MaresMan1
Contributor
Curacao Vacation Report.
Well, its almost a month since I returned from Curacao. I am starting to get back to normal. It was a good vacation but as always too short. What follows are my first timer impressions of the island and diving. Regardless, this is definitely an island that should be experienced, for the people, sites and especially the water.
The Island of Curacao
At first look it does not feel like the Caribbean, but Europe by the sea; a chunk of Amsterdam in the Caribbean. The shore areas of the island are a little tropical with palm trees here and there, but most of the island is arid and very desert like. Reminded my of Arizona or New Mexico with all the cactus and rocky dry areas. Ruggedly beautiful though. To get the overall feel of the island, we took the East/West Tour, which is a one day tour of the entire island. They point out all of the passing hot spots to visit, along with stopping at some of the more popular sites. Stops like the Hato caves, The Liqueur Shop, Boca Tabla and several beaches (most are stunning but rocky) are really worth a visit while off gassing. If you want to get a good feel of the island, this is a great tour and be sure to rent a car.
There are loads of museums that cover various areas of Curacao history and buildings that date back to the 1500s. Our favorite was Kura Hulanda, a beautiful place that must be experienced. It was the original village in Curacao that has been restored and converted into a hotel, with several restaurants and shops. Nicely done indeed.
The Seaquarium is a nice spot to visit if you have little ones, who want to interact with the animals. The Ocean Encounters is fun for feeding Sharks, Tarpons, Jack and huge Turtles. They also have a nice dolphin show (if that is your cup of tea).
Shopping in Willemstad (Punda or Otrobunda) is not my cup, but I had to go along. The shops are nice and have a nice selection of European and American styles. Prices were OK, I guess. However, walking over the Queen Anne Bridge was a trip. There are also some very nice restaurants on both sides with various tastes in food.
The Resort Habitat Curacao
Habitat Curacao is a beautiful resort located on the southern central coast of Curacao, about 25 minutes drive from Willemstad. The resort is located in the private community of Coral Estates. Ocean view rooms are nicely sized and face the ocean over a bluff. The Lanai Villas, which are two bedroom units, are the only rooms not on the bluff. However, they have their own beauty with a center lagoon and lush landscaping. All bedrooms are air conditioned with the living/dining terrace areas in the open air. The rooms also have complete kitchens in the open area, including pots, plates and utensils. Everything was very comfortable and clean.
The pool is comprised of two sections. One section is a shallow circular part with a small island for the kids, and a very nice main section with a spectacular view. Gives you the feeling of swimming off of the bluff into the ocean. The pool, deck and sunning area are well maintained and very clean and picturesque.
There has to be a down side and The Beach is it! There really isnt one. Its just a small sandy area mostly covered in dead coral, rocks and drift wood. Dont even think about going barefoot unless your feet are made of iron. A small deck is at the right end of the beach area so you can read or rest under the trees, which is very nice, and also the best part of the area. Thats all I have to say about that!
Oceans Restaurant and Bar serves up a really nice selection for breakfast and will make eggs to order. Lunch and Dinner are static menus and get tiring very quickly. We are out as much as possible for dinner and bought lunch eats at the supermarket. However, their barbeque is really good on Sunday nights. The Bar is very nice and drinks are not expensive. The people are friendly in a relaxed atmosphere. Live music can be heard every Wednesday evening. Dinner is served until 10pm and everything closes at 11pm.
Easy Divers dive Shop is run by Ann Marie and Harry. This is really a great little shop that is well supplied and has a lot to offer. Diving is 24/7 and they mean it. You are totally responsible for yourself and how you dive. No one is watching you and you sign a diving agreement stating you take your own responsibility. The tank area is always loaded with fresh completely filled tanks in both Air and Nitrox. Locker are always available (you provide you own lock, or buy one at the shop). Drinking water, ice, camera and gear tanks are always at the ready and clean. The doc is set up so all you have to do is walk down the stairs (or giant stride) into the beautiful warm water. The resort has its own reef that is in very good shape once you get out about 25 yards and down the slope. Before that there is sand and some damage from snorklers, but that part is recovering. Night diving and snorkling rights were well used. Since this is a divers resort and its available 24/7, it is assumed that you will be diving every day. If you are not diving, you must complete a Non-Diving Day form; if you dont you will be charged.
The shop runs two dive boats (The Curacao Duchess [60ft] and Habitat Curacao[62ft]) that are fast, well maintained and easy on the divers. Each boat can handle 25 divers, but the limit is 20 for comfort. They leave at 8:30 and 8:45 each morning (depending on the number of divers [min 6 per boat]) for various reefs in the area for 2 tank dives. The guides are Tuki ( a character), Karen, Muriel and William. They are all DIs and will lead the troop if you wish ( but they will not go below 90 feet). However you can also dive your own profile and navigate you way back to the boat at the agreed departure time. The reefs we visited were Playa Hundu, Shon Mosa, Boka Fluit(Mushroom Forest), Kas Abou, and Rif St. Marie. All of the reefs we visited are in great shape with plenty of life. Schools of squid, parrot fish, turtles, sand divers, star fish, gobies, moray eels, lobster, octopus and basic reef creatures are plentiful. The Mushroom Forest was down right eerily beautiful. Visibility at all of the sites was over 100 feet. There were plenty more reefs and you are free to take tanks and dive any of them at your leisure.
Everything they do on Curacao and at Habitat is about diving, diving and more diving. They are very protective and respectful of their reefs and actively working to make things better. Overall a good vacation. If you decide to go, there is plenty to do and enjoy above and below; bon voyage.
