NYE in Curaçao! in Rif St. Marie, St. Marie, Curacao (2024)

This is the prefect trip for divers and beach lovers (non-divers)! There is so much to do and see PLUS a NYE party and special surprise last day activity. Don't miss out on this epic trip!

Swim from infinity pool to beach, and dive over Curacao's most beautiful reefs with a 5 Star PADI center at Coral Estate Luxury Resort.

8 Guided Shore Dives, 2 Guided Boat Dives, 1 Guided Night Dive, NYE Party, PADI certification ( Sea Turtle), and Much More!

Want to celebrate the New Year with a bunch of awesome scuba diving and beach loving friends? This is the trip for you! We will be diving, relaxing, and enjoying all that Curaçao has to offer! This is an island paradise with fantastic diving, friendly locals, and pristine beaches.

• Enjoy two spectacular house reefs, with amazing coral and tropical fish, just steps from your room at Coral Estate Luxury Resort
• Dive over one of the beautiful house reefs at night for a chance to meet some nocturnal creatures like octopus, lobsters and crabs
• The onsite 5* PADI dive center runs daily trips to sites like the famous Mushroom Forest and Witches Kitchen, where you can swim with turtles and rays
• The ocean-front infinity pool, wellness spa and rooftop bar are stunning spots to relax in between dives

Welcome to my world of adventure and exploration! I'm not just your ordinary scuba instructor – I'm a PADI IDC Staff Instructor with a passion for diving and travel. 🤿

With over 40 countries under my belt, I've explored the most breathtaking underwater wonders and incredible cultures across the globe. As a travel coordinator, I'll make your dive trips memorable and perfectly planned. 🌍

But that's not all there is to me. You'll find me with my furry companions when I'm not underwater – I'm a proud dog mom. 🐕 And yes, I enjoy sipping on a fine glass of wine because what's a dive without some post-adventure relaxation? 🍷

As a veteran of the United States Army 🇺🇸, I live espousing discipline, commitment, and teamwork, which I bring to my scuba training classes and trips. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, I aim to elevate your skills and instill confidence while fostering camaraderie within our dive community.

Let's embark on a journey of discovery underwater and beyond. Join me in the world of scuba, travel, and adventure. 🗺️

Coral Divers Curacao is a 5 Star PADI Dive Resort and PADI Freediver Center located directly on two beautiful reefs: St Marie and Corals Habitat.

• Dive over both of the two stunning house reefs: Rif St. Marie and Coral's Habita, during the day and at night for a whole new experience
• Expect to see stunning coral reefs with a large variety of reef fish, turtles, lobsters, rays and other creatures
• Take a boat trip to the famous Mushroom Forest, characterized by towering coral that are known as mushroom trees
• Do a late afternoon guided dive by boat and explore the reef when the sun is about to set. After that enjoy a delicious dinner at the Karakter restaurant

Upon entering this 4 Star resort, you instantly feel the tranquil atmosphere as you drive across the rugged landscape. The mesmerizing shimmer of the deep blue sea ahead promises a relaxing and undisturbed getaway. Simply breathe in the fresh sea air, relax and let your holiday begin. Curaçao has a sunny climate and beautiful sandy beaches, making it ideal for divers.

Coral Estate Luxury Resort offers many facilities built into cliffs overlooking a dazzling blue ocean and the beach is just steps away from your room. The rooftop bar offers delicious bites during the day and dinner in the evening, and the infinity pool overlooks the sea. Head to the restaurant on the beach for breakfast, lunch and dinner and visit the onsite spa and wellness center. The onsite PADI dive center will take you to Curacao's most unforgettable diving and snorkeling spots.

Arrival

• Curacao International Airport is a 15 minute drive from the resort.
• Car rental is recommended as this option allows you to explore the island on your own terms.
• Airport transfers are available if you do not wish to drive (included with this trip).
• Check-in time is 3 pm.

Departure

• Check-out time is 11 am.
• Return to the airport in your rental car or alternatively the resort can arrange a driver to take you back to the airport (included with this trip).

Like its neighbors, Aruba and Bonaire, Curacao is home to plentiful diving opportunities. This Caribbean island features amazing coral reefs, walls and sunken ships.

The island’s dive sites are protected from strong currents, there is little river runoff to hinder visibility and the waters are warm year-round, making this is a great place for those just blowing their first bubbles or learning a new skill. Most of Curacao’s dive sites are accessible from shore, and most resorts have gorgeous house reefs to explore.

However, boat diving is the method of choice for dive operators on the island. Do note that Mushroom Forest is one of the only dive sites where a boat dive is necessary.

Curacao’s dry season lasts from April-November. During these months, the island will be dry and sunny, experiencing consistently calm weather. Sea conditions remain steady throughout the season with sea temperatures at 85°F (29°C) and air temperatures around 89°F (31°C).

You can expect only slightly cooler temperatures between December-March, both in and out of the water. Air temperatures average 85°F (29°C) and water temperatures drop to 79°F (26°C).

No Diving? No worries! There is SO much to do!

Want to take a snorkel trip by boat? Or rent snorkel gear? CLICK HERE

Want to SUP, Kayak, or rent other gear? CLICK HERE

Whether you want to relax by the pool, swim in the ocean, snorkel, go to the spa - there are so many options!

There are trails just outside the resort for walking and hiking CLICK HERE

You can rent mountain bikes from the resort!

Did someone say spa!? **Make Reservations in Advance** Check out the amazing spa (with great prices)! CLICK HERE

Check out this great website that provided this info:

The island is mostly known for her beaches tucked into coves and the beautiful coral reefs rich with marine life! But there is more!

Willemstad, the capital city of Curacao, has a pastel-colored colonial architecture and a pontoon bridge, the Queen Emma Bridge. There is even a National Park on the island, the Christoffel National Park.

The ‘Handelskade’ is located downtown in Willemstad on the ‘Punda’ side. In the colorful buildings at the ‘Handelskade’, there are many bars, restaurants, and shops located. This area is even listed on the Unesco World Heritage List!

The two parts of downtown, ‘Punda’ and ‘Otrobanda’ are connected by the pontoon bridge, the Queen Emma Bridge. It is a floating swing bridge and opens a couple of times a day to give entrance to the ships to come into the port.

As mentioned before, there is also a national park on the island, the Christoffel National Park. Climb the Christoffel mountain in the early morning and enjoy a beautiful view over the island when you reach the top.

Do you want to explore Curacao from another perspective?
Hop on one of the boat trips of Blue C Watersports and explore the coastline of Curacao by boat. Or you can take the boat to Klein Curacao and relax on a beach of an uninhabited island.

With beautiful beaches, unique architecture, many bars & restaurants, world-class scuba diving, and many other activities, the island is a perfect place for everybody.
Diver or non-diver, Curacao is the place to be!

In addition to what you would normally pack for a beach vacation, we also recommend:

- Bug Spray

- Swim Suits

- Rash Guards (get your Seaira Dives Rash Guard - women - men)

- Post-dive cozy clothing (check out the Seaira Dives hoodie)

- Scuba Mask and Snorkel

- Scuba Fins and Booties

- Hat (check out the Seaira Dives bucket hat)

- Sunscreen (recommended reef safe sunscreens)

- Reusable Water Bottle(check out this one here)

- A beach towel (checkout the Seaira Dives beach towel)

Here are the restaurants at the resort (CLICK HERE for the menus):

BREAD AND MORE

If you’re the carpe diem type that enjoys early mornings, we recommend a visit to Bread and More, where they start serving their tasty breakfasts as early as 7AM – fresh croissants, unbelievable pastries, but also yoghurt with fresh fruit and granola. Their selection of sandwiches to-go will make it hard to pick a favourite (we love the scrambled eggs, though).

KARAKTER

Karakter Curaçao is a beach lounge – your place to go for a morning coffee or a delicious Bloody Mary on the beach. Their lunches and dinners are incredible: co*cktails, tapas to share, surf and turf salads or Arabian chicken, just to name some of the options. If you’re vegan, there are plenty of vegan options on the menu. We recommend the ‘Bubbles and Bites’, which is a selection of their very best bites, served with a refreshing glass of bubbles or house wine.

KORAAL CURAÇAO

The rooftop terrace of Koraal Curaçao offers a wide selection of very unique co*cktails made by award winning bartenders. Besides, Koraal offers shareable lunch platters, like focaccia, carpaccio, flatbread with tuna or roasted vegetables. And if you don’t feel like sharing, order something just for you, like 100% beef burger or a great veggie burger.

PIZZA AND MORE

At Pizza and more we serve easy going convenience food (pizza, pasta and salads), without concessions… Healthy, but tasty… Easy, but fresh… The best ingredients, traditional recipes and prepared with love… Everything is homemade and made from scratch.

Grocery Stores

There are 2 grocery stores approximately 10-15 minutes from the resort called "New California" and "Quality Supermarket BV."

Earn this PADI certification on the trip!

There’s been a steady decline in worldwide sea turtle populations, but there are ways to fight this. Learn basic sea turtle identification, how to record sightings and conservation steps you can take. Two scuba dives are required for the certification!

**for scuba divers only**

Details for 2024 coming soon! Here is last year's description:

Celebrate the end of 2023 in style on one of the most beautiful locations of Curacao!

You will start with a welcome co*cktail, followed by a delicious 3-course choice Dinner.

Starting at 9 pm (until 1 am) we will have live music by “Kadir and Friends” Kadir is one of Curacao most famous Opera singers with a tremendous voice. At 12 o’clock you will receive a bottle of sparkling wine per couple. After midnight we serve several bites.

Unlimited Air Package

Enjoy the benefits of our unlimited Air packages, including the use of weight. Includes 24 hour access to your personal guest locker, tanks and rinsing area.

* Please be aware this package is for recreational standard scuba diving, for sidemount divers there is a special package available against different rates.

Itinerary

With our Unlimited Air Packages you will have 24 hour access to tanks, your personal guest lockers and rinsing area. Moreover, our team members are happy to give you daily some ideas of where to go for a beautiful dive.

CLICK HERE

Price List Unlimited air :3 Days$ 115,-4 Days$ 150,-5 Days$ 184,-6 Days$ 214,-7 Days$ 241,-8 Days$ 271,-9 Days$ 300,-10 Days$ 323,-Extra Day$ 30,-

During the wine-food workshop at Karakter, you will learn more about the wine countries, regions and grapes.

In a short workshop we will take you through the most important wine countries and grapes. You will taste delicious wines paired with matching bites.

1. Do I need a passport?

YES. You need a valid passport, ensure the expiration date is at least 6 months after the conclusion of the trip.

2. Can I rent scuba gear?

Yes! You can rent scuba gear through the dive center! Once you arrive, ensure you go to the dive center to try on gear. As certified divers ensuring you have the right gear is your responsibility.

3. Do I need to be scuba certified?

You do not need to be certified. You can get certified on this trip! Book as a "Beach Lover" or non-diver and Ciara will help coordinate your training :)

4. Will I get to pick my roommate if I am traveling alone?

The answer is maybe. If there are two people who do not have roommates, Ciara will introduce you to see if you will both be a good fit. If either does not want to room together, hopefully we will find another roommate or you will have to pay the single supplement cost.

5. I get sea sick - what can I do to help with this?

I would of course talk to your doctor first! blog by PADI

6. What language is spoken in Curacao?

Curaçao's native language is Papiamentu: a Creole blend of African, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, French, English, and Arawak Indian. The official languages in Curaçao are Dutch, Papiamentu, and English, but of those Papiamentu is used the most in local TV shows, in parliament, and on the street.

7. I'm not diving, what can I do during the times the divers will be gone?

Relax at the beach! Swim in the pool. Checkout the Spa. Head into town. Try different excursions and tours. The world is your oyster my friend!

8. Is Curacao safe?

Considerably safe, exercise normal caution. Check out the State Department Website

9. What currency is used in Curacao?

The currency used in Curaçao is the Antillean Guilder (ANG), also called the Florin. The Antillean Guilder's exchange rate is fixed to the US Dollar at a price of 1 USD = 1.80 ANG. CLICK HERE to see the exchange rate

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to return home from your trip
• It is your responsibility to review and meet the vaccination requirements and visa/immigration requirements for the countries you're visiting
• Dive accident insurance (to include medical evacuation) is mandatory for everyone who dives: it's your responsibility to have adequate cover in place and to bring your certificate as proof
• Your proof of certification and logbook will be checked during check-in at the dive center to clarify level and experience: it is your responsibility to ensure you bring these with you and your diving could be at risk if you do not bring these
• Please remember it is your responsibility to ensure you are fit to dive and meet the medical standards outlined by PADI
• Dive times can change due to local weather conditions and it is your responsibility to check in with your dive center after you arrive to confirm the timing of your dives: late check-in could lead to missed dives
• Your package price does not include surcharges for national parks, boat dives, night dives, special trip supplements or dive gear beyond tanks, weights and weight belt unless indicated otherwise
• We recommend you buy travel and trip cancellation insurance (to include storm coverage where appropriate)
• Ensure you bring suitable electrical adaptors for the country or countries you are visiting
• Travelers are responsible to be aware of covid travel guidelines, local rules, and procedures for the country they are travelling to and to maintain up to date knowledge of any changes regarding entry requirements or local guidelines.
• The Service Provider has the right to operate outside of the standard terms and conditions set out in the booking for rescheduled trips. Standard cancellation policies will not apply to rescheduled trips.
• The Service Provider reserves the right to make any amendments to booked packages prior to trip dates or during trip dates due to, but not limited to, covid related issues or changing restrictions.
• All visitors arriving in Curaçao are required to have a completed ED-card for immigration clearance. The Digital Immigration Card is a mandatory form for all visitors to clear immigration in Curaçao. The card can only be filled out online. Once completed, you will have the option to receive the submitted information as a downloadable PDF document or as a confirmation email with the PDF attached. Upon arrival in Curaçao, you must be able to provide the submitted form either digitally or as a printout

We recommend Divers Alert Network (DAN) Trip Insurance: CLICK HERE

You can also become a DAN member and sign up for specific dive coverage CLICK HERE

Please read and review CLICK HERE

All rooms are double occupancy. We will do our best to find you a roommate, but in the event we cannot you will need to book the single supplement fee.

Deposits are non-refundable