NYE in Curaçao 🇨🇼
The Second Seaira Dives Trip is in the Books!
What an incredible adventure with 15 amazing buddies! From December 27 to January 3, our scuba trip to Curacao was nothing short of spectacular. Planning a trip like this is always thrilling, but with a destination as stunning as Curacao, it becomes an unforgettable journey. Every detail—weather, logistics, and diving—was carefully arranged to ensure a perfect experience.
Weather: Perfect for Diving
One of the first things we checked was the weather. Curacao is renowned for its warm, sunny climate, and we were lucky to enjoy clear skies and calm seas throughout our stay. The consistent temperatures hovered around the mid-80s, making it ideal for diving and allowing us to comfortably explore the underwater world without a chill in the air.
Getting to the Island
Traveling to Curacao was a breeze. We flew from BWI with a short layover in Atlanta before arriving on the island. The excitement mounted as we descended, revealing the island’s vibrant landscapes dotted with lush greenery and sparkling blue waters. It was the perfect introduction to our week of adventure.
The view from the flight
Discovering Curacao: A Unique and Diverse Destination
Curacao is a true gem in the Caribbean, known for its rich cultural diversity and stunning natural beauty. As part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the island boasts a unique blend of European and Caribbean influences. The official languages are Dutch, Papiamento (a Creole language), and English, making it easy for travelers from around the world to communicate and connect with locals. Many residents also speak Spanish, adding to the island's multicultural vibe.
The currency used in Curacao is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG), but the US dollar is widely accepted, making transactions convenient for visitors. Whether you’re enjoying a delicious meal at a local restaurant or purchasing souvenirs, you’ll find that both currencies are commonly used.
Curacao’s landscapes are incredibly diverse, ranging from stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters to rugged coastlines and arid desert-like areas. The capital city, Willemstad, is famous for its vibrant architecture, characterized by colorful buildings and historic landmarks that reflect the island’s Dutch colonial heritage. Walking through the streets of Willemstad feels like stepping into a postcard, with its iconic Handelskade waterfront and the swinging Queen Emma Bridge.
The island is also home to an array of national parks, where you can explore unique flora and fauna. The Christoffel National Park offers hiking trails leading to the highest point on the island, providing breathtaking views of the coastline. For nature lovers, the diverse marine ecosystems around Curacao are a paradise, featuring vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life, making it a top destination for diving and snorkeling.
Coral Estate Luxury Resort
Our home base for the trip was the Coral Estate Luxury Resort, an exquisite property that exceeded all our expectations. Nestled along the picturesque southwestern coast of Curacao, the resort boasts stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, creating a serene oasis for relaxation and adventure.
Accommodations
We stayed in the superior apartments, which were perfect for our group. Each apartment featured two spacious bedrooms, each with private bathrooms, ensuring everyone had their own space. The large shared living room and fully equipped kitchen made it easy to unwind after long days of diving, whether we were preparing a group meal, sharing stories, or simply relaxing together. The decor blended modern luxury with island charm, featuring vibrant colors and local artwork that reflected Curacao’s rich culture. With breathtaking oceanviews, we often lingered over morning coffee, soaking in the beauty around us.
Amenities
The resort offered an array of amenities that made our stay even more enjoyable. The stunning infinity pool was a favorite spot for our group, providing the perfect place to relax and cool off after a day in the sun. With comfortable loungers and shaded areas, it was an ideal setting for lounging with a good book or enjoying a refreshing drink.
The beach area was just a short stroll away, complete with soft sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming or just soaking up the sun.
Make sure you bring bug spray! We did find that there were quite a few pesky mosquitoes.
Dining
The dining options at the resort were exceptional. Each day, we indulged in delicious local cuisine at the on-site restaurant, where the chefs expertly crafted dishes featuring fresh seafood and traditional Caribbean flavors. From grilled fish with mango salsa to coconut rice and jerk chicken, every meal was a culinary adventure. The restaurant’s open-air setting allowed us to enjoy our meals while taking in the stunning ocean views. Additionally, the resort offered themed nights, where we could savor specialties like barbecue and fresh catch of the day, creating a vibrant dining atmosphere that added to our experience. Be prepared to wait for food and drinks though…
Trip Swag: A Special Touch
To make our trip even more memorable, everyone received some awesome custom swag! Each buddy was gifted a stylish rash guard, perfect for protecting us from the sun while we dove. We also got personalized beach bags to carry our gear and essentials, making it easy to head to the beach or dive site. It was great to see everyone sporting their swag throughout the trip, creating a sense of camaraderie and team spirit!
The Diving: A Marine Wonderland
Diving with Coral Divers was a highlight of our trip. Tobi is an incredible instructor and dive guide, we were so lucky to dive with him all week! Tony and Janette were also very fun to dive with on our night dive! Their knowledgeable and friendly team ensured that every dive was safe, enjoyable, and tailored to our group’s experience level. We explored the best of Curacao’s underwater beauty, which was nothing short of breathtaking.
Sea Life
The marine life we encountered was simply phenomenal. From vibrant coral reefs teeming with schools of colorful fish to majestic moray eels gliding gracefully through the water, each dive revealed new wonders.
Fishinar and Sea Turtle Awareness
In preparation for our trip, I hosted a "fishinar" and sea turtle awareness class for our group. We covered how to identify various fish species, sea turtles, invertebrates, and much more. This knowledge enriched our dives and allowed us to appreciate the underwater world even more. Spotting a sea turtle was particularly special, as we all felt a deeper connection to these magnificent creatures after our discussions.
The PADI Sea Turtle Awareness Course is an enriching experience designed to deepen divers' understanding of these incredible marine creatures. This course covers essential topics such as sea turtle biology, behavior, and conservation status, emphasizing the importance of protecting their habitats. Participants learn how to identify different species and recognize their nesting habits, as well as how to minimize their impact on sea turtles while diving. By combining theory with practical knowledge, the course empowers divers to become advocates for sea turtle conservation, fostering a greater appreciation for these majestic animals and the ecosystems they inhabit. I was thrilled to lead this course for all the divers on our trip, and everyone received their certification from me!
Lionfish Hunting
The largest catch of the night
On our dive trip, we had the incredible opportunity to experience a night dive, which added a whole new level of adventure to the underwater world. As we descended into the darkness, our dive lights illuminated a stunning and eerie scene, with the ocean coming alive in unexpected ways. The real thrill, however, came with the added bonus of hunting lionfish. These invasive predators are not only beautiful but also destructive to local ecosystems, so by hunting them, we were able to help protect the reef while also testing our skills in a new and exciting way. It was an unforgettable experience, combining the wonder of night diving with the challenge of conservation.
Becky after a successful hunt
NYE Party
As our trip coincided with New Year’s Eve, we celebrated in style! The resort hosted a lively party filled with music, dancing, and delicious food. It was the perfect way to ring in the new year, surrounded by friends and the stunning beauty of Curacao. We shared laughter, made toasts, and danced the night away under the stars, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Last Day Adventure
On our final day, we embarked on one last diving adventure, soaking in every moment of the breathtaking underwater scenery. We revisited some favorite spots, and the camaraderie among our group made it all the more special. As we surfaced for the last time, it was bittersweet to say goodbye to such an incredible experience, but we left with hearts full of memories and a renewed appreciation for the ocean.
We ended the day with 'The Tripies!' – a fun, scuba-themed awards ceremony inspired by The Dundies from The Office. We handed out quirky awards like 'Helpful Buddy,' 'Queen of the Night,' and many more, celebrating everyone's unique contributions and memorable moments from the trip. It was a perfect way to recognize all the fun and camaraderie while keeping the spirit of adventure alive!
Overall, our trip to Curacao was a remarkable blend of adventure, relaxation, and camaraderie. From the stunning dives with Coral Divers to the warm hospitality of Coral Estate, every moment was a testament to the beauty of exploring the underwater world. I can’t wait to plan our next adventure—here’s to more incredible dives and unforgettable experiences with friends!
A Few Days to Explore
We spent three unforgettable nights at the Curacao Marriott Beach Resort, and it was the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. The location couldn’t have been better—situated right on a stunning beach with crystal-clear waters and incredible snorkeling opportunities. Whether you’re into exploring the underwater world or just lounging by the shore, this spot offers it all.
View from our hotel room
One of the standout features during our stay was the exceptional hospitality. The staff was incredibly friendly, always eager to help, and made us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. A true highlight of the resort was the adults-only pool. It provided a serene escape, allowing us some much-needed quiet time away from the crowds, which was a welcome relief.
As for the food, it was decent but not quite what I’d call outstanding. Fortunately, Willemstad, the island's main town, is just a short drive away, offering a variety of dining options. A quick tip: while taxis are convenient, they are a bit pricey. A one-way trip to Willemstad will run you about $20 USD, so keep that in mind if you plan to visit often.
Willemstad itself is a charming, picture-perfect town, full of vibrant, colorful buildings, charming streets, and a relaxed yet lively vibe. We loved wandering around, soaking in the local culture, and enjoying the food scene. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, Caribbean specialties, or international dishes, you’ll find something to delight your taste buds in this culinary hotspot.
One area we especially enjoyed was around Lionfish Caribbean. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the place to be. They offer a variety of creative dishes featuring lionfish—fried, sushi, ceviche, dumplings, and more. Not only is it a unique culinary experience, but eating lionfish also helps address the environmental issue of this invasive species in the region.
Willemstad also boasts plenty of cute shops and local boutiques, perfect for a little shopping and souvenir hunting. It’s a lovely blend of great food, local culture, and friendly vibes, and definitely worth a visit when you're in Curacao!
During our time in Willemstad, we had the chance to check out the Swinging Old Lady Brewery, a local recommendation from a fellow dive instructor. The beer was fantastic, and the laid-back, friendly atmosphere made it a great place to unwind after a day of exploring. If you're into craft beer, this spot is definitely worth the short trip.
All in all, our stay at the Curacao Marriott Beach Resort was the perfect blend of comfort and adventure, with a beautiful setting, welcoming staff, and nearby attractions that made it a fantastic base for exploring all that Curacao has to offer.
