Black Coral Garden
Black Coral Garden at San Nicholas
Located in the area of Soto – Curacao, Black Coral Garden is located between Hell’s Corner and REDIHO, this dive site is named for the rare and nearly extinct black corals. This west end scuba diving site features black-coral trees, sea fans and bottlebrush.
The skeletons of black corals are dark; hence the description as ‘black,’ but the polyps have varying colors — red, white, orange, green and yellow. Since they lack symbiotic algae, black corals can be found thousands of feet deep.
This Black Coral Garden dive is generally done parallel with the wall, as an out-and-back to the boat. It’s an easy dive site, with little to no current to speak of when we dove it. As with most wall dives, it’s easy to slip down too deep while admiring all of the beautiful and rare corals and other marine life.
We always want to be careful around corals to avoid damaging them, but take extra caution in this spot in particular, as black corals take over a century to re-establish. Admire these rare beauties and keep a close watch on your buoyancy.
Dive Site Recommendations
- Dive Type: Boat
- Snorkel Site: No
- Experience Level: Open Water (Min)
- Depth: 0 -120ft (0 – 36m)
Special Notes
Due to recreational & commercial boat traffic, an inflated surface marker buoy is mandatory when shore diving. Consult a recommended Curaçao Dive Operator for additional details & recommendations.
Curaçao Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Guide
About the Area around Black Coral Garden
Landhuis San Nicolas is a private estate located on the West side of the island with 3 private beaches. Situated on a hill, it offers stunning panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and Santa Martha Bay. The pristine natural surroundings of this 300-acre former plantation make it a unique setting.
About Curaçao
Curaçao speaks to the curious explorer in us all!
Home to more than 35 captivating beaches, a diverse heritage spanning 55 different cultures, ‘live and let live’ attitude and unrivaled European architecture; Curaçao remains one of the most exceptional islands of the region. Its capital city, Willemstad — a UNESCO World Heritage site — with its iconic colorful Handelskade backdrop and roster of museums, monuments, flavorful restaurants and shopping, was selected in 2013 as one of the Top 5 Cities in the Caribbean by Condé Nast Traveler’s readers.
Curaçao’s natural beauty, pristine diving and snorkeling sites are a favorite with divers and adventure seekers, and its beaches and idyllic weather, situated on the outer fringes of the Hurricane Belt, has won it further accolade and recognition.
