Question 1

Why Dive Curacao?

Accepted Answer

This is the most common FAQ that we always get asked! So, unlike it’s Dutch Caribbean island neighbors of Aruba and Bonaire, Curacao is home to over 70 world class boat diving and shore diving sites along its southern coastline. Due to the natural shielding created by the unique topography of the island, Curacao has a plentiful amount of diving opportunities that includes amazing fringing coral reefs, walls and and a large variety of wreck diving.

Like Bonaire, Curacao has more than 38 dive sites that are easily accessible from shore plus most of the dive resort resorts have gorgeous house reefs to explore.

Question 2

Where is Curacao located?

Accepted Answer

Curaçao is situated, between Aruba and Bonaire, roughly 43 miles (70km) off the North Coast of Venezuela . It is not only southern Caribbean diamond but it is a reward to any who are willing to make the trek to the heart of the Dutch Caribbean.

Since October 10, 2010, Curaçao is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of The Netherlands. Together with Aruba and Bonaire, it constitutes the “ABC” islands, or Leeward Antilles. However they are also closely tied to Saba, Sint Eustatius (Statia) and St. Maarten.

Located just 12° north of the Equator, Curaçao has a warm, sunny climate year round. The average temperature is about 27°C (81°F). Cooling trade winds blow constantly from the east, strongest in the spring months.

Question 3

How do I get to Curacao?

Accepted Answer

You can travel to Curaçao by air with direct flights from North America (Toronto, Montreal, Newwark, JFK, Charlotte and Miami), Central America (Panama), South America, the Caribbean, and Europe (Schiphol and Frankfurt) or by sea on a cruise or yacht.

Before arriving on the island, be sure to fill out your Digital Immigration (DI) Card and know what you can bring with you through customs.

Question 4

How many dive sites are in Curacao?

Accepted Answer

There are currently over 70 world class dive sites listed in Curaçao, of which 38 are shore dives, 33 are Reef, 17 are Wall, 11 are Drift and 10 are wreck dives.

Find the perfect dive site in Curaçao for you by using the Curacao Dive Site Guide and Interactive map.

Each dive site has its own page complete with video’s, dive site recommendations and many more details.

Question 5

Where can you shore dive in Curacao?

Accepted Answer

Curacao is laid out in a way that makes the southern side of the island almost perfect for shore diving. Thanks to the geographic location, the winds in the area come from the Northeast, meaning that almost the entire southern shoreline is protected from heavy sea winds.

On the south side of the island, the fringing reef in most cases is within 60-feet (20m) from the shoreline which leads to incredible drop offs that allow divers to venture a little bit deeper into the aquatic wonderland.

Of the seventy popular dive sites the island has available, over half of them are reachable from the shore.

Nearly all these shore dive sites are clearly marked along the road way because Curaçao knows they have great shore diving. They have gone out of their way to accommodate adventurers, like you, looking to take advantage of the matchless wonder.

Dive Tip: Open heel fins and booties are recommended when shore diving in Curaçao.

Question 6

What is the best time of the year to visit Curacao?

Accepted Answer

The Curaçao Carnival period (February and March) is always immensely popular with all kinds of different parties and of course the many parades during the last 10 days of Carnival.

In April we have events like the Curaçao International Film Festival Rotterdam and King’s Day, and there’s always something to do during the summer holidays.

In late August through early September, the Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival is a great festival to visit.

December to early January is also a special time to be in Curaçao, with a bevy of parties and time-honored events like the pagaras and fireworks shows during the last week of the year, New Year’s Eve parties, the Unox New Year’s Splash, and of course Fuik Day.

Question 7

What is the average air temperature?

Accepted Answer

Curaçao, located at 12° north of the Equator, has a warm, sunny climate year-round. The average temperature is about 27°C (81°F) with noon temperatures generally over 30°C (86°F). Trade winds blow constantly from the east, providing a welcome cooling effect.

International weather websites commonly show a chance of rain in Curaçao, due to clouds being directly over the island, but much of this rain (average yearly rainfall is 22cm) never reaches the ground.

Question 8

What is the water temperature in Curacao?

Accepted Answer

The water has an average temperature of 27°C (81°F), which makes it ideal to cool off without getting too chilly! However, we do recommend wetsuits (short or long) to increase your comfort.

This recommendation is based on experience in order to protect against the elements over the course of multiple dives.

For shore diving and snorkeling, booties are also highly recommended.

Question 9

When is hurricane season in Curacao?

Accepted Answer

Curaçao, as a part of the Leeward Antilles, is geographically located outside the Hurricane Belt. As on other islands, strong winds may pass, but rarely pose a threat. Of course, even though Curaçao is outside the hurricane belt, one can never guarantee perfect weather.

The Caribbean Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30. For Curaçao this generally means that there is less wind than normal during this period, which makes it feel warmer than during the rest of the year.

Question 10

Why should I rent a vehicle in Curacao?

Accepted Answer

While sometimes your hotel / resort or its neighbors may offer sufficient options for your vacation (see your hotel detail page on this site for facilities and distances), if you plan to really get around and explore the Island, renting a car at one of the many car rental agencies is the best option.

This allows you to travel freely, frequently, and on your own schedule so you won’t miss out on anything Curaçao has to offer. Most of Curaçao is accessible within a 30-45 minute drive, regardless of where you start. This may vary in peak traffic hours.

Question 11

What currency is used in Curacao?

Accepted Answer

The currency used in Curaçao is the Antillean Guilder (ANG), also called the Florin. The Antillean Guilder’s exchange rate is fixed to the US Dollar at a price of 1 USD = 1.80 ANG. When exchanging money at a bank the exchange rate is 1.78 or 1.82 ANG, depending on if you’re buying or selling.

You can use US Dollars everywhere in Curaçao. In stores and restaurants and such the exchange rate used is usually 1 USD = 1.75 ANG for ease of calculation.

Question 12

What major credits and debit cards are accepted in Curacao?

Accepted Answer

All major credit cards are accepted in most businesses in Curacao with the exception of gas stations. Gas stations all over Curacao only accept cash and mostly require a minimum purchase of at least $20.

ATM’s in Curaçao (recognizable by the “Bankomatiko” sign) accept major credit cards as well as debit cards. For the latter they use the Maestro, Cirrus, and Cashnet systems; if you plan to use your debit card, make sure your card has at least one of their symbols on it. You can withdraw either US Dollars or Antillean Guilders from ATMs in Curaçao.

If you plan to use your credit or debit card during your stay, be sure to inform your bank that you’ll be using your card abroad, including the dates you’ll be traveling.

Question 13

What is the tipping practice in Curacao?

Accepted Answer

Tipping is highly appreciated at all times. Individual practice is left to your own discretion however it is recommended because it shows your appreciation for the hospitality and services provided.

It is recommended that you tip at least 10% of your fare to Taxi drivers and 1 ANG per bag to Porters.

For all other services including dive staff and waiters, it is recommended that you tip between 10% and 20% of your bill.

Question 14

Where is the decompression chamber in Curacao?

Accepted Answer

The Decompression Chamber in Curacao is located at the Curacao Medical Center.

It is a HAUX-STARMED 2200 / 5.5 / XL type built by the German manufacturer HAUX-Life Support, GmbH with additional 2 places in the pre-chamber. It is possible to treat a patient on the bed in the chamber.

The maximum operating pressure of the chamber is 5 bar (6.5 ATA). Standard features include built-in fully automatic fire extinguishers, patient audio / video monitoring, air conditioning, computer / manual exposure control,% saturation O2%, chamber atmosphere O2% aspiration. A storage chamber tunnel is part of the chamber. The chamber is filled with air (pressurized) (not 100% oxygen as in 1-chamber chambers). 100% of medical oxygen is inhaled by patients through closed masks.

In Case of Suspected Cases of Decompression Sickness or Illness – Contact a Doctor immediately. Report the incident to the Divers Alert Network for additional advice and assistance especially if you have DAN Diving Insurance.