Located less than 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela, tucked away on the outer fringes of the hurricane belt, the small undiscovered island of Curaçao stands apart from its next door neighbors, Aruba and Bonaire; the three often referred to as the ABC islands.

Small but sophisticated, rich with history and culture, Curacao offers stimulating sites, sounds, tastes and experiences that are out of the realm of traditional travel.

Divers have been flocking to Curaçao for years because of the country's stunning coral reefs which includes the world's only Mushroom Forest, so named for its acres of pagoda-shaped star coral formations….divers can also spot rivers of Creole wrasse, spotted eagle rays, seahorses and other exotica as they explore below the surface of the country's azure blue waters. The island boasts more than 60 distinct dive sites to satisfy everyone from the novice to the veteran diver. "Curaçao is unparalleled as a diving destination," says André Rojer, Sales and Marketing coordinator of the Curaçao Tourism Corporation. "Curacao is as beautiful under water as it is on land."

After diving, adventurous travelers can also explore Curacao by foot, taking a tour around the island's natural, rugged landscapes and distinctive trails, many unreachable by car and hardly visited, or hike to Curaçao's highest point, the 1,230-foot Mount Christophe, which lies in a reserved wildlife park and can be explored by car, bike, horseback, or foot. Curaçao also offers more than 35 beaches. You can choose between intimate rocky coves surrounded by massive cliffs or long sandy beaches, either secluded by nature or bustling with activities. For a day-long getaway, visit Curaçao's longest and whitest beach - Klein Curaçao, an uninhabited island eight miles off the southeast coast.

There's no better time for divers to travel to Curacao as divers and their families who are looking to plan a budget-friendly, entertainment- and activity-filled Caribbean vacation can take advantage of island wide discounts via Dive Curaçao Now. Divers who travel to Curaçao between Aug. 15 and Dec. 15, 2008, or May 1 and July 1, 2009 will be able to indulge in a free shore or boat dive day plus receive a $240 credit and a free night stay at one of their favorite Curaçao dive resorts. Dive Curaçao Now offers value-added deals from nearly 70 hotels and resorts, car rental agencies, museums and other tourism service providers.

Visit www.curacao.com/now to learn more.