Want to experience diving in a different way? Then go to Curacao! Do you
know that there you can dive without the need for a boat? Yes, unlike the other diving
spots in the world, in Curacao you don’t have to worry about a cattle boat. You can
just walk to a diving spot, and dive from there. How is this possible?
This uniqueness of diving in Curacao is because of the characteristics of the sea floor
of Curacao. It drops off very steeply just over a few hundred feet from the shore, also
known by the locals as "blue edge". This is the reason why a boat is not needed.
However, there are diving spots in other parts of Curacao that can only be reached by
boat. For instance off the southern coast of the island, the water is remarkably calm,
which is very much the opposite of the northern coast; strong currents, rocky shoreline
and lack of beaches. Even though it is dangerous for diving and swimming, experienced
divers often go there because of the beauty of the underwater life.
There are several diving locations to choose from in Curacao. The most frequented are
the Airplane wreck; the name speaks for itself, Barracuda Point (where you can find lots
of good sized barracuda) Basora, Piedra Pretu, Boka Grandi, Playa Mansaliña, Mike's Place
& Playa Largu, Diver's Leap & Piedra Sombre (where you can swim with dolphins),
and the Superior Producer; one of the top Curacao diving locations and one of the finest
ship wrecks in the Caribbean.
What makes Curacao great for divers is their protected marine life. Their government
takes steps to ensure the natural beauty of the diving spot is preserved. They impose some
restrictions to make sure this can be carried out. Spear fishing and breaking or removing
shell or coral is strictly prohibited.
As such, you can see different kinds of marine animals, like the manta, sting and
spotted eagle rays, through its clear underwater visibility. There also are sea turtles,
squids, and octopus if you want to see one. And if you want to be up close with dolphins,
there is a dolphin academy where you will get the chance to interact, dive, or swim with
dolphins.
Curacao diving is surely an exciting adventure. For most water lovers, Curacao is one
of the great places to be when it comes to diving. So go ahead and book that Curacao
vacation!
At
first glance, Playa Kalki may seem like your ordinary beach in Curacao, but
if you look closer, specifically underneath its waters, you will discover a
wonderful colorful marine world that simply captivates.
Situated in
Westpunt at the northwestern end of the island; Playa Kalki is a small inlet
and a sandy stretch, with scenic hills and dramatic limestone cliffs serving
as its backdrop. In fact, Kalki actually means 'limestone' in the Papiamentu
language. It is a very pleasant beach to hang out the entire day especially
because of its quiet atmosphere and trees that provide the necessary shade.
Playa Kalki
has become a favorite destination for divers, and rightfully so. Because of
its reefs and limestone coves, the surrounding water is called home by
fascinating sea creatures like damselfish and eagle rays. The reef in Kalki
is popularly called Alice in Wonderland, perhaps because diving here is like
immersing yourself in a magical ocean world, populated by sting rays,
dolphins and whale sharks. The reef is made of large coral heads and is
located on the far most west tip of Curacao. Diving visibility here is
usually more than 100 feet.
Getting the
necessary diving equipment is not a problem as the beach has a dedicated
dive shop to cater to this need. The PADI 5 Star Instructor Development
(IDC) Resort called Go West Diving is also nearby Playa Kalki. The dive
center does not only conduct excursions and have rental equipment and nitrox
filling station; it also offers full range PADI courses. But if you are not
a certified diver, don't fret! Kalki is still excellent for snorkeling. You
only need to swim for a couple of minutes to reach the steep coral wall
drop. So grab your snorkeling equipment and dip your head into the water,
and be ready to be mesmerized.
If all of
this sea exploration and staying under the sun is making you hungry;
fortunately, you don't have to really go far. Kalki Beach Bar And Grill
restaurant is a few minutes' walk away. This established restaurant, which
mainly serves American cuisine, has been catering to hungry tourists and
beachgoers for years now. The Playa Kalki vicinity is by no means a culinary
hub, but there are still a couple of restaurants to choose from, such as the
Landhuis Daniel, Watamula Restaurant and Jaanchi's Restaurant.
Playa Kalki
is free to access at any time. The best way to reach it is by driving. The
parking area is just off the coastal road. Take note that the beach entrance
is quite rocky, so make sure you have the proper footwear or take proper
caution if you decide to walk barefooted. There are no restrooms on the
beach, but there are nearby business establishments who have them.
If you are
too captivated by Playa Kalki to leave it soon, why not stay for the night?
Fortunately you don't have to camp on the beach as the elegant Kura Hulanda
Lodge is just nearby. The town of Wespunt is also just a half a mile away,
so it makes an excellent base for those who want to stay close to Playa
Kalki.
Sometimes places that look very unimpressive turn out to be wonderful.
Tugboat Beach is one of those places.
Situated almost at the end of the Caracasbaii peninsula in Curacao,
Tugboat Beach is found by the old pier that at times has a huge oil drilling
ship tied alongside. Indeed the presence of the drill ship makes you
think that this is a place that is not worth visiting or you would not be
allowed to visit. Also the sight of the ship from a distance gives you the
impression that the water will have debris and be discolored. Yet on
visiting the exact opposite is found with crystal clear water.
Tugboat beach is similar in some respects to the images often
portrayed of Mediterranean beaches. A small cove backed by high cliffs with
a pebbly shore, although in this case it is small coral fragments and a sea
that shades from blue green to a cobalt blue.
The attraction of Tugboat Beach is snorkeling. If you spend any time at
this beach you see a steady stream of persons coming to the beach with their
masks and fins. Within five minutes of arriving they are in the water
surveying the beauty of the marine life.
This beach gets its name from a sunken Tugboat that lies approximately
150 meters from the shore. However you do not have to swim that far to enjoy
the sight of colorful Caribbean reef fish. Immediately as you enter the
water you are immersed in the world of reef fish and they are most numerous
in the area near the pier. As is typical with many of Curacao's beaches the
shore drops away quite quickly, so a few strokes is all that is required to
be among the fishes.
Sitting on the beach of this small cove is a quaint beach bar that
supplies cold drinks, rents masks and fins and has toilet facilities. After
your snorkeling adventure if you want to sit back and soak in the
ambiance of the location, just rent a lounger from the bar or buy a cold
drink and use one of the chairs arranged around the grounds. Indeed the
decor of this small bar is so eclectic that it alone is a reason for
visiting Tugboat Beach.
After your time at Tugboat Beach you can continue your outdoor
adventures in the area by visiting
Fort Beekenburg or walking the numerous
quiet roads in the area to observe the vegetation of this arid area while
having glimpses of the sea.
Cas Abao Beach is on the east coast of Curacao, it is a long drive by
Curacao standards being between 30 minutes and 45 minutes depending on the
day of the week and the time of the day. The drive however is interesting,
allowing you to see the urban development and then the definite countryside
areas.
The area where you enter the road to the beach is very arid with cactus
growing on the hills and a rough gravel road giving no hint of what lies
ahead. After approximately 5 minutes you arrive at the beach and it is
beautiful; white sand, a sprinkling of trees and palapas, and then the
shimmering calm turquoise water.
This is a beach where you can spend the entire day. There are plenty of
chairs for rent and if you arrive early enough you can snag a spot under one
of the palapas or under the trees. There is a small restaurant and bar with
toilet facilities and showers for after swimming.
It seems as if every beach in Curacao provides the opportunity for
snorkeling and Cas Abao Beach is no exception. Very calm water that allows
you to float on the surface and look down. Just offshore in relatively
shallow water lies patches of rock and coral where a variety of fish can be
seen. In addition this beach is enclosed by cliffs on either side and the
water along the cliffs provides good snorkeling.
There is an entrance fee for access to Cas Abao beach and there is a fee
for rental of beach chairs.
Beautiful and
free is an apt summation of Caracasbaii Beach in Curacao. Situated on the
Caracasbaii peninsula this is a beach that is impossible to miss as the main
road runs alongside the beach.
Among the
attractions of Caracas Bay Beach is that the parking lot is adjacent to the
beach so that it is possible to step out of your vehicle and step right on
to the sand. Within the parking lot there are several toilets so that you
not have to go far if you have an urgent need for a toilet. Along the beach
are a series of palapas (covered huts) with a picnic table and benches so
you can relax in the shade. In the middle of the beach is a popular local
restaurant and bar.
The greatest
attraction at Caracasbaii however is the sea. Calm clear aquamarine water
that gently rolls on to a beach that is a mixture of white sand and coral
fragments. The swimming area of the beach is cordoned off by a rope
suspended by floating buoys to prevent jet skis and boats from entering the
area where there are swimmers.
The shoreline
where you enter the water is rocky but with stones that are smooth. This
however is a common feature of all beaches in Curacao. Those stones are an
indicator of another of the attractions at Caracasbaii Beach; snorkeling
The sea in
front of the restaurant and to the right of the restaurant is a wonderful area
for seeing a variety of Caribbean reef fish. This is a great area for the
novice snorkeler as the area is very shallow.
Another
aspect of Caracasbaii Beach is that it is very popular with locals on
weekends. During the day many parents bring their children to enjoy the
beach. On Friday and Saturday evenings locals come to the beach with their
friends and their drinks and coolers to relax and enjoy the night. Many of
these groups come with their bar-b-que grills and cook while they are
relaxing. Indeed all along the beach and parking lot people gather to enjoy
the evening and the company of friends. Fortunately however it is not rowdy
gatherings.
To learn more about Curacao visit our other Curacao Pages
