Most dive sites in Curacao can be easily accessed from the beach, and most are suitable for just about any diver. Luckily for those of us who enjoy a regular shot of adrenaline, there are some sites that seem to have been designed specifically with adventure in mind. To dive the following sites, you need to be experienced, confident, and perhaps, just a little bit crazy. Let's take a look.
Black Rock / Piedra Pretu
Only accessible by boat, Black Rock is not a site for the faint of heart - first, because seasickness can occur on the way out, and second, because of the currents that wash up against the wall, bringing in huge fish and supporting healthy colonies of star coral, brain coral, plate coral, and even black coral. Gorgonians, elkhorn coral, and a splendid array of sponges can be found here as well, all on a wall that drops away from a shallow plateau to a ledge at about 37 meters, beyond which a yawning abyss drops away into depths much too deep for diving. On rare calm days, the shallow section is perfect for snorkeling, however most of the time, just getting into and out of the water can be a challenge. Watch for the turtles and nurse sharks that occasionally add even more excitement to an exhilarating dive.
Hell's Corner
Fully exposed to ferocious trade winds, with house sized boulders lying scattered beneath the cliffs that rise up out of the ocean, Hell's Corner comes by its name honestly. When the site is diveable, you'll be awestricken by the massive mushroom and brain corals, gorgonians, and sponges, not to mention by the green and spotted moray eels, barracuda, schooling jacks, lobsters, and other marine life that calls the site home. Depths here are from 10 to 40 meters, and on some days, all divers and even snorkelers are welcome. Most of the time though, only the most experienced can handle the challenging conditions caused by wind and waves.
Light Tower
Named for the light tower on shore, this site is located southeast of Habitat Resort. Accessible only by boat and frequently washed by currents, Light Tower often experiences rough wave action, making entry and exit a challenge. The rewards are great though - the reef begins at a depth of about 8 meters and drops to about 34 meters, and the entire structure is covered in a forest of huge, colorful corals and sponges of all kinds, including some outstanding elephant ear corals. Filled with macro life you can sometimes capture with a camera on calm days, the site is a good one for encountering tuna and barracuda; in addition, dolphins sometimes play and hunt here.
No Way
Only accessible by boat, and after a rough ride, at that, No Way is named due to the words that often pass divers' lips right before the decision to take the plunge is made. Once underwater, currents feed huge staghorn, star, and brain coral colonies, not to mention wire coral colonies and all sorts of vibrantly colored sponges. Angelfish, groupers, triggerfish, creole wrasse, and eagle rays are just some of the creatures you'll encounter here - look for tuna and sea turtles, too. The site starts shallow and eventually drops to depths beyond recreational limits, so watch your gauges carefully as you drift.
Mako's Mountain
Located northwest of Santa Martha Bay near the Sunset Waters Resort, Mako's Mountain is named in honor of a Mako shark that once patrolled the site; he has since moved on, but his well-decorated home is still a splendid place to visit. Covered in cup corals and brain corals, sea fans, and elkhorn corals, the site is an outstanding place to encounter parrotfish, brilliant blue tang, and all sorts of pelagics, including tuna, barracuda, and even sunfish. The wall here begins at a depth of about 8 meters and drops beyond recreational depths; as you explore, look for green and spotted moray eels, slipper lobsters, and other unusual animals. While conditions are normally challenging, the site is occasionally calm enough for snorkeling, however if big waves are crashing against the point, it's best to choose another site.
Offering plenty of relaxing topside activities to calm your nerves between dives, Curacao has a rich history, splendid architecture, and a relaxed way of life. Bring your best dive buddy with you, and enjoy the opportunity to log some exciting dives among spectacular surroundings.