Curacao Safety

[padi1029]

Has anyone had any personal safety issues while in Curacao, or heard of any problems others have had? There were a couple posts on other diving web sites that stated, "for sour safety we were told to be back in our resort before night fall".

 

[Damselfish]

I'd say use common sense like anyplace. There are lots of urban areas I wouldn't hang out at at night. But we typically drive downtown for dinner almost every night and have never felt unsafe in any of the areas by hotels and restaurants, or other areas we've had occasion to go to at night.

We did have one little incident last year where some guy claimed to have been watching our car for us so it was safe while we gone, he was basically trying to shake us down for a tip, we pretty much ignored him, got in the car and drove away. (It probably does not hurt that my husband is a big guy.) We were parked on the road along the water near the cruiseship facility in the channel.

 

[jeepguy]

There were a couple posts on other diving web sites that stated, "for sour safety we were told to be back in our resort before night fall".

In our three trips to Curacao, we stayed at Breezes with no problems. On the couple of tours we went on, we were told to be cautious with belongs. Theft seems to be an opertunity thing. My wife and I did feel pretty safe during day outside of resort and in town at night but probably shouldn't be in the run down parts at night.:14:
Tom

 

[Allspread Grapealo]

Has anyone had any personal safety issues while in Curacao, or heard of any problems others have had? There were a couple posts on other diving web sites that stated, "for sour safety we were told to be back in our resort before night fall".

I've been to Curacao 4 times and never had a problem. There are some sketchy areas close to Punda and Otrobanda in Willemstad that I wouldn't venture into late at night, but in general they don't seem to have much of a crime problem there. I'd say just use common sense like you would anywhere...

 

[montychandler]

I have not feared for my personal safety in my trips to Curacao - but don't leave belongings in your car or anything. Their thieves will steal them from you.. In fact your belongings are not safe in your hotel rooms either. My suggestions is you are there for the diving - or would not be there at all. Leave your laptop at home and anything else you don't need to enjoy your diving. It's probably safer..

You must remember that there is a very high level of poverty present and there are people who steal to eat. I've seen some fairly peculiar things stolen - like both right side tires to a car.. They left the jack, but stole the wheels/tires.. Rooms broken into is common. The local staff at the resorts will tell you not to leave anything in your vehicle while you go diving.. Don't ignore then... " You ain't in Kansas Toto"

Cheers...