curacao choices

[yellowfish]

Can anyone recommend either the dive operation and the house reef at Hotel Kura Hulanda Lodge versus the Hyatt Regency. I know these are two very different properties. Am looking for a place with a great dive operation, small groups going out, and great sites near by. I realize these to are at different locations on the island.
Also, want to be able to do some great snorkeling right from the resort for the non divers in the family.
And we would prefer the location with the least amount of current.
Any feedback for these two resort locations/dive operators?

 

[jdcpa]

You are comparing two very different properties in very different locations on the island.

I cannot speak to the Hyatt.

I can tell you the operator, Go West Diving, at the Lodge is very good. The snorkeling and diving on the house reef is also very good. I have never experienced any current of consequence there. I am sure it happens, but it is very infrequent.

I think it is commonly accepted that the better diving is out on the west end, where the Lodge is located and not downtown where the Hyatt is located.

 

[yellowfish]

OK, thanks. I thought the Hyatt had good snorkeling right there too.
So are there any other recommendations for a hotel/resort with great snorkeling right there, and a good dive op?

 

[lindygrey]

We liked the Mariott and Caribbean Sun Sports.

Great snorkeling right from the hotel but the water can get a bit rough if the weather gets cruddy.

 

[pgarch6]

Yellowfish
vacationed at the lodge many times and will continue. Dive operation is great. House reef also great for snorkel and diving. You should rent some kind of vehicle for half of your stay atleast. The food at the hotel is so-so at best. Too bad because everything else about the lodge is magnificent. You might find the dive boats to be a little crowded some days depending if there are large groups traveling together. If that's the case sign up a day or two ahead.

 

[darook]

The operator at the Hyatt is Ocean Encounters. They are fine but limit boat dives to 50 minutes. I hate getting back on the boat with over 1000psi. The shore dive there is Barracuda Point which is a nice dive but you must surface kick across a busy channel before you get there. We did it once and said that was enough. The set up for boat dives was great as you could store your gear at their shop and staff was great. One major downside is the 12% add on that the Hyatt puts on their rates. Total B.S. if you ask me. Other than that the Hyatt is fabulous. Rooms are great, as is the food, pools, and vibe. You are out in the middle of nowhere there though so you have to rent a car to go see the island. We did it a couple of times. Navigating Curacao is a bit tricky as the roads are poorly marked. If you stay there definitely take the shuttle service from the airport. You can check in at the airport and are taken immediately to your room upon arrival. The property is great, the diving there so/so, and the rates exorbitant on some things.