Playa Porto Mari: A Caribbean Gem in Curacao

• HelloBon dia
  [bon dee-ah]
• GoodbyeAyo
  [ah-yo]
• YesSi
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor fabor
  [por fah-bor]
• Thank youDanki
  [dan-kee]
• Excuse me/SorrySori
  [soh-ree]
• How are you?Kon ta bai?
  [kon tah bah-ee?]
• Fine. And you?Bon. I bo?
  [bon. ee boh?]
• Do you speak English?Bo papia ingles?
  [boh pah-pee-ah een-gles?]
• I don't understandMi no ta kompronde
  [mee noh tah kom-pron-deh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi ke mira e menu, por fabor
  [mee kay mee-rah eh menu, por fah-bor]
• I don't eat meatMi no kome karni
  [mee noh koh-meh kar-nee]
• Cheers!Salu!
  [sah-loo]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi ke paga, por fabor
  [mee kay pah-gah, por fah-bor]

• Help!Yudami!
  [yoo-dah-mee]
• Go away!Bai for di aki!
  [bah-ee for dee ah-kee]
• Call the Police!Yama polis!
  [yah-mah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Yama un dokter!
  [yah-mah oon dohk-ter]
• I'm lostMi ta perdi
  [mee tah pehr-dee]
• I'm illMi ta malu
  [mee tah mah-loo]

• I'd like to buy...Mi ke kumpra...
  [mee kay koom-prah...]
• I'm just lookingMi ta so buska
  [mee tah soh boos-kah]
• How much is it?Kuantu esaki ta kos?
  [kwan-too eh-sah-kee tah kohs?]
• That's too expensiveEsaki ta muchu karo
  [eh-sah-kee tah moo-choo kar-oh]
• Can you lower the price?Bo por baha e preis?
  [boh por bah-hah eh preis?]

• What time is it?Kuantu ora ta?
  [kwan-too oh-rah tah?]
• It's one o'clockTa un ora
  [tah oon oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Mitad di dies
  [mee-tahd dee dees]
• MorningMarduga
  [mahr-doo-gah]
• AfternoonAtardi
  [ah-tar-dee]
• EveningAnochi
  [ah-noh-chee]
• YesterdayAyera
  [ah-yeh-rah]
• TodayAwe
  [ah-weh]
• TomorrowMañan
  [mah-nyahn]
• 1un
  [oon]
• 2dos
  [dohs]
• 3tres
  [trehs]
• 4kuater
  [kwah-ter]
• 5sinku
  [seen-koo]
• 6seis
  [says]
• 7siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9nuebe
  [nweh-beh]
• 10diez
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Unda ta e...?
  [oon-dah tah eh...?]
• What's the address?Kiko e adres ta?
  [kee-koh eh ah-dres tah?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bo por mustra mi (riba e mapa)?
  [boh por moos-trah mee (ree-bah eh mah-pah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kuantu tempu te e siguiente (bus)?
  [kwan-too tem-poo teh eh see-gwee-ehn-teh (boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Un tiki (pa ....)
  [oon tee-kee (pah ....)]

Long before European settlers arrived, the island of Curaçao was inhabited by the Arawak-speaking Caiquetio Indians. These indigenous people were skilled fishers and farmers who established settlements along the coast, including the area now known as Playa Porto Mari. Archaeological evidence such as pottery shards and tools have been found in the region, indicating a rich cultural heritage.

In 1499, Spanish explorers led by Alonso de Ojeda and Amerigo Vespucci became the first Europeans to set foot on Curaçao. Although the Spanish initially showed interest in the island, they soon realized it lacked precious metals and largely abandoned it. Playa Porto Mari, like many other coastal areas, remained relatively untouched during this period, serving primarily as a landing point for occasional visitors.

The Dutch West India Company captured Curaçao from the Spanish in 1634, turning it into an important hub for trade and commerce. The area around Playa Porto Mari became a site for salt mining, which was a valuable resource at the time. The Dutch constructed several plantations in the vicinity, utilizing enslaved African labor. Remnants of colonial infrastructure, such as old plantation houses and salt pans, can still be found near Playa Porto Mari.

During World War II, Curaçao played a strategic role due to its oil refineries, which supplied fuel to the Allied forces. Playa Porto Mari was used as a lookout point to monitor the coastline for enemy submarines and ships. The remnants of bunkers and other military installations from this era are still visible, serving as a poignant reminder of the island's wartime contributions.

In recent decades, Playa Porto Mari has transformed into a popular tourist destination known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. The area has been carefully developed to preserve its natural beauty while offering amenities such as diving schools, beach bars, and walking trails. The local government and private organizations have undertaken various conservation efforts to protect the coral reefs and marine ecosystems, ensuring that Playa Porto Mari remains a sustainable destination for future generations.

Playa Porto Mari is located on the west coast of Curacao, approximately 30 kilometers from the capital, Willemstad. The easiest way to get there is by renting a car from Hato International Airport, which is around a 40-minute drive. Alternatively, you can take a taxi directly from the airport or from your hotel in Willemstad. Some hotels and resorts also offer shuttle services to Playa Porto Mari.

Once in Playa Porto Mari, the best way to get around is by rental car, as public transportation options are limited. There are parking facilities available at the beach. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive and less convenient than having your own vehicle. Biking and walking are options for those staying nearby, but the area is generally best navigated by car.

The official currency of Curacao is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG), but US dollars are widely accepted. Major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases or at places where cards might not be accepted. ATMs are available in Willemstad and other major towns, but not directly at Playa Porto Mari.

Playa Porto Mari is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to exercise standard precautions. Avoid leaving belongings unattended on the beach and be cautious when walking around at night. Willemstad has some areas with higher crime rates, particularly Punda and Otrobanda after dark. Stick to well-lit, populated areas and avoid showing large amounts of cash or expensive items.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The closest medical facility is in Willemstad, about a 40-minute drive from Playa Porto Mari. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Willemstad where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Always carry a charged mobile phone for emergency calls.

Fashion: Do wear light, comfortable clothing suitable for a beach environment. Don't wear overly revealing swimwear outside of the beach area. Religion: Do respect local religious customs. Avoid loud behavior near churches. Public Transport: Do plan your trips as public transport is limited. Don't rely solely on buses to get around. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Bon dia' (good morning) or 'Bon tardi' (good afternoon). Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and seafood. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals as it is considered impolite.

To experience Playa Porto Mari like a local, visit during the weekdays when it is less crowded. Engage with the staff at the beach bar for recommendations on local food and drinks. Try the snorkeling trail marked with informative signs about the marine life. If you’re interested in diving, the on-site diving center offers guided tours. Don’t miss the chance to hike the nature trails surrounding the beach, which offer stunning views and opportunities to see local wildlife.