Suzy Pinnell's Dive Log

Pestbaai, also known as Lovers Leap, is perfect for divers who enjoy rappelling! The 'parking' area is on top of a 30 - 40 foot cliff which you need to climb down to get to the strip of sand below. The actual entry into the water is very easy - once you've navigated the cliff in full scuba gear. The reef is a short swim out and usually flat calm with minimum current. There's plenty to see on this 'typical' Curacao dive site, but there's been a lot of trash dumped on part of the reef - large, flat boards - which is a terrible shame. After the dive, you'll need to climb back up the cliff… It's a pretty dive site but having checked out the shore entry ourselves, we chose to dive it from a boat instead. If you're looking for a lovely, easy shore dive site, there are many better choices. Suzy (at) the-dive-bus (dot com)

Klein Knip is one of Curacao's secret, hidden gems, perfect for shore diving. The small beach is sand mixed with corals with benches and shade for relaxing on your surface interval. The swim out is about 10 easy, slow minutes over a sandy bottom - make sure you do it on your front!!! This is the place to spot eagle rays in the shallow, sandy bottom before the reef starts. Dive the reef to the left or the right, both are equally lovely and the current is usually negligible, if any at all. Points to note: 1) Security can be an issue at this beach. Leave your car windows open and don't leave ANYTHING valuable inside or unattended on the beach. 2) The onsite bar/restrooms is only open on random days so it's best to assume there are no facilities on site. Enjoy! Suzy(at)the-dive-bus(dotcom)

Oswaldo's Drop Off is only accessible to shore divers staying at Breezes hotel. However, the best part of the reef is accessible from the public beach right next door - Pierbaai, Marie Pampoen. The prevailing current makes this shore entry a better option for diving Pierbaai Reef (of which Oswaldo's is a small part) and the Car Pile. Pierbaai Reef is gorgeous, filled with marine life, very easy shore entry and about a 1 minute swim out. There's also an on-site dive shop for directions and tips on what to look out for, and a bar/restaurant. It's also a great spot for a night dive. Use the same beach entry for diving the Car Pile - a very unusual deep wreck dive that's well worth exploring. Suzy(at)the-dive-bus(dotcom)

I work at the Breezes Dive Shop so dive Oswaldo's almost everyday. Breezes entry is off limits to non-guests but you can also access through Kontiki Beach next door. No point going deep on the reef - best life is 20-40 ft. Current usually runs East to West meaning you can only reach Car Pile (to the West of Breezes) when current is low. Better option is to enter from Marie Pampoen, public beach next door. Can go as deep as you care to at Car Pile. Usually see turtles, cuda, and thousands of balling silversides - v. cool. Reef in not bad condition considering number of divers.