Curaçao is a separate country and island within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, approximately 65 km north of Venezuela. The capital of Curaçao is Willemstad. Together with Aruba and Bonaire, Curaçao forms part of the ABC Islands.
Together, Curaçao, Aruba, and other Dutch islands in the Caribbean are often referred to as the Dutch Caribbean. It is the largest of the ABC islands in terms of both area and population.

Willemstad, known for its vibrant and pastel-colored architecture, the Otrob areaanda (The Other Side) is today listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding architecture and cultural value, the iconic Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge and the lively floating market. The city is also the origin of the famous blue Curaçao liqueur and is a hub for shopping, dining.

The island has a hilly topography with its highest point, Christoffelberg, reaching 372 meters above sea level. There are 37 beaches here, most of which are located on the south side of the island. Curaçao also has a dark history as it was for a time the slave center of the Caribbean. This is well documented in the world-famous, fascinating and moving museum Kurá Hulanda which is well worth a visit.

How much does a diving trip to Curaçao cost?

A diving trip to Curaçao can have a completely different price tag depending on a number of factors that you can read more about here on our website. A typical diving trip with flights, transfers, accommodation and diving for a week should cost from approx. +30 - 40 000 SEK and up. It is always difficult to say without more information and several factors can influence, you can find examples here on our siteContact us at Scuba Travel and ask for a free proposal for more details and more accurate pricing for your diving trip to Curaçao.

When is the best time to go to Curacao?

The best time to visit and dive in Curaçao is usually January to September, which coincides with the dry season. However, Curaçao is an excellent diving destination all year round, as its location on the south side of the island and far south in the Gulf of Mexico provides protection from strong northeast winds. This makes shore diving calm and safe almost any time of year, and marine life is good year-round.

o Dry season, January – September
o Wet season, October – December

What can I see when I dive in Curaçao?

The marine life in Curaçao is rich but quite similar wherever you dive. There are sloping reefs with mainly hard corals but also swaying coral forests with soft coral, sandy bottoms and walls with sponges and gorgonians seen here. Generally the diving is easy and you swim straight out and follow the reef and then come back to shallower water. Schools with different species of fish, invertebrates and sometimes larger animals such as sharks and rays can show up with a little luck. There are a couple of wrecks and an exciting cave or overhang which is an exciting experience.

Animals and nature

Curaçao offers a rich wildlife and nature. The semi-arid landscape supports unique flora and fauna including the Curaçao white-tailed deer, many species of iguanas and the iconic flamingos found in the island's salt flats. The birdlife is rich and includes hummingbirds, parakeets, large seabirds to small finches and others. There are also several reptile species, a few orchids that are particularly tolerant to drought and several species of cacti.

The island is known for its diverse ecosystems, from the rugged terrain of the National Park, a haven for endemic birds and plants, to the species-rich coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. It is also home to sea turtles and other marine life. There is also a national park where sea turtles come to lay their eggs.

Where is the best diving in Curaçao?

The “best” diving in Curaçao depends entirely on your wishes and what you like. Some of the most popular places are, for example, the Superior Producers wreck for those who like wreck diving. The wreck is also a place with a lot of marine life. Like on its neighboring island Bonaire, most dive sites are located on the western side of the island, which is less exposed to the weather and wind. There is a popular cave or cavern here that attracts both divers and snorkelers. There are some places with somewhat unusual coral formations. Curaçao offers a rich marine life and many dive sites are accessible from the shore. Since the island is small, diving is easy to experience and find your best dive. 

Is there liveaboarding in Curaçao?

No, there are no liveaboards in Curaçao. All diving is done directly from land or by boat that takes you out to dive sites for the day's diving. For those of you who want to go on a liveaboard to another destination in the Caribbean or elsewhere or for those of you who are considering alternatives for diving in Curaçao, contact us with your wishes and concerns at tel: 0301-22100 – Departures

Great species richness

Curaçao's marine life includes various species of coral, both soft and hard. Here you will find fish species such as parrotfish, shoalfish, angelfish, seahorses and frogfish and snappers. Invertebrates such as shrimp and crabs, squid and anemones are common. Sea turtles, moray eels and barracudas are also found here. With a little luck, larger animals such as stingrays, bull sharks, nurse sharks, dolphins, whale sharks and manta rays may show up at the reef edge or on the wide sandy plains outside the reef

For those of you who don't dive

If you are not diving in Curaçao, you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling at many beautiful beaches. A must is to take a day and explore the colorful historic capital of Willemstad. Visit the Curaçao Sea Aquarium, discover national parks such as Shete Boka, experience local culture at the Curaçao Liqueur Distillery and try the local food. One tip is to rent a bike or car and get around the island. Some day you can take a boat trip to Klein Curaçao where you have lunch and enjoy the beach and sea.