Diving Curacao
While the majority of diving is done from boats, there is a fair amount of shore diving in Curacao. Curacao has several dive sites with a lot of big orange elephant ear sponges and barrel sponges, especially around 70 to 100 feet. Massive coral formations extend into the depths with deep-water fish patrolling the plunging walls. Stretching across the entire south coast, Curacao has over 60 identified sites to dive with around 40 of them accessible from shore. There are a number of excellent wrecks adding variety to the underwater scenery. The cargo ship Superior Producer sank just outside Willemstad harbor. Lying in 100 feet, the superstructure is covered in beautiful corals and anemones. All of Curacao’s dive sites are both well preserved and alive with marine life.
Very little diving is done on Curacao’s north coast because of rough seas. However, for short periods between August and December, the water is calm enough for diving.
Best time to dive
The main factor affecting diving in Curacao is the wind. The trade winds blow year-round, but are highest from January through April. The best dive months are June through November.
Visibility
Visibility is generally 100+ feet.
Water temperatures
Water temperatures average 78 to 84 °F.
Weather and climate
Curacao has a warm sunny climate year round. Trade winds blow constantly from the east, picking up in the spring months. Temperatures average during the day 85 °F and at night 76 °F. The trade winds blow year-round, but are highest from January through April.
Language
Dutch is the primary language, but Papiamentu (a mixture of Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, English, French, and African languages) is spoken by the locals. Most people speak English and Spanish as well.
Passport/Visa requirements
U.S. and UK citizens require either a passport or an original birth certificate accompanied by an official photo ID such as a driver’s license. No visa is required for stays of up to three months. Citizens of other countries require a valid passport. No visa is required for stays up to 14 days. For stays between 14 and 30 days a certificate of admission for a temporary visit will be issued on arrival. Travelers are required to have a return or onward ticket, documents necessary for next destination, and sufficient funds.
Currency
Netherlands Antillean Guilder (also called the Florin) – Get exchange rates at http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Electrical current
110 to 130 volts/50 cycles, similar but not identical to the U.S. standard. It is recommended to use surge protectors with sensitive equipment.
Capital
Willemstad
General information
The largest of the Netherland Antilles islands, Curacao’s population of 150,000 is made up of 55 nationalities. This diversity extends throughout the island’s culture, environment and topside activities. Curacao is best known for its European atmosphere. Nowhere else in the world outside of the Netherlands are there so many exquisite 17th and 18th Century Dutch colonial buildings.
Historic Dutch architecture abounds both in the capital city, Willemstad and throughout the countryside where the Landhouses (Plantations) have often been converted into public venues. In the center of downtown, the famed “floating bridge” divides Willemstad into two sides, Punda and Otrabanda where the cruise ships dock and shopping is a favorite activity. As the most populated island of the Netherlands Antilles, Curacao also has plenty of nightlife including restaurants, casinos, and nightclubs, many with a distinct Dutch flavor.
Map
Get a map of Curacao from WorldAtlas.com.