Scuba Diving in Curacao – Ultimate Guide (With Map)
Are you planning on going Scuba diving in Curacao and need some more info? Then I got you covered!
Curacao is not as famous for diving as its little sister island of Bonaire, but there is still a lot to see underwater. Curacao is a great diving destination, it has great visibility, calm waters, and vibrant marine life.
I have spent almost a year in Curacao recently, and I know all the ins and outs of diving in Curacao.
If you have some trouble planning your diving vacation in Curacao or finding the best dive resorts on the island or the most magical dive spots, then I’ve got you covered!
Find in this post everything you need to know about scuba diving in Curacao!
Let’s dive in!
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Scuba Diving in Curacao – What You Need to Know
Scuba diving in Curacao can be an amazing experience. The beautiful Caribbean island has stunning underwater landscapes, diverse marine life, and crystal-clear waters. It is one of the best activities in Curacao.
Before you go scuba diving in Curacao, there are a few things you need to know to ensure safety and enjoyment:
- Certification: To scuba dive in Curacao, you need to be a certified diver. You need to bring a valid scuba diving certification (PADI, NAUI, SSI, or CMAS). Of course, it is also possible to get your certification in Curacao from a trusted provider.
- Water Temperature and Visibility: The water temperature in Curacao remains relatively warm throughout the year at 78-84°F (25-29°C). Visibility is usually excellent. You can mostly see up to 100 feet (30 meters).
- Conservation: Avoid touching or disturbing marine life, and be cautious not to damage coral reefs.
- Currents: Curacao’s currents can vary from gentle to strong. Check the current conditions before diving. Visit only the dive sites that match your skill level.
- Emergency Contacts: Be aware of the local emergency contact numbers (912 for Ambulance) and the nearest decompression chamber location. Curacao has a hyperbaric chamber for emergencies.
- Dive Insurance: Make sure to get dive-specific travel insurance
- Curacao has many great dive resorts that offer package deals.
What Marine Life Can You See in Curacao
Here is an overview of what you can encounter on your dives in Curacao. Make sure to always be mindful of not disturbing marine life and avoid touching anything.
- Coral Reefs: Curacao has beautiful coral reefs with both hard and soft corals
- Tropical Fish: The ocean around Curacao is filled with different tropical fish species. You’ll encounter parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, sergeant majors, wrasses, triggerfish, and many others.
- Turtles: Green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles can be seen on dives in Curacao
- Stingrays and Eagle Rays
- Moray Eels
- Octopuses and Squid: If you’re lucky, you might spot octopuses or squid in the corals. But I have to warn you, they are great at camouflage
- Lionfish: Lionfish are an invasive species in the Caribbean. Although beautiful, they are a threat to the local ecosystem.
- Grouper and Snapper: Larger reef fish like groupers and snappers can be seen in the deeper areas of the reefs. They are known to be quite curious and may come close to divers.
- Shipwrecks: Curacao is home to several shipwrecks, such as the famous Tugboat wreck.
- Sponges and Anemones
- Coral Fish
Curacao Dive Sites – Interactive Map
Check out my interactive map for all dive sites in Curacao, as well as the best dive stores in Curacao:
Best Dive Sites in Curacao
1. Mushroom Forest
Dive Type: Boat
Skill Level: Drift – Advanced
Mushroom Forest is one of the most famous dive sites in Curacao. It is named after the large mushroom-shaped coral formations.
This site offers divers a unique underwater landscape. It is great for taking pictures!
Mushroom Forest is located inside the Santa Cruz Plantation.
2. Blue Room
Dive Type: Boat
Skill Level: Beginner
The Blue Room is a unique underwater cave in Curacao.
It is only accessible through a small opening. The cave is famous for its incredible blue hues caused by sunlight passing through the water.
This is a great site not only for scuba diving but also for snorkeling in Curacao.
3. Alice in Wonderland
Dive Type: Shore
Skill Level: Drift – Advanced
This dive site has often been rated as the Number 1 diving spot in Curacao. You can find it at Playa Kalki near Westpunt.
It is famous for its dramatic coral formations that look like they are straight out of a fairy tale.
The shallow reef area is full of colorful coral, and you can see a wide variety of marine species there. There is a chance to find turtles and a large school of fish there.
4. Watamula
Dive Type: Boat
Skill Level: Open Water
Watamula is a famous boat diving site in Curacao. It is located near the town of Westpunt, and super close to the famous Elvin’s Plane Wreck.
Watamula is famous for its hard coral fields that are wedged in between beautiful and soft corals. There is also an insane amount of macro life on this Curacao dive site.
Make sure to check the currents ahead of time. They are especially unpredictable in this area.
5. Elvin’s Plane Wreck
Dive Type: Boat
Skill Level: Drift – Advanced
Elvin’s Plane Wreck dive site is named after the wreckage of the Fokker Fairchild 27 wreckage that can be found underneath the ocean at this site.
The aircraft was blown there by a storm in 2008 and has been a beloved dive site ever since.
Turtles, barracudas, and lobsters can regularly be seen on this site as well.
6. Tugboat
Dive Type: Boat & Shore
Skill Level: Open Water
Tugboat is one of my favorite dive sites in Curacao. The sunken wreck of a huge tugboat lies only 5 meters (15 ft) below the water.
The dive site is located in the Curacao Marina Park, close to the famous Director’s Bay.
The shipwreck itself is covered in beautiful sponges, and many tropical fish swarm around the wreckage. You can see the famous Parrot fish on this dive site.
This is also a great beach for snorkeling in Curacao.
7. Klein Curacao
Dive Type: Boat
Skill Level: Drift – Advanced
While not exactly a site on the main island, Klein Curaçao is a small uninhabited island located only a short boat ride away.
Klein Curacao is famous for clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and the opportunity to see larger marine creatures such as sharks and turtles.
The easiest and only way to reach Klein Curacao is with a boat trip from Curacao or a private charter.
8. Superior Producer
Type Dive: Shore/Boat
Skill Level: Advanced
Superior Producer is a wreck dive. It is one of the most popular dives in Curaçao and one of the best wreck dives in the entire Caribbean.
The Superior Producer is located near Sint Anna Baai, close to the Double Reef.
The wreck of the Superior Producer, a cargo ship that sank in 1977, now serves as an artificial reef. It is covered in coral and home to a wide variety of marine life.
9. Director’s Bay
Type Dive: Boat/Shore
Skill Level: Open Water
Director’s Bay is an amazing dive site in Curacao located close to the famous Tugboat Beach.
This shallow site is great for macro photography and critter spotting.
You can find a variety of small marine species, such as seahorses, frogfish, and nudibranchs at Director’s Bay.
10. Car Pile
Type Dive: Boat
Skill Level: Drift – Advanced
The Car Pile Dive Site is located close to the Sunscape Curacao Hotel Resort & Spa. The All-Inclusive Resort offers great Dive + Stay packages, in case you are interested.
Another unique wreck dive, the Car Pile is an artificial reef created by sinking old cars.
The cars are covered in coral and inhabited by a variety of species.
Best Beginner Diving Experience in Curacao
Best Advanced Dive Tours in Curacao
Guided Shore Dive for Certified Divers with Scubaçao (2 tank)
- 4,5 hours
- 2 dive sites
- Private Tour
- Underwater Photos
- Use of Equipment
- Eastern Curacao
Best Dive Resorts in Curacao
Sunscape Curacao Resort Spa & Casino
Sunscape Curacao Resort Spa & Casino was the first hotel we stayed in on the island. It is also one of my favorite hotels in Curacao for many reasons.
Sunscape has the biggest private beach in Curacao. And it is an amazing spot for diving. The famous Car Pile Dive Site is located right off the beach of Sunscape.
You can book a guided shore dive in their house reef with Ocean Encounters Curacao exclusively for hotel guests.
The rooms are super spacious and luxurious, and the 6 different restaurants will spoil you throughout the day with local and international delicacies.
The famous Mambo Beach is only a few minutes of walking away if you feel like exploring.
Acoya Curacao Resort, Villas & Spa
Acoya Curacao Resort, Villas & Spa is one of the best hotels on the island if you are looking for furnished apartments and villas.
Acoya has an amazing on-site dive center, the Epsilon Diving & Multisport Center. You can book Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue & Specialty Diving courses as well as guided diving excursions there.
The hotel is located close to Mambo Beach. This is one of the best areas to stay in Curacao for diving.
Another great feature of Acoya is that they can supply you with a rental car for your own diving excursions.
Scuba Lodge & Ocean Suites
The Scuba Lodge is one of the best hotels in Willemstad for diving. The hotel is quite famous on Instagram for its picture-perfect facade in stunning colors.
But it is also a PADI 5-Star IDC Resort – perfect for your diving holiday. They take out smaller groups for dives and are renowned for their expertise.
Apart from the great diving center, the hotel is also famous for its stunning pool and great rooms. It is only a few minutes’ walk away from the famous Handelskade in Willemstad.
Scuba Lodge is also one of the most instagrammable spots in Curacao.
Best Dive Shops in Curacao
Best Time for Scuba Diving in Curacao
The best time to go scuba diving in Curaçao is during the dry season. The dry season runs from April to October.
During this period, you will have the best weather conditions. There is minimal rainfall, calm seas, and excellent visibility underwater.
The water temperature at this time is warm and comfortable. You can expect temperatures from 78°F to 84°F (25°C to 29°C), which are ideal for diving and snorkeling.
Keep in mind that hurricane season falls within the wet season, from November to December. While Curacao is located outside of the hurricane belt, you still have more rain and heavier storms during the wet season.
All in all, Curaçao is known for its constant good climate throughout the year. Diving is still possible outside the dry season.
Read about the best time to go to Curacao to plan the perfect vacation.
How to Get Around Curacao for Diving
By now, you are probably wondering how you can reach all these amazing dive sites in Curacao that I recommended in this blog post.
If you want to go scuba diving in Curacao without a guided tour, you definitely need a rental car.
Beaches and dive sites are very spread out and hard to reach without a car. We usually book a car with DiscoverCars and pick it up at the airport upon arrival.
DiscoverCars is reliable, and they offer great cars for amazing prices. I also love their cancellation policy.
If you want to know more about driving in Curacao, I suggest you check out my Ultimate Curacao Travel Guide for more information.
Of course, you can always charter a boat for a diving round-trip as well.
Directory of All Curacao Dive Sites
Conclusion: Scuba Diving in Curacao
As you have seen in this post, Scuba diving is a popular pastime in Curacao. Impressive sunken shipwrecks, car piles, and stunning coral reefs attract divers from all over the world.
There are many great dive sites in Curacao for beginners and advanced divers. Make sure to book one of my favorite dive resorts to enhance your diving vacation in Curacao even further.
Be mindful of the environment and adhere to all the safety regulations for a great diving adventure in Curacao.
If you come to Curacao on a cruise, make sure to book a dive tour that picks you up at the cruise port.
If you are looking for more diving holidays in the Caribbean, you absolutely have to go to Bonaire, a snorkeler and diver’s paradise.
Of course, Aruba has just as much to offer in regard to marine life.
FAQ: Scuba Diving Curacao
Is Curacao good for Scuba Diving?
Yes, Curaçao is good for scuba diving. The island boasts vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and crystal-clear waters. With numerous dive sites suitable for all skill levels, including wreck dives and stunning underwater formations, it’s a paradise for underwater enthusiasts.
When should I dive in Curacao?
The best time for diving in Curaçao is during the dry season, from April to November. The waters are calm, visibility is high, and marine life is abundant. However, be cautious of the hurricane season from June to November, which might bring occasional storms.
How much does it cost to dive in Curacao?
The cost of diving in Curaçao can vary depending on factors like the dive shop, location, and package chosen. On average, a single dive can range from $40 to $80, while dive packages for multiple dives might offer better value. Equipment rental, certification courses, and additional services can also influence the overall cost of your diving experience.
How deep is the diving in Curacao?
Curaçao offers diving experiences for various skill levels. Depths range from shallow coral gardens around 30 feet (10 meters) deep, perfect for beginners and snorkelers, to deeper sites reaching 100 feet (30 meters) or more, suitable for advanced divers. The island’s diverse underwater topography caters to a wide range of depths and preferences.
Is Aruba or Curacao better for diving?
Both Aruba and Curaçao offer great diving experiences with vibrant marine life and clear waters. Aruba’s diving is known for its wreck dives, while Curaçao boasts diverse coral reefs. The choice depends on your preferences; Aruba for wrecks and Curaçao for reefs. Both islands offer unique underwater attractions, so it’s worth exploring both if possible.
Do you need a wetsuit to dive in Curacao?
While the waters of Curaçao are generally warm, a wetsuit is recommended for prolonged dives to maintain comfort, prevent potential exposure, and offer protection against coral and marine life. A lightweight wetsuit (shorty or 3mm) is often sufficient, but it ultimately depends on your personal cold tolerance and dive duration.
Are there sharks in the waters of Curacao?
Yes, there are sharks in the waters around Curaçao. However, shark encounters are relatively rare, and most species found in the area are generally not aggressive towards humans. Divers might have the chance to see nurse sharks, reef sharks, and other types, enhancing the thrill of diving while maintaining safety precautions.
Is there a decompression Chamber in Curacao?
Yes, Curaçao has a decompression chamber available at the Curaçao Medical Center. This facility provides essential support for divers in case of decompression sickness or other diving-related medical emergencies, ensuring that divers have access to proper care and treatment when needed.
About the Author
Justin is a military pilot and travel blogger.
Justin enjoys discovering the world together with his wife and venturing out with his drone to take magical shots.
