The evolution of Ocean Encounters is a remarkable journey through four decades of innovation, growth, and environmental stewardship in Curaçao. What began in 1986 as Underwater Curaçao—a bold collaboration with diving legend Peter Hughes and the founders of the Curaçao Sea Aquarium—has transformed into Ocean Encounters, a modern PADI 5 Star IDC Dive Resort.
Today, Ocean Encounters stands as one of the best dive shops in the Caribbean. They are continually recognized for their exceptional service, professional dive experiences, and unwavering commitment to eco-dive tourism. This is the story of their extraordinary evolution.
Now headquartered at LionsDive Beach Resort, with additional locations at Sunscape Curaçao Resort and the new TUI BLUE Curaçao, Ocean Encounters also services neighboring accommodations. They include Avila Beach Hotel and Dolphin Suites.
Ocean Encounters is more than just a dive shop. They have become a cornerstone for the dive tourism industry in Curaçao. They champion coral reef conservation and continue to elevate Curaçao’s global brand as a premier scuba diving destination in the Caribbean.
In 2026, we celebrate their 40 years of scuba diving excellence in Curaçao. Join us as we dive into the evolution of Ocean Encounters, an award winning PADI 5 Star IDC dive operation.
Table of Contents
The Evolution of Ocean Encounters in Curaçao
A Curaçao Scuba Diving Legacy Begins with Underwater Curaçao (1986)
The evolution of Ocean Encounters began with the establishment of Underwater Curaçao in 1986. At that time, Curaçao was still emerging as a dive destination. Industry pioneer Peter Hughes, alongside the visionaries who developed the Curaçao Sea Aquarium, saw the island’s potential and laid the foundation for a dive operation that would help put Curaçao on the global scuba diving map.
Underwater Curaçao was one of the island’s first professional dive shops, offering high-quality training, multi-day boat diving excursions, and marine education in partnership with the nearby Sea Aquarium. This initial phase set the tone for a legacy defined by innovation, customer care, and ocean advocacy—marking the first milestone in the evolution of what would become Ocean Encounters.
With the development of the Curaçao Sea Aquarium Park, including the Marine Education and Research Center, the synergy between marine education and eco-tourism became a foundational ethos. This would later evolve into a defining characteristic of Ocean Encounters.
The Evolution, Transition and Growth into Ocean Encounters
As the 1990s and early 2000s ushered in new opportunities in Caribbean tourism, Underwater Curaçao evolved into Ocean Encounters, a brand that would soon be known across the region. This transformation reflected more than a name change. It represented a new phase in the operation’s evolution, focused on expanding services, refining professionalism, and creating unforgettable underwater experiences.
Ocean Encounters firmly established its home base at LionsDive Beach Resort, strategically located near world-renowned dive sites like Stella Maris, Shipwreck Point, and the iconic Car Pile wreck. The operation quickly grew. They added a second full-service dive center at Sunscape Curaçao Resort, an all-inclusive property catering to families, groups, and vacationers seeking convenience and adventure.
Pioneering Eco-Dive Tourism: Founding Reef Renewal Curaçao
A further defining moment in the evolution of Ocean Encounters came with the founding of Reef Renewal Curaçao, a non-profit initiative dedicated to coral reef restoration. More than a decade ago, Ocean Encounters recognized the urgent need to protect Curaçao’s underwater ecosystems and took action by becoming the founding sponsor of this critical conservation effort.
Since then, the dive operation has provided ongoing financial and logistical support to Reef Renewal Curaçao, helping to grow and maintain coral nurseries, train volunteer divers, and expand reef restoration activities along Curaçao’s southern coast. This commitment is a shining example of how the evolution of a dive business can align with the evolution of environmental responsibility.
Through partnerships with global conservation organizations like PADI AWARE, Green Fins (REEF-World Foundation), SECORE International, and Stream2Sea, Ocean Encounters has embedded eco-dive practices into its core operations. From reef-safe dive briefings to educational experiences, guests become active participants in ocean conservation.
A New Chapter: The Peek Family Takes the Helm (2018)
The next major leap in the evolution of Ocean Encounters came in 2018, when the Peek Family took over ownership. Bringing with them a wealth of experience, passion, and business acumen, the Peeks injected new energy and purpose into the dive operation. Their vision was clear: to preserve Ocean Encounters’ legacy while guiding it into a future where sustainability, innovation, and personalized service would be front and center.
Under the Peeks’ leadership, Ocean Encounters evolved into a multi-resort dive operation that seamlessly integrates dive education, adventure, and eco-tourism. Investments in staff training, logistics, and guest experience helped elevate the brand to new heights, while the family’s values ensured that Ocean Encounters stayed true to its roots—delivering quality, safety, and fun on every dive.
With this new chapter came the opportunity to service neighboring accommodations like the historic Avila Beach Hotel, and Dolphin Suites, a hotel designed for accessibility and comfort. This growth phase in Ocean Encounters’ evolution solidified its reputation as a leading dive operator that catered to a wide range of divers.
The Evolution Continues in 2026
A Modern Dive Operation for All Divers
Today, in 2026, the evolution of Ocean Encounters is evident in every aspect of its operation. As a PADI 5 Star IDC Dive Resort, it delivers world-class scuba diving and training to thousands of visitors each year. Whether you’re a first-time diver or a seasoned pro, Ocean Encounters offers:
- Expert-led PADI dive training from beginner to professional levels
- Daily two-tank boat dives to top dive sites across Curaçao
- High-quality gear rentals, including Nitrox and CRESSI rental equipment
- Family-friendly snorkeling and Discover Scuba Diving experiences
- Customizable dive packages and private dive trips
What sets Ocean Encounters apart is not just the quality of diving. It is the evolutionary mindset that drives constant improvement and adaptation. The team actively listens to guest feedback. They support inclusive diving programs and and cultivate a warm, community-like atmosphere that keeps guests coming back year after year.
A Dive Shop That Feels Like Home
One of Ocean Encounters’ most remarkable qualities is the dive community it fosters. Divers return year after year, not just for the reefs but for the staff that remembers your name. The instructors who inspire confidence, and guides who share local marine knowledge with passion.
This familial atmosphere is a hallmark of Ocean Encounters’ culture. The team operates not as a commercial machine, but as a tight-knit group of ocean ambassadors. Together they are dedicated to making every dive memorable.
The operation also goes above and beyond to accommodate adaptive divers. They promote inclusive scuba programs, and support educational initiatives in local schools.
Ocean Encounters Opening Dive Operations at TUI BLUE Curaçao
There is exciting news for scuba divers planning a Caribbean dive vacation in 2026 — and it starts with a partnership that has been a long time coming.
Set amid the untouched beauty of Santa Martha Bay, with Christoffelberg Mountain rising in the distance and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea shimmering at your feet, TUI BLUE Curaçao is more than a hotel — it is a destination where adventure meets serenity. And beginning September 1, 2026, that destination will have a world-class dive operation to match.
Ocean Encounters at TUI BLUE Curaçao marks the beginning of a defining new chapter for diving on the island’s spectacular west coast. Curaçao’s Premier PADI 5 Star IDC Dive Shop will operate exclusively on-site, delivering multi-day boat diving, unlimited shore diving, a full range of PADI scuba diving courses, and all-inclusive Sleep and Dive vacation packages — all from one of the most strategically positioned dive resort locations in the entire Caribbean.
Sleep and Dive Packages: Available Now
Sleep and Dive vacation packages at TUI BLUE Curaçao with Ocean Encounters are open for booking now, with dive operations commencing September 1, 2026.
Contact the reservations team at Dive Travel Curaçao to start building your personalized dive vacation package. Our dive travel specialists will tailor every detail — all-inclusive accommodations at TUI BLUE Curaçao, multi-day boat diving with Ocean Encounters to Curaçao’s best west coast sites, unlimited shore diving air on boat diving days, round-trip airport transportation, and curated experiences both above and below the waterline.
Curaçao is calling. The reef is waiting. Let’s get you in the water.
Celebrating the 40 Year Evolution of Ocean Encounters
The evolution of Ocean Encounters over 40 years is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and integrity. From its origin as Underwater Curaçao to its present-day status as one of the Caribbean’s top dive operations, the journey has been one of continuous growth and positive impact.
Ocean Encounters has helped shape Curaçao’s dive industry. They have also played a crucial role in protecting the island’s marine heritage. Through Reef Renewal Curaçao and countless sustainability initiatives, the company proves that tourism and conservation can thrive together.
As we celebrate this incredible milestone in 2026, we applaud the entire Ocean Encounters team! Their outstanding contribution to scuba diving tourism, marine conservation, and the global dive community is a legacy to be proud of!
“Congratulations, Ocean Encounters, on 40 Years of Scuba Diving Excellence! You inspire divers, protect our reefs, and set a high standard for eco-dive tourism in Curaçao and beyond. Here’s to many more years of scuba diving adventures, conservation, and community leadership.”
Bryan Horne, Founder and Managing Director of Dive Curaçao
Plan Your Curaçao Dive Vacation with Ocean Encounters
Are you ready to dive into the rich blue waters of Curaçao? Then gear up and get ready to experience the legacy of Ocean Encounters for yourself. Let our team at Dive Travel Curaçao help you plan a personalized scuba diving vacation to Curaçao. Experience accommodations at high-quality resorts like LionsDive Beach Resort, Avila Beach Hotel, TUI BLUE Curaçao, Sunscape Curaçao, or Dolphin Suites.
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or part of a dive group, Dive Travel Curaçao offers custom Sleep & Dive vacation packages that include:
- Multi-day boat diving and shore diving experiences with Ocean Encounters
- Dive Resort accommodations
- Airport transfers and car rentals
- Guided island tours and non-diving activities
- Reef Renewal Curaçao experiences
Contact Dive Travel Curaçao Today!
🌐 Contact our Reservations Team
📞 Call Toll-free (US/CAN) +1-855-650-1558 or WhatsApp +5999-699-5297
Let us help you make your dive dreams come true in Curaçao—with Ocean Encounters at your side.
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