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If you’re dreaming of warm Caribbean waters, healthy coral reefs, and easy diving access from stunning beaches, then scuba diving in Curaçao should be at the top of your list.
This small island is a diver’s paradise that is tucked away in the southern Caribbean. Curaçao is a combination of excellent shore dives, incredible boat trips, and massive variety and abundance of marine life!
Whether you’re a first-time or experienced diver, Curaçao’s relaxed vibe, top-notch dive shops, and crazy-clear water make it an unforgettable place to dive in.
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Why Curaçao is a Diver’s Dream
What makes scuba diving in Curaçao so special is its accessibility, crystal clear water, and abundant marine life. The island’s calm conditions and fringing reef mean you can dive from shore at dozens of beaches, without needing a boat. Just step into the water, and you’re instantly surrounded by coral gardens, reef fish, and even the occasional turtle or eagle ray.
There are also a variety of epic boat dives that take you to remote walls, deep wrecks, and even a deserted island.
The island itself is fairly safe and offers beach bars, snorkel spots, sunset views, an aquarium, and a colourful city.
I absolutely loved diving in Curacao. The water is so clear and the marine life was more than I’ve witnessed in some time.
It was a dream spot to travel with children as well… they loved the clear water that allowed them to see fish swimming around without even sticking their head in the water!
Best Beaches for Shore Diving in Curaçao
One of Curaçao’s biggest selling points for scuba divers is how many top-tier dive sites are just steps from the sand. Here are some favourites that are well worth a visit:
➤ Playa Porto Mari
A diver favourite for good reason. The beach is stunning with white sand, calm water, and a convenient dive shop right on-site. Underwater, you’ll find a double reef system exploding with life, from moray eels to schools of reef fish.
The entry is easy, and the facilities (parking, rinse stations, showers, bar) make it easy to access, clean up, and relax after diving. Porto Mari was my favourite spot for diving and just hanging out!
➤ Cas Abao Beach
Cas Abao is not just a pretty beach, it also offers an excellent dive just offshore. The reef here has soft corals and colourful fish, with typically excellent visibility. This is a great spot for new divers or those looking for a long and relaxing dive.
➤ Playa Kalki (“Alice in Wonderland”) – Westpunt
Playa Kalki is located on the island’s far west end and features mushroom-shaped coral formations with a gently sloping reef that starts just off the beach. It’s perfect for spotting tiny sea creatures like nudibranchs, shrimp, and jawfish, as well as larger creatures like turtles and spotted drums.
➤ Playa Lagun
Playa Lagun is a small, quiet bay surrounded by cliffs and fishing boats. The calm waters make this an ideal shore dive site. It’s a laid-back diving experience with great coral and fish diversity, plus it’s not uncommon to see turtles as well!
There’s also a dive shop and restaurant on site.
➤ Tugboat & Director’s Bay
On the island’s southeastern coast, near Willemstad, Tugboat is one of the most famous dive sites in Curaçao.
This sunken tugboat sits in shallow water (about 5 meters/15 feet), making it perfect for both divers and snorkelers. It’s covered in coral and attracts lots of marine life.
A short swim away is Director’s Bay. Here you can have a deeper dive along a dramatic drop-off with beautiful sponges and coral.
Best Boat Dive Excursions
While shore diving is fantastic, Curaçao also offers some incredible boat diving experiences you shouldn’t miss.
➤ Klein Curaçao
This uninhabited island is about 1.5 hours by boat from mainland Curaçao . The diving here is fantastic, with dramatic drop-offs, excellent visibility, and the chance to see barracuda and rays. Many dive trips to Klein Curaçao also include lunch and time to explore the island’s beach and lighthouse.
➤ Mushroom Forest
Mushroom Forest is one of the island’s signature sites, named for its unique coral formations that resemble giant mushrooms. It’s full of sponges, hard corals, and reef life. Many boat operators combine this with a stop at the Blue Room, a partially submerged cave with amazing lighting.
➤ Superior Producer
This deep wreck lies just outside Willemstad’s harbour and is only accessible when no cruise ships are docked. It’s a 1970s cargo ship sitting upright at around 30 meters (100 feet), covered with coral and visited by a ton of marine life. It’s a fantastic dive for advanced divers and a favourite among wreck lovers.
➤ Watamula
Watamula is located near the island’s northwest tip, and is known for its strong currents and great coral health. It’s a drift dive with barrel sponges, soft coral, and schools of fish. This is a great one for experienced divers who want something a little more exhilarating.
Top Dive Shops in Curaçao
No matter your skill level, it’s worth diving with a reputable dive operator—especially if you want to explore more remote sites or do boat dives. Here are a few that consistently get glowing reviews:
➤ Porto Mari Sports (Playa Porto Mari)
Located right on the beach at Playa Porto Mari, this full-service dive shop is perfect for both beginners and experienced divers looking for easy access to one of Curaçao’s best shore dive sites.
Porto Mari Sports offers guided dives, gear rentals, and tank refills. Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and know the reef inside and out.
➤ B Diving & Watersports (Cas Abao)
This small, personal dive center at Cas Abao Beach is known for its warm atmosphere and attentive guides. Many divers say they felt like family by the end of their trip.
B Diving is a great option for relaxed shore diving and offers guided tours, certifications, and rentals right on the beach.
➤ Go West Diving (Playa Kalki)
Go West Diving is a top choice for both shore and boat diving. They’re known for professional, friendly service, small groups, and access to some of the best west-side sites like Mushroom Forest and Watamula. They also offer tanks for rent if you want to shore dive on your own.
➤ The Dive Bus (Caracasbaai)
If you want laid-back vibes and top-notch professionalism, The Dive Bus is your spot. Located near Tugboat and Director’s Bay, they focus on relaxed shore diving, eco-friendly practices, and small group experiences. Perfect for newer divers or those who like a chill atmosphere.
➤ Ocean Encounters (Mambo Beach & LionsDive)
Ocean Encounters is one of the biggest and most experienced dive operators on the island and is great if you’re looking for full-day boat trips, dive packages, or gear rentals.
They run boats to east coast sites like Klein Curaçao and the famous Superior Producer wreck. Their shop is located at a beach resort, so you can dive, eat, and relax in one spot.
Tips for Scuba Diving in Curaçao
- Bring your dive card and log book. Some sites have depth restrictions and some shops require proof of experience for advanced dives.
- Shore diving is DIY-friendly, but always dive with a buddy and check current conditions.
- Rinse stations are available at many popular beaches, making gear cleaning easy.
- Local shops often offer multi-day dive packages or discounts if you rent tanks for several days.
- Respect the reef! Don’t touch corals or chase turtles. Curaçao’s reefs are so-far fairly healthy, let’s keep them that way.
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen anytime you are visiting the beach and entering the water.
- Remember that some beaches have an entrance fee so carry a small amount of cash to cover this where applicable.
Travelling with Non-Divers?
Travelling with family or friends who don’t scuba dive? Curaçao makes it easy for everyone to enjoy the beach while you explore below the surface. Several shore diving beaches are also fantastic spots for snorkelling, sunbathing, and grabbing a bite to eat so your travel companions can enjoy their time while you dive.
➤ Playa Porto Mari
This beach is the ultimate all-rounder. While you’re out exploring the double reef system, your family or friends can enjoy excellent snorkelling just off the shore, relax under palapas on the white sand, or grab a cold drink and lunch at the beachfront restaurant.
The facilities are well-maintained, with washrooms, showers, shaded seating, and beach chair rentals. This was my family’s favourite spot to hang out while I was out diving. After diving, I could settle up with the dive shop and head over to meet them on the beach!
➤ Cas Abao Beach
Cas Abao is a gorgeous beach with calm, clear waters ideal for snorkelling and swimming. The reef starts close to shore, so even those just floating with a mask will see plenty of marine life.
The beach has a relaxed vibe, beach chair rentals, a snack bar, and massage services, making it another great spot for the rest of the group to hang.
➤ Playa Lagun
Playa Lagun is a beach where locals and travellers alike come to swim, snorkel, and unwind. It’s a great place for turtle sightings, even in shallow water.
There’s a casual restaurant and bar right above the beach with a fantastic view of the bay so your crew can chill out, enjoy a drink, and watch divers surface in the distance.
➤ Tugboat Beach (Caracasbaai)
Located near the popular Tugboat dive site, this beach is a great pick for non-divers thanks to the shallow wreck that’s also perfect for snorkelling. The entry is easy, the underwater visibility is excellent, and there’s a quirky beach café serving up cold drinks, local snacks, and hammocks for lounging. It’s a bit more rustic than others, but full of character.
These beaches offer something for everyone—whether you’re diving deep or just soaking up the sun. It’s one of the things that makes Curaçao such a fantastic destination for mixed-interest groups and families, and why you should definitely plan for scuba diving in Curaçao.
Final Thoughts on Scuba Diving in Curaçao
Curaçao is a rare place where you can plan your entire dive trip around shore diving or mix it up with boat adventures to some of the Caribbean’s most memorable dive sites. With reliable dive shops and top-notch reef systems that feel alive and well-cared for, you’ll find it hard to leave.
So far, Curaçao has been one of our absolute favourite shore diving destinations! The ease of walking straight into the ocean and gradually descending into a stunning underwater world made every dive a relaxing, yet epic adventure.
If you’re short on time and can’t hit every spot, we highly recommend Playa Porto Mari. The on-site dive shop is easy to access and the staff were incredibly welcoming. The shore entry is smooth and the double reef system is an absolute treat to explore, plus it’s ideal for both beginner and advanced divers of any age.
Now pack your fins, charge your dive computer, and get ready to fall in love with the underwater world while scuba diving in Curaçao!
Ready to plan your next adventure? Head over to our Travel Resources page. It’s packed with the booking tools and travel essentials we swear by to make every trip amazing!
Every dive is a new adventure waiting to unfold.
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