Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Curaçao

Oswaldo's Drop-off is found off the dive shop dock of the Princess Beach Resort. The site Car Pile is also found here. This is a fun dive with easy entry and exit. About 3 km South East of Punda, wind your way down the coastal roads of Penstraat to the intersection of Dr. MLKing Blvd and Koraalspechtweg.

Cas Abao is another example of the pristine beaches that can be found on Curacao. This is a good family beach, for spending the morning or afternoon, but is also a premier dive site. Northwest of Willemstad, travel 12.3 km West on Weg Naar Westpunt from the Weg Naar Hato intersection to San Pedro. Turn left to head toward Soto. Travel 3.3 km to reach the intersection shown below.

Playa Kalki, also known as Alice In Wonderland, is a great afternoon dive destination. Perfect for sunning and kids, and the diving is spectacular! You'll find shade trees, a snack bar, and the most -- unique -- restroom you'll ever find. Bring food and water just in case the snack bar is closed. In the Northernmost village of Westpunt, turn left at the intersection below to head North along the coastal road. Playa Kalki is 1.3 km from this intersection.

Saint Marie is located at Captain Don's Habitat. Recreated with the same 'diving freedom' concept of his Bonaire operation, you'll find the reef off his docks are some of the best on the island. Northwest of Willemstad, travel 7.3 km West on Weg Naar Westpunt from the Weg Naar Hato intersection. Turn left to head to St. Willibrordus and St. Marie. Travel 4.7 km to reach the intersection below.

Playa Lagun is at the South end of Lagun. It's more of a family beach, but still with world-class diving only a few minutes out. Snorkelling: nice in the bay, with cliffs and rocks overgrown with coral and sponges. Sometimes there are turtles swimming in the bay. The drop-off start approx. 150-200 m from the beach, at a depth of 10 m. Slope 45 degrees outward, till a depth of 30 m, afterwards steeper. Beautiful coral, growing in mushroom shapes, lots of sea-life. South end of Lagun. Good parking facilities at the beach, from where you can enter the water. Swim out the bay to reach the drop-off (appr. 200 m). Northwest of Willemstad, travel 12.3 km West on Weg Naar Westpunt from the Weg Naar Hato intersection to San Pedro. Turn left to head toward Soto. Travel 15 km to reach the intersection shown below in the village of Lagun.

Porto Marie is another expansive beach perfect for relaxing, swimming, or diving. There is a small entry fee, but the money is well spent, maintaining the beach to five-star standards. Northwest of Willemstad, travel 7.3 km West on Weg Naar Westpunt from the Weg Naar Hato intersection. Turn left to head to St. Willibrordus and St. Marie. Travel 4.7 km to reach the intersection shown on the Saint Marie dive site. Follow the instructions from there.

Caracas Bay Lost Anchor is a 5.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao, ABC Islands which is accessible from shore based on 2 ratings.

Santu Pretu is a 5.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao, ABC Islands which is accessible from shore based on 2 ratings.

This is a more rustic version of the previous site, Grote Knip. See that site for entrance instructions; Kleine Knip is along the way. Follow the directions of the Grote Knip site.

Playa Largu is the third of a series of sites in this area. Check out the previous two sites for entrance instructions. You'll find a rather large expanse of beach here for sunning, diving or whatever! Northwest of Willemstad, travel 12.3 km West on Weg Naar Westpunt from the Weg Naar Hato intersection to San Pedro. Turn left to head toward Soto. Travel 5.3 km to reach the intersection shown on Playa Manzalino site. Follow the directions from there.

The Southernmost, reasonable shore diving spot on Curacao is JanthielBaai. As a full service beach facility for families and divers, you'll find concessions, shade, showers, and even a dive shop on site. This is a great beach to spend the morning or afternoon. This site is 2.1 km Southeast of the Sea Aquarium, but the direct road is no longer open. You'll need to wind your way East of Willemstad to the community of Janthiel, off Caracasbaai. There are no easy instructions for the drive; you must obtain a good road map, and note the distances to each turn since many of the streets have no street signs. Good luck-- It's worth the search!

The Bapor Kibra wreck, almost 100 years old, is off the Curacao Sea Aquarium. Conditions can be a little choppy, so check the weather before you head out. About 4 km Southeast of Punda, wind your way down the coastal roads of Penstraat, Dr. MLKing Blvd, and then on Bapor Kibra.

Steep wall right off the beach. Filefish, Trumpetfish, Juvenile Spotted Drums, Queen Anglefish, Blue Tang, Honeycomb Cowfish and much more. From the beach a very short swim South of Jan Thiel Bay

The wreck of the Superior Producer has been gathering coral since 1977, in about 25-35 meters (80-110 feet) of depth. It's a worthwhile and relatively easy wreck dive, when the conditions are right. Found on the coastal highway of Pater Euwensweg in Otrobanda, just 1.1 km West of the inlet to the harbor area of Willemstad. Parking is at the Holiday Beach Hotel. If it is not too choppy it is easy to enter the water from shore (off the concrete jetty). Boats go there quit often also. If you choose to park abeam the wreck buoy on the Mega Pier, leave someone watching your car. We had our cars broken into twice in a year at this site. Superior Producer is also known as Location Mega Pier.

Wet Suit City is the sister-dive of the previous site, Airplane Wreck. Here you'll find a more pristine drop-off to explore. Follow the instructions from the Airplane Wreck site.

Just North of the small village of Jeremi, you'll find one of our favorite dive sites. Less popular than the larger beaches, you'll enjoy the ambiance! Northwest of Willemstad, travel 12.3 km West on Weg Naar Westpunt from the Weg Naar Hato intersection to San Pedro. Turn left to head toward Soto. Travel 15.6 km to reach the intersection shown below in the village of Jeremi.

Daaibooi is a more rustic beach, with a longer kick-out. It is well worth exploring. Northwest of Willemstad, travel 7.3 km West on Weg Naar Westpunt from the Weg Naar Hato intersection. Turn left to head to St. Willibrordus and St. Marie. Travel 4.7 km to reach the intersection shown on the Saint Marie dive site. Follow the instructions from there.

Boca Grandi is a 5.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao, ABC Islands which is accessible from shore based on 1 ratings.

This is a nice site for a check out dive. Easy entry and exit. The dive staff will help you as much as you would like. The recent storms have moved the beach onto the reef so the visibility and coral were not so good. Located at the Marriott resort. Go to the Marriott, drive through the employee parking lot to get to the dive shop. This is a full service dive shop.

Playa Hulu, also known as Boca Hula, named after the very secluded private beach area. This Curaçao site offers a fairly steep wall encrusted with a large population of healthy mountainous star corals and a variety of colorful sponges. The environment here lends itself to being home an awesome combination of macro life, as well as special stars such as seahorses and frogfish. Playa Hulu, located next to Sponge Forest, is simply just a beautiful boat dive or possibly a shore dive depending on the availability to access this private property.

After my husband dived from a boat at this site and really liked it, we rented a car and drove out there so I could snorkel. It was the best snorkeling we did on the island. There are huge columns used for tying off ships that have lots of corals growing on them. The coral was pristine and the fish abundant. Coronets, spotted drums, parrotfish, several kinds of butterfly fish, eels, Spanish hogfish, and a very attractive tugboat below.

From Anonymous: Get there early and beat the snorkel boats to this picturesque site! Tugboat is everything you see in the dive Curacao ads. Shallow site, great for photographing the little things! Finish your dive by checking out under the pier. There is a small dive shop there, but the day we went they were out of tanks and have no compressor. The attendant promised to have tanks there in a hour, we waited two hours and still no tanks. Bring your own tanks! From downtown Willemstad go east to Salina and take Nieuwe Caracasbaaiweg all the way out to its end, which is a roundabout, where you take the left turn (east). continue along the road, passing the ruins of Fort Beekenburg and alongside Baya Beach. Follow the unpaved road up the hill and back down to a parking lot below the Quarantaine Building (old, large, yellow building on hill). At the end of the parking lot is a small beach facility. It has a small dive shop, picnic tables, a small cobbled beach, and snack shop, changing rooms, and showers. The shop's name is Tugboat. On the big 'SmartDriving' road map we got from out hotel this divesite is marked as #63, 'Tugboat'.

So, you wanted adventure? Well, this is the place! This begins your tour of three separate beaches: Playa Manzalino, Shon Moso, and Largu (the latter two are the following two sites). Each beach is unique in its personality, and is worth a visit. Take at least two tanks apiece, and plan on spending your morning here. Take lunch and plenty of water! Northwest of Willemstad, travel 12.3 km West on Weg Naar Westpunt from the Weg Naar Hato intersection to San Pedro. Turn left to head toward Soto. Travel 5.3 km to reach the intersection shown below.

Boca Sami is off the beach of the Wederfoort Apartments. The owner of the apartments also runs the dive operations, as well as a bar in the village called the Octopus. Drop by and say hi. Due West of Willemstad, travel 2.4 km West on Weg Naar Bullenbaai. Turn left to head to the Village of Boca Sami. When you reach the water, turn left and travel for about 1 km.

Playa Shon Moso is just to the South of the previous site, Playa Manzalino. Again, this is a rustic site, where you'll be assured of having your very own diving space! Northwest of Willemstad, travel 12.3 km West on Weg Naar Westpunt from the Weg Naar Hato intersection to San Pedro. Turn left to head toward Soto. Travel 5.3 km to reach the intersection shown on Playa Manzalino site. Follow the directions from there.

Vaersen Bay is also associated with the site known as Car Wrecks. The beach here is small and rustic. In the three times we have been here, we've had the beach to ourselves! It is a good dive and worth the trip. Due West of Willemstad, travel 4.9 km West on Weg Naar Bullenbaai. Follow the landmarks below. Vaersen Bay is also known as Vaersenbaai, Kokomo Bech.

Airplane Wreck (and Wet Suit City at the next site) are well worth the drive. You'll travel through some very scenic countryside and eventually land at the Sunset Waters Beach Resort (formerly the Coral Cliff Resort). The beach is for their guests, but you'll be welcome to pass through for the dive. They also have a dive shop at the end of the road by their beach. Drop by to say hi, and to let them know you'll be diving in the area. Northwest of Willemstad, travel 12.3 km West on Weg Naar Westpunt from the Weg Naar Hato intersection to San Pedro. Turn left to head toward Soto. Travel 8.3 km to reach the intersection in Soto shown on below.

Pestbaai is an out-of-the-way, advanced diving site that may be worth your while. The site is open to the sea, so wind, waves, and current will be a consideration. We recommend doing this dive with a guide to increase your safety factor. Due West of Willemstad, travel 6.7 km West on Weg Naar Bullenbaai (about 1.9 km West of the Vaersen Bay turn off). Follow the landmarks below.

Just down the road from Boca Sami is Snake Bay. This dive give you the opportunity to explore the reef further South. Nice dive site to make a long and shallow drift to Boca St.Michiel, or a shorter one in the same dive area. we spotted a small turtle, barracuda's, reef fish. Some times sea horses. The dive site is well pointed out by (brown) roadsigns, starting around the village of Boca Sami. It is located at a public parking next to "waterside apartments". From the parking an old boat ramp leads in to the water. it is protected access in to the water because of a jetty. Due West of Willemstad, travel 2.4 km West on Weg Naar Bullenbaai. Turn left to head to the Village of Boca Sami. When you reach the water, turn left and travel for about 1 km. Snake Bay is also known as Slangen Baai.

Grote Knip is another excellent beach for the whole family. The kick-out for the diver is a little far, but if you take your time, and enjoy the scenery, you'll be at the reef edge before you know it! 4.3 km South of the Northernmost village of Westpunt, turn at the intersection below.

Car Wrecks is a 3.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao, ABC Islands which is accessible from shore based on 1 ratings.

Rediho is a 3.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao, ABC Islands which is accessible from shore based on 1 ratings.

Parasasa Beach is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Dolphin Academy Curacao is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

It is a very nice and easy dive, lot's of fish and very nice: a little tugboat at safety stop depth. Also very nice to snorkel. Avoid this site when cruise ships are in town--snorkel tours keep the site VERY busy. This is an excellent site for kids on a Bubblemakers course. A wreck dive on their first dive in only 15' of water! At the moment, Google Earth shows this in the wrong place. It is actually a few more miles east than the marker listed there, by the Baya Beach marker. Located just beyond the Baya Beach Club on the southeast side of Caracasbaai. The wreck is in the Curacao Underwater Park. Easily accessible from shore( boatdives also available) from a nice coral beach: Baya Beach. All facilities available.

Daaibooibaai is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Grote Knip (Playa Abou) is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Playa Hundu Lost Anchor is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao, ABC Islands which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Situated at the far northwest end of the island in the town of Westpunt, this site is worth checking out just for the scenic drive through the undeveloped, cactus bedecked hills of Band Abou. The dive site is a short swim from the beach at Playa Forti, at the south end of town. Park in the lot at the top of the cliffs and take the stairs down to the water. The volcanic black sand can get very hot, so don’t forget your booties. Amenities are limited to some thatched parasols, with a restaurant above the beach serving food and drinks, where you can leap 35 feet down into the water below. (This is not a recommended entry with dive gear!)\n Enter at the beach and swim straight out to the drop-off, about 150 yards from shore. We recommend swimming on the surface to conserve air for your dive and for the return trip. Due to a good bit of boat traffic and a mostly sandy bottom, this is not a great spot for snorkeling. The reef starts in 30 feet of water and drops gradually to 120 feet. Both directions are good, depending on the current. Currents here are generally light but known to be unpredictable. The reef is in good condition, with Sea Whips, Sea Rods, Cup Coral, and Plate Coral growing along the wall. Look for plenty of Morays, Spotted Drums, Hamlets, and some Sea Turtles.

Car Pile starts getting interesting at around 80-100ft / 25-30m so it's for Advanced or experienced divers only. Head back along Pierbaai Reef on the return leg. The barge carrying these vehicles was sunk as an artificial reef in 1973 and the 1950's cars and trucks have become totally integrated into the reef by now. There's lots of marine life. Look out for moral eels swimming through car headlamps, and check out your reflection in the chrome bumper Car Pile is also known as Pierbaai.

Alice in Wonderland, also known as Playa Kalki, is a good spot for a day on the beach. 'Kalki' is translated as 'limestone' in Papiamento, referring to the cliffs. This site is one of Curacao's top spots. Shore entry is easy as there are steps descending on to the beach; you then duck under the buoys way out to a gentle slope. Almost 100% change to spot a hawksbill turtle here... By car to the parking lot; then 20 steps down to the beach Alice in Wonderland is also known as Playa Kalki.

Airplane Wreck is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Black Coral Garden is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao, ABC Islands which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Hamrak is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Boca Di Sorsaka is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao, ABC Islands which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Main Beach South is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao, ABC Islands which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

This is a great reef dive, also a great second dive. Not very deep, so it is accessible for almost any diver. Relatively easy to find, most dive shops on the island know where it is. (I do not remember the exact location of this site, I have placed an approximate. If someone knows exactly where it is, please let me know to update. Thank you)

Piscadera Playa Largu is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao, ABC Islands which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Jan Thiel Baai is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Habitat Curacao Housereef is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Also called the 'lung of Curacao' because of the hole in the volcanic rock. Depending on the time of the year (aug-sep) diving is 'easy' because of current. Outside aug-sep current can be very strong (>2kts) from the northeast. Jumping from the rocks can be done, with a quick swim into the hole (it has an open connection with the sea) and floating along the coast to playa Gepi (+- 500m to the east). When diving outside low-current, rescue diver+ experience is advised! Wata Mula is also known as Lung of Curacao.

Bullenbaai is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Lions Dive Housereef is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Great spot for a deep dive. After the deep part the shallows have unbelievable numbers of small fish. Parking Lot access to the beach

Small Tugboat with easdy Penetration. Great for pictures. Swim out just past the large piles and drop down to the Tugboat

Sponge Forest is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Great dive site with lots of Tarpon (as its name is already indicating).

North shore dives in Curacao are very dangerous, due to the strong currents along the rocky shore. Recommended only if windstill(and thus less current) weather, go with a large party, use a standby diver, use dive lights even during daylight. Bring markings to find the tunnel entrance back. Possibility to shore in a nearby small bay. Located between Playa Canao and St Joris Bay. From Playa Canoa follow the big wind mills to the last one on a dirt road. At the last windmill, take a sharp turn north to the shore. You wille see a circulair hole in the rock bottom. the tunnel entrance is at the north pointing toward the see.

nice site for spotting turtles, stingrays. lot of nice coral. Also very good for a night dive,when the moonlight reflects on the silvery sand. In the weekend crowded with beach folk and thus very sandy. From Willemstad, take the mainroad to "westpunt" until you see the signs "landhuis Knip". from there, follow the brown signs indicating the dive and snorkel spot "Kenepa" or " Kleine Knip" in Dutch. parking right next to the beach. Kenepa is also known as Kleine knip.

Playa Kanoa is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Dark Wall is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Playa Manzalina is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Cas Abou (Lower House) is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Current at site can be strong. Nice coral reef.

Site is short ride from Playa Kanoa. Variety of coral and sealife. Use a broken pipeline on shore as reference point.

Relatively new dive site. Horseshoe shaped reef just past the Tunnel of Doom site hence the name.

Blue Bay is also known as Blauwbay.

Pietermaai is also known as Scuba Lodge House Reef.

Marie Pampoen is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Curacao which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

From the description on Caribbean Sea Sports website: "This is an easy dive good for novice and advanced divers. The reef is a medium to steep slope with a mixture of hard and soft corals, especially Boulder and Brain corals. Great for seeing a wide variety of tropical reef fish including angel fish, scorpion fish and a chance to see turtles, lobsters and octopus."

You will find lots of old car wrecks. Only accessible through Vaersenbaai (Kokomo Beach) or by boat. Snorkel from Kokomo Beach east till you reach the big rock (10-12min). Then snorkel 5 min further. You will find the car wrecks in a depth from 18-35 meter.

Playa Grandi is also known as Turtle Bay.