Oil spill in and around Willemstad?

[ocmsrzr]

I have a trip to Curacao planned for June 14th-22th at the Marriott and I am pretty concerned about the oil spill near Willemstad from a couple of weeks ago.

I found some reports on Tripadvisor but they are contradictory. A
Some say the beaches are cleaned up and open but others say the resort beaches around Willemstad were still closed as of yesterday.

Are there any locals that have any fresh intel on the oil spill in general and/or the beach at the Marriott specifically?

I have a couple of days to cancel my reservation and relocate to a different hotel. I was thinking maybe the Kura Lodge on the north end of the island, if the Marriott is still effected and if the north end is not.

Any help or info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Curacao Sunshine]

I have friends who are taking aqua aerobics next door at the Hilton. They say they are not affected. I haven't been to either beach. We are going to the Superior Producer on Wednesday and I can let you know first hand.
I like diving on the West end. It's over a half hour drive from the Marriott to Westpunt. I might suggest basing your decision on what sites you were planning on diving.

 

[ocmsrzr]

My GF called the Marriott and she was told that every time they think the have it cleaned up, they discover more sludge and have to start over. They said that the new estimate for clean up is two weeks.

We are leaning towards splitting our stay between the Kura Lodge for 5 nights and the remaining 3 at the Marriott.

 

[Curacao Sunshine]

The Lodge is at the far west end of the island. There isn't much here except great diving, snorkeling, hiking and mountain biking. If you are into nightlife, casinos, shopping, bars and fancy restaurants you might be happier staying in town and driving to the Banda Bou dive sites. While we do have a few restaurants in Westpunt, Misje will be closed for vacation June 16th to the 28th.

 

[pgarch6]

ocmsrszr
the spill has given you the opportunity to get out of dodge and go to the lodge. you won't regret it. kurahulanda lodge is super and the diving is better there anyway imho.

 

[curious2dive]

I have a trip to Curacao planned for June 14th-22th at the Marriott and I am pretty concerned about the oil spill near Willemstad from a couple of weeks ago.

I found some reports on Tripadvisor but they are contradictory. A
Some say the beaches are cleaned up and open but others say the resort beaches around Willemstad were still closed as of yesterday.

Are there any locals that have any fresh intel on the oil spill in general and/or the beach at the Marriott specifically?

I have a couple of days to cancel my reservation and relocate to a different hotel. I was thinking maybe the Kura Lodge on the north end of the island, if the Marriott is still effected and if the north end is not.

Any help or info would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Ocmsrzr,

We dive daily on the east side of the island and that means especially on the "so called" oilspill points. I will not tell you there is no oil spill because you can always find a missed spot. But all the sites are ready to dive swim and snorkel. And you can always dive on other spots. For instance we have a pick up service. But if you want to know more just mail us. Relocating is not necessary.

We wish you happy dive planning.

We wish you happy

 

[RJP]

Was wondering if anyone knows the current state of affairs, especially at the Marriott. Was planning to head to Curacao at the end of August. My wife and kids are non-divers who love the beach and water at the Marriott. If that's not accessible - or diminished in a substantive way - then Curacao is out for our trip this year.

:depressed:

Thanks in advance - Ray

 

[curious2dive]

Hi RJP,

Most off the visible oil spill is cleaned. All the beaches are accesable for beach lovers.

Happy holidays in our paradise.