CURACAO DIVING
Curaçao boasts excellent reefs with an attractive range of wrecks and has been voted one of the top 3 places for shore diving in the world. Annual rainfall is minimal and diving conditions suit all levels of experience.
Underwater, Curacao has much in common with its smaller neighbouring island, Bonaire. The island has a fringing reef running the length of one coast, and its location ensures year round diving in crystal clear waters.
DIVE SITES
The island has over 60 recognised dive sites, with around 40 of them accessible from the shore. There are a number of excellent wrecks adding variety to the underwater scenery. The cargo ship Superior Producer sank just outside Willemstad harbour. Lying in 30m, the superstructure is covered in beautiful corals and anemones. A little further down the reef at Car Pile, old cars from the 1940's lie on top of one another, forming the base to a gently sloping reef. All of Curacao's dive sites are both well preserved and alive with marine life
THE ISLAND OF CURACAO
As well as the underwater attractions, Curacao has much to offer above the water.
The coastline is dotted with discreet coves and some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean, many of which are totally undeveloped. There are two national parks that attract ornithologists from around the world. Curacao is an ideal destination for those wanting to relax and get away from it all and still have the option of numerous activities.
The largest of the Antillean islands, Curacao has a population of approximately 130,000 people. The main city of Willemstad is a thriving well-developed port. The historic city centre with its many 17th and 18th century Dutch Colonial buildings has been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Numerous bars, restaurants and shops give the town a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
TIME
Curacao is 4 hours behind GMT.
CURRENCY
Netherlands Antilles Guilder (NAG). £1 = 3.5 NAG approx
We recommend that you take USD cash or travellers cheques. Most places will accept payment by VISA card but the automatic bank tellers generally only accept Maestro/Cirrus.
Banks opening hours: 9.30 – 15.30 Mon – Fri Only. Please plan for this accordingly.
LANGUAGE
Dutch is the official language, but English and Spanish are also spoken as well as their own unique blend, Papiamento.
 CLIMATE
Outside the hurricane belt, the annual rainfall is very low. Average temperature annually is 27.5°C. July/August is the hottest period reaching up to 30°C. Normally warm and humid with a fairly constant, cooling sea breeze.
CAR HIRE
One of the best ways to enjoy Curacao is to hire a vehicle locally. There are a finite number of vehicles available for rental in Curacao. Should you be travelling over a peak period you should consider pre-booking your vehicle prior to departure.
ACTIVITIES
The main attraction for most visitors to Curacao is the water sports. There are dive sites all around the island and the fringing reef provides fantastic snorkelling. Conditions for sailing and windsurfing are excellent and boats are available for private charters.
There are scenic hiking trails in the Christoffel and Shete Boca National Parks. The Christoffel National Park covers 4,500 acres and is home to the Hato Caves where centuries old stalagmites and stalactites are still being formed.
Other outdoor activities include horse riding, canoe safaris and golf to name but a few. There are numerous well run casinos, bars and restaurants. Wherever you go you are likely to find salsa or some of the other local forms of dancing on offer.
There are 8 museums including the Maritime Museum and the Kura Hulanda, which documents the slave trade. All these make Curacao a great all round holiday destination for divers and non-divers alike.
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