Diving in Curacao

Curacao is one of the ABC islands, in the southern Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Venezuela. It’s one of the five islands of the Netherland Antilles and therefore it is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The climate is very hot there and so the island is perfect for a nice holiday and a little diving. The underwater world there is said to be especially great and spectacular views are to be seen in the area, so for anyone who likes that kind of thing, diving and snorkeling there are both really great experiences that are worth trying.

Places to enjoy

 

Curacao offers many possibilities to enjoy the spectacular underwater world, some of which are described here. For example, there is the Valley, also called Port Marie, which is a very popular location where you can snorkel as well as dive, even at night. It harbors two parallel reefs with a valley in between them and it is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the diversity of reef life. And for those who enjoy a little history and the feeling of being projected right into the past, why not visit the Tugboat? It’s a nice wreck that rests at about 17 feet and that sunk 25 years ago. It’s a very popular site too, and you can dive as well as snorkel. In case Curacao is not small and desert enough for you, guess what? There is actually another tiny island called Klein Curacao, which is German for “Little Curacao”, located right off the southeast coast of Curacao. It takes about one and a half hours by boat to get there from Curacao, and there are lots of trips on offer, and Klein Curacao is also a beautiful diving and snorkeling site. Talk about being completely at peace and cut off from the world! Another nice reef to go diving or snorkeling at is the Smokey, also called Punti Sanchi. This reef is completely inaccessible by land and is therefore very popular because it is still very intact and just as nature intended it to be, offering some spectacular views and beautiful insights into reef life. And if you’re an advanced diver and looking for a challenge, then the Seldom Reef and Bullenbaai sites are for you. The Bullenbaai site is very deep with a sheer 90° wall, so if you want that extra adrenaline kick, then this site is for you, but you should watch out, always stay on the safe side and make sure you can really handle anything you get yourself into.

 

A few extra pointers

The good thing is that Curacao has very accessible riffs as well as challenges for those who enjoy a little hardcore driving, so there is really something in it for everyone and even beginners can enjoy really spectacular views without a lot of practice or any previous knowledge. Advanced divers, on the other hand, can enjoy the thrill of dives as low as 60 m under the sea. Whether you prefer reefs, sandbanks or shipwrecks, when you delve into the underwater world of Curacao you are bound to emerge fascinated and enthralled by its beauty. Klein Curacao is also definitely worth a visit, since it is a tiny island formed by volcanism and therefore its geology will be different from what one is used to and definitely worth exploring further. There’s also actual natural sea-fed pools where you can dive in and feed animals, even sharks! The pools are separated by glass, but the glass has holes just big enough for you to feed them, so in case you’re very brave and want yet another thing to tell your friends about when you get home, here’s something. Be it while you’re diving, snorkeling or feeding the animals though, remember your safety always comes first. Always take diving classes that are widely available in the area, and make sure you really know what you are doing and that you feel entirely comfortable before you start in on an adventure. Use your common sense and know where your limits lie and what you can trust yourself with. It’s important to remember that while you’re enjoying yourself, getting home safe and sound is just as nice a feeling as having a great holiday.