Shete Boka National Park- Boka Tabla, Curacao

Off the coast of Venezuela sits the lovely desert island of Curacao. First colonized by the Dutch in 1634, the island’s sheltered natural deep water harbor proved ideal for trade. As the colony flourished, grand colonial buildings were erected around the capital of Willemstad; though distinctly Dutch, local design elements were added, resulting in an architectural style known as Curacao Baroque. Many of these pastel painted buildings remain, and in 1997 the area became an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a beautiful city, that should be explored; but for those who are interested in the more distant past, head over to the island’s north shore.

The island itself dates back to the Cretaceous period, some 90 million years ago. Located at the boundary of the South American and Caribbean tectonic plates, Curacao was formed from basalt that escaped from the ocean floor. Although overlain with younger limestone and sedimentary layers in places, the worn and weathered lava formations remain exposed in several locations, including the island’s craggy north coast.

Although development flourished in the south, the island’s wave exposed north shore was largely left untouched. Today, 10 kilometers of this coastline form a protected park known as Shete Boka (seven inlets). The relatively protected inlets are home to three species of nesting turtles, and a variety of other wildlife. Hiking trails lead to several of the coves, including Boka Wandomi, Boka Kalki, and Boka Pistol.

Wonderfully windswept and perpetually battered, the entire area is a testament to nature’s power. Along the coastline, lava and limestone is worn away by relentless waves, creating the arches, sea caves, and natural bridges for which the park is famous. At Boka Tabla, stone stairs descend down to the mouth of a sea cave, where you can sit and watch the pounding surf. Due to the thunderous waves, it is far from a peaceful paradise, however, the area’s rugged beauty and geology is not to be missed.

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