Touchdown in Paradise and a Caravan to Coral Estate
We arrived in Curaçao on a warm mid-May afternoon, greeted by the gentle trade winds and bright Caribbean sun. After clearing customs at Hato International Airport, our Colorado Scuba Diving Academy group excitedly gathered our mountain of dive gear. My co-owner Kent and I organized everyone into a caravan of pickup trucks – the trusty vehicles that would carry us and our air tanks all over the island. With gear and suitcases secured in the truck beds, we hit the road in high spirits. The drive to our home base at Coral Estate Resort was a scenic introduction to Curaçao’s charms. We wound past cacti-studded landscapes and the flamingo-dotted salt flats near St. Willibrordus, forming a cheerful procession of dive trucks on the coastal road. As the late afternoon sun cast golden light over the countryside, our convoy pulled into Coral Estate, ready to kick off an epic dive adventure.
Coral Estate: Cliffside Comfort and Laid-Back Vibes
Coral Estate Resort would be our oasis for the week – a luxurious yet relaxed retreat perched above the turquoise sea. Stepping out of the trucks, we were struck by the panoramic ocean view and the sound of waves gently lapping the shore below. The resort’s vibe was island-casual with a touch of elegance. An oceanfront infinity pool beckoned us for a post-travel dip, and we quickly changed into swimsuits to shake off the journey. Nearby, a thatched-roof bar served up cold drinks and the aroma of fresh pizza, setting the tone for chill dining options throughout our stay. That evening, we dined al fresco at the resort’s beachside restaurant – toes in the sand, sipping rum cocktails as a fiery Caribbean sunset painted the sky. My wife Jill and I exchanged smiles, knowing this was the perfect start: family, friends, and fellow divers all together in paradise.
Our accommodations at Coral Estate were spacious and comfortable, giving us plenty of room to spread out our gear. Jill and our daughters, Gaia (19) and Sivan (16), settled in quickly, excited for the adventures ahead. The convenience of having an on-site dive shop (Coral Divers) just steps away was immediately clear. We could see their racks of scuba tanks and a small fleet of dive lockers right by the beach. That night, as the chorus of tree frogs chirped outside, we fell asleep dreaming of the crystal-clear waters waiting for us at dawn.
The Shore Diving Rhythm: Trucks, Tanks, and Togetherness
Mornings at Coral Estate began with a casual breakfast and plenty of island coffee to fuel our dives. By 8:00am, our daily ritual was underway: tanks were picked up fresh each morning from the on-site dive center, and our team loaded them into the back of the trucks. With four divers to a vehicle, we formed a tight-knit convoy, ready to explore a new corner of Curaçao’s coastline each day. Kent led the way in the front truck, and I took up the rear – our walkie-talkies crackling with friendly banter as we double-checked that everyone was following and nothing was left behind.
Every day consisted of two main dives at different shore sites, plus the option for unlimited shore dives on the house reef right at Coral Estate. This one-of-a-kind itinerary was the product of years of fine-tuning. Kent and I have explored Curaçao extensively, so we planned out a route that maximized adventure while avoiding crowds and cruise ship schedules. Before setting off, we’d verify access details for the chosen sites – some hidden gems require a gate code or a bumpy dirt road approach, but our local contacts and past experience meant there were no unwelcome surprises. The camaraderie of our caravan was part of the fun: imagine a line of trucks winding along the coast, dive flags flying, and everyone tuned into the same island music station. We were a roving dive club, ready for whatever the day would bring.
After the morning dive, we’d tailgate under the shade of divi-divi trees or a beach palapa, sharing stories and snacks during our surface interval. Then it was off to the next site for a second splash. Afternoons were left open for relaxation or additional diving back at the resort. Many of us couldn’t resist hopping in for a third dive on Coral Estate’s house reef or a quick snorkel right out front. The house reef, teeming with orange tube sponges and schools of chromis, became our personal playground whenever we had extra time. On one late afternoon, Gaia and I descended together there for a bonus father-daughter dive, finding a resident seahorse hidden among the gorgonians – a magical little discovery just a few fin kicks from our room. Meanwhile, Sivan took advantage of the flexibility to occasionally skip a dive and lounge by the pool with a book, rejuvenating for the next excursion. This balance of structured group diving and freedom to do your own thing made the trip feel both full and relaxing.
West End Wonders: Discovering Curaçao’s Best Shore Dives
Our first few days focused on Curaçao’s famed west end, where calm bays and vibrant reefs awaited us. Playa Piskado (Playa Grandi) was an early highlight. We entered the water next to local fishing boats, and almost immediately we were immersed in a living aquarium. Curious green sea turtles glided around us, drawn by the fishermen’s scraps – a sight that delighted everyone, especially my daughters. As we finned further along the reef, we suddenly found ourselves engulfed in a massive bait ball of silvery fish. Thousands of sardines (or perhaps anchovies) swirled in unison, forming shifting walls and tunnels around our group. We hovered in awe as the ball parted to reveal hungry predators: a couple of tarpon and jacks on the hunt. It was a mesmerizing underwater ballet that none of us will forget. When we surfaced, the entire group was buzzing with excitement – we had witnessed one of nature’s grand performances on just our first dive!
Another day, we ventured down a dusty road to Playa Jeremi, a secluded cove flanked by rugged cliffs. We practically had this quiet beach to ourselves; our footprints were the first in the sand that morning. Underwater, Jeremi revealed a garden of healthy hard corals and plumes of soft coral swaying in the gentle current. Kent pointed out a camouflaged scorpionfish resting on a ledge, and Jill signaled joyfully when an eagle ray glided past in the blue beyond. Diving these lesser-known sites felt like uncovering secret treasures – exactly what we had envisioned for this trip.
To recharge after our west end dives, we often grabbed lunch with a view. One day we headed to Blue View Sunset Terrace in Westpunt for a well-deserved break. Perched atop a cliff, this casual restaurant did true justice to its name – offering a stunning panorama of endless blue sea. We savored plates of freshly caught fish and cool drinks while gazing out at the turquoise bay below. From our table, we could even spot the dive sites we had explored that morning, making us appreciate Curaçao’s beauty both below and above the water.
One of the most unique dives of our itinerary was at the reef below the old Sunset Waters resort. The resort itself has long been closed, so accessing this spot took a bit of insider knowledge. We navigated our trucks through an unmarked dirt track and an old gate that few tourists even know about. Driving the last few yards past the crumbling remains of the property, we emerged onto a deserted beach. Slipping beneath the surface there was like time-traveling to Curaçao’s past: the reef was lush and less touched by crowds, with massive star corals and purple fans covering the drop-off. The only company we had underwater were clouds of creole wrasse and an inquisitive barracuda that followed our group for a while. Surfacing at Sunset Waters, floating in the crystalline sea beside an empty beach, felt like discovering a lost world. It’s the kind of dive you can only pull off with careful planning – and it left our group feeling like true explorers.
Of course, we also made sure to hit some classic easy-access spots like Playa Daaibooi. This pretty little bay offered a perfect mellow dive with shallow coral gardens ideal for photography. We meandered among fields of star coral heads while small barracuda hovered above. After that dive, we rewarded ourselves with lunch at a nearby clifftop spot called Bahia. Iguanas lazed around the tables hoping for fruit scraps as we enjoyed panoramic views of the coastline. Biting into fresh lionfish tacos (a local specialty aimed at culling an invasive species) and trading stories from the morning’s adventures – it’s hard to imagine a better surface interval!
Boat Day: Watamula’s Wild Ride and The Magic of Mushroom Forest
Mid-trip, we mixed things up with a dedicated boat diving day to reach sites beyond the shore’s easy grasp. Early that morning, we steered our caravan to the far northwest tip of the island, meeting up with the crew of Go West Diving at Playa Kalki. We boarded their dive boat, joining a two-tank trip that promised some of Curaçao’s top underwater landscapes. It was refreshing to let someone else do the driving (on water this time) while we enjoyed the salty breeze and a new perspective of the island from offshore.
Our first dive was at Watamula, a site renowned among locals and seasoned divers. The moment we backrolled into the blue, we could feel a gentle push – Watamula often has a current, which carried us effortlessly along the reef as if on a moving sidewalk. The scene below was breathtaking: a carpet of gigantic hard corals and sponges stretched out in every direction, showcasing the reef’s resilience and richness. I was lead guide on this dive, and as I looked back at our group drifting in formation, I could see wide eyes behind masks. We glided past towering pillar corals and barrel sponges big enough to hide a diver. A large loggerhead turtle even made a cameo, cruising by as if to inspect our unusual parade. By the time we surfaced, everyone was exhilarated — that dive alone would have been worth the journey.
During our surface interval, the boat motored into a calm inlet for a special treat: the Blue Room cave. We shed our scuba gear and jumped in with just masks and snorkels. One by one, we ducked below a low rock arch to swim inside the sea cave. As we emerged into the cavern, we were bathed in an ethereal neon-blue light. The sunlight filtering through the opening created a brilliant azure glow that danced on the cave walls. We all whooped and laughed as we free-dived down a few meters, watching our bubbles rise to the cave’s ceiling. Kent took a family photo of us floating in this electric-blue world – Jill, Gaia, Sivan and I framed by shimmering cobalt water. It’s a simple snorkel but an absolute must-do when diving Curaçao, and sharing it with my family made it even more memorable.
Our second dive of the day took us to the famous Mushroom Forest. This site gets its name from the coral formations that resemble a mushroom patch – dozens of large, bulbous star coral heads with flattened tops clustered together. Swimming through this alien landscape, we felt like tiny creatures in a giant’s garden. We weaved between the coral pillars, peeking at the life thriving in the nooks: shy cleaner shrimp, a snoozing nurse shark tucked under a ledge, and vivid parrotfish crunching on algae. Gaia pointed out a playful octopus nestled in one of the “mushrooms,” its tentacles exploring curiously before it vanished in a puff of ink. By the end of the dive, our air tanks and energy were spent, but our hearts were full. Back on board, the crew passed around slices of chilled watermelon as we celebrated two phenomenal dives. The boat day gave us access to these iconic sites, and experiencing them back-to-back (with a Blue Room bonus) was truly special.
Naturally, we couldn’t leave Westpunt without some relaxation and refueling. After returning to shore and saying our thank-yous to the Go West crew, we strolled over to the Playa Kalki beach restaurant. Over plates of freshly grilled fish and ice-cold sodas, our group rehashed the morning’s sights – the “floating” feeling of Watamula’s drift and the storybook scenery of Mushroom Forest. The restaurant’s deck overlooks the very sea we had just explored, and as we ate, we spotted a pod of dolphins playing in the distance, almost as if giving us one more show.
East Coast Adventures: Director’s Bay to Tugboat Drift Dive
Later in the week, we set our sights on Curaçao’s eastern shores for a change of pace. One signature excursion Kent and I love to lead is a combo drift dive from Director’s Bay to Tugboat Beach. This requires a bit of logistical choreography: we parked one truck at the Tugboat Beach exit point and then continued with the group to the start at Director’s Bay. This way, we could do a one-way journey underwater and have wheels waiting at the other end – one of those behind-the-scenes tricks that make our itineraries feel seamless.
Director’s Bay, a tiny inlet once reserved for Curaçao’s island directors and royal family, offered a quiet entry. We descended along a sloping wall encrusted with coral and barrel sponges. The visibility was stellar, and shafts of sunlight pierced the blue water, illuminating schools of hovering brown chromis. As we drifted around the point toward Tugboat, the reef dropped off more steeply. We encountered a colony of garden eels peeking from the sand, and a couple of large midnight parrotfish grazing loudly on algae (you can actually hear their beaks crunching underwater!). The current gently nudged us along, exactly as planned. Rounding the bend, the famed Tugboat wreck came into view in the shallow water ahead. Even from depth, we could see the silhouette of the little sunken tug resting at 15 feet, surrounded by swarms of sergeant majors.
We ascended gradually and spent the last portion of the dive exploring the Tugboat site. It’s a popular spot (snorkelers often bob above), but we had timed our dive to arrive before the midday crowds. The tugboat itself was covered in orange cup corals and tube sponges, making it a photogenic playground. Kent snapped some photos of me and my family posing by the wreck – the girls delighting in the idea of standing on a “shipwreck” like underwater pirates. Nearby, an old pier piling played host to a colossal moray eel who briefly peeked out to say hello. By the time we surfaced at Tugboat Beach, everyone’s tanks were low and spirits were sky-high. That drift dive felt like a mini-expedition, combining two distinct dive sites into one amazing journey. As we clambered ashore, shedding gear with that tired-happy feeling, the group was unanimous: the Director’s Bay to Tugboat dive was one for the books. To celebrate, we drove to Pirate Bay Beach Club in Piscadera Bay for a laid-back lunch. This beachside spot let us dine with our toes in the sand, enjoying Caribbean jerk chicken wraps and ice-cold local beers under a shady palapa. Between bites, we swapped tales of the morning dive, all while the gentle sound of waves completed the blissful scene. It was the perfect way to toast an epic dive before turning our thoughts to an afternoon of relaxation.
Island Time: Poolside Relaxation and Willemstad Wonders
Though diving was the centerpiece of our Curaçao adventure, we also savored the island’s topside delights. Each afternoon back at Coral Estate, a gentle routine emerged: after rinsing off gear and hanging our wetsuits to dry, many of us would convene at the infinity pool for some R&R. With tropical tunes playing softly and a round of piña coladas or local beers in hand, we’d relax poolside and swap dive highlights. Sivan, our teenager who sat out a couple of dives, became the group’s unofficial smoothie taste-tester, rating the resort’s mango vs. strawberry blends while we unwound in the sun. These moments of pure relaxation – overlooking the Caribbean Sea turning golden in the late daylight – were the perfect counterbalance to our active mornings underwater.
Mid-week, we decided to give our dive gear a break for an afternoon and headed into Willemstad, Curaçao’s vibrant capital, for some sightseeing. Trading our rash guards for T-shirts and sandals, we set off to explore this colorful UNESCO World Heritage city. Walking across the iconic Queen Emma floating bridge was a treat; we timed it just right to watch it swing open, allowing a ship to glide through the channel. On the Punda side of town, we strolled along the Handelskade, where rows of colonial Dutch buildings are painted in an ice-cream palette of pinks, yellows, and blues. Jill and the girls had their cameras out, snapping selfies against the famous waterfront backdrop. We dipped into art galleries and souvenir shops tucked in the old alleyways, and browsed the floating market where Venezuelan vendors sold ripe plantains and papayas straight from their boats. The city was alive with music and chatter; at the Marshe Bieuw old market hall, we tasted a few bites of local cuisine (tender goat stew and fried plantain) just to say we did.
By evening, we regrouped with our dive buddies for a night on the town. Dinner was at a lively waterfront restaurant downtown – we dined on fresh caught red snapper while a steel drum band played in the distance. It was the kind of night where conversation flowed as easily as the mojitos. We reflected on how much we’d already seen in a few days: from pristine reefs to vibrant city streets. Before heading back, we made one last stop at Willemstad’s famous Queen Emma Bridge, now illuminated in rainbow colors, to soak in the twinkling lights of the harbor. Sharing this cultural outing brought our group even closer, proving that the best dive trips mix great diving with a taste of local life.
Family, Friendship, and the Finesse of a Curated Trip
On our final day, I took a moment to step back and absorb the scene: my family and our dive friends laughing together over breakfast, sunbeams skipping off the pool’s surface, and our trucks lined up ready for one more adventure. As a co-owner and guide, this trip was a proud culmination of years of planning and passion. Having Kent co-guiding by my side made everything run like a well-oiled machine. We have a groove – whether it’s dividing tasks or even communicating underwater, our partnership allowed us to effortlessly manage the group’s needs. While one of us gave the dive briefing, the other would quietly ensure all the tanks, weights, and site logistics were set. Our guests often commented on how smoothly each day flowed, not realizing the little behind-the-scenes adjustments we were constantly making. It could be as simple as swapping tomorrow’s dive site because we heard another large group might be there, or phoning ahead to a beach shack to have enough lunch ready for our hungry divers. These are the details you only learn by doing a destination over and over, and I’m grateful that our experience meant our guests never had to worry about a thing except enjoying themselves.
Personally, guiding this Curaçao trip with my wife and daughters by my side was a deeply rewarding experience. I watched Gaia transform into an utterly confident diver this week – on one dive she even took the lead, navigating by the reef and surfacing us exactly at our entry point, earning a proud grin from Kent and me. And Sivan, even though she’s younger and skipped a couple dives, impressed me with her maturity: she knew when to rest and when she didn’t want to miss out – like rallying for that Tugboat dive and surfacing with pure exhilaration on her face. Sharing my love of the ocean with them, in such a special place, is a memory I’ll cherish forever. Many times underwater I found myself glancing over at Jill, catching her eye as she marveled at a school of blue tangs or examined a tiny nudibranch, and I’d feel a swell of gratitude. Not only were we diving in a Caribbean paradise, but we were doing it together as a family.
Why Curaçao Captivates (and How This Trip Was Different)
Curaçao has truly captured our hearts. This island boasts an incredible diversity of dive sites – from gentle shore dives suitable for beginners to advanced drifts and deep walls – all wrapped up in warm, crystal-clear waters. The marine life might not include big pelagics, but the reefs are full of color and critters, from neon parrotfish and seahorses to the occasional turtle or ray popping by. What makes Curaçao stand out as a dive destination is the sheer freedom of its shore diving culture. The ability to load up trucks and explore on your own schedule transforms a dive trip into a road trip, adding a sense of adventure on land as well as underwater. Every day felt like a new expedition: driving to a hidden cove, gearing up alongside our vehicle, and wading straight into an underwater wonderland.
Our trip format took that freedom to the next level by pairing it with the support and knowledge of experienced guides. In a typical guided dive trip, you might be stuck to a fixed resort schedule or only boat dives with large groups. Here, we offered something different: an expertly curated itinerary that still felt flexible and intimate. We hand-picked each site and timed it just right – it often felt like we had the reefs all to ourselves. We mixed in local culture and relaxation so that it wasn’t just dive, eat, sleep (repeat); it was a true vacation experience. And because Kent and I led every dive, there was a continuity and personal touch throughout the week. We weren’t just herding divers around; we were sharing a place we genuinely love, almost like showing old friends around our hometown.
On our last night, back at Coral Estate, our group gathered for a farewell dinner under the stars at Karakter, the resort’s beach club restaurant. Glasses clinked and toasts were made – to new friendships forged, to the wonders we’d seen, and to the many laugh-out-loud moments we shared (like that time Kent’s hat flew off the truck and became a goofy post-dive rescue mission!). As I looked around the table at the happy, sun-kissed faces – my family included – I understood exactly why we put so much heart into planning these trips. Curaçao had worked its magic on all of us. The combination of epic diving, island beauty, and the easy camaraderie of our group made for a journey none of us will soon forget. This wasn’t your typical dive vacation; it was something more – a carefully crafted adventure where every moment, underwater and above, was savored to the fullest. I left the island already dreaming of our next return, grateful for the chance to guide others through this Caribbean gem.
FAQ: Practical Travel and Diving Tips for Curaçao
- Do you need to rent a car or truck for diving in Curaçao?
Absolutely. If you plan to shore dive (and you should in Curaçao!), a rental vehicle is essential. A pickup truck is ideal for divers – it makes hauling tanks and gear to remote sites easy. Driving is on the right side and roads are generally good, but many beach access roads are unpaved. With a truck, you can explore dive sites at your own pace and reach hidden beaches that dive boats don’t visit. - What are the water conditions like (temperature, visibility, currents)?
Water temperatures in Curaçao are warm year-round, ranging from about 78°F in winter to 84°F (26-29°C) in summer. In mid-May, we found the sea comfortably around 81-82°F, so most divers were fine in a 3mm wetsuit or even just a rash guard and board shorts. Visibility is typically excellent, often 80+ feet (24m) on calm days. Many sites have little to no current, especially on the west coast, making them great for easygoing dives. Some locations (like Watamula or east end drift dives) can have moderate current, so always get a local briefing. Overall, conditions are usually gentle, which is why Curaçao is fantastic for divers of all levels. - How easy is shore diving in Curaçao – can I do it without a guide?
Shore diving in Curaçao is very accessible. Many dive sites have parking right by the water and a marked entry. You could certainly grab a dive buddy, rent a tank, and explore on your own – locals and visiting divers do it all the time. However, having a guide (or joining an organized group like ours) can enhance the experience. Experienced guides know the optimal entry points, the must-see underwater features, and any site-specific quirks (like where to find that resident seahorse or how to avoid a fire coral patch). They also handle logistics like tank refills and navigating the island’s back roads. If it’s your first time in Curaçao, consider a guide for at least the first couple of days to get the lay of the land (and sea). - Are there dive shops and tank rental facilities readily available?
Yes, Curaçao has plenty of dive shops and “drive-thru” style tank pickup stations geared for shore divers. Many resorts (like Coral Estate) have on-site dive operations where you can rent tanks, weights, and any gear you need. You can purchase an unlimited air or Nitrox package for the week, which is very convenient – just grab tanks as you go. Some popular beaches (for example, Porto Mari or Tugboat) also have dive shacks renting tanks on the spot. Make sure to bring your certification card when renting gear or tanks. Nitrox is widely available if you’re certified for it, and we found it useful for doing multiple dives a day. - What’s the best time of year to dive in Curaçao?
Diving is great year-round in Curaçao, since it lies outside the hurricane belt (major storms are rare). The climate is sunny and dry most of the year, with a light rainy season from October to December. We chose May for our trip because it’s outside the winter holidays rush and before the hotter summer months. In May, you get warm water and generally calm conditions. Another sweet spot is spring into early summer (April through June) or late summer (September), avoiding peak tourism periods. Whenever you go, remember that underwater visibility and conditions can vary day by day, but Curaçao tends to have reliable diving almost any month. - What can non-divers or families do in Curaçao?
Curaçao offers plenty of activities for those not diving or for divers on a day off. Snorkeling is excellent at many of the same dive sites – for example, non-divers can easily snorkel with turtles at Playa Piskado or above the Tugboat wreck while divers explore below. The island’s beaches are gorgeous; spots like Cas Abao and Grote Knip are perfect for sunbathing and swimming. History and culture lovers will enjoy Willemstad, with its colorful architecture, museums, and forts. Don’t miss walking the Queen Emma floating bridge and exploring the Pietermaai district’s cafes and street art. Nature enthusiasts can hike Christoffel National Park (go early to beat the heat) or visit Shete Boka Park to see rugged waves crashing into lava coves. And of course, Curaçao’s dining and music scene is vibrant – from beachside grills to downtown fine dining, there’s something for everyone. In short, it’s an easy destination to combine diving with family vacation fun. - Any special diving tips for Curaçao first-timers?
Yes! First, bring good-soled dive booties – many shore entries are rocky or have coral rubble, so you’ll want foot protection and open-heel fins. Second, take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but bubbles: Curaçao’s reefs are beautiful but under pressure, so practice good buoyancy to avoid damaging corals, and don’t touch or take marine life (souvenir shells are best left in the ocean). Third, stay hydrated and use reef-safe sunscreen; the sun is strong, and it’s easy to forget to drink water when you’re busy diving all day. Finally, be flexible and embrace “island time.” Service can be relaxed, and sites might change based on conditions – but that’s all part of the adventure. Slow down and enjoy the easygoing rhythm of the island, and you’ll quickly fall in love with Curaçao’s pace of life.
