Travel Tips

I have been a SCUBA diver since 1972 - yes we did have SCUBA way back then :-). And I was a YMCA and PADI SCUBA instructor from 1976 until 1981. And for most of those years I’d heard stories about the incredible diving in the Caribbean’s ABCs (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao). But, for one reason or another, I never got a chance in all those years to experience it for myself - until now!

This was my first visit to this part of the world and I couldn’t wait to get into the water and experience what I’d heard about all those years. And I wasn’t in the least disappointed. I am pretty sure that Bonaire has captured the reputation of being the diver-oriented island to visit in this part of the world but, with the relative proximity of Curacao, how different could it really be. Not much I imagine. And with the charm of Willemstad to add to the trip I think I’d opt for Curacao in a heartbeat.

What I found on my two dives was an exhilaratingly clear 80-110 feet of visibility, swarms of small tropical fish, a few larger fish such as some barracuda and Queen Angel fish, clumps and mounds and varied formations of colorful coral and sponges, forests of firecoral waiting for the unwary diver, a seahorse, some stationary rock fish, and much, much more.

The day was partly cloudy but with lots of sunlight in the water. The dive boat provided an easy entry and exit from the water and the crew all spoke good English and were very competent in the water. The air fills were very generous as well.

During these two dives, maximum dived depth was 70 feet and the current was mild and tranquil. I was constantly scanning my incredible surroundings. The only other dive I’ve ever done that compares with it was in Cozumel and it wasn’t nearly so spectacular.

There was a 50 or 60 foot fairly shallow wall, there were finger reefs, there was a tremendous variety of marine life, there were only about 16 divers in the water in that area, there was a sunken tugboat to see, etc., etc., etc. You really must see it to believe it.

If you are a diver, make this a ‘Must Dive’ on your wish list. And much of the diving could as easily have been done from the shore as it was from the boat. Most of the time we were only anchored about 50 yards off the beach.