Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine April 2016 | Page 66

Divers Paradise

A hidden gem in the Caribbean, Curaçao boasts 65 individual dives sites which are accessible from
shore or boat. Reefs surrounding the island boast species whose diversity is untarnished by
industrial and meteorological pollution.

SIGNATURE SITES
MUSHROOM FOREST and the Cave
Best reached by boat, this site is named for the
unusual vertical star coral growth in the shape
of mushrooms. The coral’s bio-eroded base
attracts macro-life worth investigating. The
Cave along the cliff side is a common hangout
for nurse sharks and schools of fingerlings.
Playa Kalki / Alice in Wonderland
Situated on a cove of Westpunt below The Kura
Hulanda Lodge & Beach Club, this shore dive
requires a three minute swim to the 60 foot
wall. The occasional strong current promotes
robust coral growth and reef fish activity.
The Valley / Port Marie
Two parallel reefs form a sand “valley” which
has become a local favorite. The beach is
stocked with divers’ amenities, including
rinse tanks and restrooms. Traditionally rare
reef life tends to congregate here, including
seahorses, nurse sharks, sea turtles, sting rays
and cornetfish.
Tugboat
A diverse site for divers and snorkelers alike,
this wreck dive is right outside Caracas Bay.
The mooring is the epicenter of the shallow
wreck, a wall and a deep dive with lots of photo
ops in between. Although teeming
with soft corals, the boat is well preserved.
Moray eels, scorpion fish and lobsters love the
many crevices of the tugboat and wall.
Car Wreck
A truly fun sight for all divers, this site is full of
dozens of car wrecks which make a great spot
to take some unique souvenir photos.

CURAÇAO

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