Shore diving Curacao - Ocean Encounters

[bshonesy]

Going to Curacao in June, and staying at LionsDive, so hoping to just use Ocean Encounters as my tank rental shop. I’m just planning to do shore diving around the island all week. My wife and daughter will go some, but I also do a lot of solo diving. Is it just a show your card, get your tanks and go do what you want type of experience on Curacao (and specifically with Ocean Encounters)? Am I going to get hassled about solo diving? I bring my own pony and a transfill whip so I’m not reliant on a shop for my alt air source. Any sharing of experiences is most welcome and appreciated. Even if you are not a solo diver, you probably can tell if shops act like scuba police or just leave you to it. Thanks in advance!

 

[JohnN]

I only solo shore dive in Curacao (5 trips so far). As long as you don’t rent tanks from the operator at the beach (some care some don’t) no one will say a thing. No Curacao scuba police

 

[bshonesy]

Thanks everyone! This was helpful, sounds like it won’t be a big deal. I’ve done it all the time in other parts of the Caribbean, but I don’t usually stay at these types of bigger resorts. Giving this type of place a try for the family this time. Cheers!

 

[BoltSnap]

Again, just don't make a big fuss, don't be a chatter box and don't say no nothing

I've been 13 times to Curacao in the past and I do mostly solo diving from shore. I just keep a low profile, mind my own business and keep my mouth shut. I am competent to do what I do and I always make sure that I am diving within my competency and capability range. I use high quality properly tuned and serviced equipment.

 

[AdivingBel]

..

 

[MtnDiverColorado]

I stayed at Lion's Dive last year and dove with Ocean Encounters. In addition to my dives with them, did several shore dives going out the lagoon by the resort.

You follow a line out, and there is a decent wall out there which makes for a nice dive. They might want to confirm that you know what you are doing, but I think you'll find them reasonable and easy to work with... though I can't say how they will react to the "solo" part.. I was always with a buddy, but don't recall them being curious about it.

The Sushi restaurant there is excellent btw...

 

[tkaelin]

The Sushi restaurant there is excellent btw...

Off topic but fully agree

 

[bshonesy]

I stayed at Lion's Dive last year and dove with Ocean Encounters. In addition to my dives with them, did several shore dives going out the lagoon by the resort.

You follow a line out, and there is a decent wall out there which makes for a nice dive. They might want to confirm that you know what you are doing, but I think you'll find them reasonable and easy to work with... though I can't say how they will react to the "solo" part.. I was always with a buddy, but don't recall them being curious about it.

The Sushi restaurant there is excellent btw...

Thanks for the insight on the diving but also the sushi. That’s good news indeed on both

 

[bshonesy]

Again, just don't make a big fuss, don't be a chatter box and don't say no nothing

I've been 13 times to Curacao in the past and I do mostly solo diving from shore. I just keep a low profile, mind my own business and keep my mouth shut. I am competent to do what I do and I always make sure that I am diving within my competency and capability range. I use high quality properly tuned and serviced equipment.

Thanks, any recommendations for dive sites you like there?

 

[bshonesy]

I only solo shore dive in Curacao (5 trips so far). As long as you don’t rent tanks from the operator at the beach (some care some don’t) no one will say a thing. No Curacao scuba police

What part of the island do you like to dive? Do you have a favorite site? Thanks!

 

[JohnN]

I stay in Boca Sami and tend to dive West from there.

Snake Bay
Kokomo Beach
Porto Mari
Cas Abo
Playa Lagun