Curacao - February 2017

[BumbleV]

I'm looking for someone to buddy up with and do some shore diving. My scheduled dates are 2/7 - 2/14. Believe the diving would be similar to Bonaire. I have found decent, inexpensive accomodation as well. Let me know if you are interested in seeing that reef!

 

[Damselfish]

it's a fairly big island, might want to give an idea where you're staying.

 

[BumbleV]

There are a couple hostels in Willemstad that offer reasonable rates for single rooms and double rooms. They also have dorm accomodation. My intent is to stay in one of those. If I can find a buddy, we could split the cost of a rental car (my preference) or go with one of the shops that transport divers around the island.

 

[diversteve]

The Dive Bus will pick you up just about anywhere in Willemstad but they get almost the same money for shore diving as boat diving with some of the other operators. Good people - Mark/Suzy - run it. Across the street from Pierbaai beach near the east end of town.

Goby Divers has a map on their website showing their free coverage area and Atlantis Diving picks up within 15 miles of their location - they're waterfront a little west of Marie Pampoen. That would cover town and past the cruise port on the Otrabunda side of the harbor. I know there's at least one hostel downtown also a couple cheap older small hotels. The Ritz Village | A Special Hotel and Hostel in Curacao. San Marco looked decent but it will be more $$. Welcome to San Marco Hotel & Downtown Casino Curacao

If you really wanted to save money a shared car and shore diving is the way to go. Watamula to the west or Klein Curacao are about the only sites where a boat is required since many of the other dive sites are beaches - often with paved streets at least to the last couple miles and mostly good dirt roads. At a couple of the more distant sites we saw small econo-cars with divers in them.

It's a little more expensive than if you buy a package somewhere but most of the beaches are also dive sites and many have on-site operators so you really don't need to haul tanks. Some have a small usage fee (in guilders) but it's waived if you rent from them. Relaxed Guided Dives is also a good rental option when diving west of the city - they're on the main road just past the airport - you'll go by it a dozen times while diving west.

 

[BumbleV]

I appreciate the information. However, I still have the problem of being a solo diver. Hoping somebody has the time and inclination to join me. Gotta book the flight today, or let it go...

 

[diversteve]

Bas Harts Diving is another paid option.Shore diving but they do some lesser known sites - and provide pickup etc.

I've heard Lion's Dive Resort's bar is a good place to find a buddy also - been there but didn't ask since I was with a group.