Curaçao, the largest of the ABC islands (including Aruba and Bonaire), is a world class diving destination with some of the most biodiverse reefs in the Caribbean. For this reason, we invite you to dive in Curaçao and experience it for yourself!
The sheltered south coast is rich in coral and suitable for divers of all levels, with few adverse conditions at any of the popular dive sites.
Where is the best place to scuba dive in Curaçao? Our Dutch Caribbean island has some very famous places for diving but Duiken Magazine helps us out with their picks of the Top 5 dive sites in Curaçao!
Top 5 Dive Sites in Curaçao
Tugboat Beach is one of the most visited snorkeling and diving spots on the island. Why? Largely because this famous Tugboat is easily accessible, about 50 meters from the beach, and it is one of the best shore diving, boat diving and snorkeling sites in Curaçao!
The Tugboat accidentally sometime in the early 1990’s and has been resting on the sandy bottom of Caracasbaai ever since. With now nearly four decades of bottom time, abundant amounts of reef fish circulate around the wreck that is beautifully covered with coral colonies and a variety of colorful sponges. The deepest point is approxiately 5 meters and the water is always very clear: also a nice place for snorkelers!
Are you a underwater photographer? If you are then the Tugboat is a macro haven but it is also a perfect place to take some exceptional wide-angle shots too – especially further on where you will find some sheer walls and drop-offs.
Depth: 5-30 meters Level: easy
Directors Bay – This was the private beach of the Dutch Royal Family, the directors of the Shell Oil Company and where special shark fencing was installed.
Since the bay opened to the public, the special shark fencing now rests on the drop off where is is covered with corals and sponges. Keep a watchful because seahorses like to hide there! There are no facilities in the bay, so bring your own food and drinks.
Depth: 23 meters Level: easy
Beacon Point – This dive site, inside the Curaçao Marine Park, is located on the western tip of Caracasbaai, between Jan Thiel and Lost Anchor. Diving here, you will enjoy immense pillar-shaped corals and sheer drop-offs where you may see big Jacks, Barracudas and even groupers hunting in the deep.
Be aware, the currents at Beacon Point can be very strong so we recommend this as a boat diving location only for intermediate to experienced divers.
Depth: 25 meters, Level: Beginner to intermediate
Smokeys – This beautiful dive site, inside the Curaçao Marine Park, is located on the far eastern side of Curaçao just past Fuikbaai, heading toward the undeveloped area of Eastpoint. Here, you will dive among the highest density of corals in the Caribbean with near perfect visibility. The chance of seeing sharks and rays is also high.
Depth: 20 meters, Level: Intermediate to experienced.
Sandy’s Plateau – This is a shallow but large plateau turns into a coral-covered wall. You will find many gorgonians and hard corals here. Look closely under the overhangs where Caribbean spiny lobsters are hiding and look into the vase sponges where crabs make their home.
Depth: 18 meters, Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Looking for more Curaçao diving sites? Use the Curacao Diving and Snorkeling Guide to dive in to more than 70 world class diving sites!
Diving Vacations and Trips in Curaçao
At its core, Dive Travel Curaçao is passionately committed to provide exceptional value, high quality diving vacations and personalized service. This dedication ensures that you get the chance to experience the BEST of Curaçao, both above and below the waterline.
Planning your next trip but wondering where to stay? Accommodation is a prominent part of the travel experience, which is why Dive Travel Curaçao has partnered with the BEST Curaçao Dive Resorts and Apartments for individual, group, and family dive vacation packages.
