First Trip to Curacao - ease of shore diving? tank rentals?

[explore_DMC]

Hello all~

My gf and I are planning to try Curacao instead of Bonaire. I'm sure Bonaire is more our style of diving, but I'd like to try something new.

My experiences in Bonaire have only included stays at Buddy Dive with the drive-through tank rentals. We typically did 4 shore dives a day, and on only one trip did we try a couple boat dives (hated them due to the other divers).

--How easy is it identify/access the shore dives in Curacao vs. Bonaire? Is there actually parking and are the sites fully accessible, or am I looking at paying a use/parking fee for whatever resort owns a particular beach?

--What are our best tank rental options to be able to feasibly do 4 dives a day? I would prefer not to spend a bunch of time individually renting tanks at multiple shops.
-----I often end up renting stage/pony if my gf gets tired on a given day (we both have self-reliant certs). Do shops have them for rent? I do own, but hate taking extra crap on trips.

--Any recommendation on lodging, or a general best "area" to stay given the trip is diving focused?

Thank you for any tips/advice.

 

[AndrewBoyd78]

First off, dive sites here are not necessary close together like Bonaire but still (most) are easy to get to with easy parking. A couple of locations (porto mari and cas abou) are pay to enter the property. At least one site (blue bay) requires you to use their tanks.

No “drive thru” setups like Bonaire but plenty of shops will do a package unlimited tank deal.

The island is 44 miles long and there’s plenty of diving along the entire coast so a central area is probably best for accommodations.

Swim outs up west can be a bit far but not so as you head east (south).

If you get a chance do a boat dive up west to watamula and one east to eastpoint. Eastpoint is MUCH healthier than any of the sites on Bonaire but only accessible by boat.

 

[Norwegian Cave Diver]

We have been to Curaçao 4 times. Staying mostly at Corral Estates. Super easy shore diving there. Dive shop on site. 3 restaurants right here also. We will be there February 1 for 3 weeks.