As new divers we went to dive resorts; Divi in Bonaire, Fantasy island in Roatan. Slept, went diving, diving and then diving and slept again. We then found the joys of shore diving and really enjoyed the freedom - and then extra half hour or more of sleep it afforded us. And now, unless the resort is in an out of the way place that needs a boat to travel far out and away to the reef, I don't know that it is that necessary to stay in a certified dive resort. That said..... it is nice to have tanks available for an early morning dive or one that starts at 10PM.
We like the reef along the West end of the island. But that doesn't say that any given dive won't be the highlight of your trip. I joined John and his family for a dive at Director's Bay and one at the Dive Bus; each had great visibility and a load of life. I saw my first (Curacao) flying gurnard and Tarpon at the DB. The wreck of the Superior Producer is in town and the Eastpoint dives I hear are spectacular.
If you are into nightlife, casinos and higher priced restaurant, you might be happier in Willemstad. Most hotels are associated with a dive op but Mark and Suzy of the Dive Bus will pick you up and take you on a guided shore dive. You can also drive and meet The Bus where ever the daily dive has taken them.
But I do like the west end. The reef is really healthy and if you can imagine Mushroom Forest being 10,000 years or, then Watamula is over 60,000 years young. Most of the dives can be reached from shore except Watamula, Mushroom Forest, Redhio, maybe Paradise and OK, many more but.... the thing is... they are all good.
In the West, you'll find Habitat in St. Willibordus. There are villas overlooking the hotel. Flamingo often posts here and has a beautiful place. Even though there are still gorgeous villas in Santa Marta, I wouldn't recommend staying there for divers. It is quite a ride to get out to the shore and with Sunset Divers closed, it is not very convenient. In Lagun there are condos and apartments. And, here in Westpunt the dive op is Ocean Encounters West. They have the All West Apartments with air 24/7 and stairs to Westpunt Bay. AW has kitchens, air co, hot water and a great alternative to television, a fantastic view. The Lodge Kura Hulanda is very upscale and is adjacent to OEW. In Westpunt there are condos and a variety of apartments; some whole buildings, some individual ones in someone's home like ours.
Contrary to belief, Sunshine and David do not need to open Sol Food every day - when would we dive? There are other options in the West; The Lodge has a fancy menu and a beach grill, Jaanchies, Dokterstuin, the Butterfly Garden and some of the landhuises serve local food. There are Restaurants Daniels, L'anterneau, Villa Monte, Ranch Sobrino and of course Willemstad chocked full of places is only a 40 minute drive away.
I was just talking to someone. We used to kayak, windsurf, dive, hike etc. If we went on vacation we had a plan. I think that a lot of divers are wonderful people who enjoy their time on Curacao because they are not looking to be entertained. They have come to dive and enjoy meeting others while relaxing "in the country". We've met some really great folks and love it when they come by 4, 6 months or even a year later.
My vote is for Westpunt. You'll need a car to make life easier and a boat to get to Watamula
If you still want to party, go to town for your last 2 nights and your no dive day. If you need ANY information, please let me know and we hope to sea you in Curacao.
