morecowbells
Contributor
ONLINE IMMIGRATION:
Online immigration forms were done ahead of time. We carried printed copies with us. During our flight, the attendants handed out immigration forms. We decided to fill them out in case there was an issue with our copies. Our flight landed at the same time as a massive KLM vessel. We hustled like Usain Bolt to get to security before the influx of people. We waited about 10 minutes tops. The security agent running the passport scanners was a real charmer. She was airing her grievances about how we were going to break her machine while scanning our passports (pretty much gripping and sniping at everyone she encountered). Fortunately, we managed to get our bags and out of the airport in 15 minutes tops.
CAR RENTAL:
We used D and D car rental and were very pleased with the experience. 5-minute shuttle ride to rental car parking lot and only a few minutes signing paperwork. Our Kia was in great shape and had ample trunk space. My only gripe is the rear window was heavily tinted which made it difficult to see through when backing up etc.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
This was our second time staying at the Marazul Resort. In the evenings, many guests would gather around the picnic tables and watch the sunset. It was always a great way to spend happy hour. Everybody was friendly and welcoming. The units we have stayed in would be best described as no-frills but comfortable, peaceful and had everything we needed, including a wash machine. Showers had hot water and the a/c units worked great.
DIVING LOGISTICS:
Our plan was to shore dive with the exception of an afternoon boat dive at Watamula. We planned on splitting our Nitrox tank rentals from both Go West and Dive N’(at Rancho Sobrino). I had corresponded with both dive ops, received quotes and per request of Dive N’, we booked Nitrox tanks ahead of time as they are only available with advance notice. When my husband arrived at Dive N’, they did not have our request, nor did they carry any Nitrox tanks. Instead, we used Go West for all tank rentals. I have always been a fan of Go West. They have always been professional, clean and the staff friendly and helpful. My only gripe, is carrying the tanks from filling room and the steps. On the parking lot level, they have regular tanks available. I know Nitrox skeptics will question why I am so hung up on using Nitrox. Several years ago, I got the skin bends in Roatan. I have not had the issue recur since using Nitrox. I wish it was more accessible and easier to load/unload.
OUR DIVES:
After a four absence from Curacao, I had to ask myself “why”? The diving did not disappoint. The marine life and schools of fish were more abundant than other visits to the island. I felt the coral was healthier and more vibrant than many other areas of the Caribbean. My favorite dives were in front of the Marazul and Playa Kalki (heading north). The Marazul had concrete steps to a concrete platform which sat up a few feet from the ocean. You could either use a ladder or giant stride into the ocean. Steps are thick and high. I had to sit down and take a rest about half way up. The key benefit to this dive site is the short swim out to reefs. One morning we headed to Playa Grande. We wanted to get a head start on the crowds who swim around the pier to watch the turtles arrive for their feeding scraps courtesy of the fisherman. We must have seen at least six turtles, including a Loggerhead. I have mixed feelings about this attraction. I feel it is a disaster waiting to happen. On the other hand, perhaps it will increase the public’s affection towards the turtles and enhance conservation efforts. It was at this dive site that we encountered out first bait ball. While this encounter may be common for many divers, it was exciting to witness and finally swim amidst one.
My least favorite dives sites presented an epic surprise as they ranked as my favorites several years ago. We visited the San Juan sites of Playa Manzalino and Playa Shon Moso. The weather was temperamental with some rough seas. We decided to eschew the Playa Largu portion since the entry looked dicey. In the past, I raved about these sites. This time around, I felt the marine life was lacking and the coral health was average at best. I used to have a boss who would ask “is the juice worth the squeeze?” These sites embraced that analogy. The distance traveled and the drive on rough, rutted dirt roads coupled with mediocre diving was not worth the time or energy. Perhaps we visited on a bad day, but I will stick to the other sites.
FOOD!:
For our meals we visited Sunshine’s a couple of times. I can always count on her place providing gratifying meals in a lovely setting. We also got to try some new places. Cactus Café was a wonderful perk! Service was always prompt and the food was delicious and reasonably priced. We also had a couple of dinners at the Ocean View Restaurant and Bar (at the Blue View apartments). Service was so-so, the food was actually quite fresh and tasty. One night we went to Rancho Sobrino. I saw plenty seated customers looking peevish, asking server the whereabouts of their food. We decided to go elsewhere. In the past, I had some decent meals there, perhaps this was an off night. While Landhaus Misje has a limited menu, the food was very good and the portions generous.
THE END:
In summary, I am hoping to return to Curacao next year. I will have to figure out a better strategy for obtaining Nitrox tanks or just dive regular tanks (yes, it is a first world problem). On our outbound flight, AA had a mechanical issue and cancelled our flight from St. Louis to Miami. Ordinarily I would freak out about this, however, we were simply placed on a different flight out of Charlotte. Had this been a Bonaire vacation, with the limited flights, it could have been a major misfortune and possible vacation crusher. The abundance of flights and superb diving have strongly influenced our bias towards Curacao.
Online immigration forms were done ahead of time. We carried printed copies with us. During our flight, the attendants handed out immigration forms. We decided to fill them out in case there was an issue with our copies. Our flight landed at the same time as a massive KLM vessel. We hustled like Usain Bolt to get to security before the influx of people. We waited about 10 minutes tops. The security agent running the passport scanners was a real charmer. She was airing her grievances about how we were going to break her machine while scanning our passports (pretty much gripping and sniping at everyone she encountered). Fortunately, we managed to get our bags and out of the airport in 15 minutes tops.
CAR RENTAL:
We used D and D car rental and were very pleased with the experience. 5-minute shuttle ride to rental car parking lot and only a few minutes signing paperwork. Our Kia was in great shape and had ample trunk space. My only gripe is the rear window was heavily tinted which made it difficult to see through when backing up etc.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
This was our second time staying at the Marazul Resort. In the evenings, many guests would gather around the picnic tables and watch the sunset. It was always a great way to spend happy hour. Everybody was friendly and welcoming. The units we have stayed in would be best described as no-frills but comfortable, peaceful and had everything we needed, including a wash machine. Showers had hot water and the a/c units worked great.
DIVING LOGISTICS:
Our plan was to shore dive with the exception of an afternoon boat dive at Watamula. We planned on splitting our Nitrox tank rentals from both Go West and Dive N’(at Rancho Sobrino). I had corresponded with both dive ops, received quotes and per request of Dive N’, we booked Nitrox tanks ahead of time as they are only available with advance notice. When my husband arrived at Dive N’, they did not have our request, nor did they carry any Nitrox tanks. Instead, we used Go West for all tank rentals. I have always been a fan of Go West. They have always been professional, clean and the staff friendly and helpful. My only gripe, is carrying the tanks from filling room and the steps. On the parking lot level, they have regular tanks available. I know Nitrox skeptics will question why I am so hung up on using Nitrox. Several years ago, I got the skin bends in Roatan. I have not had the issue recur since using Nitrox. I wish it was more accessible and easier to load/unload.
OUR DIVES:
After a four absence from Curacao, I had to ask myself “why”? The diving did not disappoint. The marine life and schools of fish were more abundant than other visits to the island. I felt the coral was healthier and more vibrant than many other areas of the Caribbean. My favorite dives were in front of the Marazul and Playa Kalki (heading north). The Marazul had concrete steps to a concrete platform which sat up a few feet from the ocean. You could either use a ladder or giant stride into the ocean. Steps are thick and high. I had to sit down and take a rest about half way up. The key benefit to this dive site is the short swim out to reefs. One morning we headed to Playa Grande. We wanted to get a head start on the crowds who swim around the pier to watch the turtles arrive for their feeding scraps courtesy of the fisherman. We must have seen at least six turtles, including a Loggerhead. I have mixed feelings about this attraction. I feel it is a disaster waiting to happen. On the other hand, perhaps it will increase the public’s affection towards the turtles and enhance conservation efforts. It was at this dive site that we encountered out first bait ball. While this encounter may be common for many divers, it was exciting to witness and finally swim amidst one.
My least favorite dives sites presented an epic surprise as they ranked as my favorites several years ago. We visited the San Juan sites of Playa Manzalino and Playa Shon Moso. The weather was temperamental with some rough seas. We decided to eschew the Playa Largu portion since the entry looked dicey. In the past, I raved about these sites. This time around, I felt the marine life was lacking and the coral health was average at best. I used to have a boss who would ask “is the juice worth the squeeze?” These sites embraced that analogy. The distance traveled and the drive on rough, rutted dirt roads coupled with mediocre diving was not worth the time or energy. Perhaps we visited on a bad day, but I will stick to the other sites.
FOOD!:
For our meals we visited Sunshine’s a couple of times. I can always count on her place providing gratifying meals in a lovely setting. We also got to try some new places. Cactus Café was a wonderful perk! Service was always prompt and the food was delicious and reasonably priced. We also had a couple of dinners at the Ocean View Restaurant and Bar (at the Blue View apartments). Service was so-so, the food was actually quite fresh and tasty. One night we went to Rancho Sobrino. I saw plenty seated customers looking peevish, asking server the whereabouts of their food. We decided to go elsewhere. In the past, I had some decent meals there, perhaps this was an off night. While Landhaus Misje has a limited menu, the food was very good and the portions generous.
THE END:
In summary, I am hoping to return to Curacao next year. I will have to figure out a better strategy for obtaining Nitrox tanks or just dive regular tanks (yes, it is a first world problem). On our outbound flight, AA had a mechanical issue and cancelled our flight from St. Louis to Miami. Ordinarily I would freak out about this, however, we were simply placed on a different flight out of Charlotte. Had this been a Bonaire vacation, with the limited flights, it could have been a major misfortune and possible vacation crusher. The abundance of flights and superb diving have strongly influenced our bias towards Curacao.