With
over 100 diving sites Curaçao is
considered one of the nicest dive destinations
in the Caribbean. It also has some of
the most beautiful beaches. Curaçao
is located on an intact reef that is covered
by huge corals and gorgonians.
SOME
FAMOUS DIVE SITES
Little
Curaçao
All
dives are done on the southern coast,
since conditions on the northern
coast are not adequate for diving
due to the trade winds.
The shore slopes down gradually
at shallow depths. Some 50 to 100
meters (165 to 330 ft) from shore
it becomes deeper.
There, divers can find a coral barrier
with an assortment of hard and soft
corals, gorgonians, huge sponges,
all kinds of reef fish that abound
in shallow and deep waters and numerous
invertebrates.
Every dive can offer something new,
like a solitary hammer shark. Shipwrecks
can also be seen.
Mushroom
Forrest
Mushroom
Forest is near the coral by Cliff
Hotel in Banda Aboa. It is one of
the most beautiful spots in the
Caribbean.
The coral banks are shaped like
mushrooms and the passages are filled
cup shaped corals and many different
kinds of fish.
Morays and lobsters hide in the
corals. Blennies are found in home
holes of worms or move around on
the surface of brain corals. At
this point depths are 10 to 15 meters
(33 to 50ft)
At the end of the dive there is
a wreck you cannot miss, to admire
the beautiful yellow coral that
grows under the roof and the tiny
and numerous glassy sweepers that
swim near the rocks.
Pictures
provided by Martin van
Gestel
Silent Immersion Curacao
The
Superior Producer S.A.
This
ship was constructed in the Netherlands
with the name of Andromeda. It sailed
off on August 10th , 1967 with a
size of 49,5 meters (163 ft) in
longitude and 7,75 meters (26 ft)
in width.
In 1973 it was given to Pan-Ven
Line S.A. of Panama and it was baptized
Superior Producer S.A. In 1977,
it sailed towards Margarita Island
from the port at Curaçao.
It entered the port of Willemsted
for refueling. When departing on
September 30th, the seas were very
rough with winds of 30 knots. The
ship was overthrown by a huge wave,
drifted away and finally sunk in
the vicinity of Curaçao.
Today Superior Producer S.A. is
one of the most attractive spots
in the island. It is easily accessed
from the coast and local dive operators
visit it every week.
Pictures
provided by Martin van Gestel
Silent Immersion Curacao