Most people probably recognize Curacao as a sweet blue elixir that adds a citrus splash to tropical cocktails everywhere, but there’s much more to this island nation than its libations. Located off the northwestern coast of Venezuela, Curacao is the type of place one dreams about living out the rest of their days: year-round temperatures in the 80F range, situated outside the hurricane belt, and home to a thriving and popular dive culture. The vibrant and colorful reefs can be reached without a boat here, and the seafloor drops out just a few hundred miles from shore, what is locally known as the “blue edge.” Most of Curacao’s dive sites are located on the southern side of the island where calmer waters prevail, as rough currents and rocky shoreline make diving treacherous on its northern side. But as you’ll see in this video, the biodiversity found here is brilliant, and would be a great place for new divers to get a good, close look at the abundance of marine life in the sea. As a side note, this particular reef is called Alice in Wonderland — we definitely see where the comparisons are drawn!
Image via laszlo-photo
It’s where I got my Open Water certification! Great diving.
Yes but adjacent Bonaire is far better!
I love Curacao!!!!
YEP!!! Amazing!!
You can dive with dolphins for $200
love, love, loooove Curacao!
We were there in May!
Dove there; prefer Aruba.
Fabulous shore diving! Great Dutch food & beautiful little island!
Lots of Coral, big sponges & Turtles. Florida Keys had more Fish to me. 110% humidity # ; D
Not yet, hoping that the work assignment comes through for October though.
Been there twice and going back again in Jan. It is fantastic. The first time we were there I set a new all time record for saying “wow” so many times! Totally not what I expected:Very green, cactus filled hills/”mountains”,sheer coral cliffs dropping straight into the sea, but every now and then there was a perfectly idyllic beach at the bottom of the cliffs, thatched palapas . Coral growth AMAZING like they were each elbowing the other for space on the reef. SO many tropical fish, turtles on every dive, clear (>100ft viz), warm water. (No fresh water source on island and an arid climate to thank for that.) A one bedroom apt. on the water with gorgeous reefs at the doorstep for $99/nite. I could go on and on. When we are not there we are trying to figure out how we can get back there. I could go on and on…..
I did back in 09, I enjoyed it immensely.
Wasn’t impressed with the island or the diving. Never go back unless it was free.
The “Alice in Wonderland”reef shown in the video is a shore dive right in front of Go West Diving (formerly known as AllWest Diving). A tank at the dive shop is $10.
great shore diving
Loved diving in curacao. No sharks!!!! But hear Bonaire is better. Checking it out in 3 weeks. Can’t wait!! However, Check out http://www.discoverdiving.nl/ for the best diving in curacao……we loved it.
Love Curacao
it was one of my best dives ever
had a great trip there.
Just on an unexpected 13 hr layover on the way back from lovely Bonaire
The colors of the coral are vibrant and amazing no matter the depth. Love the marine life in Bonaire and the colors of Curaçao!
It is a great place to dive!
It’s on my list. Does that count?
Was there in may. Great diving with ocean encounters. Tons of eels and lion fish. Beautiful corals. Take a day to explore town and the swinging bridge!
One of the most beautiful places on this planet! Incredible visibility!