Click to reveal site search
Tugboat wreck lying in the sunlit shallows in Curacao

Underwater Treasures, Downtown Pleasures

For a preview of Curaçao's reefs, stroll through the historic district of Willemstad, where colonial-era buildings display cheerful shades of orange, yellow and red. These colors are mirrored in the prolific groves of soft corals and sponges that cover the island's submerged slopes. Equally brilliant is the marine growth that coats Curaçao's premier wreck, the Superior Producer. Whether making a shore dive on memorable sites such as Alice in Wonderland, or going by boat to ride the currents at Watamula, divers have a range of depths and topographies to choose from, with shallow coastal shelves giving way to drop-offs that hold an abundance of fish life.

Highlights

  • Best for: House reef shore dives and boat diving for all experience levels
  • Best season to visit: Year-round, as it's below the hurricane belt
  • Weather: Steady easterly trade winds, sunny and dry in the winter with temperature in the 70s. Summer sees mid 80s in the daytime, with occasional evening showers

Things to Do

Curaçao Information

About Diving in Curaçao

The vast majority of Curaçao's diving takes place on the southern and western coasts. Coral reefs begin close to shore and follow slopes to depths beyond 200 feet. Sites at the island's eastern end have the steepest slopes, with some becoming vertical, while the western ends offer more gradual slopes, consistently calm water and large coral heads. A number of prime sites can be reached from shore, while boat diving provides easier access to a broader range of sites. Waters dip into the high 70s in winter, with summer temperatures rising to the mid 80s.

Diving in Curaçao Tips

Though some signature sites such as Mushroom Forest and the wreck of the Superior Producer can be reached from shore, a boat dive is a better option. Sites close to the island's east end can get choppy, so persons susceptible to motion sickness should check conditions before scheduling a trip.

Best Places to Dive in Curaçao

The Superior Producer is one of the most colorful shipwrecks in the Caribbean. Mushroom Forest provides a relaxing dive on a gentle slope covered in large, mushroom shaped coral heads, plus a cave filled with baitfish and napping nurse sharks. Watamula is a prime place to see turtles, sharks and rays, while sites near East End feature walls and brilliant orange and purple overgrowths of soft corals and sponges.

What to Pack for Diving in Curaçao

For shore diving, add a pair of sturdy-soled dive boots and a change of clothes, as many launch sites are near dive shops or beach bars with showers. For boat dives, a sun hat and a soft-side gear bag that stows compact when aboard.

Specials

Dive

Curacao

All West Apartments & Diving

CURACAO 2025 DRIVE DIVE STAY EARLY BOOKING SAVINGS! Rates from $760 per person/double diver.

Package Includes: 7-night Studio Sea View accommodations with balcony, 6 days unlimited tanks for shore diving with Go West Diving Curacao, daily Truck Rental with insurance), roundtrip airport transfers, hotel tax, service charges and free WiFi.

Optional add-ons for additional Diving, Other Watersports & Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Valid 1/1/25- 12/31/25. Book by 6/30/24 to lock in 2024 rates!

Additional room categories and other dates also available! Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
Read More

From $760 per person double diver

Book Now
Dive

Curacao

Dreams Curacao Resort Spa & Casino

CURACAO BEST DIVING SALE - SAVE UP TO 50% CURACAO DIVE PACKAGE choice of accommodations, choice of dive options with Goby Divers Curacao, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel tax, service charges and free WiFi.
Unlimited-Luxury Package includes on-site dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, unlimited premium beverages, daily refreshed mini bar, 24-hr room/concierge services, daytime activities & nighttime entertainment. Plus $200 in resort coupons when booking offer. Use for spa treatments, romantic dining, and wine purchases. (credit used towards specific items deemed by hotel).

Valid 8/13/24-10/26/24. Rates from $1,319 per person double diver. Book by 3/26/24.

Additional room categories and other dates also available! Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
Read More

From $1,319 per person double diver

Book Now
Dive

Curacao

Zoetry Curaçao Resort & Spa

CURACAO BEST YEAR YET SALE 5 nights Jr Suite accommodations, 3 days 2-tank boat diving with Goby Divers Curacao, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel tax, service charges and free WiFi.
Unlimited-Luxury Package includes on-site dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, unlimited premium beverages, daily refreshed mini bar, 24-hr room/concierge services, daytime activities & nighttime entertainment. Plus $200 in resort coupons when booking offer. Use for spa treatments, romantic dining, and wine purchases. (credit used towards specific items deemed by hotel).

Valid 8/13/24-10/26/24. Rates from $1,546 per person double diver. Book by 3/26/24.

Additional room categories and other dates also available! Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
Read More

From $1,546 per person double diver

Book Now
Dive

Curacao

Curacao Marriott Beach Resort

CURACAO 2024 STAY LONGER DIVE PACKAGE SALE includes 7 nights, 5days 2-tank boat dives, with Goby Divers Curacao, free WiFi, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel tax, and service charges.

Or, customize your own Curacao Dive Package with your choice of accommodations, multiple dive add-ons, watersports activities and topside activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Valid for travel 4/8/24-12/20/24. Rates from $1,730 per person, double diver. Book by 3/31/24.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or sales@caradonna.com for additional Information.
Read More

From $1,730 per person, double diver

Book Now

Packages

Dive

Curacao

All West Apartments & Diving

CURACAO 2024 DRIVE DIVE STAY PACKAGE! 7-night Studio Sea View accommodations with balcony, 6 days unlimited tanks for shore diving with Go West Diving Curacao, daily Truck Rental with insurance), roundtrip airport transfers, hotel tax, service charges and free WiFi.

Optional add-ons for additional Diving, Other Watersports & Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Valid for travel through 12/31/24.

Additional room categories and other dates also available! Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
Read More

From $760 per person double diver

Book Now
Dive

Curacao

Blue Bay Curacao Golf & Beach Resort

CURACAO DIVE PACKAGE includes 7 nights’ accommodations, 6 days of unlimited shore diving with Blue Bay Dive, fees, taxes, and service charges.

Optional add-ons & Upgrades for Diving, Watersports and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.
Read More

Book Now
Dive

Curacao

Coral Estate Luxury Resort

CURACAO DIVE PACKAGE includes 7 nights’ accommodations, 6 days of unlimited shore diving with Coral Divers, fees, taxes, and service charges.

Optional add-ons & Upgrades for Diving, Watersports and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.
Read More

Book Now

Resorts

Dive

Curacao

Blue Bay Curacao Golf & Beach Resort

Enjoy an amazing Curacao dive vacation at Blue Bay Golf & Beach located on the Historical grounds of what was Anno Blaauw's plantation. Services offered at the resort include onsite dive shop, beach shop, 18-hole golf course, driving range & putting green, sailing, massage on the beach or in rooms and sailing.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Curacao

Coral Estate Luxury Resort

A Luxury Resort including beautiful comfortable apartments, gorgeous views and spacious bathrooms, wonderful culinary establishments, a PADI 5-star Dive & Free-Dive Center for diving & watersports, a wellness center, shops for clothes and souvenirs, a car rental, activities like hiking, biking.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Curacao

Zoetry Curaçao Resort & Spa

All-inclusive Resort & Spa 72 well-appointed garden, tropical or pool view suites set in a beautiful tropical paradise merging with the warmth of the Curacao culture.
Two authentic a la carte restaurants including a poolside grill and an international restaurant with choices of organic, local, and gluten-free food.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Curacao

All West Apartments & Diving

Surrounded by the tropical hills, and is ideal for catching spectacular sunsets and gazing at the fantastic star filled skies. All West has twelve fully equipped apartments with ocean views, and the beach below the apartments is great for swimming, snorkeling and shore diving.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Curacao

LionsDive Beach Resort

Named one of the top 10 Caribbean dive resorts. Located on a beautiful white sandy beach, featuring Ocean Encounters, a PADI Five-Star IDC, and near historic downtown Willemstad. Lions Dive & Beach Resort Curacao has recent upgrades, renovations and a friendly, charming and sporty demeanor.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Curacao

Dreams Curacao Resort Spa & Casino

Nestled on the sandy beaches of Piscadera Bay on the unique island of Curaçao. With a prime location near one of the world’s most praised diving sites and a mere 15 minutes from Hato International Airport, guests will enjoy all the inclusions of Unlimited-Luxury®. Savor cuisine at seven dining options, including a brewery featuring local microbeers, and enjoy top-shelf spirits at four bars. Relax poolside or walk along our two beaches. Complete the day with a relaxing massage or body treatment at the Dreams Spa by Pevonia. Dreams Curaçao has everything for a picture-perfect island getaway.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Curacao

Curacao Marriott Beach Resort

Located in the Southern Caribbean on six stunning oceanfront acres, 15 minutes from Hato International Airport and 5 minutes from historic Willemstad. Sweeping ocean views, sparkling pools, lush tropical gardens, and endless white sand beaches.
Relax in newly renovated hotel rooms and gather in new meeting and event space. Savor 4 dining concepts featuring decadent international cuisine. Lounge by one of two sparkling swimming pools: an adults-only pool and a large family pool. Hotel amenities include a kids club, fitness center and snorkeling. Fun adventures near our resort include ATV tours, buggy tours, catamaran trips, swimming with dolphins, diving and more. Two 18-hole golf courses, Shete Boka National Park, and Hato Caves.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Curacao

Sunscape Curacao Resort, Spa & Casino

Located just 10 miles from the Curaçao International Airport - Hato and 2 miles from the culturally diverse capital city Willemstad – a UNESCO World Heritage site – with distinctive architecture, museums, monuments and world-class shopping. This beautiful 1,500 ft. beach front Resort, with 341 spacious guest rooms and suites is right in front of the National Underwater Park and situated at one of the most developed tourist beach sites and has the most popular Casino onsite.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More

Diving in Curaçao

Among the more striking features of Curaçao's underwater landscapes are the colors. On slopes facing blue water, the familiar umbers and greens of hard coral colonies are overshadowed by sprays of yellow and purple tube sponge, along with brilliant orange elephant ears, red sea whips and stands of black coral. Adding to the show is an array of vividly patterned tropical fish, including blue angelfish, green morays, stoplight parrotfish, yellowtail grouper, blue tangs and swirling schools of Creole wrasse. Vibrant seascapes aren't the only attraction, as the majority of Curaçao's more than 70 dives sites lie within a stone’s throw of the coast, and are sheltered by the island's shape, which blocks easterly trade winds and swells to create calm conditions along the southern and western shores. The underwater landscape follows predictable contours that begin with a shallow, narrow coastal ledge which transitions to slopes that drop to 120 to 200 feet before plunging to ocean depths. These slopes tend to be more gradual on the island's western end and become steeper moving east, to the point where they become near vertical and undercut. The island's eastern end lies within the Curaçao Marine Park, which is a no-touch, no-take zone. Western waters exhibit equally healthy coral growth and fish life, thanks to the use of moorings and an emphasis on low-impact diving practices. There is little rainfall and no rivers so near-shore reefs usually have excellent visibility. Shallow reefs are dominated by fields of star, brain and pillar corals punctuated by a variety of soft corals such as sea whips and sea rods. There are a number of sites that can be accessed from shore, including house reefs at a number of resort properties. Access to other shore diving sites around the island will require a rental car and local knowledge. Dive boats depart from resorts scattered along the western end of the island, and from a more centralized location near the Curaçao Sea Aquarium. Rides from dock to site are usually less than 15 minutes, with the exception of some sites far to the east. Weather permitting, operators may also run day trips to the uninhabited island of Klein Curaçao, which lies seven miles to the east across open water. One of Curaçao's signature dive sites is the wreck of the Superior Producer. This 240-foot freighter went down in 1977 shortly after leaving the port of Willemstad. Today, the wreck sits upright at a depth of 100 feet, with superstructure intact and rising to 70 feet. From stem to stern, the steel skeleton has become a biosphere of corals, sponges and small fish. Orange cup corals dominate, and a camera strobe or dive light will reveal an explosion of vibrant orange and red colors, interlaced with splashes of deep yellow. Complementing the scene are schools of black bar soldierfish and snappers that swim in the wreck's interior. Another of Curaçao's international-known dive sites is Mushroom Forest, home to unique star coral formations that are tree-sized and fungoid-shaped. Sponges and boring clams have gnawed at the coral heads for decades, leaving clusters resembling gigantic lepiota mushrooms, their dusky brown and green "caps" overlapping in mounds like disorganized beach umbrellas. Dives at this site are often followed by a second dive or a snorkeling exploration of a nearby sea cave known as the Blue Room, where shadows and sunlight playoff schools of silversides and glassy-eyed sweepers. Other popular sites near the island's west end include Watamulao and Hell's Corner, which are known for abundant growths of sponges, anemones and gorgonians, plus more frequent sightings of sharks, barracuda and turtles. At the opposite end of the island, there are more than 15 excellent sites near East Point where steep drop-offs begin 40 to 50 feet from the surface and just yards from shore. Popular sites include Ship Wreck Point and Beacon Point, which start with a narrow reef flat that drops suddenly to depths of several hundred feet. Near-vertical contours are overgrown with orange elephant ear sponges, dense growths of giant split-pore sea rods and devil's sea whips, which look like long, slender serpents rising from the corals.

Passport and/or Visa Requirements

 

Entry Requirements: A valid passport is required for U.S. Citizens with at least one blank page for passport entry stamp. No visa is required for entry.

Exit Requirements: There is a departure tax of $39(US) per person, which should be included in your International Airline Ticket taxes. If you are traveling to another island from Curaçao, inter-island domestic departure taxes apply and should be included in your airline ticket

Immunizations

Vaccinations are not required for entry into Curaçao. Check with your doctor and the Centers for Disease Control on recommended vaccinations for travel at www.cdc.gov.

 

Culture and Customs

Blessed as one of the best natural harbors in the southern Caribbean, Curaçao has long been a regional crossroads not only for goods but also for people. This has resulted in a cultural fusion that includes more than 40 ethnic groups, each enriching the mix. Though Dutch is the official language, English is widely spoken and many islanders converse in Papiamentu, a dialect created from mixing of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and several African languages. The capital city of Willemstad is one of the oldest settlements in the Caribbean, dating back to the Dutch capture of the island from the Spanish in the early 17th century. Thanks to the well-protected harbor of St. Anna Bay, the town quickly grew into a busy trading port, and the seat of government for the Netherland Antilles. Today, most of the original colonial-era architecture survives and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The oldest part of the city, known as the Punda district, has always been Willemstad’s main shopping area. Here, pedestrian-only streets and narrow alleys create a picturesque atmosphere, full of life and color. Unique boutiques offer a diverse selection of European clothing, French perfumes, Japanese electronics, Irish crystal, English china, fine Italian leathers and Chinese embroidery, while sidewalk cafes serve up a tasty mix of island favorites and international flavors. Noteworthy landmarks include Fort Amsterdam, the Mikve Israel- Emanuel synagogue, which is the oldest in the western hemisphere and the Queen Emma floating bridge, a pontoon bridge. The Museum Kura Hulanda focuses on the slave trade, while the Maritime Museum recounts the island's nautical traditions. No visit is complete without a stop off at the floating market, where a colorful array of fruits and vegetables make their way from the nearby shores of Venezuela aboard small island trading vessels.

Electricity, Phone and Internet Access

Electricity in Curaçao is 127/120 volts at 50 cycles and they use 2 prong plugs, so most appliances made in the USA will work well and should not require an adapter.

Curaçao's country code is 5999 with a 7 digit local phone number following the country code. UTS and CT are a few of the local companies providing phone and internet service. Check with your provider to see what plans are available or you will be subject to roaming charges. Many hotels and restaurants offer WiFi.

Water Quality

The water quality from the tap is safe to drink according to the ADC (Analytic Diagnostic Center). Bottled water is also readily available for purchase.

Language & Currency

Dutch is the official language, while Papiamentu is the most commonly spoken language. English and Spanish are all widely spoken and understood. Papiamentu is a form of Creole indigenous particularly to Bonaire, Curaçao, and Aruba, where it is considered the national language. You'll sound like a pro if you say 'Bon Dia' (Good Morning) or "Danki" (Thank you) to the locals.

The local currency is the Antillean guilder, abbreviated as Nafl. or ANG (also called the florin.) The exchange rate is set at ANG 1.79 to USD $1. Credit cards are often accepted, so exchanging money is not necessary. ATM's are available for withdrawals in USD or local currency

Time

Curaçao is on Atlantic Standard Time (AST) and does not observe Daylight Savings Time. Curaçao is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-4 GMT).

Location, Size and Population

Curaçao is an island located in the Southern Caribbean Sea. Curaçao is 42 miles east of Aruba, 30 miles west of Bonaire and approximately 40 miles north of South America. The island of Curaçao is 37 miles long and 8 miles wide with an area of 171 square miles. The population of Curaçao is 158,635 (2016).

Top
#

caradonna