I’m putting together a mid January “dive and explore” trip for my wife, myself and at least one other couple. Each couple contains one diver and and one non diver who snorkels. I’ve read most of the reviews on here, so I already have some great info. Basic plan is probably 4-5 half days of diving with at least 2 night dives, mostly shore except a boat to Watamula, with 2 days for exploring Willemstad and the parks in the north. Depending on where we stay we will be able to do some afternoon exploring, as well as some group snorkeling. I’m already leaning toward staying in Westpunt but feel I need to add options mid island and in/around Willemstad for the group to consider, so I’ll start there;
1. Lions Dive is on my list in Willemstad, and Oasis Coral (thanks @markmud for the write up) for the mid island. Are there other good options that would be worth considering in these areas, realizing that “mid island” is pretty vague? Also, Sunscape is a bit out of the budget for this trip. One caveat, we would prefer to be on or viewing the ocean.
2. Vehicles are the next question. I like @tkaelin ’s idea of diving the house reef and sites with shops. Do we need trucks, or will the little Kias that most places offer be enough? If the Kias are enough for diving will we need something more aggressive (truck/suv) for the parks and exploring the east coast?
3. The main contenders in the west are the usual suspects, Nos Krusero, AllWest, Marazul Dive Resort, Lagun Blou. I’ve added Rancho El Sobrino, even though there is no ocean view, and as if 4 other choices weren’t enough. Does anyone have any info on it? I know that Sublime Diving is now their on site dive shop, and Cactus Cafe is now their on site restaurant, but that’s it.
Ok, I think that’s everything. I do want to thank everyone who has done the reviews, and everyone who added input to them. I’ve been a member of SB for just over 4 years now and this is the type of thing that has kept me around, and that SB members do so well. It’s just a shame that @drrich2 hasn’t been to Curaçao, because I think all my questions would already be answered, !
Erik
1. Lions Dive is on my list in Willemstad, and Oasis Coral (thanks @markmud for the write up) for the mid island. Are there other good options that would be worth considering in these areas, realizing that “mid island” is pretty vague? Also, Sunscape is a bit out of the budget for this trip. One caveat, we would prefer to be on or viewing the ocean.
2. Vehicles are the next question. I like @tkaelin ’s idea of diving the house reef and sites with shops. Do we need trucks, or will the little Kias that most places offer be enough? If the Kias are enough for diving will we need something more aggressive (truck/suv) for the parks and exploring the east coast?
3. The main contenders in the west are the usual suspects, Nos Krusero, AllWest, Marazul Dive Resort, Lagun Blou. I’ve added Rancho El Sobrino, even though there is no ocean view, and as if 4 other choices weren’t enough. Does anyone have any info on it? I know that Sublime Diving is now their on site dive shop, and Cactus Cafe is now their on site restaurant, but that’s it.
Ok, I think that’s everything. I do want to thank everyone who has done the reviews, and everyone who added input to them. I’ve been a member of SB for just over 4 years now and this is the type of thing that has kept me around, and that SB members do so well. It’s just a shame that @drrich2 hasn’t been to Curaçao, because I think all my questions would already be answered, !
Erik