Hi sousmariner (Love the tag. Not to be confused with our SubMariner),
Here's my last trip report:
"[NOTE: Do be aware that Hurricane Lenny caused damage to the island in general & HC in particular. Best I can tell, resort is completely repaired (and in fact enhanced), but some reef damage to about 30' remains].
On Curacao, there is only one place for the serious diver - Habitat Curacao.
HC is am new, efficient, dedicated dive resort with handsome facilities. Rooms are Spartan but clean & have balconies facing the ocean. The 2 bedroom cottages on the hillside are my favorites. Small beach. Pool is horizon style & very attractive.
There is very good diving right off their dedicated shore diving pier & you can go anytime of the day or night. Dive until your computer screams at you. Healthy coral & some interesting resident marine life including a frogfish & some seahorses. You can book with an off duty DM to accompany you if you want to pay (really "tip") extra. Great for experienced divers as once you get briefed, you're on your own. Wall off shore ("Seldom") goes to 170'.
HC is a way from the airport & town (about a 1/2 hour), so be ready for big cab fares, like around $40, if you need to get to the glitzy hotels, casinos, 5 star restaurants, etc., on a regular basis when the HC shuttle is not running -- last one returns about 7PM, which means real early night if going with it. Food at HC is good, but it most decidedly not gourmet. Service can be painfully slow, so leave plenty of time. On site E-6 processing. DMs Dr. D, Tucay & Cecil are excellent.
Curacao is a lovely island, prettier than Aruba or Bonaire. Has some Kool nature-oriented activities, like good hiking. Good dives at tugboat, Superior Producer & Piedra Pretu Wall, El Rancho, Black Coral Gardens & Bullenbaii. Good shore dives Superior Producer, Port Marie, Jeremi, Playa Kalki, Playa Lagun,Playa Abou
Playa Mansalina, Blauwbaii & Vaersebaii. The Marine Park offers good diving, and is frequented by shop at Princess (Peter Hughes), but like much of the better diving in Curacao water surface conditions can be quite rough. The dive the Mushroom Forest & Cave is special.
If adventuresome & have a few extra $$ from the casino, try a helicopter dive. Drop you on outer reef & you drift back into shore. No rough boat rides here."
Hope you found this helpful.
DocVikingo
