Curacao
Curacao is a long, arid, and generally flat island, stretching some 40 miles from southeast to northwest. The island is about 10 miles at its widest point, and the area is about 180 square miles, making it the largest island in the Dutch Caribbean Islands group. One of the more notable things about this island are the stretches of brightly colored buildings in Willemstad. This may have begun back in 1817 when the former governor Albert Kikkert allegedly complained of getting headaches from looking at all of the bright white buildings which reflected the sun’s rays. It is speculated that after all of the buildings were repainted Kikkert may have had a different reason behind his order as it was said that he was part owner of a local paint factory. Curacao offers both shore and boat diving, with the dive sites being protected by strong currents. You might see dolphins, rays and turtles. Seahorses, frogfish as well as mantis shrimp can be spotted. The visibility is great due to little runoff and waters are warm all year long.
dive and tour
Curacao
Go West Diving (DI)
Located away from the hustle and bustle of downtown in the small fishing village of Westpunt, Go West Diving’s proximity affords them easy access to top-rated shore and boat diving sites, including Mushroom Forest, Curaçao's signature dive. Go West Diving is a PADI 5 Star Dive Center operates three boats that comfortably handle 16 – 18 divers each on a two-tank dive. Their northwest location offers proximity to Curacao’s most beautiful dive sites.
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Ocean Encounters (DI)
Ocean Encounters is Curaçao’s premier 5-star dive resort, known for its fun, customer service oriented staff, and quality products. They offer dive courses, daily boat departures, trips to Klein Curaçao & Mushroom Forest, snorkel activities, dolphin dives, private boat charters, watersports, and much more. Join them on one of four large, comfortable boats for an unforgettable Caribbean experience! Ocean Encounters is conveniently located on the popular Mambo beach with facilities at LionsDive Beach Resort and Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino. Ocean Encounters is the proud initiator and primary sponsor of the Coral Restoration Curaçao and also has a strong commitment to sustainability.
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The Dive Bus
The Dive Bus was Curacao's first dive center to offer quality, comfortable, and seriously fun shore diving. No crowds or ‘cattle boats guaranteed’, just small, friendly, fun dive groups and great diving. These days, they still roll the same way, and The Dive Bus is now a PADI 5 Star Dive Center, and Curacao's first PADI Green Star and 100% Project AWARE Dive Center. And HEAPS of Dive Busers return to dive, learn and hang out, year after year! The Dive Buses are a lot more comfortable and spacious than a typical dive boat - and no sea sickness, guaranteed! There's plenty of room on-board for you and everything you need for fun, relaxed 2-tank guided Dive Bus trips around Curacao - including your lunch! Unless you enjoy gearing up on a bouncy, crowded dive boat, shore-diving on-board the Dive Bus is the most relaxed way to dive Curacao.
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exploreLodging
Curacao
All West Apartments
All West Apartments is located away from the hustle and bustle of downtown in the small fishing village of Westpunt, and their proximity affords them easy access to top-rated shore and boat diving site, including Mushroom Forest, Curaçao's signature dive. Guests staying at All West Apartments Curacao enjoy postcard-worthy ocean views from every apartment unit. Each spacious unit includes front-door parking and a private terrace or balcony with breathtaking views. The kitchens include all that is needed to comfortably cook in, grill on the sundeck, or dine out at any one of several nearby restaurants. There is also a satellite dive facility with tanks and gear storage for easy 24/7 diving.
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Avila Beach Hotel
Avila Beach Hotel’s rooms are well designed, comfortable, have modern technology and make our guests feel looked after. Avila Beach Hotel’s three different hotel wings offer completely diverse hotel rooms matching all the various needs and to enjoy Curacao to the fullest. Review the full range of the available hotel rooms and apartments to make your Curacao vacation at the Avila Beach Hotel a truly memorable one.
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Kontiki Beach Resort
At the most beautiful island in the Caribbean, on the most desirable beach of tropical Curacao you will find Kontiki Beach Resort. This luxury resort offers everything to make your holiday an unforgettable experience. You are welcome for a memorable and exotic stay. The resort has an extraordinary set up and is built with natural materials.
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Lion's Dive Beach Resort
There’s no better place to start off your idyllic Curaçao vacation than at LionsDive Beach Resort. With a cozy, casual atmosphere set amidst a stunning tropical location, whether you’re a beach-lover or an active traveller, it’s the perfect resort for everyone.
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Sunscape Curacao
Memories created at Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino last a lifetime. Grab some snorkel gear and step right from our beach into the crystal-clear Caribbean waters that a host of marine life call home. Show off your skills on a stand-up paddleboard or catch a boat right from our pier for an unforgettable dive adventure. Shopping and sightseeing more your speed? Take a shuttle into downtown Willemstad for the opportunity to sightsee!
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Curacao