Scuba Diving Trips in Curaçao
Upcoming Trips
Just off the coast of Venezuela lies Curaçao, a top destination for every level of diver. As the largest of the ABC (Aruba and Bonaire) Islands, Curaçao has some of the most diverse reefs in the Caribbean.
Because of its location, Curaçao is usually shielded by land from hurricanes. This means it’s a great destination to visit during hurricane season and that the reefs are in good condition for shore diving!
Curaçao is known for its vibrant culture, colorful architecture and stunning beaches. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, art galleries, historic landmarks or simply relax on one of the island’s many white sandy beaches. With its warm climate, friendly locals and unique cultural attractions, Curaçao is a must-visit destination.
What To Expect
Scuba Diving
Curaçao is a popular diving destination due to its clear waters, healthy reefs and diverse marine life. Scuba Diving Magazine has recognized the island as a “Best Overall Caribbean Dive Destination”, and for a good reason. Curaçao has over 70 different dive sites to choose from, and divers can enjoy unlimited shore diving. Since the island is so close to South America, it is usually protected from hurricanes, creating ideal conditions for shore diving! There is always something new to explore in Curaçao.
Some of the best dive sites include Tugboat, Barracuda Point, Booby Trap and Diver’s Leap. As you make your giant stride in, you’ll be greeted by vibrant corals and SO MANY FISH! Keep an eye out for lots of turtles and angelfish.
You might see:
- Seahorses
- Sea turtles
- Grouper
- Barracuda
- Moray eels
- Angelfish
- Stingrays
Recommended Specialty Courses
- Spearfishing
- Coral identification
- Fish identification
- Boat diving
- Perfect buoyancy
- Night & limited visibility
Conservation Efforts
Green Fins
The Island of Curaçao believes in diving for a purpose. That’s why we dive with Ocean Encounters, the leading sustainable dive tourism operator on the island. Ocean Encounters is a Green Fins Digital member. Green Fins is a public-private initiative of the United Nations Environmental Program and The Reef World Foundation. They provide the only internationally recognized code of conduct used to reduce the environmental impact of the diving and snorkeling industry. To read more, click here.
Reef Renewal Curaçao
Reef Renewal Curaçao is an initiative dedicated to improving coral restoration techniques and innovations. This organization is sponsored by Ocean Encounters Curaçao which believes in education, setting an example and making a change. Just like Diventures, they are using their passion and the power of water to impact lives, change the world and also have fun doing it. To read more, click here.
SECORE International
The restoration team also works closely with SECORE International, who Diventures also supports, to “constantly improve restoration techniques, innovations and share the data collection to benefit the shallow water reef systems of Curaçao and the greater Caribbean region,” (Ocean Encounters). Be on the lookout for upcoming trips, webinars and articles with SECORE.
Culture
Curaçao is full of rich and diverse culture that has been influenced by its history, geography and different groups of people who have lived on the island over the centuries. Curaçao is known for its vibrant mix of music, dance, food and art. One of the most unique parts of Curaçao’s culture is its Creole language, unique to the Dutch Antilles, Papiamentu, which is a blend of Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese and African languages.
Playa Piskado and Playa Grandi
If you’re interested in diving or snorkeling with turtles, Playa Piskado is the place to go! At this fishermen’s beach, turtles can almost always be found in the water. Take a dip in these crystal-clear water and swim with these majestic animals.
Christoffel National Park
The Christoffel National Park is the national park of Curaçao, ripe with diverse flora and fauna. The park is home to beautiful nature and outdoor activities including hiking where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty while hiking up Christoffel Mountain.
Willemstad
Visitors travel to Willemstad, the capital of Curacao, to experience a melting pot of culture and adventure. Willemstad is lined with brightly colored, Dutch inspired architecture, lively markets and shopping centers. One main focal point in the city is the Queen Emma Bridge where you can take stroll over the bridge for great views of the colorful city.
What prior travelers say
“We LOVED it! Great resort with great food and service, great trip leaders who were helpful with anything we needed, great dive masters and great dives. I have no complaints, from the ease of Diventures handling all the arrangements, to their service on the trip, all outstanding.”
Traveler Photos
Know Before You Go
Dive Insurance
Dive insurance is required on all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN dive insurance.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not required but is highly recommended for all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN trip insurance.
Electricity
Curaçao standard current outlets provide 110-130 volt at 50 Hz. The standard plug type is a two-pin ‘Type A’ power plug as used in the US. Some devices are designed to operate at both 110V and 220V, but please check in advance. It is wise to bring a plug adaptor for other plug types, but they can also be bought on the island. Some hotels and apartments do have 220V outlets. These outlets are easily identified as they. require the standard European plug.
Money
The US dollar is accepted everywhere.
Temperature
Air temperature usually varies between 75ºF-85ºF. Water temperature is around 81ºF with around 75 ft.-100 ft. visibility.
Passport
Passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the dates of your trip.
Language
The official languages in Curaçao are Dutch, Papiamentu and English, but of those, Papiamentu is used the most on local TV shows, in parliament and on the street.
Dress Code
Dressing casual in Curaçao is okay. Curaçao does not get too hung up on formalities. The island encourages tourists to dress as comfortably as possible for warm weather.
Need help packing?
We can’t pack for you, but we can share our packing list and travel tips.