What To Wear in Curacao: Ultimate Packing Guide

Are you wondering about what to wear in Curaçao? Then you are not alone!

When going on your dream vacation to the Caribbean, you’ll probably be really excited to throw some cute outfits together that look great in your pictures while still being comfortable!

Luckily for you, I have lived in Curacao for over a year – and I know all the fashion trends that rule the island.

And of course, I know what to pack and what not to bring to Curacao – since I’ve gone through the packing process quite a few times myself!

So without further ado – let’s get to it!

Table of Contents

What To Consider When Planning Your Curaçao Outfits
Packing For the Curaçao Climate
Bring Lots of Swimwear!
What To Pack For Curaçao Excursions!
Complete Curaçao Packing List
What Not To Wear in Curaçao
Read More About Curaçao
Conclusion
About the Author

What To Consider When Planning Your Curaçao Outfits

🩵 Go Colorful: The island of Curaçao is full of intense blues, yellows, and pastels! That is mainly due to its colorful Dutch-Caribbean architecture. Light, tropical hues look great in photos and reflect the island’s vibe. Colorful patterns and intense hues also do well behind the background of the island.

🩵 Leave dark and dreary outfits at home! Not only will the dark fabric make you sweat a whole lot, but it also looks a bit out of place on the colorful island!

🩵 Go for Boho-Chic and Tropical prints!

🩵 Bring one or two nice and modest outfits (think long dresses) for fancy dinners and when visiting cultural sites!

🩵 Pack breathable, lightweight clothing – and lots of different swimsuits!

🩵 Consider your excursions and plans for the holiday before committing to outfits (find more details further down this post)!

A woman in a flowing white dress standing on a rocky shore in Curaçao, holding a sun hat and gazing at the turquoise sea with a yacht in the distance.

A woman in a white dress sitting on a balcony railing, with a sunset over the ocean and palm trees swaying behind her.

Packing For the Curaçao Climate

☀️ Curaçao is hot and sunny year-round, so pack light, breathable clothes.

☀️ I suggest cotton, linen, and flowy fabrics to stay cool.

☀️ Don’t pack tightly fitted dresses, it can get uncomfortable in the heat.

☀️ A hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen are must-haves. Throw in some old shirts to wear when snorkeling!

☀️ Evenings are warm but breezy—bring a light shawl or cover-up.

☀️ Pack shorts and sports tops for adventure excursions!

A woman in a pink polka-dot dress posing in front of a vibrant pink colonial-style building in Curaçao, looking stylish with sunglasses and a matching purse.

A woman in a black bikini and sun hat standing in crystal-clear water between two massive rock formations in Curaçao, smiling at the camera.

Bring Lots of Swimwear!

One of the most important things to bring to Curaçao is the appropriate beach wear! I have a couple of favorite items I like to bring – and you should definitely put them on your Curaçao packing list!

👙 Bikini’s and swimsuits are the most important thing to bring! I usually bring 4 to 7 different ones per week!

👙 Bring a light tunic or a cover-up so you can go into beach restaurants.

👙 Sandals and water shoes are a must! Some beaches have a lot of sharp coral when entering the water!

👙 Bring your snorkel, fins, and some UV-resistant shirts for snorkeling!

👙 Sunglasses, a baseball cap, or a hat are always a good idea!

👙 You can also buy beautiful swimwear on the island, Mambo Beach Boulevard and Willemstad have some lovely shops that sell colorful swimwear!

A woman in a tropical-patterned bikini holding a blue cocktail with a pineapple garnish on a sandy beach.

A woman in a colorful bikini top and denim shorts climbing red-painted stairs near a rocky coastal area in Curaçao, smiling at the camera.

What To Pack For Curaçao Excursions!

Depending on what kind of day trips and excursions you are planning on doing, there are a couple of extra things you should bring!

Let’s have a look at some of the most common excursions and tours on the island!

National Parks and Hiking Outfits

If you are planning on hiking in Curacao, you definitely need to pack accordingly!

Especially if hiking the Christoffel Berg is on your bucket list, you must bring good hiking shoes, a backpack, a baseball cap, and a sporty outfit!

Shete Boka National Park is a bit more forgiving since there are not a lot of inclines and the walkway is pretty easy! Pack some good shoes and some shorts and a top regardless, otherwise you might risk hurting yourself!

Climbing the Tafelberg will need some serious hiking gear, so make sure to come prepared!

The HATO caves are another cool excursion in Curacao. Since it can be slippery in there, I suggest some sturdy sandals or sneakers. You can wear a dress, it’s not a big hike.

A woman wearing athletic leggings, a sports bra, and a baseball cap standing on a rocky summit in Curaçao, admiring the rolling hills and ocean views.

A woman with a braided hairstyle wearing a gray crop top and denim shorts, looking at waves crashing against the rocky coastline in Curaçao.

Klein Curaçao

If you are among the lucky ones who get to go to Klein Curaçao for the day – there are a few things you need to bring!

First of all, most providers don’t have a permanent settlement on the island – so you don’t have a space to change into swimming clothes.

Justin’s Tip: I suggest wearing your bikini underneath a light sundress!

Bring your snorkel gear, a beach towel and a waterproof phone case for your phone and your money! there is no place to store it on the island!

Also, bring seasickness remedies if you are prone to it!

A woman in a red bikini lounging on a driftwood log at a pristine beach in Curaçao, with turquoise water and a boat in the distance.

A couple taking a selfie on a Curaçao beach, with the ocean and a white yacht in the background. The woman wears a sun hat and sunglasses, and the man is shirtless.

Willemstad City Tours

If you are planning on exploring Willemstad (which I definitely recommend) you should wear sandals that are good for walking and a colorful dress!

Willemstad is full of pastel-colored houses and vibrant street art! You really can’t go wrong with something colorful and light!

The people of Curaçao are pretty laid back and there is no strict dress code! Just keep in mind to bring a cover-up if you plan on visiting some churches!

A woman in a pink dress and sun hat walking along a colorful street in Curaçao, with vibrant pastel houses in the background.

A woman in a pink dress sitting on pastel pink steps in front of a beautiful pink and yellow colonial-style house in Curaçao, soaking up the sun.

Beach Hopping Tours

Beach hopping is one of my favorite activities in Curaçao – especially if you go out west!

What you need to keep in mind is that you might not find changing rooms on the more remote beaches.

For that reason, I usually wear my swimsuit and a skirt or shorts for the car ride. This way, I can quickly change without a fuss and enjoy the beautiful waters!

A woman sitting on a rocky cliff in Curaçao, wearing a bikini top and denim shorts, gazing at the crystal-clear turquoise waters.

A woman in a red bikini top and denim shorts walking down colorful stairs toward a scenic beach in Curaçao.

Complete Curaçao Packing List

If you are still a bit unsure about what to bring to Curaçao on your vacation, I’ve got you covered too!

My ultimate Caribbean Packing List will help you in your packing process – to make sure you don’t forget anything!

What Not To Wear in Curaçao

While Curaçao has a laid-back vibe, there are a few things you’ll want to skip when packing.

Avoid heavy fabrics like denim and polyester. They trap heat and can leave you feeling sweaty and gross.

Tight, non-breathable clothing is also a no-go in Curaçao’s tropical heat.

High heels aren’t practical either since many streets in Willemstad are cobbled or uneven—opt for comfortable sandals or sneakers instead. I usually bring a pair and never wear them!

Leave flashy or expensive jewelry at home to avoid getting robbed!

Lastly, avoid camouflage clothing, as it’s frowned upon in some Caribbean countries and may be associated with military use.

Conclusion

Packing for Curaçao is all about keeping it light, colorful, and comfortable. Always choose fabrics like cotton and linen.

I love flowy sundresses, loose shorts, and airy tops. Swimsuits are a must, especially for Curaçao’s gorgeous beaches—bring at least a few so you always have a dry one.

A stylish cover-up or sarong is perfect for transitioning from the beach to a seaside restaurant. Comfortable sandals or water shoes are great for exploring, while a pair of sneakers is handy for hiking the beautiful parks of Curaçao.

A hat and sunglasses will protect you from the sun.

If you’re planning to visit religious sites, bring a modest outfit. With the right wardrobe, you’ll be ready to enjoy Curaçao in both comfort and style!

About the Author

Justin is a military pilot and travel blogger.

Justin enjoys discovering the world together with his wife and venturing out with his drone to take magical shots.