Habitat Curacao?

[scubabear]

We're planning to go to Habitat Curacao in June. Can anyone offer any current information on this location? Been to Bonaire and Cayman but this is our first trip to Curacao. Doing minimal boat dives but heard house reef is pretty good. Thanks for any and all info.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi scubabear,

IMHO, HC is the best diving on the island. It unarguably is the most serious dedicated dive resort on the island.

The house reef is quite excellent, and has its own dedicated diving pier open 24/7. You're free to dive within the limits of good sense & your computer. Boats are comfortable & well-maintained. Dive staff has great attitude & is professional.

Nicely landscaped property with a nifty horizon pool. Rooms spacious & well-appointed.

On the downside, food is just okay & service can be lamentably slow. Also, location is remote & undeveloped, and it's a long & expensive cab ride into town. They have a free shuttle 3 times a day, but it doesn't run into the evening.

I think you're gonna like it.

DocVikingo

 

[CaptAl]

Habitat with Lion's Dive? Lion's Dive location seems to be better when not actually diving but was wondering if you could compare rooms, food, quality of dive op, etc.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi CaptAl,

I haven't been out with Lion's dive in ages, but word I get is it has gone downhill somewhat in the past 3 years or so. Even at its peak, it was never a Habitat Curaco. HC caters to hard core divers, and offers shore diving like nobody else on Curacao can.

Of course, if one wants to be close to the casinos, good restaurants & general "action," HC is a poor choice.

Best regards.

DocVikingo

 

[SunshineFish]

Scubabear,

DocV is right on! HC has a great house reef (with frogfish, sea horses, green moray eels, squid, octopus...and much more!). I was there this past Dec/Jan. The dive op and DMs are fantastic. But like Doc said, the food isn't that great. I'd give it 2.5 out of 5 stars (but they have a great Chicken Sate). Definately rent a car if possible to try out the local cuisine and visit Willemsted (40 minute drive).

The only downside about Habitat is their boats maintenance. When I was there, the place wasn't very crowded so having only one of two boats operational was sufficient. The boat only went out for AM dives. However, by the end of my stay, even that one boat began to have engine problems. I understand this has been a recurring problem for at least a year now. Hopefully, it has been taken care of.

 

[scubabear]

Sunshine,

Thanks for the heads up on HC, sounds good to me!

I've run into boat problems on several trips, hence the decision to

always try to book land based diving in locales with decent shore

dives. As for the food, if it moves put it on a stick and grill it!

Chicken sate became one of my favs. while on Bonaire.

 

[SunshineFish]

Scubabear-

A few more things:

1. Bring your own toiletries. I always bring my own so wasn't concerned that nothing was provided except for dishwashing soap.

2. There is no ATM on premise. US Dollars are widely accepted.

3. There is a kitchenette but I don't believe there is a grocery store within walking distance.

I know this is early to say....but don't forget a trip report!

 

[CuriousMe]

Do you have an e-mail addy for Habitat in Curacao? We're hoping to arange a dive there in a few weeks.

Thanks!

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi CuriousMe,

Curacao@HabitatDiveResorts.com

Tell the manger, Jack Chalk, that I sent you.

You're going to have a super time.

DocVikingo

 

[CuriousMe]

Thanks for the addy DocVikingo, I'm assuming Jack will know your nick here?


Thanks again!!