Curacao Diving: Snorkeling, Beaches And Water Sports

Humans cannot breathe underwater naturally, but through snorkeling they can take in the sights of the ocean without holding their breath, and with clearer vision than opening eyes underwater. Snorkeling is an activity done in many tropical locations, as well as regular swimming pools near home for many people.

However the Caribbean island of Curacao off Venezuela's coast is a popular destination for those who love the water sport as well. Curacao diving is also a water sport many enjoy down on the island. Curacao diving is an experience which is unparalleled to any other underwater exploration one may participate in.
Curacao diving and snorkeling are excellent vacation ideas for several reasons. Whether it is January or July, Curacao diving is always in season; Curacao has a consistently warm temperature of about 78 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit. Curacao diving is rewarding because of the variety of life in the sea; those snorkeling will not just find fish, but eels, dolphins and turtles as well. Beginner and expert divers are both welcome, as Curacao diving takes place in both shallow reefs as well as deep areas with strong currents.
There is a wide array of Curacao beaches, varying in texture and amenities. Curacao diving is a popular activity on most of the beaches, however there are other reasons to visit these shores.  For example, some Curacao beaches are perfect for a leisurely barefoot walk, while visitors will want to wear shoes to other beaches as a result of pebbly terrain. Because of the varying characteristics of these Curacao beaches, some are more suitable for snorkeling than others. Littered with parasols and palm trees, Cas Abao a beach in north Curacao that offers prime waters for snorkeling. According to Curacao-TravelGuide.com, the beach offers bathrooms, as well as changing facilities and restaurants for the time spent outside the clear blue waters.
However, Cas Abao tends to get busy on the weekends, so those looking for a quieter experience may want to check out Port Marie, just north of Cas Abao on Curacao's west coast. Even on weekends, the noise at Port Marie is minimal; fans of Curacao diving and snorkeling alike will find plenty to like about Port Marie. After an afternoon of snorkeling, older tourists may want to hit the bar along the shore, but children are welcome at Port Marie as well.
While Curacao diving, dolphins are just one type of marine life one may encounter during their experience. If swimming freely among dolphins seems a little intimidating, there are Curacao diving programs that let divers get close with the dolphins in a safe, supervised environment. The Dolphin Academy at Sea Aquarium Park has several of these programs for Curacao diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. These Curacao diving programs are ideal for those who would also like some personal contact with the marine life while they are moving through Curacao's waters.
The Dolphin Snorkel program, for example, educates divers about the bottlenose dolphin while they snorkel alongside these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. This program costs $159, and before engaging in snorkeling with the dolphins, participants receive instructions from professional dolphin trainers. Other Dolphin Academy programs are less expensive; the only costlier program is the Dolphin Open Water Dive, which costs $300 and can only be taken by certified divers.
Curacao Actief is just one tourism company that gives guided tours to those who would like to enjoy the Curacao diving experience. Curacao Actief's PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) take divers through courses along the white Curacao beaches. One course is designed for Curacao diving novices age 10 and older to become acquainted to the water sport; another is a refresher Curacao diving course for certified divers. The PADI Open Water Course trains divers and they receive PADI certification at the end of the 3 ½ full day or 7 half day course for their efforts.
Curacao Actief offers snorkeling tours in half day and full day durations. A half day snorkeling tour of the reefs is $50 for adults, $40 for children. The full day excursion costs $80 for adults, $64 for the kids. This price includes snorkeling equipment, fruit and drinks and a personal tour guide. Snorkelers get a color chart to help them identify the different kinds of fish they will see along the way, and the chart is waterproof so they can bring it under the surface.
Another tourist venue, Let's Fish, focuses mainly on fishing trips, but has half and full day snorkeling rates as well. Caracas Bay Island tours go under the surface and explore the coral-covered wreckage of a ship that sank over two decades ago. Let's Fish charges $30 for adults, $25 for children; those prices include soda, bottled water and beer (a plus for adult customers).
Curacao's proximity to the Earth's equator makes it a sunny place, so vacationers will want to bring the sunscreen. Curacao diving is affordable, and offers an out of the ordinary experience that beginners and certified divers alike can enjoy. Once someone has partaken in Curacao diving, his or her underwater experiences may never be the same.

Sources:
"Let's Fish." Geocities.com. 4 July 2007.
http://www.geocities.com/olly_p/
"Why Scuba Dive and Snorkel in Curacao." 10 May 2006. Curacao Actief. 4 July 2007.
http://www.curacao-actief.com/index.php?id=1001< br />"Curacao's Beaches." 1999-2006. Curacao-TravelGuide.com. 20 July 2007.
http://www.curacao-travelguide.com/beaches/index .html
"Curacao's Dolphins." 1999-2006. Curacao-TravelGuide.com. 20 July 2007.
http://www.curacao-travelguide.com/activities/do lphins.html