Smokeys near Eastpoint Curaçao
Smokeys, referred to as Punt’i Sanchi by the locals, is located next to Kathy’s Paradise and southeast of Nieuwport in Fuikbaai. Arguably, Smokeys is one of the best dive sites in the Caribbean. It rivals the finest in Belize, Bonaire and the Cayman Islands.
Located off the remote and undeveloped shoreline of Eastpoint, inside the Curacao Marine Park boundaries, it is regularly sought after by diving enthusiasts because it is not accessible by land.
This fact has kept Smokeys, and many other sites in the area, completely undisturbed and spectacular. But prepare yourself because this dive often becomes a “mind-blowing” drift dive where you will literally “fly” east from Smokeys and end with an amazing finish at Kathy’s Paradise.
Dive in and discover these immaculate Curaçao dive locations on your next vacation. With large dense corals overhangs leading to sharp drop offs plus fantastic visibility, you will be immersed into a 360-degree experience that will leave you wanting more when you surface!
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 Smokeys
How did Smokeys get named?
Before Ocean Encounters the Dive Operator at LionsDive Beach Resort used to be named Underwater Curaçao. This is where the Peter Hughes Diving group hired a charismatic guy named Chris Richards to run the scuba diving operation! Looking back almost 35 years, Chris ultimately ended up naming more than 70 percent of the dive sites here on Curaçao and today, he is still actively promoting marine conservation and sustainable tourism.
So, here is what Chris had to say about the naming of the Smokeys dive site!
“On our first dives at Smokeys, the sponges were all spawning. Looked like smoke out of chimneys!”
Thanks Chris and that is how it gets done – simple and to the point just like this incredibly beautiful “must do” dive site!
Coral Spawning in Curaçao
Coral spawning is a miraculous event where entire coral colonies, prompted by the lunar cycle, sunset time and water temperature, release gametes (eggs and sperm) simultaneously. Gametes of one species fertilize another to become fertilized embryos that settle on the ocean floor after days to weeks.
As divers, being able to witness a spawning event is a unique opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking scene as the entire reef becomes engulfed in a blizzard of future corals.
