Three Months on a Scooter in Curacao: How I Actually Explored the Island
Eva works for a travel agency in Amsterdam. When her company sent her to Curacao for a three-month assignment, she chose not to rent a car. This is her account of what happened instead.
I work in the travel industry, which means I know more than most people about how much tourist infrastructure costs and how little of it you actually need. When my company sent me to Curacao for a three-month assignment, I made two decisions quickly: I would find an apartment near Willemstad, and I would rent a scooter instead of a car.
The car math did not work. The daily rate over three months adds up to something significant. Parking in Willemstad costs money and patience. And I was already spending my days working with tourism clients. I did not need to arrive everywhere in a rental car.
I rented a scooter monthly through Grace Glide. $400 per month, helmet, GPS and chain lock included, $250 refundable deposit. That was it.
What I Actually Used It For
The scooter changed how I spent time off in a way I did not expect.
In Amsterdam, the decision to go somewhere carries weight. Trains, parking, timing. In Curacao, I would finish a call at 5pm, look at the harbor light, and be on the road in four minutes. The scooter was parked outside. I did not plan anything. I just left.
I went to Mambo Beach on evenings when the light was good, 15 minutes from the Punda district. Jan Thiel when I wanted to swim without the bar crowd. I drove through Scharloo most mornings on the way to meetings because the painted facades look different depending on the hour.
After a few weeks I started going further. West past the salt flats. The Christoffel area. Playa Knip, which is about 40 minutes by scooter on the main road. None of these required planning. I just went.
The Practical Reality
Grace Glide's scooters are new. This matters more than it sounds. I have been to islands where renting a scooter means receiving something with 80,000 kilometers on it and a brake lever attached with wire. These are not that.
The monthly rate means you stop thinking about whether a trip "is worth it." You are already paying $400 for the month. You might as well go.
Fuel is cheap in Curacao. Helmets are legally required and Grace Glide includes one. The GPS is useful for the first few weeks before you learn the roads. The roads around Willemstad are straightforward, with a few sections that need attention, but nothing that demands experience beyond basic scooter riding.
What the Island Looks Like from a Scooter
You notice things at scooter speed that you miss in a car. The iguanas that sit in the road at 7am and refuse to move. The smell of the sea changing as you cross from the leeward to the windward side. The way the cacti on the north coast look completely different from the landscaped roundabouts near the hotels.
I stopped feeling like a tourist after the first month. I felt like someone who lived there, which I temporarily did. The scooter was a big part of that shift.
Who This Option Is Actually For
If you are staying in Curacao for more than two weeks, the monthly scooter rental makes more financial sense than renting by the day. At $37 per day for the daily rental, the break-even is around 11 days. After that the monthly rate at $400 is the better option.
If you are there for a month or more as an expat, remote worker, or someone on a longer contract, the monthly option is the most practical transport decision you can make unless you have children or need to move significant cargo.
I came back to Amsterdam and missed the morning ride to the office more than I expected.
Monthly Scooter Rental, Curacao | Daily Scooter Rental, Curacao
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a motorcycle license to rent a scooter in Curacao? It depends on the engine size. A standard driver's license covers 50cc scooters. Larger models require a motorcycle endorsement. Ask Grace Glide at booking.
Is it safe to ride a scooter in Curacao? Willemstad and the main tourist areas are manageable for anyone with basic scooter experience. The west coast roads are quieter but require more attention due to road surface. The north coast is windier. All workable at a sensible speed.
Is a monthly rental significantly cheaper than daily? Yes. At $37 per day for the daily option and $400 for the full month, the break-even is around 11 days. If you know you will be there for a month, the monthly rate is the better option.
What is included in the monthly rental? 50cc scooter, GPS, helmet and chain lock. A $250 refundable deposit is held on your card and released after undamaged return. Ask Grace Glide about insurance at time of booking.
Can I take the scooter anywhere on the island? Yes. The island is roughly 61 by 38 kilometers. A scooter covers the whole thing on a single tank of fuel.
Book Your Curaçao Scooter Rental
Browse Curaçao scooter rentals on RideFaer. Monthly and daily options available. New to the island? See the best scooter routes from Willemstad to plan your first few rides.