Tom, the diving is really excellent as well – don’t know if you and your wife are certified, but it’s worth it. The best part is that most diving in Curacao is beach diving – no need for dive boats, etc. We found it greatly liberating to just load up our gear and drive to various parts of the island to dive.
Based on the excellent reviews of Doug’s camp, I actually took my wife to Curacao last March for her birthday. Being a relatively experienced Caribbean traveller, I have high standards, and Curacao did not disappoint. It is by far one of the most diverse and interesting islands in the Caribbean. Besides the beaching and diving, the cuisine, locals and attractions are top-notch. Some highlights (which I highly recommend):
-Eating iguana at Yanchi’s.
-Shore-diving with a company called “The Dive Bus”.
-The sea lion dive at the aquarium. Unreal.
-Watching my wife have the Dolphin swim experience at the aquarium.
-The osterich farm. Great meal in the restaurant after, as well.
-Temple Mikve Israel-Emanuel, the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Western Hemishpere.
-The local language of Papiamento (sp?)
-The vibrant colous of the town of Willemstedt – apparently traditionally painted a vibrant range pastels, as a former (insane) governor of the island, back in the 1700’s, claimed the white buildings gave him migraines, and so ordered the them all painted.
I didn’t run or bike once, but I wouldn’t hesitate to go back.