Curacao

Underwater, Curaçao has much in common with its smaller neighbouring island, Bonaire, with a fringing reef running the length of the west coast.  The island's location ensures year round diving in crystal clear waters.  Curaçao boasts excellent reefs with an attractive range of wrecks and has been voted one of the top three places for shore diving in the world.  Annual rainfall is minimal and diving conditions suit all levels of experience.

As well as the underwater attractions, Curaçao has much to offer above the water.  The island's laid back charm mixed with a vivid cosmopolitan history, makes the island an interesting place to visit.  Willemstad, the capital, has been awarded world heritage status by UNESCO for its unique Dutch Caribbean architecture an the island features many restored plantation houses.

There are numerous bars and restaurants and eight museums including the Maritime Museum and the Kura Hulanda, which documents the slave trade.  All these make Curacao a great all round holiday destination for divers and non-divers alike.

Dive Sites

The island has over 60 recognised dive sites, with around 40 of them accessible from shore.  There are a number of excellent wrecks adding variety to the underwater scenery.  The cargo ship Superior Producer sank just outside Willemstad harbour.  Lying in 30m, the superstructure is covered in beautiful corals and anemones.  A little further down the reef at Car Pile, old cars from the 1940s lie on top of one another, forming the base to a gently sloping reef.  All of Curaçao's dive sites are both well preserved and alive with marine life.

Individual hotel properties operate an in-house dive centre that is an integral part of the hotel.  Please see below for each hotel's dive facilities and prices.  Dive centre regulations may stipulate that your first dive is a mandatory, shore orientation dive.  The dive centre will advise you of these details upon check-in.  All qualified divers are then offered 24 hour access to shore diving.

We recommend you pre-book your dive packs with Regaldive prior to departure in order to secure your diving or course and benefit from lower rates than you will pay in resort.  If you book direct, you will also need to take into account the local sales tax.

Guests staying at Lion's Dive resort should refer to dive centre information at Ocean Encounters

Guests staying at Papagayo Beach Lounge Resort should refer to dive centre information at Scuba Do

Guests staying at Lodge Kura Hulanda Beach Club should refer to the information on Ocean Encounters West

OCEAN ENCOUNTERS DIVE CENTRE

Ocean Encounters is a PADI 5 Star Gold Palm IDC National Geographic centre, offering unlimited shore diving to qualified divers and a wide range of courses.  The dive centre is very well organised and training facilities are second to none, with dive boats leaving from their onsite jetty.

Dive Packs

* Includes 2 boat morning boat dives, air tanks, weights & 5% local sales tax.  ** Includes air tanks, weights & 5% local sales tax.  All dive pack prices are valid for new bookings from 17th August 2009.

Dive Courses

Includes 5% sales tax.  Excludes certification and study materials.  Prices valid for new bookings from 17th August 2009.

Nb: Minimum 2 bookings per course, or a 25% surcharge applies.  You may reserve the course on your own, and if there is no other person taking part in resort, a surcharge will apply, but this rarely happens.

Extras in Resort

• Nitrox fills
• DIN tanks - it is recommended that you take DIN adaptors with you

Guideline Equipment Rental, payable in resort:

• Tank and Weights:  $11.00 per day
• Full Set:  $40.00 per day (BCD, regulator, fins, mask, wetsuit)
• BCD:  $12.00 per day
• Regulator:  $12.00 per day
• Mask, Snorkel, Fins:  $15.00 per day
• Mask and Snorkel:  $9.00 per day
• Fins:  $9.00 per day

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SCUBA DO DIVE CENTRE

Opened in 1996, Scuba Do is a family run PADI 5 Star Gold Palm IDC National Geographic centre, offering unlimited shore diving to qualified divers and a wide range of courses.  The dive centre is located right on the beach, with a breezy terrace where you can enjoy a  drink at the end of the day.  They are well set up to deal with younger children and can offer a fun learning and dive experience for children from 8 years upwards.  Scuba Do was selected “Best dive centre of the Caribbean 2007" by readers of the widely distributed dive magazine,'Tauchen' and is a member of Curacao's Quality Diver Association since March 2009.

New for 2010/11: Currently in planning is a new boat and a new dive base on Jan Thiel beach.

Dive Packs

Includes unlimited shore diving, 2 boats dives on applicable days, air tanks, weights and 5% sales tax. All dive pack prices are valid for new bookings from 17th August 2009.

Dive Courses

Includes equipment, study materials, certification and 5% sales tax.  Prices valid for new bookings from 17th August 2009.

Extras in Resort

• Nitrox fills from:  $84 per 6 day pack
• Mushroom Forest:  $20 on pre-booked guided dive pack
• DIN tanks:  it is recommended that you take DIN adaptors with you

Guideline Equipment Rental, payable in resort:

• Mask, Fins & Snorkel:  $40
• BCD:  $60
• Regulator:  $60
• Wet suit:  $60
• Dive computer:  $60
• Dive light:  $25
• Full eqmnt., excl. computer:  $180

Prices for 6 days

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OCEAN ENCOUNTERS WEST DIVE CENTRE

Located on Playa Kalki in the north-west of the island, the sister dive centre to Ocean Encounters sits on a small sandy beach *of Lodge Kura Hulanda, at the entrance point to the well-known shore dive site of 'Alice in Wonderland'.  Ocean Encounters West is a small and compact operation and team, with PADI Gold Palm resort status offering a range of day diving packages and courses. *Clients need to be able to walk down steps to the beach & dive centre.

Dive Packs

* Includes 2 boat morning boat dives, air tanks, weights & 5% local sales tax. ** Includes air tanks, weights & 5% local sales tax.  All dive pack prices are valid for new bookings from 17th August 2009.

Dive Courses

Includes 5% sales tax.  Excludes certification and study materials.  Prices valid for new bookings from 17th August 2009.

Nb: Minimum 2 bookings per course, or a 25% surcharge applies.  You may reserve the course on your own, and if there is no other person taking part in resort, a surcharge will apply, but this rarely happens.

Extras in Resort

• Nitrox fills
• DIN tanks:  it is recommended that you take DIN adaptors with you

Guideline Equipment Rental, payable in resort:

• Mask, Fins & Snorkel:  $40
• BCD:  $60
• Regulator:  $60
• Wet suit:  $60
• Dive computer:  $60
• Dive light:  $25
• Full eqmnt., excl. computer:  $180

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Curaçao is part of the Dutch Antilles in the southern Caribbean.  The largest of the Antillean islands, Curaçao has a population of approximately 130 000 people.  The main city of Willemstad is a thriving well-developed port.  The historic city centre with its many 17th and 18th century Dutch Colonial buildings has been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.  Numerous bars, restaurants and shops give the town a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

The coastline is dotted with discreet coves and some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean, many of which are totally undeveloped.  There are two national parks that attract ornithologist from around the world. Curaçao is an ideal destination for those wanting to relax and get away from it all and still have the option of numerous activities.

Time

Curaçao is 4 hours behind GMT.

Currency

Netherlands Antilles Guilder (NAG). £1 = 2.9 NAG approx

Euros, GBP & US$ can be changed or USD travellers’ cheques can be exchanged.

The Netherlands Antilles Guilder (NAFl.) is fixed at the exchange rate of 1.77 to the USD dollar.  You can spend USD dollars everywhere, but will likely receive your change in guilders.
 
There are ATM’s in Willemstaad and ATMs close to the main resorts in the south. If staying in the north of the island without transport, please plan accordingly for cash. All resorts and dive centres accept payment for services at the end of you stay on credit cards.

Language

Dutch is the official language, but English and Spanish are also spoken as well as their own unique blend, Papiamento.

Climate

Outside the hurricane belt, the annual rainfall is very low.  Average temperature annually is 27.5°C.  July/August is the hottest period reaching up to 30°C.  Normally warm and humid with a fairly constant, cooling sea breeze.

Car Hire

One of the best ways to enjoy Curaçao is to hire a vehicle locally.  There are a finite number of vehicles available for rental in Curacao.  Should you be travelling over a peak period you should consider pre booking your vehicle prior to departure.

Guideline Car Hire Prices:
Car: £25/day
Car: £150/week
Van: £34/day
Van: £200/week

Local supplements:
CDW: Approx. $11/day
Upgrade insurance: Approx. $19/day

Activities

The main attraction for most visitors to Curaçao is the water sports.  There are over 100 dive sites around the island and the fringing reef provides fantastic snorkelling.  Conditions for sailing and windsurfing are excellent and boats are available for private charters.

There are scenic hiking trails in the Christoffel and Shete Boca National Parks. The Christoffel National Park covers 4,500 acres and is home to the Hato Caves where centuries old stalagmites and stalactites are still being formed.

Other outdoor activities include horse riding, canoe safaris and golf to name but a few.  There are numerous well run Casinos, bars and restaurants.  Wherever you go you are likely to find Salsa or some of the other local forms of dancing on offer.

There are numerous bars and restaurants and 8 museums including the Maritime Museum and the Kura Hulanda, which documents the slave trade.  All these make Curaçao a great all round holiday destination for divers and non-divers alike.

Curaçao Factbox

Flights

Flights are with KLM via Amsterdam.

2010: The timings for scheduled flights from LHR and LCY connections are poor for the AMS - CUR flight. A regional departure is recommended, or take a flight to Bonaire for a good twin centre stay option. We can add an internal flight from Bonaire to Curacao easily and the return schedule from Curacao into London is fine.

Other Regional Departures - Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, Durham, Humberside, Norwich International, Cardiff.

Departure tax:  USD $34 - payable in cash at the airport prior to check-in. If departing on an international flight on KLM, this is currently included in your ticket.

Passports

Passengers travelling to Curaçao must have six months valid on their passport from the date of return to the UK.

Visas

No visa required for British passport holders.

Vaccinations

There are no compulsory vaccinations, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio.  Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.  For the most up to date advice please consult your travel clinic.  Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider.

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