"Islands of the West Indies CURACAO Scenery for FS2004"

Curacao is the largest and most populous island of the Netherlands Antilles. It lies between Aruba and Bonaire, about 35 miles off Venezuela's north coast, and is home to 170,000 ethnically diverse people. The administrative capital of the Netherland's Antilles, Willemstad, is a lively port overlooking St. Anna Bay on Curacao's southwest coast.

Amerigo Vespucci came to Curacao in 1499 and claimed it for the Spanish. But the island offered little in the way of fresh water and gold. So the Spaniards abandoned Curacao to the Dutch West India Company, who used it as a merchant marine base. Curacao remained under Dutch control until gaining its independence as part of the Netherlands Antilles in 1954. Even as an autonomous region, however, the island maintains close ties with the Netherlands. Its foreign affairs and defense are taken care of by the Netherlands.

Venezuela's off-shore oil industry proved a boom for Curacao when Shell built a refinery here. Since 1985, tourism has developed into a staple of the island's economy. Curacao's climate is sunny, with an average of only 22 inches of rain per year. The fresh water problem has been solved by a desalination plant, and Curacao's natural beauty is a magnet for outside visitors.

Among Curacao's main attractions, especially for scuba divers and snorkelers, is the Underwater Park -- 12.5 miles of protected coral reef and coastline. Its coastal waters are excellent for marlin, tuna, and sailfish angling. Those who prefer to stay on the island can go to the National Park Christoffel to go hiking, mountain biking and climbing. While famous for its orange peel liqueur, the "Blue Curacao", Curacao is also home to the Western Hemisphere's oldest synagogue. Many museums, like the maritime museum and the Kura Hulanda, which shows the role of the slaves in the history of Curaçao, give you an insight in the cultural heritage of the island.

The island of Curacao provides the sim pilot with a convenient transit and refueling point for flights between north and south America. Hato International can accommodate aircraft of all types and sizes with its modern facilities, ATC and ILS approach. This is no Caribbean "back water", rather a bustling and eclectic destination with all "mod-cons" and beautiful beaches and terrain as well. Take the time to fly "low and slow" and see some of the sites. Visit Christofel National Park, the capital of Willemstad ( Maybe a flight under the Juliana Bridge when ATC is not looking ) and a trip to visit the many wonderful beaches and lakes. As I say with all Caribbean locations, take your time, soak up the sun and the atmosphere and stay awhile. In this glorious water world there are no clocks or schedules, just the sound of the trade winds and the surf. Happy flying.


Details of this scenery

Accurate "Mesh Terrain" elevation data has been used to faithfully reproduce the island topography.

All ships and boats at anchor will sit 'head too' the prevailing winds. This can be a great help when attempting a landing close to water.

Charts and Maps