Curacao

Despite the 4,881 miles that separate Willemstad, the capital of Curacao, and Amsterdam, Holland's capital, the two are remarkably similar. Both are decorated with narrow, gabled buildings crowned with red-tiled roofs, both tempt tourists with Dutch cuisine and hopping nightlife, and both brew a mean beer (though Curacao's Amstel stands alone: It's brewed with desalinated seawater).

Not to be missed in Willemstad is the Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue. Erected in 1732, it is the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere. The traditional sand floor reminds the congregation of generations spent wandering the desert for the Promised Land.

Also in Willemstad, 17th-century fort Amsterdam encloses the Dutch Reformed Church (look for the cannonball embedded in the wall-it was fired by Captain Bligh) and the Governor's Palace.

Two bridges have put Curacao on the map: the Queen Juliana, the highest in the Caribbean, and the Queen Emma Pontoon, which swings wide many times daily to allow access to one of the busiest ports in the world. It also separates the two halves of the city. After touring Curacao's natural sites, including the Hato and Boca Tabla Caves, refresh yourself with a tour of the Curacao Liqueur distillery at Chobolobo. Delight in the exotic taste of the bitter orange liqueur-like Curacao, it has a unique flavor.

DIVES NOT TO MISS :

Tugboat is located just a few meters down off Caracas Bay. The nearly intact boat is covered in coral and well preserved but the current can be strong at this site, especially as you head out around the point. It can also change direction rapidly so monitor it carefully. Mushroom Forest in the San Nicolas area is full of large star coral formations that grow vertically out of the sandy plateau and have been worn away at the base by eco-erosion giving them a "mushroom" shape. The current can be strong at times at this site. Superior Producer sunk when its cargo shifted in bad weather as is left the port. Its wheelhouse is at 80 ft and the current can be strong. You should dive with a local operator the first time because the water is a little rough and the site is hard to find.Porto Marie is a five minute swim from Porto Marie Beach. The site has two parallel reefs with a valley inbetween that is home to lots of colorful reef fish as well as nurse sharks and pairs of cornet fish that are rare on other parts of the island.

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