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Sunset Beach Resort, Curacao
The fact that Curaçao is such an excellent dive
spot is one of the Caribbean's deeply guarded secrets. Because most
divers naturally gravitate toward the diving mecca of Bonaire,
Curaçao
has become a poor relation when it comes to enticing divers from the
U.S., but in truth, Curaçao attracts many Dutch recreational divers
who might spend up to three weeks underwater.
Picturesque mountains, bays,
cliffs and quiet water surround Sunset Waters Beach Resort on
Curacao's Gold Coast. Renowned for its central west end
location, it is just minutes from the best dive sites in all of
Curacao. A beautiful crescent shaped beach, calm waters,
crystal clear visibility, pristine house reef and abundant marine
life makes this small boutique hotel the perfect divers escape.
The resort features 70 guest
rooms, most offering panoramic ocean views and private terraces.
A myriad of other activities are also available to guests including
the use of water sports fleet, swimming pool complete with a swim-up
bar, snorkeling, golf, tennis, hiking, exploration of the national
parks, casino and a colorful city for exploration.
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More about the Curacao
Curaçao is
the largest of the five islands in the Netherlands Antilles.
Shaped like the arched wings of a great heron, it is located
56 kilometers (35 miles) north of the coast of Venezuela
(which explains why it was long a tourist haven for
Venezuelans before the rest of the world discovered it). The
entrance of the harbor splits the main downtown area of
Willemstad into two. Downtown, which is well developed and
recently renovated, is the hub of Curaçao shopping, and its
vibrant colors and pastel-house façades are true picture ops.
Curaçao has been sitting on some of the
best dive sites in the Caribbean and never bothered to tell
anybody. Until recent years, the island just didn't have the
operators and boats necessary for quality diving. Even today,
there are only about two dive operators with the boats to
deliver trips more in-depth than the learn-to-dive program.
 Stretching
roughly from town to the East Point of the island are 15
different dive sites, primarily wall dives. The last five
dives before East Point are straight vertical walls, starting
in 6–12 meters (20–40 feet) of water and plunging down.
The walls are draped with black corals, sponges, and typical
marine life. Around Klein Bonaire, the leeward side has
pretty good diving with moderate walls and basic shallow
stuff. The west side, buffeted by trade winds, is one of the
nicest walls in the Caribbean—the amount of marine life is
staggering. Whales are often seen in the channel crossing.
Gigantic corals and sponges off Boca St. Martha are truly
remarkable; one rare sponge, as large as a king-size mattress,
has been reputed to have survived 800 years.
The Christoffel
National Park is rife with opportunities for hiking and
climbing. Forty minutes from Willemstad, the 1,800-hectare
(4,500-acre) park offers three routes through its terrain for
cars, but to see the wildlife it's best to take the
well-marked walking trails. Hikers will see Indian rock
paintings and caves that are home to some of the bats that
help pollinate the island's cactus plants. The rail to the
summit takes about three hours round-trip from the park
headquarters at the Savonet plantation house, or about an hour
and a half from the car park on Zorgvlied Trail. The Savonet
Route offers an introduction to the flora of Curaçao,
including plants and trees. It starts at the visitor center
and meanders east, then north, leading to bat-infested caves
and petroglyphs.
Summaries and pictures
courtesy of Expedia.com |
Itinerary
Trip Details
Pricing does not include air-fare, but covers
lodging and breakfast. Please call
us, so we can assist you with flight and travel arrangements.
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DATE: No upcoming trips scheduled. Call for info...
DURATION:
PRICE:
DEADLINE:
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DIVERS: |
The average air fare from Atlanta, GA is $450-$650).
We are including all lodging (rooms double occupancy) at the Sunset Beach Resort Web site is
www.sunsetwaters.com
Also, diving for 3 days
includes 2 tank dive each day, 1 night dive or afternoon dive, and free
shore diving. We will provide meals, snacks, beverages and airport
transfer. The hotel facilities include a pool, kayak's, golf,
tennis, casino and transfers to and from the town with access to shopping and nightlife.
How Do I Get There??
Please call us,
so we can assist you with flight and travel arrangements.
Just a Few Suggestions
We suggest a weight limit
of 55 pounds per person because some smaller carriers may apply
excess charges [currently run .50 per pound]. The atmosphere in the
Curacao is very informal so it helps to pack lightly. On occasion,
luggage can be delayed and you may wish to include a few personal
items in a small carry-on.
You'll be asked to
complete a history form and to return it to the dive shop. Don't
forget your "C" card. You won't be able to dive without
it.
A valid Passport and
return or ongoing airline ticket is required for all visitors.
Currently, U.S., British and Canadian citizens can use a Birth
Certificate with a raised seal and photo ID as proof of citizenship.
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