting a Jet Ski or kayak or booking a private yacht or fishing trip. The crystalline waters are home to an expansive underwater park, with miles-long reefs hosting barracudas, sea turtles and manta rays. Inspect the pirate-deterring Fort Beekenburg or Queen Emma Bridge, a floating pontoon bridge. One must-see is Boca Tabla, a coastal cave created from the sea and wind.

Language: Dutch
Currency: Netherlands Antilles Guilder (ANG), US dollar (US$)