Description

Curacao was born millions of years ago, developing under the sea from lava rock on which coral has grown for centuries. For millions of years reefs have surrounded the island, attaching to the shore like a narrow fringe. In some places they are like beautiful gardens, with delicate corals and are home to brightly coloured tropical fish. In others, massive coral formations extend into depths with deep-water fish patrolling the plunging walls. It is no wonder that diving is one of the most popular sports on Curacao.

Stretching across the entire south coast, Curacao has over 60 identified dive sites to choose from with 44 of them equipped with chains. Experiencing the shallow reefs is unforgettable and once you descend into the depths, Curacao's most impressive natural sites will be unveiled. Coral reef Eco Tips Follow the sandy areas when swimming across the shallow part of a reef. It is easy to accidentally crush corals and disturb other animals Don't touch corals or hang of, rest on, or kick them. Corals are living animals and are damaged even by gentle handling. Avoid kicking up the sand. It spoils the visibility for others and damages corals and other reef animals when it settles.
Don't spearfish. It is prohibited.
*Be careful in underwater caverns and caves.
*Don't spend to long in there and avoid crowding; bubbles collect on the roof and reef animals can "drown" in air.
*Take your litter with you, and if you see litter , pick it up.
*Don't eat turtle. Marine turtles are endangered. Never anchor on corals. Tie up to a mooring buoy or jetty, or anchor carefully in sand or rubble patches.

Curaçao has much to offer for divers, especially beginners, but it is frequently overshadowed as a diving destination by the more popular Bonaire to which it is very similar. The best of the dive sites are located to the west of the island and forty out of the islands sixty sites are accessible from shore, keeping the cost of diving down. The reefs have suffered from over fishing in the past, so are depleted compared to some of the other Caribbean islands and commonly only small fish are found. However, Curaçao Underwater Park promotes conservation along its 12 mile (19km) reef with coral beds, walls and shallow wrecks. It is great for divers and snorkellers alike. There is entrance fees to go into the marine park. One of the islands best dive sites is the wreck of the Superior Producer, a seventy-metre long boat that has been resting on the seafloor for the past thirty years.