Stella Maris Shipwreck
Stella Maris Shipwreck at LionsDive Beach Resort Curacao
Ideally located inside the Curaçao National Marine Park, the Stella Maris Reef is the house reef of LionsDive Beach Resort & Ocean Encounters Diving. This site is named the Stella Maris shipwreck (see below) located on deep water plateau far below the shallow water coral nurseries set up by Reef Renewal Curaçao.
What makes this dive site so special is the abundant health of the beautiful fringing reef system due to the constant easterly currents pushing rich nutrients along the shoreline.
Coral Restoration at Stella Maris
Reef Renewal Curaçao is an initiative of Ocean Encounters and supported by the community, sponsors, volunteers and Reef Renewal International. The main objectives of this program are the restoration of our shallow water reef system, educating the community and protecting and preserving Curaçao’s natural ecosystems.
“The significance of this Curacao reef restoration program is that together as a community here on Curacao, we are restoring our shallow water reef system while educating our youth about the importance of protecting and preserving our natural ecosystem.”
Dive Site Recommendations
- Dive Type: Shore
- Snorkel Site: Yes
- Experience Level: Open Water (Min)
- Depth: 20 -120ft (6-36m)
Special Notes
Due to recreational & commercial boat traffic, an inflated surface marker buoy is mandatory when shore diving. Consult the onsite and recommended Curaçao Dive Operator, Ocean Encounters for additional details & recommendations.
Curaçao Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Guide
The Shipwreck of the Stella Maris
Explore the wreck of the Stella Maris today!
At approximately 450 feet (137 m), the shipwreck of the Stella Maris has been resting quietly on the seafloor for over three decades. This 300 foot (90 m) freighter was seized in late 80’s by Curaçao Authorities because it was smuggling drugs. Somewhat later it was sold for 1 guilder ($0.56 USD) with the intention to place it carefully on a deep water plateau in front of LionsDive Beach Resort as a new artificial reef.
Sadly, the sinking of the Stella Maris did not go as planned and it completely missed the intended deep water plateau at approximately 180 feet. Instead, the Stella Maris slid over the top of a wall located at 260 feet and now rests on its starboard side on a deeper plateau that starts at approximately 430 feet at the bottom of the bow to 465 feet at the bottom of the stern.
Curacao Submarine Adventure Worth Exploring
Exploring the shipwreck of the Stella Maris with Substation Curaçao aboard the Curasub, is a Curacao submarine adventure worth exploring where you will have an opportunity to dive into a world that only a handful of people have ventured before.
“After I release the ballast air, your journey will start with a slow & even descent along the sloping drop offs around the Ocean Lens Curaçao located here at Shipwreck Point. The beauty of these incredible dives is the kaleidoscope of color & the unexpected variety of life that you will encounter well beyond the recreational scuba diving limits. It is another world that exists on these deep reefs and this is your chance for a trip into an inner space to observe an incredible world only a few know. Truly, it is another world of life, wonder and amazement.” says Bruce Brandt, head Engineer and Pilot
When you are on Curaçao next, stop by Substation Curacao, consider this Curacao adventure to turn your dreams into a reality too by becoming a Deep-Sea Explorer aboard the Curasub. It is a bucket list experience that you will not soon forget!
Start Your Next Deep Adventure Today!
Protecting what we love at Stella Maris
About LionsDive Beach Resort
Located on the beautiful dive and snorkel site of the Stella Maris, there is simply no better place to start off your idyllic Curaçao vacation than at LionsDive Beach Resort. With a cozy, casual atmosphere set amidst a stunning tropical location, whether you’re a beach-lover or an active traveller, it’s the perfect resort for everyone.
Whether you are travelling alone, as a romantic couple, or with family and friends, the resort offers a range of rooms including: standard hotel rooms with garden views and sea views; 2-bedroom apartments around the 50-meter pool; luxurious suites with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea; and for our truly discerning guests, we offer a luxurious 200m² penthouse!
LionsDive Beach Resort is built with a typical Dutch-Caribbean style. Located directly on the beach, the 2 and 3 story buildings are all surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens with the water’s edge only footsteps away from your room.
With our warm friendly Caribbean hospitality, amazing service is our #1 priority. Our attentive staff is always there for your every need so that you can have a wonderful vacation. Relax on our shaded private beach, train in our 50-meter sports pool, enjoy the wellness options or take a relaxing stroll to the adjacent Mambo Beach Boulevard. At any one of our 4 bars/restaurants you can enjoy a cool drink or a tasty lunch or dinner.
Sustainable Tourism in Action
Mambo Beach Boulevard – perfect place for an after dive social
Mambo Beach Boulevard has more of the ambiance of a beach party than that of a conventional shopping mall. It features some 50 restaurants, bars and stores, including souvenir retailers and boutiques selling swimwear (as well as everything else you might need for a day in the sun). There are also water-sports operators, and your time browsing can be broken up by some time on the beach. There’s even a nightclub with a schedule of live performances that keeps the energy going into the afternoon and evening.
