Curaçao

Color-soaked streets, calm leeward reefs, and year-round dive reliability

Safety And Conservation

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.

Top Risks

Primary risk: Ironshore Entries
Secondary risk: Boat Traffic Near Piers
Emergency contact: Emergency Services (911)
Safety overview: Curaçao is a safe, wellserviced dive destination with a recompression facility at Curaçao Medical Center and clear marine rules.

Dive safety

Dive flag or SMB required for shore dives.
Plan entries and exits for surge.
Keep gas in reserve for long shore swims.
Night dives near piers require strong lights and heightened boat awareness.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and decompression treatment are available at Curaçao Medical Center in Willemstad. Divers should carry DAN insurance and local emergency numbers.

Snorkel and freedive safety

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.

Wildlife and protected areas

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.

Emergency contacts

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