Dive Operators in Curacao

[cruzbound]

Hi all,

I have narrowed our dive excursion down to two companies in Curacao - the Dive Bus and Curious2Dive. I have heard lots of good things about the Dive Bus but they have not answered my email yet, plus I really did not like the fact that they say on their website that they will not refund you your money for the excursion, even if the ship does not dock or they cancel due to bad weather - REALLY, I have never heard of a company who does this since these two things are out of the customer's control. I guess I will have to wait and see what they say to me when they respond to my inquiry.

 

Has anyone used Curious2Dive ever? They are rated #2 on TripAdvisor (the Dive Bus is #3). If anyone has used them, please tell me about your experience.

 

Thanks, cruzbound

[curacao]

I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF CURIOUS 2 DIVE, BUT SINCE I AGREE WITH THE TERMS OF THE DIVING IF THE SHIP DOES NOT PORT WITH YOU, I WOULD SUGGEST DiveVersity DIVE SHOP. THEY HAVE A DIVE SHOP AT THE HOLIDAY CASINO, PIRATES BAY (FORMERLY HOOKS HUT!) AND BLUE BAY. All of this will be shore diving....no boat necessary. Just note that diving The Superior Wreck will not take place as long as long as their is a cruise ship sitting at the MegaPier. Good luck to you and have fun.

[Motorcycle Gma]

I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF CURIOUS 2 DIVE, BUT SINCE I AGREE WITH THE TERMS OF THE DIVING IF THE SHIP DOES NOT PORT WITH YOU, I WOULD SUGGEST DiveVersity DIVE SHOP. THEY HAVE A DIVE SHOP AT THE HOLIDAY CASINO, PIRATES BAY (FORMERLY HOOKS HUT!) AND BLUE BAY. All of this will be shore diving....no boat necessary. Just note that diving The Superior Wreck will not take place as long as long as their is a cruise ship sitting at the MegaPier. Good luck to you and have fun.

 

I read some not so great reviews on TA about the area where Diversity Dive is located. Apparently, they are at a beach/hotel that is rundown and in need of repairs. Were you there recently? I will not dive with them after reading these reviews.

 

I am considering Diversity Dive for Aruba though -- very good review on their operation in Aruba. Don't know if they area related?

[RickArnest]

Last Thursday on Curaçao I experienced a wonderful dive with Hans Pleij of CURious2DIVE.

 

In Hawaii, in college, years ago, I spent lots of time beach diving. Now in Ohio, I can't find fish, coral or time to keep in the swim. When I called to get a new card my Certifying Organization had lost my records (eventually they found a way to replace it). My skills were not current and equipment has evolved substantially.

 

During the morning Hans quickly introduced me to newer gear, determined my knowledge and condition, and established excellent communication and rapport. He then took me underwater for a delightful refresher dive lasting an hour, at a great location not far from his shop. I saw coral, many new fish, a sunken tugboat, and life on the underside of a dock, all at 35 feet or less with a deep blue dropoff we did not explore. Hans set sensible limits - I didn't push them. I had a delightful time, and he took photos. It was a wonderful refresher, and quite reasonable.

 

Hans has the certifications and skills, has known the water around Curaçao all his life, and shows a special gift for making the best experience for whatever group he is with. He'll pick you up, even. I'll certainly set up another dive with him the next time I make a visit.

 

Check out the website:

http://www.curious2dive.com/index.php

[Motorcycle Gma]

Thanks for the review, I was having 2nd thoughts about going with him next mo. Do you know how far/how much swimming is involved? 50 or 100 yards out?? I'm having knee issues and worried about the swimming involved? I can handle the underwater/dive part, but was wondering how far out the reef is (swimming topside?). We will be doing tugboat and Director's bay, which is I think the wall that you referred to. Thanks again.