Curacao: What has better diving: Westpunt vs Willemstad sides

[Red_Rock_Diver]

This is fantastic information. We’ll be at Marazul mid January, both ends (units 1 and 10). Great info for the snorkelers in our group, as well.

Erik

Erik,

A good snorkel route is along the base of the limestone cliff from stairs to stairs. Where you start depends on the current. The prevailing surface current is N to S but I have had the current shift during a dive on Marazul more than one time. Mornings can be a S to N at times and at 70 feet the current can be opposite of what you find when you return to the stairs. Also the south stairs have a series of underwater floating markers that lead from the stairs to the reef. There were 4 underwater markers when we left in mid October. You also may find some random underwater floating markers at depth during your exploration of the reef.

 

[morecowbells]

The south stairs offer a more gradual descent than the north stairs. My wife says there are 72 steps from the top to the water line including the set of metal stairs that enter the water. Depending on the tide, there are usually 3 - 4 stairs that extend below the water line. Exits are easier from the south stairs, although the surge, at times, can make for a challenging exit, especially after fin removal.

The the north entrance has less steps and as a result is much steeper. The exit on the north stairs is vertical. Picture a dive boat ladder exit. Most divers use a giant stride entry here from a concrete ledge 8 to 10 feet.

 

[morecowbells]

Thank you for the excellent information! I always used the north stairs because everybody always said they were newer and in better shape. I definitely will be trying the south stairs in Feb. I like the idea of doing a stairs to stairs dive. Excited about our upcoming vacation, but also nervous. Every time I think things are looking up with Covid, BAM! another strain messes everything up.

 

[vatty]

Thank you for the excellent information! I always used the north stairs because everybody always said they were newer and in better shape. I definitely will be trying the south stairs in Feb. I like the idea of doing a stairs to stairs dive. Excited about our upcoming vacation, but also nervous. Every time I think things are looking up with Covid, BAM! another strain messes everything up.

Currently Covid is pretty in control here, because of the fact people need to fly with a PCR test and do an Antigen test on their 3rd day here. Hopefully it stays like that, a week ago they however lowered the evening curfew.. but they did introduce that people need to be tested pre entry if they are vaccinated or have a negative test. Sadly in practice I see it hardly happen.

 

[morecowbells]

I am glad to read that the island has kept the Covid numbers at a manageable level. I understand the need to do the testing before arriving to Curacao. My concern is with with the Curacao requirement of the 3rd day test. I feel that Curacao really isn't keen on accepting US tourists just yet. The Curacao government considers China and India low risk , ergo, less hoops to jump through. EU vaccinated citizens (even if it is the same as the US vaccine) are exempt from the 3rd day testing. I love the island and am truly hoping things change, but only have one foot in the door, ready to make other plans if the requirement doesn't change. Bonaire eschewed the mid week testing requirement, hopefully Curacao follows suit.

 

[vatty]

To be real honest, I think the 3rd day testing is a good thing. Since the PCR test can be done 48 hours before time, it can be in some cases that people get infected after the PCR test. Everybody is cramped up in an airplane where we all take of our masks at the same time when we are allowed to eat. The 3rd test is really quick and the testing locations are everywhere. A vaccination does not exclude you from being a carrier of the virus.

 

[RIHappyDiver]

To be real honest, I think the 3rd day testing is a good thing. Since the PCR test can be done 48 hours before time, it can be in some cases that people get infected after the PCR test. Everybody is cramped up in an airplane where we all take of our masks at the same time when we are allowed to eat. The 3rd test is really quick and the testing locations are everywhere. A vaccination does not exclude you from being a carrier of the virus.

It’s not the third day test, per se, that people are objecting to. It’s the third day test for US visitors staying 7 days, as they will be tested again on day 4 for the return flight. So, the argument is why not allow the fourth day test to be the follow up test for Curaçao as well as the return test for the US?

That being said, @morecowbells has made some valid points.

Erik

 

[vatty]

It’s not the third day test, per se, that people are objecting to. It’s the third day test for US visitors staying 7 days, as they will be tested again on day 4 for the return flight. So, the argument is why not allow the fourth day test to be the follow up test for Curaçao as well as the return test for the US?

That being said, @morecowbells has made some valid points.

Erik

Ah, apologies. Didn't knew that was the case.

 

[lexvil]

The testing can be a pain in the …

the 3rd day test does cut into the trip but if you time it right it can fit in between dives. The return home one can be done on the no dive day but the shorter time frame to get the results can be a cause of anxiety, its worth it for the time on curaçao.

 

[Saturated and satisfied]

All testing is a pain in the rear end and feels the same in every country it is taken. The Europeans are now back on that list due to the uptick of the new omygod variant. Having travelled back in September the testing here is super efficient and is getting more so.

I took both of my tests, leaving the island and the 3 day return one at the Lions Dive location, which is the closest one to me. and booked the 8am earliest one. I turned up 15 minutes early and was in and out in 5 minutes once they opened the doors and back at work 5 minutes later.

I have advised divers to do the same and it doesn't seem to have affected any dive schedules. Of course the alternative is to schedule an afternoon one but in that case I have had a diver turn up at the same testing point only to find it closed and he had to go the next day and do what I have just suggested.

This was just my experience and to be honest, having lived on this island for nearly 2 decades I was pleasantly surprised by the efficiency but not about the 'lengths' at which they tickle you and surprised they didn't find gold up them thar nostrils bearing in mind how far they shoved that thing.

Either way the diving is still worth it but the island is booking up fast for the winter.