The Island of Klein Curaçao
If you could imagine diving around a picturesque deserted Caribbean island surrounded by warm aquamarine waters, then welcome to the Klein Curacao Isla. Located approximately 6.5 miles off the eastern tip of Curaçao, this is a very special trip for divers and for snorkelers alike.
The locals say that the underwater habitats that surround the the island contains everything is bigger and there is more of it with almost the guarantee of turtle sightings, ocean triggerfish and large groupers. This tiny, rugged, desolate island of volcanic rock is located off the southeast coast of Curaçao – about one-and-a-half hours by boat – is a true Caribbean dive site which is pristine and unspoiled.
Make the time to dive or snorkel this deserted paradise because it is an essential Curaçao experience.
The Netherlands has designated Klein Curaçao as its 55th Wetland of International Importance. The Site (Ramsar Site no. 2355) consists of the small, uninhabited island and the surrounding sea.
Dive Site Recommendations
- Dive Type: Boat
- Snorkel Site: No
- Experience Level: Drift / Advanced (Min)
- Depth: 40 -120ft (12-36m)
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.
Location of Klein Curaçao
Sailing Trips and Private Charters to Klein Curaçao
Surrounded by spectacular coral reefs, Klein Curaçao is a sunlit pearl in the Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Curaçao. This uninhabited island is about an 1,5-hour boat ride away from Curacao and holds an intriguing history, mystery and beauty on just 1.7 square kilometers! Explorers, sunbathing enthusiasts, snorkelers and divers will all really enjoy a trip to the diverse Dutch Caribbean island!
“The best beach isn’t on Curaçao at all, it’s on Klein Curaçao, an uninhabited cay a few miles off the southeastern coast.”
Lonely Planet, Travelbook.
Explore the Island of Klein Curaçao
A Brief History of the Island
It is not know exactly when Klein Curaçao was first discovered. Officially it was first put on the map in 1871 by a British mining engineer named John Godden.
Godden discovered that there was a rich amount of phosphate on the island, left behind by wild birds that used Klein Curaçao as their breeding ground.
In these days, phosphate was in popular demand being used in Europe as an ingredient for cattle food and fertilizer. In fifteen year’s time over ninety tons of phosphate was harvested and exported to Europe.
This lead to major changes in Klein Curaçao’s landscape, leaving it a barren and uninhabitable island.
Things to Explore on Island
We would encourage you to explore the topside treasures this island. A wonderful path will lead you toward the west side of the island where you will first encounter the lighthouse that dates to 1913 and then on to the shipwrecks of the famous oil tanker ‘Maria Bianca Guidesman’, the German freighter called “Magdalena”, and the most recent wreck of the French yacht called “Tchao”.
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