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Shopping in Curaçao

From hand-painted Chichi statues and floating markets to Blue Curaçao liqueur and local art galleries — shopping in Curaçao is an experience in itself.

Shopping in Curaçao goes far beyond the usual tourist souvenir shops. The island has a vibrant arts scene, unique local products, and colourful markets that reflect its multicultural heritage. Whether you're looking for a meaningful keepsake, authentic local art, or the famous Blue Curaçao liqueur to take home, this guide helps you find the best of what the island has to offer.

Serena's Art Factory & Chichi Statues

Serena's Art Factory & Chichi Statues

The colourful Chichi statue has become Curaçao's unofficial symbol — a voluptuous, joyful figure representing the strong women of the island. At Serena's Art Factory in Banda Abou, you can paint your own Chichi during a workshop (about $30–45 depending on size). The factory is a vibrant, open-air studio filled with Chichis of all sizes, from small table pieces to life-sized garden sculptures. It's one of the island's most popular activities and a wonderful way to create a truly personal souvenir. The larger statues can be shipped worldwide. You'll also see painted Chichis adorning streets and roundabouts across the island.

💡 Tip: Book the workshop in advance during high season. Allow 1.5–2 hours for painting. They provide aprons but wear clothes you don't mind getting paint on.

The Floating Market

Every morning, Venezuelan traders motor across the sea in brightly painted wooden boats and tie up along the Sha Capriles Kade in Punda. From their boats, they sell fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, fish, and herbs — a tradition that has continued for over a century. The market is small but atmospheric: stacks of papayas, mangoes, coconuts, and hot peppers displayed on boat decks, with the Handelskade's colourful facades as a backdrop. Prices are low and bartering is expected. The Floating Market is as much a cultural experience as a shopping opportunity — it connects Curaçao to its close neighbour Venezuela in the most tangible way.

💡 Tip: Visit early morning (7–9 AM) for the freshest selection. The market is smaller than it used to be but still operating. Cash only.

Blue Curaçao Liqueur

Blue Curaçao Liqueur

The genuine Blue Curaçao liqueur is made at only one place: the Chobolobo distillery, housed in the historic Landhuis Chobolobo on the outskirts of Willemstad. Senior & Co has been producing the iconic blue spirit since 1896, using the dried peels of the laraha citrus fruit — a bitter orange unique to Curaçao that's inedible but incredibly aromatic. Free guided tours run Monday to Friday and include tastings of all five colour variants (the recipe is the same — only the colouring differs). The gift shop sells bottles you won't find elsewhere, including limited editions and miniature sets that make perfect gifts.

💡 Tip: The Genuine Curaçao Liqueur (not the mass-produced blue stuff) costs about $15–25 per bottle. Buy it at the distillery for the best price and widest selection.

Malls & Duty-Free Shopping

Curaçao has several modern shopping centres for those seeking international brands and duty-free deals. The Renaissance Mall in Punda offers luxury brands and is connected to the Renaissance Hotel. The Zuikertuin Mall on the east side is the island's largest, with a cinema, supermarket, and international fashion chains. Rif Fort in Otrobanda has been converted from a 19th-century military fortification into a small open-air shopping and dining complex overlooking the harbour. As a former Dutch territory, Curaçao offers duty-free prices on electronics, perfumes, jewellery, and designer goods — prices can be 25–50% lower than mainland Europe.

💡 Tip: Cruise ship passengers: Rif Fort is a 5-minute walk from the terminal. For serious shopping, take a taxi to Zuikertuin Mall.

Local Art & Galleries

Local Art & Galleries

Curaçao has a surprisingly vibrant art scene. Gallery Alma Blou in a restored landhuis showcases Caribbean and Curaçaoan contemporary art. Nena Sanchez Gallery features the bold, colourful work of Curaçao's most famous living artist — her style, full of iguanas, flamingos, and tropical flowers, perfectly captures the island's spirit. The Landhuis Bloemhof gallery and sculpture garden hosts rotating exhibitions. Street art is also part of the scene — Otrobanda and Scharloo have murals by local and international artists that turn the streets into open-air galleries. For artisan crafts, check out the monthly Marshe di Artesania (artisan market) at Plasa Bieu.

💡 Tip: Nena Sanchez prints start at around $25 and make beautiful, distinctly Curaçaoan gifts. The gallery is in Landhuis Habaai, Banda Abou.

About our Seafari safaris

How do I book a Seafari tour?+
Book directly on seafariadventurescuracao.com — select your tour, pick a date, fill in your details, pay securely, and receive instant confirmation. No booking fees. Cruise passengers: we match your ship schedule and guarantee on-time return.
What's included in a Seafari tour?+
All our tours include professional snorkeling equipment, drinks (soft drinks, beer, signature Seafari cocktail), snacks or lunch depending on the tour, sun shade on the boat, and a multilingual guide. Snorkel vests are free on request. You only bring swimwear, towel, and sunscreen.
What if the weather is bad?+
Our Rupert 50 RIB handles moderate chop comfortably. For genuinely dangerous weather we reschedule or refund 100%. You get a call by 7 AM on the tour day if we need to adjust. Curaçao weather is stable year-round — cancellations happen less than 5% of the year.
Is Seafari suitable for children?+
Yes. Children 6+ are welcome on all standard tours. The boat has stable RIB hulls (no seasickness for most), life vests in all sizes, and our guides are trained in family snorkel introductions. For children under 6 we recommend a private charter for flexibility.
Can I book a private charter?+
Yes — the Rupert 50 is available for private charter for groups of 2-36. Design your own route, pick your own stops, set your own pace. Contact us via the Private Charter form and we'll quote a fixed price within 24 hours.
What's the cancellation policy?+
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure — full refund, no questions asked. Within 48 hours: 50% refund. If WE cancel (weather, mechanical, safety): 100% refund or free reschedule. Travel insurance is recommended for cruise passengers.

Discover it by boat

The best way to experience Curaçao's coastline is from the water. Our sea safaris take you to the island's most beautiful spots — places you can only reach by boat.

View Our Tours