Just off the coast of Venezuela lies Curaçao, a top destination for every level of diver. As the largest of the ABC (Aruba and Bonaire) Islands, Curaçao has some of the most diverse reefs in the Caribbean. 

Because of its location, Curaçao is usually shielded by land from hurricanes. This means it’s a great destination to visit during hurricane season and that the reefs are in good condition for shore diving!

Curaçao is known for its vibrant culture, colorful architecture and stunning beaches. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, art galleries, historic landmarks or simply relax on one of the island’s many white sandy beaches. With its warm climate, friendly locals and unique cultural attractions, Curaçao is a must-visit destination.

What To Expect

Scuba Diving

Curaçao is a popular diving destination due to its clear waters, healthy reefs and diverse marine life. Scuba Diving Magazine has recognized the island as a “Best Overall Caribbean Dive Destination”, and for a good reason. Curaçao has over 70 different dive sites to choose from, and divers can enjoy unlimited shore diving. Since the island is so close to South America, it is usually protected from hurricanes, creating ideal conditions for shore diving! There is always something new to explore in Curaçao.

Some of the best dive sites include Tugboat, Barracuda Point, Booby Trap and Diver’s Leap. As you make your giant stride in, you’ll be greeted by vibrant corals and SO MANY FISH! Keep an eye out for lots of turtles and angelfish.

You might see:

• Seahorses
• Sea turtles
• Grouper
• Barracuda
• Moray eels
• Angelfish
• Stingrays

Recommended Specialty Courses

• Coral identification
• Fish identification
• Boat diving
• Perfect buoyancy
• Night & limited visibility
• Deep diving

Conservation Efforts

Green Fins 

The Island of Curaçao believes in diving for a purpose. That’s why we dive with Ocean Encounters, the leading sustainable dive tourism operator on the island. Ocean Encounters is a Green Fins Digital member. Green Fins is a public-private initiative of the United Nations Environmental Program and The Reef World Foundation. They provide the only internationally recognized code of conduct used to reduce the environmental impact of the diving and snorkeling industry. To read more, click here.

Reef Renewal Curaçao 

Reef Renewal Curaçao is an initiative dedicated to improving coral restoration techniques and innovations. This organization is sponsored by Ocean Encounters Curaçao which believes in education, setting an example and making a change. Just like Diventures, they are using their passion and the power of water to impact lives, change the world and also have fun doing it. To read more, click here.

SECORE International

The restoration team also works closely with SECORE International, who Diventures also supports, to “constantly improve restoration techniques, innovations and share the data collection to benefit the shallow water reef systems of Curaçao and the greater Caribbean region,” (Ocean Encounters). Be on the lookout for upcoming trips, webinars and articles with SECORE.