Stella Maris at LionsDive Beach Resort
Ideally located inside the Curaçao National Marine Park, the Stella Maris Reef is the house reef of LionsDive Beach Resort and Ocean Encounters Diving. This site is named after the Stella Maris shipwreck that is located on a deep water plateau that is 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.
LionsDive helps protect the Stella Maris
LionsDive Beach Resort is a proud supporter of Reef Renewal Curaçao. Together with Ocean Encounters and Dive Travel Curaçao, LionsDive Beach Resort gladly sponsors the valuable work being conducted by Reef Renewal Curaçao to restore the Curaçao’s fringing coral reefs, especially at the Stella Maris which is their house reef where you can find multiple out-plantings plus Staghorn and Elkhorn coral nurseries.
Dive Site Recommendations
- Dive Type: Shore
- Snorkel Site: Yes
- Experience Level: Open Water (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 Ocean Encounters at LionsDive Beach Resort for additional details & recommendations.
Location of Stella Maris
About 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.”
Play a Part in the Coral Restoration Strategy
By supporting valuable and sustainable coral reef initiatives, like RRC, you will be reaffirming your commitment to the island of Curacao so that future generations may benefit. Supporting this initiative through sponsorship and charitable donations is integral for success and volunteers will be needed for regular nursery maintenance and care.
Learn more by visiting Reef Renewal Curacao today! Together, we are making a difference for Curaçao!
The Shipwreck of the Stella Maris
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.
Curacao Submarine Adventures worth Exploring!
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.
Exploring the shipwreck of the Stella Maris with Substation Curaçao 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!
