First drive trip to Curacao

[greenbaydivers]

Am planning a dive trip to Curacao in February 2012 and would love some help. We've never been there, although have been to Bonaire a number of times and loved it.
Here is what we would like to find:
1. We prefer shore diving, so are looking for recommendations on best sites to shore dive.
2. Recommendations on a reputable dive shop.
3. Recommendations on truck rentals.
4. Hotel - looking for something mid-range in price that is nice and clean, preferrably w/a pool and close to or on the beach. No need for all inclusive.
5. Would like to be close enough to "go into town" for dining/shopping.


Thanks for any ideas/advise you can share!

 

[jeepguy]

Check with Suzy at www.the-dive-bus.com . She can answer your questions on rentals and independant diving, or help you with CUR questions in general. They also run an awesome shore dive operation.
Tom

 

[Dirty-Dog]

+1 for talking to Mark & Suzy at The Dive Bus. Stellar people.

As far as resorts, I can only say that we were quite disappointed with Breezes and will not be staying there again.

 

[kwinter]

The title says "drive trip." You have one of those amphibious vehicles?

 

[diversteve]

My list:

Playa Kalki in Westpunt
Playa Lagun in Lagun
Varsenbaai
Porto Mari
Nos Kas (Habitat's reef)
Tugboat - around the point down the wall was the better part - the Tugboat is good for a safety stop.
Watamula - boat dive
Lost Anchor - boat dive - often a drift.
Snake Bay - a friend who guides there recommended it, we didn't get to it.

We rented a truck and an SUV at the airport. From Budget iirc. We did a lot of west side diving and the roads were often dirt and not so well maintained. Get a good map, even then you'll be guessing once in a while as there's a decided lack of signs once off the main road in some areas.

+2 for Suzy & Mark at the Dive Bus. She spent about 20mins. with us one afternoon giving directions and mini-briefings knowing we wouldn't be diving with them due to our schedule.

 

[greenbaydivers]

Thanks all for directing us to Suzy & Mark - we'll definitely give them a call!

 

[Karel]

Hello,
We can take you everywhere. Check for dive sites at our sistersite curacaoduikmagazine.com. We recommend Waterside appartments which is located at the sea and close by to us at Vaersenbaai/Kokomo beach. Check us on Facebook.
Just drop in when you are here.

 

[RJP]

I like the Marriott for a hotel on the beach with a nice pool. Been there three times. On site dive op is great. I usually do some boat dives with them, a few shore dives on the house reef, then head up to Westpunt to do boat and shore dives with Go West (Formerly Ocean Encounters West)

 

[asha]

We stay at All West Apartments and they package in unlimited shore diving with Go West as well as the truck rental. Incredible diving on the house reef there--we saw 4 turtles on almost every dive when we were there last month. Get on the boat for sites like Watamula, Mushroom Forest, Rediho. For a nice beach day (as well as good diving), check out Cas Abou or Porto Mari.