Steveplusplus
Registered
We just returned from a great vacation to Curacao. We loved The Royal Sea Aquarium Resort and all of the unlimited access to the Sea Aquarium located 50 yards away from the hotel. The Dolphin Academy and Animal Encounters sections of the aquarium were great for kids (and adults) of all ages. Dolphin and sea lion shows were very entertaining and the swims with these animals were better than the ones in Sea World in Orlando.
For diving, we found the reef off of the aquarium to be one of the best on the island rivaling our favorite dives sites on Bonaire. The Animal Encounters shallow and sheltered dive is great for all levels of divers and the encounters with big fish, stingrays (without the barbs!), sharks and sea turtles (the latter two behind plexiglass fencing) was a blast. For diving elsewhere on the island, we recommend The Dive Bus, a boutique dive operation run by two fabulous, fun hosts Mark and Suzy. If you're a small group, they use an air-conditioned really cool van (with fun interior decorations) for wheels. Larger groups travel in the comfort of a new air conditioned touring van. Their two other dive masters, Andy and Kevin, are a blast! Surface intervals flew by while we enjoyed picnic style lunches included in the two tank dive pricing. There's also great shore diving right off of their beach.
We had an awful experience with a large dive operation called Ocean Encounters who treated us like they're the only dive operation down there. One of the main reasons for our visit to Curacao was a special dolphin dive that they say they have island control over. Turns out not to be true - you can book this dive through The Dive Bus. Anyway, Ocean Encounters double booked our prearranged special dive (despite written and in person confirmations) and then both over booked and screwed up the timing of our rescheduled dive. Needless to say, we were never able to make that dive and our family was very disappointed. They haven't responded to any recent emails I've sent requesting a refund of our deposit. The one response I received said "our book keeping department is investigating the case". Sad....
I welcome emails from anyone interested in hearing more about our diving experiences including our grief with Ocean Encounters.
Anyway, we loved our stay in Curacao and if you prefer a new suite hotel (only 30 suites) with great views of the ocean and dolphin/sea lion shows, check out The Royal Sea Aquarium Resort. The suites were great, the staff was friendly and helpful and the restaurant on premises was one of the best we experienced on the island.
For diving, we found the reef off of the aquarium to be one of the best on the island rivaling our favorite dives sites on Bonaire. The Animal Encounters shallow and sheltered dive is great for all levels of divers and the encounters with big fish, stingrays (without the barbs!), sharks and sea turtles (the latter two behind plexiglass fencing) was a blast. For diving elsewhere on the island, we recommend The Dive Bus, a boutique dive operation run by two fabulous, fun hosts Mark and Suzy. If you're a small group, they use an air-conditioned really cool van (with fun interior decorations) for wheels. Larger groups travel in the comfort of a new air conditioned touring van. Their two other dive masters, Andy and Kevin, are a blast! Surface intervals flew by while we enjoyed picnic style lunches included in the two tank dive pricing. There's also great shore diving right off of their beach.
We had an awful experience with a large dive operation called Ocean Encounters who treated us like they're the only dive operation down there. One of the main reasons for our visit to Curacao was a special dolphin dive that they say they have island control over. Turns out not to be true - you can book this dive through The Dive Bus. Anyway, Ocean Encounters double booked our prearranged special dive (despite written and in person confirmations) and then both over booked and screwed up the timing of our rescheduled dive. Needless to say, we were never able to make that dive and our family was very disappointed. They haven't responded to any recent emails I've sent requesting a refund of our deposit. The one response I received said "our book keeping department is investigating the case". Sad....
I welcome emails from anyone interested in hearing more about our diving experiences including our grief with Ocean Encounters.
Anyway, we loved our stay in Curacao and if you prefer a new suite hotel (only 30 suites) with great views of the ocean and dolphin/sea lion shows, check out The Royal Sea Aquarium Resort. The suites were great, the staff was friendly and helpful and the restaurant on premises was one of the best we experienced on the island.
