Shete Boka National Park

Shete Boka National Park begins at Boka Tabla, where waves wash into an undersea cavern. Find a sheltered nook at the cavern entrance for a bird’s-eye view of the crashing sea. Some guided Jeep tours stop at Boka Tabla and Boka Pistol, an inlet where the waves crash into the coast, creating a noise like a gunshot, hence the name. Visitors can watch from a lookout point or get wet by facing the waves.

• Wear sneakers or closed-toe shoes like hiking boots with a firm grip because the terrain is uneven and the coral cliffs can be sharp.
• The area does not offer much shade, so be sure to bring water and wear a hat and sunscreen.
• The Boka Pistol trail winds through Boka Brown, where sea turtles lay their eggs; the Boka Wandomi trail goes along rolling lava hills to Boka Wandomi, leading to a natural bridge.

Shete Boka National Park runs along the coast from Christoffel National Park, on the northern tip of Curacao. It’s 40 minutes north of Willemstad in Banda Bou by car. Buses run to Christoffel National Park from the Otrobanda bus station in Willemstad, while guided tours usually include round-trip transportation from hotels or the port.

Arrive at the park early to avoid the afternoon sun. Overall, the best time to visit Curacao is between the months of May and November. That’s when other Caribbean islands usually get hit with hurricanes, but Curacao isn’t typically affected by them. You can expect the biggest crowds during the winter months.

Shete Boka National Park adjoins Christoffel National Park, which also boasts hiking trails leading up the mountain. If you plan to tackle both parks on the same day, start with the hike up Christoffel Mountain early in the morning; visitors are not allowed to begin the mountain climb after 10am because of the heat.