Curacao - small dive operator

[PNW Dive Girl]

I'm looking to go to Curacao with a small group of friends. They like boat diving, with a dive master (me, I like shore diving!). Does anyone know of an operator that takes out smaller groups? No cattle boats!

Thanks!

 

[seanmcfarland]

I have stayed at Sunset Waters, and dove with Sunset Divers at the same location. They have a great house reef for shore diving and hit some absolutely outstanding sites with the boats (Watamula!). They have been featured in SCUBA magazine and other publications and forums. We were with a large group from a LDS, and they took us out on one of their large boat, but our group was too big so they brought in a small boat (6-8 divers) which we affectionately called the 'short bus'. Contact Lynn (the divemaster), and she and the staff will treat you right. She oversees a top notch operation. (lynn@sunsetdiver.com)

 

[Curacao Sunshine]

Try Mark and Suzy at the Dive Bus The Dive Bus - HOME they are great fun and travel around to a variety of shore dives.
I recently met somone with a zodiac kinda boat who will hire out as captain/divemaster for small groups His name is Niels at Dive Charter Curacao, like a have boat will travel. Dive Charter Curaçao - Probably the best boat diving on Curacao.
I don't know where you are staying. We live on the West end and sometimes go to Watamula or Redhio with Ocean Encounters West. ..:: Ocean Encounters West ::.. I don't think they can hold more than 10 divers on the boat although they are getting a new one soonish.
Shore diving is easy. On the west end, our stomping grounds or should it be our finning waters, there are at least 20 shore dives (if you go in both directions).

Sunshine
Curacao Sunshine - Rental Property on the Island of Curacao

 

[diversteve]

We had the "short bus" all to ourselves one afternoon also. 5 of us although it's probably rated for 10-14. Did a nice drift at Lost Anchor.

 

[Maui Bound]

I agree on Sunset Divers at Sunset Waters. House reef was outstanding and short boat rides to some great sites. When I was there they had a couple of boats.

 

[Diver OnLu]

Hi PNW Dive Girl,

I am working for All West Apartments in Westpunt; before I came to stay and work on Curacao, I used to visit the place with dive groups from Germany, and always liked the easy shore diving on Curacao same as some very special boat dives like Watamula, Sponge Forest or Rediho.

At All West you have the chance to do everything:

For the shore divers we have a large dive locker with 24 / 7 access to full SCUBA tanks and separate rinse tanks for I) cameras, II) masks and regulators and III) everything else. If you don't want to dive our beautiful house reef (Playa Piscadó), you just park your car at the door of the dive locker, load your gear as well as tanks, and off you go to many beautiful dive sites at a driving distance of less than half an hour.

Or you drive to Playa Kalki (3 minutes by car) and jump on an Ocean Encounters West boat - at the moment we have two boats for a maximum of 10 / 12 divers. So we don't throw 2 dozens of divers in the water at the same spot!

Through All West you can get package deals including accommodation, diving and car.
For more information (including dive site descriptions) check out our website ..:: All West Curacao ::.. or email me to andreas@allwestcuracao.com.

Best regards from sunny Curacao
Andreas

I'm looking to go to Curacao with a small group of friends. They like boat diving, with a dive master (me, I like shore diving!). Does anyone know of an operator that takes out smaller groups? No cattle boats!

Thanks!

 

[djbobbyzee]

I'm looking to go to Curacao with a small group of friends. They like boat diving, with a dive master (me, I like shore diving!). Does anyone know of an operator that takes out smaller groups? No cattle boats!

Thanks!

I second (or third) the Sunset Divers suggestion. It really depends what time of year you go (high or low season). My wife & I just returned from our August trip. We intentionally planned our last day as a Sunday, knowing it's the 'turnaround day.'

We were fortunate enough to spend our last day on the boat alone. Just Lynn, Dave, and the two of us. Here's a link to the YouTube video (the first of a few we'll be posting). YouTube - Curacao Dive 4

How good was it? We've already begun booking next years trip.

Bobby & Carie

 

[PNW Dive Girl]

We were actually looking at staying at Breezes (this group also likes all inclusive I'd prefer to stay in a condo or something). Ocean Encounters says their boats take 15-20 divers. That doesn't sound like fun to me. Will other operator pick up at Breezes or will we need to get ourselves to them?

Thanks for the replies!

 

[Storm]

When are you heading down? My wife and I will be there from Dec 5th - 19th doing both boat, and shor dives. perhaps we could chater a smaller outfit (depending on your groups munbers that is.

As to ops that pick you up, definately talk to Suzi at The Dive Bus. We'll be booking some dives through them for our trip. Suzi is great to work with durinig the planning and booking phase.

 

[seanmcfarland]

To give another plug for Sunset House, it is also an all-inclusive. They have Hotel-style rooms, Bungalos and were building som condo/single family type buildings when I was ther. I don't know if they were available for rental or for private use. I would encourage you to contact Lynn at the Dive shop. I know everyone says the same thing, but she really does have a way of making your trip personal and special. Great group to swim with.

We did the normal boat and shore dives, but also set up some 'private' dives with one of her part-time crew. The shore/night dive on the car pile was tremendous. We grabbed some tanks, hopped in a truck and took off. Finished it off with a great dinner at a plce only the locals seem to know about, and had a couple Polars (the local beer).

Wherever you end up, have fun. I don't think there are any bad sites on the island.