We are considering a trip to Curacao with three divers and one non-diver. We are very familiar with Bonaire shore diving and would like to do something similar in Curacao. We plan to dive independently rather than do guided shore dives. We all enjoy hanging out in the shallows spending lots of time looking for little critters. We will be looking for moderately priced lodgings, ideally something between 130 and 200 per night. We may fix our own breakfast, but would tend to go out for other meals. Convenient access to tanks and shore dive sites will be important. We would rent a truck and probably a car for the non-diver to get around. It looks like some of the best shore diving will be out west, but choices for food and lodging seem more limited. Seems like it might make more sense to stay east and drive a while during the day to get to dive sites rather than drive a long way back at night after dinner. Of course, we would like to be on the water, or at least have an ocean view. Looking for suggestions on lodgings, dive operators, areas to stay in or avoid and anything else that could make for a great shore diving trip. By the way, we've already ruled out Bonaire for various reasons, so please don't suggest going back to Bonaire. Suggestions for good cheap eats would be appreciated. I'm probably more interested in goat stew and other local dishes than high-end European restaurants, although we usually go out for a few nicer meals. Thanks in advance for any help.
After reading your comment and interest, I believe I may have the answers for you. If you want to do shore diving on your own, (as long as you have the certificates) you want to follow the Dutch Divers, who go on their own, with the dive maps and information avialable here on the island. There are many many great dive sites and locations around the island. First I would like to recommend you a great place to stay on the western end of the island, right across the street at Playa Kalki beach. there is a great apartment complex at:
www.noskrusero-apartments,.com, the rooms are fully equipped, airconditioned, full kitchen, radio, cable TV, internet; At the beach, there is a fully equipped dive center:
www.allwestdiving.com There is a hotel next door, Kura Hulanda Lodge with restaurant, etc. you can buy your food on the road at a mini-market, and do you own cooking when needed. On the road not far away there is a local restaurant Janchi's, where you can enjoy all the local dishes, fish, goat, iguana soup, etc. etc. either eat in, or take out. Car rental is no problem, there are different types of pick-ups and, SUV's available for rent. (don't leave any valuables in the car while diving at other locations!!!) The owner of the apartments can help with the car rental. you can find info and comments at:
www.tripadvisor.com of the apartments. Top floors have great ocean view. For the island info at:
www.curacao.com Tourism site.
Here are some additional sites to visit: curacao-sea-aquarium.com,
www.sea-aguarium-park.com,
www.substation-curacao.com,
www.dolphin-academy.com.
www.eventscuracao.com
I hope this information is to your satisfaction. You can contact the owners of the apartments directly through their website for reservation, rates, etc.
