10 Reasons to Dive Curaçao
Alex BeanThis city's iconic sign welcomes visitors to everything "dushi", which means something nice, sweet or lovely.
Alex BeanThe iconic waterfront of Willemstad's harbour is known for its colorful buildings and the swinging Queen Emma bridge.
Alex BeanColorful buildings along the streets of Willemstad, Curaçao.
Alex BeanThe island's famous blue liquor, distilled from the laraha citrus fruit, also comes in a variety of other flavors.
Alex BeanOne of the island's most beautiful (and popular) beaches, Playa Knip is a favorite for locals and tourists alike.
Alex BeanOne of the Curaçao's best dive sites, Watamulla offers a plethora of underwater life and terrain for scuba divers to explore.
Alex BeanJust a short distance from the Mushroom Forest, the Blue Room cave offers snorkelers a perfect stop for your surface interval.
Alex BeanVisitors at Animal Encounters at Ocean Encounters have the chance to feed turtles, sharks and more in this interactive underwater exhibit.
Courtesy Diamond PRThe Curasub descends up to 1,000 feet, far below the reach of recreational scuba diving.
Courtesy Diamond PRAlong with hosting one of the region's best golf courses, this resort boast excellent ocean views, protected waters for swimming and a dock for local dive boats..
Courtesy Diamond PRRestaurants such as Brakkeput Mei Mei offer exceptional food in a fun and outdoor setting.
Courtesy Diamond PRAn modern luxury retreat, the Floris Suite Hotel was designed for guests 18 years and older in mind, including LGBT travelers.
Courtesy Diamond PRThere are plenty of retail and restaurant options along the Curaçao Beach Boulevard.
Alex BeanCuraçao boasts some of the best diving in the Caribbean, including the reefs just off the dock of Go West Diving.
Alex BeanThe beach along the shores of Go West Diving offer gentle, clear waters without the crowds.
Alex BeanThe Pirate Bay Beach Club and Restaurant offers plenty of chances for relaxation and fun.
Alex BeanJaanchie's has been serving locals and visitors on the North side of the island for years, with a menu that includes Iguana stew along with the day's fresh offerings.
Alex BeanA cannonball still lodged in the side of the building is a subtle reminder of the struggles this city has seen in year's past.
Alex BeanMany of Curaçao's walls have been overtaken by "wall disease", where moisture and salt have peeled away the paint.
Alex BeanA view from the backside of the boat market, where vendors pull up with the day's offerings.
Alex BeanVendors at the boat market present the day's selections - including fruits, vegetables, fish and more.
Alex BeanThe Landuis Knip property dates from the beginning of the 18th century, and provides rich cultural information about the years when slavery was still active in Curaçao.
Alex BeanChristoffel Park offers unmatched hiking and views from the top of Curaçao's highest peak.
Alex BeanShete Boka park is one of the best areas to experience the rocky coastlines of Curaçao.
From grand mountain views to the famed wreck Superior Producer, this southern Caribbean island is a favorite for both novice and advanced scuba divers.
1. GO NORTH
Lesser-known dive site Watamula (derived from the Dutch word for water mill) offers strong currents that nourish huge stands of healthy coral and plentiful schools of marine life. gowestdiving.com
2. SUPERIOR SITE
Just beyond the Willemstad Harbor is the Superior Producer, Curaçao’s biggest wreck. This approximately 200-foot cargo ship has been delighting divers since it sank in 1977. oceanencounters.com
3. SCHOOLING SWEEPERS
Perfect for a surface interval, the Blue Room cave, nestled into the shoreline cliffs near Boca Santa Cruz, will impress divers with dazzling schools of glassy sweepers. lionsdive.com
4. SHALLOW SHIP
At almost 20 feet down, and overgrown with tube sponges, the Tugboat Wreck makes a perfect shallow dive. oceanencounters.com
5. CARNIVORE’S CARNIVAL
Located on a small horse farm, Equus Restaurant is open only on Friday nights. There’s no menu, but its grilled-meat skewers are some of the best in town.
6. COCKTAIL HOUR
The iconic Blue Curaçao Liqueur is distilled from laraha citrus fruit, which descends from Valencia oranges brought by Spanish explorers. A distillery tour offers a selection of flavors and free samples. curacaoliqueur.com
7. LOCAL COLOR
Bright 18th-century buildings dot the picturesque waterfront along Curaçao’s Willemstad Harbor. Stroll past the Queen Emma Bridge, affectionately known as “The Swinging Old Lady.”
8. SNEAK PEAK
At 1,220 feet, nothing beats a hike to the top of Mount Christoffel, Curaçao’s highest point. The three-hour hike offers views of the island and surrounding sea. christoffelpark.org
9. NO SUBSTITUTE
As a passenger aboard the four-passenger Curasub submarine, you’ll descend up to 1,000 feet to explore a landscape far beyond the reach of recreational scuba. substation-curacao.com
10. ON PAR
The 18-hole championship golf course at Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort is consistently named one of the region’s best, offering stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. santabarbararesortcuracao.com
NEED TO KNOW
Average water temp: Between 70 and 85 degrees F
What to wear: 3 or 5 mm suit in the colder months, depending on your depth
Average viz: 100 feet
When to go: September to December is when most of the popular dive sites are at their calmest
More info: sportdiver.com/curacao
