Dive sites in Curaçao (Playa Kalki)

Top Dive Sites

Playa Kalki

Description: Playa Kalki is known for its tranquil and secluded beach, making for an equally serene dive experience. The entry is conveniently located from the shore, and from there, you’re immersed in a vibrant underwater paradise. The walls start shallow and plunge to depths suitable for various levels.

Marine Species: You’ll encounter a dazzling array of marine life, including parrotfish, damselfish, trumpetfish, and the occasional sea turtle. The healthy coral formations attract numerous species, providing a true sense of an underwater ecosystem.

Unique Encounters: The most unique feature at Playa Kalki is the frequent sighting of eagle rays gliding gracefully through the water. There’s also a chance to see frogfish camouflaged amongst the corals and sponges.

Photography: With its crystal-clear waters and varied marine life, this site offers excellent opportunities for underwater photography. Macro photographers will delight in capturing the intricate details of nudibranchs and sea slugs.

Suitability: Suitable for all experience levels. The shallow sections are perfect for beginners, while deeper waters provide a challenge for more advanced divers. Tech divers can explore the deeper walls safely accompanied by an experienced guide.

Playa Kalki Reef

Description: Alice in Wonderland, also known as Playa Kalki Reef, is a spectacular reef dive site starting at 5 meters and dropping down to over 30 meters. Known for its stunning visibility and healthy coral gardens, this site is a favorite among local and visiting divers alike.

Marine Species: This dive site hosts an array of common Caribbean species such as angel fish, butterfly fish, and schools of blue tangs. Additionally, you might spot the occasional barracuda or moray eel weaving through the coral heads.

Unique Encounters: One of the unique aspects of Alice in Wonderland is the large colony of garden eels that poke out of the sandy floor, easily alarmed by approaching divers, creating a ghostly spectacle.

Photography: The vivid corals and abundance of marine life make for stunning wide-angle shots. The dramatic coral structures and schooling fish provide endless opportunities to capture dynamic underwater scenes.

Suitability: Suitable for intermediate and advanced divers due to deeper sections. However, shallow reef areas can accommodate newer divers under guided conditions.

Watamula

Description: Watamula is renowned for its dramatic and colorful coral formations. The dive begins relatively shallow before descending into a vibrant underwater canyon filled with an abundance of life. The strong currents contribute to the rich marine diversity.

Marine Species: Divers frequently spot an array of marine species such as lobsters, moray eels, barracudas, and vibrant reef fish in their thousands. Coral enthusiasts will be thrilled by the presence of elkhorn and brain corals.

Unique Encounters: One of the most memorable aspects of Watamula is the large 3-dimensional star corals and sponges that create a mesmerizing underwater landscape teeming with life.

Photography: Given the strong currents and rich biodiversity, Watamula provides superb opportunities for both macro and wide-angle underwater photography. Capture colorful coral landscapes and the myriad creatures that inhabit this vibrant reef.

Suitability: Best suited for advanced and experienced divers due to the strong currents and varying depths. It’s recommended to dive with a knowledgeable guide to fully appreciate the site’s complexity and beauty.

Considerations for Each Dive Site

Water Temperature: The water temperature at Playa Kalki is typically warm and inviting, ranging from 78°F (25°C) in the winter months to about 84°F (29°C) in the summer. This consistency makes it comfortable for divers year-round, though wearing a 3mm to 5mm wetsuit is advisable to ward off any chill from longer dives.

Visibility: Visibility at Playa Kalki is generally excellent, hovering between 60 to 100 feet (18 to 30 meters). During peak seasons, visibility often extends even further, offering clear views of the vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

Currents and Tides: Playa Kalki experiences mild currents, making it an ideal diving spot for both novice and experienced divers. Tides are usually gentle, though it’s always a good idea to check local tidal charts before planning your dive. Occasionally, currents may pick up, especially after stormy weather, but these are rare.

Safety Tips:

• Always dive with a buddy and keep an eye on each other, particularly if currents are present.
• Due to the rich marine life, be cautious of your surroundings to avoid any accidental contact with flora or fauna.
• Carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) to signal your location to boats when surfacing.
• Beware of sharp coral formations and consider wearing gloves to protect your hands.
• Conservation is vital; follow local guidelines to protect marine life and coral reefs.

Regulations:

• Divers must adhere to basic scuba diving certification requirements. A minimum of an Open Water Diver certification is recommended.
• Respecting marine life is crucial: touching or collecting marine organisms is strictly prohibited.
• Deposit any waste in designated areas. Playa Kalki is a protected area, and maintaining its beauty is a top priority.
• Fishing and spear-fishing are not allowed to preserve the underwater ecosystem.
• Divers should follow the ‘look but don’t touch’ principle to prevent damage to the coral and disturbances to the marine habitat.