Curacao with kids

[LisaS47]

We leave for Curacao in 27 days. We're staying at the Marriott--free lodging leaves more money for other things .... after reading all the posts on this board, I am incredibly psyched about the trip. I've got a lot of stuff written down in my little black notebook ....

But I have questions:

We're bringing the kids along and most days they'll be hanging out at the hotel's Kids Club. However, my son saw something about a Shark Day Camp at the Aquarium--does anyone have any experience with this? Is it even possible to get from the Aquarium back to the Marriott between 8:30-9 so I can catch my dive boat?

Is the Bounty Catamaran the only SNUBA on the island? Is that one of those party boats like we saw cruising around Cozumel with a thousand people & loud music? Anyone have suggestions for doing a day of laid-back cruising (sailing would be even better) and snorkeling with the kiddos?

Are some good snorkeling sites that can be reached from land? Where?

And Sunshine ... I've read about your restaurant on three different sites, so you can bet we'll be there for dinner ... if not the first meal on the island (Sunday 8/3) then the last the following Friday!

 

[Curacao Sunshine]

Hi Lisa,
We're actually not anywhere near the Marriott but we do hope you get out to Westpunt and see our end of the island.
The Sea Aquarium might possibly be over 20 minutes away from your hotel in the morning traffic. There is a short cut you can take to avoid the busy area around Salina; I can try to explain it to you in a PM or email. Your other option might be joining the Dive Bus for a dive on their house reef, almost next door to the Sea Aquarium. I don't know anything about the Shark Day Camp. I might bet the posters on Trip Adviser, especially the ones who stay at Breezes might have some experience. All the kids, especially the ones under 10 that I've met who have gone there, love to spend the day if not days at the Aquarium. Since you are a diver, you probably won't be as enthralled.
I wasn't aware that the Bounty offered SNUBA. I think Flamingo posted a link for sail boat charters recently here (?). I'll check to see if I can find that link.
We live out west. We prefer the beaches, diving and snorkeling on the west end of the island although there are fish everywhere and an excellent snorkel site at the Tugboat in Caracasbaai (East). Divers can often get a shuttle to the east end of the wall and follow it along until you come to the tugboat and the snorkelers in the family. On the west end, our favorite place to bring mixed groups is Lagun. Snorkelers almost always see a school of squid near the buoy, often turtles close to shore and occasionally spotted eagle rays in the sand, and then of course the divers when they work their way back to shore. A lot of people like to snorkel at Porto Marie and Cas Abou. You can also have lunch at all 3 beaches. For a really great shore dive; try Alice in Wonderland at Playa Kalki (Lodge Kura Hulanda and Ocean Encounters West) the rest of the group can enjoy the snorkeling or the beach there. And then... you can stop by our house to say "hello"!
If you email me, I can send you my notes on the West end of the island. I can tell you of places, people and things to see here. The major tourist attractions in town you can find easily on-line. Curacao is a great place to vacation, there is a lot to do depending on what you want to do. I tried to question a group of 6 diners tonight who asked if people actually did anything other than dive. But... those are the kind of people who stay in Westpunt.... hard core divers.
I'm going back to the states the last week in July but will be back on Aug, 6th. David will be slaving away in the kitchen. But he can always be persuaded to go on a dive or two....
Sunshine
curacaosunshine@gmail.com

 

[FlamingoVilla]

Lisa,

If you want a smaller, more intimate sail boat trip (4-5 people), then I would recommend Yuana Blou (Yuana Blou). They will pick you up at Playa Kalki in Westpunt, or you can arrange a transfer with them. It is more of a lay-back, personal trip where you do not have to share with others.

Another Sailing option is Pro Sail Curacao. (Sailing School Prosail Curaçao). They operate out of Spanish Water and have day trips, instructional courses, and even a Kids sail lesson.

The only company that offers "SNUBA" is Bounty Adventures (Bounty Adventures ) . I believe it is ~$60/person and you must reserve ahead of time. They do have a cancellation policy, so read the terms. Their catamaran holds about 25 people ... not 1000, so it won't get out of hand.

For wonderful, specialized packages (mainly by car), I would recommend Caribbean Bayside. (Caribbean Bayside) Arlette and Ramsy offer fabulous personal guided tours throughout the island, both land and water, and they also have a special "Kids" package. It is a great way to start off learning about the island and then you can explore on your own. They have a "East" side and a "West" side tour, and many tour/shore options. If you mention Flamingo Villa referred you to them, you will get a special discount towards your package.

One more activity you can do with your kids is the Eco-Jeep tour with Curaçao Actief. They also offer a special discount, so just do a few name drops, and you can get discounts with most of the operators around the island.

And as Sunshine mentioned, I would NOT count on being able to drive to the Sea Aquarium from the Marriott in :20 minutes. You cannot just "drop" off you kids and be on your way. There is paper work to fill out and I would think you would want to check out the place for your own peace of mind before you leave your kids behind. Are you sure you are not thinking about the "dolphin" camp and not the "shark" camp? I don't think "I" would even want to swim with the sharks, unless I am in one of those metal cages, grin.

I think Sunshine's recommendation of using the Dive Bus option that day would be perfect for you. It is close by and they offer many options to choose. (The Dive Bus).

Have a great trip,
Flamingo
Flamingo Villa.com