What are the Top 5 Reasons to Dive Curaçao?
Are you thinking of, or planning for, your next dive vacation? Then dive in to the Top 5 Reasons why you should consider the Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao for your next diving vacation destination!
As avid dive travelers we absolutely look forward to packing up our dive gear, boarding a plane, and then disembarking on arrival with a childlike anticipation of getting our fins wet!
So believe me, as soon as the plane lands at Hato International Airport and that famous dry heat hits you square in the forehead, you will quickly realize that Curacao is not the typical Caribbean dive vacation destination.
# 1: Curacao is a Unique and Authentic Caribbean island
One of the top 5 reasons that you should consider traveling to Curacao is that this Dutch Caribbean island is not a typical dive vacation destination.
“Eat, Sleep, Dive Repeat” are typical words associated with premier dive destinations. However, Curaçao is not a typical world class dive and vacation destination because in addition to incredible scuba diving there is also “an endless amount of things to do” too!
About Curaçao
Curaçao is in the heart of the Dutch Caribbean, surrounded by its sister islands, Bonaire and Aruba.
Today, Curaçao is a proud independent country within the Dutch Kingdom that is 61 km (38 miles) long and between 5-14 kms (3-9 miles) across and located approximately 60 km (37 miles) north of Venezuela.
Curacao has a population of approximately 160,000 inhabitants and a modern infrastructure, including the highest bridge and the largest shipping port in the Caribbean. Though this little Dutch Caribbean island is best known for its colorful colonial waterfront in Willemstad, too few know about the rainbow of vibrant coral and marine life under its waters.
With a unique blend of history, culture, language, food and music and incredible diving, Curaçao is distinguishing itself from other Caribbean and worldwide destinations. In addition, the island’s dive industry partners are invested in regular / ongoing and extensive initiatives for marine conservation and sustainable tourism.
How do you Pronounce Curacao?
Humility and the ability to have a laugh at our own expense is sometimes one of the best attributes a nation of people can have!
The fact that the island of Curaçao also makes its own branded version of a World Famous liqueur does not hurt either! So, let’s have some fun and teach you how to properly pronounce Curacao!
The name starts with a hard ‘C’, while the ‘ç’ (c-cedilla) is pronounced as an “S”. So, this means that Curaçao is pronounced as ‘Cure-ah-souw’.
So, no, it isn’t Kurákao, kurako or kurasiao. Those are definitely not the correct way to pronounce Curaçao.
In Curaçao, we speak a Creole language which is called Papiamentu. Curaçao in Papiamentu is pronounced as ‘Kòrsou’
Curacao is the BEST KEPT SECRET in the Caribbean
No one is sure how Curaçao got its name, but one theory is that it comes from the Portuguese word that means “heart”, since the island was the center of commerce in the seventeenth century.
Although the name has remained, Portuguese is only one of the languages that you will hear on the island of Curacao: Papiamento, Dutch, English and Spanish are the others.
Traveler Tip: Language of Curaçao – Papiamento for tourists
# 2: Welcoming and Positive Caribbean Vibes
Any night of the week you can find some kind of nightlife in Curacao. Nightlife is one of the best things to do in Curacao which includes massive annual events and festivals!
Music festivals, such as the Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival, arrive on the island frequently, and many of the beaches such as Mambo Beach have become popular sunset gathering areas where happy hours are offered at the bars and restaurants.
There are also many discrete lounges and bars too, especially in the historic Pietermaai District or in the downtown core of Willemstad.
Travelers Tip: Discover Punda Vibes’ every Thursday night. This event has turned into weekly habit with a clear mission to make you fall in love with our dushi Punda. It has become a celebration of Punda’s vibrant history where you can find a booming art scene, pop-up craft markets, live theater, and even historic dancing! Punda Vibes is definitely a weekly event not to be missed!
# 3: Incredible Tastes and Flavors – a Foodie’s Utopia!
Curaçao has a lot to offer when it comes to your culinary experience. The restaurants on Curaçao have a variety of local dishes, but the international cuisine is also well represented on the island.
Dive In & Taste it for Yourself
Eating is an important part of Antillean culture, and it would be a shame if you didn’t enjoy it. One of the nicest things about vacation is discovering new dishes from the local kitchen. Lunch is just as important on Curacao as dinner. There are plenty of restaurants and eateries on Curacao, but where is the best place to go?
Discover the 10 Best Restaurants in Curaçao for lunch and dinner!
“Although the history of Curacao has many different European influences, the island has been part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands since it was colonized by the Dutch. You will notice it even before leaving the airport: blue and white porcelain dishes and delicious Dutch snacks are sold throughout the island as souvenirs, and the capital, Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features a recognizable Dutch architecture of gabled roofs and curved eaves.”[1]
# 4: Traveler’s love Curaçao
Whatever travel type you may be (family travel, scuba diver, adventure traveler, couples, groups, romantic, and many more) we can assure you that you can find things to do in Curacao, and matching accommodations (ranging from five star resorts to hostels) that will fit any budget.
Create your Own Experience, On Your Own Terms
What makes Curaçao so special is that there is something here for everyone with activities ranging from restaurants to shopping, street parties, beach clubs and so much more. In addition, with more 70 pristine dive sites and 40 beautiful beaches on the island, you will have no trouble finding your own personal paradise where you are in control of the privacy settings.
# 5: Curaçao is a diver’s wonderland!
Of course the top 5 reasons to Dive Curaçao would not be complete if we did not mention all of the incredible diving, freediving and snorkeling opportunities.
Use the Curacao Diving Guide that has over 70 world class dive sites plotted on an interactive map to start formulating your Curaçao dive plan with our top 5 picks for the eastside and the westside.
The fringing reefs of Curaçao are some of the most healthy and bio-diverse in the entire Caribbean region. Therefore it is no surprise that our Dutch Caribbean island is one of the Top 10 Dive and Vacation destinations in the World.
Whether you are a snorkeler, a freediver, a novice diver or saturated veteran, you will find a perfect dive site in Curaçao for your level.
Are you Ready to Dive Curaçao?
We have only scratched the surface because there are many more reasons than these top 5 to Dive Curacao!
CLICK HERE for the Curacao Dive Travel Guide for local tips and advice. We are sure you will find even more reasons to Dive Curaçao!
But if you are ready to start planning your next Caribbean travel adventure then visit Dive Travel Curaçao today to explore the endless possibilities!
Need more convincing? Read: 9 Reasons to Visit Curacao, the Caribbean Island You’re Pronouncing Wrong, Smarter Travel