Why Curaçao Is the Caribbean's Shore-Diving Capital

Few destinations make scuba diving as easy as Curaçao. The island's fringing reef runs almost unbroken along the leeward coast, often within swimming distance of the sand — which is why it's earned a reputation as the Caribbean's shore-diving capital.

The marine park

The Curaçao Underwater Marine Park protects more than 20 kilometres of coastline, keeping the reefs healthy and the fish abundant. Mooring buoys mark dozens of marked sites.

Signature sites

The Mushroom Forest is named for its giant star-coral formations; the Tugboat is a shallow, photogenic wreck perfect for new divers; and the Blue Edge drop-off rewards the experienced with a vertical wall of life.

First-timers welcome

Several dive centres run discover-scuba sessions in calm, shallow water before any open-water commitment. If you've ever been curious, this is the place to find out.

Whatever your level, respect the reef: maintain buoyancy, never touch the coral, and take nothing but photos.