Safety · Destination Guide
Color-soaked streets, calm leeward reefs, and year-round dive reliability
Updated Oct 28, 2025 • 11 sources
Curaçao is a safe, well-serviced dive destination with a recompression facility at Curaçao Medical Center and clear marine rules. Use an SMB or flag on shore dives, respect turtle and coral protections, and avoid anchoring on reef.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and decompression treatment are available at Curaçao Medical Center in Willemstad. Divers should carry DAN insurance and local emergency numbers.
Ironshore Entries
Many shore entries are rocky. Wear booties, watch surge, and plan exits before currents pick up.
Boat Traffic Near Piers
Use an SMB or dive flag near Tugboat and other active piers by law.
East-Coast Swell
The windward side is for experienced teams and calm windows only. Respect operator judgments.
Do not touch, feed, or collect marine life. Turtle nesting is monitored May to December, mainly in Shete Boka. Coral spawning often occurs Aug to Oct on southern Caribbean schedules. Lionfish control occurs via organized programs using pole spears only under specific rules.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when ironshore entries. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Services | Police & Fire | 911 | 24/7 |
| Ambulance | Medical emergency dispatch | 912 | 24/7 |
| Coast Guard | Maritime emergencies | 913 | 24/7 |
| DAN Emergency Hotline | Diving medical support | +1-919-684-9111 | 24/7 worldwide |