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The underwater wonders of Curaçao hearken back to the Caribbean of 20 years ago, and there are plenty of PADI 5-Star Dive Centers waiting to take you exploring by boat and from shore.
Around Curaçao, there's something for every level of diver. The reefs start at the shore, slope gently down to about 35 feet in the space of 50 to 100 yards, then drop steeply to well beyond 130 feet. Curaçao's coral is among the Caribbean's healthiest, with a nice mix of hard and soft species, accented by plenty of colorful sponges, especially large growths of bright orange elephant ear sponges and organ-pipe-sized purple stovepipe sponges.
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Explore Klein Curaçao Take a day trip to Klein Curaçao. Dive, snorkel, relax on the beach, explore the lighthouse, enjoy the BBQ and nap on the way back. |
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1 Mushroom Forest 2 The Superior Producer 3 Hell's Corner 4 House Reef at Habitat Curaçao 5 Tugboat at Caracasbaii |
Since Curaçao's economy was based on shipping for so many decades, it should be no surprise that the seascape is littered with shipwrecks. Curaçao's premier wreck is the Superior Producer, a freighter that sank off Willemstad in 1977. The ship sits upright in 110 feet of water, encrusted with coral and surrounded by reef fish. The remains of two tugboats and a little ship called the Upside Down Wreck complete the list.
Curaçao's Sea Aquarium offers unusual dive opportunities such as enocunters with dolphins and sea lions.
Topside attractions can be found in Curaçao's colorful Willemstad, the capital of the Netherlands Antilles. This is a bustling, historic town, and the waterfront cafés, shops, museums and floating markets offer great places to do a little sightseeing. The West End has some wonderfully picturesque and intimate beaches. Be sure to see Christoffel National Park, Kurá Hulanda and the Ostrich Farm.
