Caracasbaai

Divesite Image
© SSI Service Center Southern Caribbean, Willemstad
Divesite Image
© SSI Service Center Southern Caribbean, Willemstad
Divesite Image
© Scubaçao, Willemstad
Divesite Image
© Scubaçao, Willemstad
Divesite Image
© Scubaçao, Willemstad

Caracasbaai

★★★★☆ (6,483)

A great, shallow reef perfect for newer divers and snorkelers. Accessible by boat. Full of colorful hard and soft corals and sponges and lots of marine life.

You’ll see typical Caribbean life like nurse and reef sharks, possible eagle rays, turtles, stingrays, and lots of fish: snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrot fish, and grouper.

Dive Activity

Courses and Events

VIP Introductieduik Curaçao – Privé & Persoonlijk (Jan Thiel)

VIP Introductieduik Curaçao – Privé & Persoonlijk (Jan Thiel)

Bij Duikcentrum van de Ven doen we introductieduiken bewust rustig en persoonlijk. Geen massaduiken, geen gehaast schema. Met onze VIP Introductieduik duik je volledig privé, alleen met je eigen gezelschap, en heb je één vaste instructeur die de hele tijd bij je blijft. Zo kun je ontspannen ontdekken hoe het voelt om onder water te ademen en te bewegen, helemaal in jouw tempo.Bij aankomst bij onze duikschool in Jan Thiel nemen we rustig de tijd om kennis te maken en leggen we uit hoe de duik gaat verlopen. We bespreken welke duiklocaties je kunt kiezen en beantwoorden al je vragen, zodat je precies weet wat je kunt verwachten. Op de duikschool passen we alle MARES-uitrusting, zodat alles goed zit en comfortabel is. We nemen de tijd om de duiktekens uit te leggen en vertellen welke vissen en andere bezienswaardigheden je tijdens de duik kunt tegenkomen. Jij mag zelf je duikset in elkaar zetten, uiteraard onder begeleiding van jouw instructeur, zodat je precies weet hoe alles werkt en dat je uitrusting goed zit voordat je het water in gaat.Vanaf de kant lopen we rustig het water in. In ondiep water oefen je eerst ademen onder water en de basisvaardigheden. Pas wanneer jij je comfortabel voelt, gaan we verder. Alles gebeurt stap voor stap, zonder druk. De duik zelf vindt plaats bij Tugboat of in de rustige Caracasbaai. Je instructeur blijft continu bij je, past het tempo aan jou aan en zorgt dat je veilig en ontspannen het rif ontdekt.Je kunt van ons verwachten dat het volledig privé is, dat je één vaste instructeur hebt met maximale persoonlijke begeleiding, dat er geen ervaring of duikbrevet nodig is, dat alles in een rustig tempo gebeurt en geschikt is voor beginners en kinderen, en dat je veilig en volledig begeleid wordt.De start is bij onze vaste duikschool in Jan Thiel, je kunt duiken bij Tugboat of Caracasbaai, de maximale diepte is 12 meter, de tijd onder water is ± 30–60 minuten en de totale ervaring duurt ± 3 uur. Wij zijn een Nederlands familiebedrijf en SSI Diamond Duikcentrum. We werken bewust kleinschalig en nemen de tijd voor onze gasten, zodat jouw eerste duik een ontspannen, persoonlijke en plezierige ervaring wordt.

August 15, 2026 +355 More
$100.00

Potential Wildlife Sightings

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle

Green Turtle
1.2k Sightings
J
78
F
107
M
79
A
104
M
71
J
84
J
127
A
107
S
73
O
104
N
143
D
111

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel

Moray Eel
878 Sightings
J
102
F
83
M
75
A
64
M
60
J
62
J
76
A
78
S
27
O
51
N
85
D
115

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse

Wrasse
422 Sightings
J
57
F
33
M
30
A
18
M
44
J
41
J
46
A
48
S
0
O
20
N
29
D
56
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle
356 Sightings
J
18
F
24
M
27
A
20
M
29
J
34
J
36
A
30
S
16
O
38
N
50
D
34

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 27

iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda

Barracuda
259 Sightings
J
37
F
20
M
26
A
22
M
17
J
13
J
15
A
21
S
11
O
17
N
33
D
27

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus

Octopus
158 Sightings
J
15
F
13
M
17
A
14
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
12
S
16
O
16
N
25
D
30

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray

Eagle Ray
60 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
13
A
0
M
0
J
15
J
0
A
21
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
11

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish

Parrotfish
1.4k Sightings
J
129
F
105
M
125
A
84
M
129
J
139
J
138
A
126
S
48
O
101
N
121
D
151

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish
1.1k Sightings
J
110
F
85
M
83
A
66
M
91
J
111
J
97
A
115
S
43
O
70
N
75
D
115

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish
1k Sightings
J
107
F
78
M
79
A
69
M
98
J
108
J
104
A
88
S
34
O
56
N
83
D
114

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 85

iStock-mirecca
Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish
986 Sightings
J
109
F
86
M
100
A
49
M
98
J
95
J
116
A
91
S
22
O
58
N
65
D
97

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
Boxfish

Boxfish
965 Sightings
J
103
F
67
M
88
A
56
M
81
J
97
J
90
A
81
S
34
O
68
N
90
D
110

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish

Angelfish
943 Sightings
J
98
F
73
M
76
A
60
M
90
J
108
J
81
A
88
S
25
O
53
N
89
D
102

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Soldierfish

Soldierfish
759 Sightings
J
93
F
60
M
61
A
39
M
92
J
92
J
69
A
73
S
11
O
37
N
49
D
83

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 12

iStock/cinoby
Lionfish

Lionfish
757 Sightings
J
68
F
48
M
63
A
53
M
63
J
57
J
65
A
74
S
31
O
68
N
78
D
89

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
Goatfish

Goatfish
691 Sightings
J
89
F
73
M
64
A
44
M
57
J
63
J
59
A
67
S
18
O
49
N
48
D
60

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis
Snapper

Snapper
680 Sightings
J
75
F
53
M
58
A
29
M
75
J
73
J
63
A
69
S
13
O
33
N
58
D
81

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 20

iStock-stephankerkhofs
Porcupinefish

Porcupinefish
652 Sightings
J
78
F
60
M
61
A
54
M
45
J
55
J
60
A
52
S
15
O
29
N
80
D
63

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix
Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts
632 Sightings
J
87
F
53
M
52
A
21
M
80
J
85
J
63
A
66
S
0
O
29
N
39
D
57

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish
617 Sightings
J
57
F
34
M
56
A
47
M
45
J
54
J
69
A
79
S
16
O
43
N
52
D
65

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish

Damselfish
574 Sightings
J
83
F
44
M
51
A
21
M
70
J
74
J
53
A
57
S
0
O
33
N
34
D
54

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Shutterstock-Miroslav Halama
Cornetfish

Cornetfish
547 Sightings
J
68
F
39
M
48
A
38
M
46
J
43
J
57
A
49
S
11
O
30
N
51
D
67

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 15

Shutterstock-Hans Gert Broeder
Garfish

Garfish
542 Sightings
J
66
F
38
M
39
A
25
M
66
J
75
J
50
A
59
S
12
O
33
N
28
D
51

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish

Pufferfish
524 Sightings
J
52
F
41
M
41
A
33
M
49
J
51
J
42
A
66
S
18
O
39
N
51
D
41

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Shutterstock_DiveIvanov
Squid

Squid
439 Sightings
J
44
F
18
M
29
A
36
M
27
J
72
J
44
A
61
S
21
O
16
N
33
D
38

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish
424 Sightings
J
64
F
44
M
38
A
22
M
42
J
47
J
38
A
32
S
0
O
23
N
25
D
49
AdobeStock_cherylvb
Garibaldi Damselfish

Garibaldi Damselfish
354 Sightings
J
63
F
25
M
20
A
11
M
49
J
49
J
23
A
35
S
0
O
15
N
20
D
44

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross
Shrimp

Shrimp
346 Sightings
J
17
F
18
M
30
A
23
M
33
J
49
J
32
A
41
S
14
O
22
N
34
D
33

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 120

AdobeStock-Composer.
Flounder

Flounder
325 Sightings
J
29
F
23
M
29
A
20
M
20
J
18
J
42
A
35
S
0
O
26
N
47
D
36

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7000

iStock-Michael Zeigler
Crab

Crab
302 Sightings
J
27
F
18
M
28
A
23
M
30
J
25
J
40
A
33
S
0
O
16
N
29
D
33

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 125

SSI-Peter-Schinck
Gurnards

Gurnards
301 Sightings
J
22
F
25
M
29
A
30
M
17
J
18
J
29
A
22
S
13
O
37
N
31
D
28

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
Bannerfish

Bannerfish
244 Sightings
J
20
F
21
M
19
A
15
M
33
J
28
J
16
A
23
S
0
O
15
N
33
D
21

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

iStock-deraugenzeuge
Snake Eel

Snake Eel
210 Sightings
J
34
F
17
M
15
A
15
M
11
J
0
J
28
A
21
S
15
O
14
N
17
D
23

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp
Jackfish

Jackfish
134 Sightings
J
16
F
10
M
0
A
0
M
19
J
26
J
0
A
19
S
0
O
0
N
16
D
28

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 50

istock-atese
Frogfish

Frogfish
124 Sightings
J
10
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
20
J
18
J
14
A
14
S
0
O
0
N
24
D
24

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch

Nudibranch
111 Sightings
J
36
F
12
M
12
A
0
M
0
J
12
J
11
A
17
S
0
O
0
N
11
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets
99 Sightings
J
10
F
20
M
19
A
0
M
14
J
26
J
10
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 30

Shutterstock-s_a_j
Sand Eel

Sand Eel
85 Sightings
J
23
F
12
M
10
A
0
M
0
J
14
J
12
A
14
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 28

Udo Kefrig
Clownfish

Clownfish
58 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
14
J
17
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
15
D
12

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-wrangel
Triggerfish

Triggerfish
44 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
12
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
11
N
11
D
10

Dive Centers Catering This Dive Site

Dive Center van de Ven

Dive Center van de Ven

Caracasbaaiweg 360, 0000AA Willemstad, Curacao
Dive Center van de Ven

Dive Center van de Ven

Caracasbaaiweg 360, 0000AA Willemstad, Curacao
Relaxed Guided Dives

Relaxed Guided Dives

Martha Koosje 10, 0000CW Willemstad, Curacao
Unique Diving, UDI

Unique Diving, UDI

Kaya Andeifi 36, 0000 Willemstad, Curacao

Curious 2 Dive N.V., Johannes B.G. Pleij

Kaya Perugia 11, 0000 CW Willemstad, Curacao

Rebel Diving Curaçao, passion & excellence

Granaatappelweg 126, 0000 Willemstad, Curacao

Duikschool Fred

Kaya Progreso 10-v7, 0000 Willemstad, Curacao

All About Scuba Curacao, www.allaboutscuba.nl

Kaya Libertadora 42B, 0000 Willemstad, Curacao

Soul Divers

45 Druifweg, Willemstad, Curacao

Dive Sites Nearby

Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
South Point of Klein Curacao (★4.5)

South Point of Klein Curacao (★4.5)

South Point of Klein Curaçao - this can be a challenging drift dive even for the most experienced divers - take caution - be aware of current speed and direction. Additionally, ensure you have topside support. Watch for current as you approach the corner of the island.
SSI Service Center Southern Caribbean, Willemstad
Klein Curaçao (★4.4)

Klein Curaçao (★4.4)

Klein Curaçao is 11 km/7 miles to the east of Curaçao which means a long boat ride and diving is often done during a day trip or in combination with a dive at East Point. Diving is possible all around the island but usually restricted to the north-east and south-west parts due to weather conditions.
Naty C. (#4380834)
North Point of Klein Curacao (★4.7)

North Point of Klein Curacao (★4.7)

North Point of Klein Curaçao - this can be a challenging drift dive even for the most experienced divers - take caution - be aware of current speed and direction. Additionally, ensure you have topside support. Watch for current as you approach the corner.
SSI Service Center Southern Caribbean, Willemstad
Punt Canon (★4.6)

Punt Canon (★4.6)

This pristine and unspoiled reef accessible only by boat is arguably one of the best dive sites of Curaçao. Tarpon bridge, a natural underwater bridge, is found at the most eastern end.
Aqualung
Fuikbaai / Newport (★4.1)

Fuikbaai / Newport (★4.1)

Accessible only by boat (dingy from Fuikbaais or local dive shop’s boat). Drop by the navaid and check out the discharge pipe. Head against the current if present. Normal wall dive.
Mares, Janez Kranjc
Booby trap (★4.3)

Booby trap (★4.3)

20 Minutes east of Lions Dive, this dive site features a shallow sandy bottom between 15 - 30 feet (5-10m) full of coral outcroppings. The drop off starts at 30ft/10m and continues down to over a hundred feet, making this dive site suitable for all dive levels.
Aqualung
Tarpon Bridge (★4.2)

Tarpon Bridge (★4.2)

This dive site is just around the corner from East Point and can only be dived by boat when the sea is very calm. At 16 mtr/52 ft you can find a large cavern and at 20 mtr/66 ft the Tarpon Bridge which is a natural underwater bridge about 6 mtr/20 ft high.
Scubapro
Eel Valley (★4.2)

Eel Valley (★4.2)

Eel valley is located near the golf course and can only be reached by boat. In the past you found a lot of eel but that is no longer the case. You start on the sand and swim to the wall to enjoy the reef there!
Aqualung
Fuikbai Anchorage (★4.7)

Fuikbai Anchorage (★4.7)

Not so much of a destination as opposed to a weigh station for cruisers to clean their boat bottoms, and check anchors etc. Good place to do search and recovery for anchors, sunglasses and assorted stuff left behind by the locals on Sunday afternoon when this bay becomes one big party. 30’ depth, poor visibility
Aqualung
Golf Course East End (★4.1)

Golf Course East End (★4.1)

Third Site headed East from the Sandals resort. Accessible only by boat - Dinghy or local dive shop’s boat. Anchor in the sand above the wall. Watch out for the coral nurseries in the area.
Scubapro
Tee Box (★4.7)

Tee Box (★4.7)

Second Dive Site headed east from Sandals Resort. Accessible only by boat (dinghy or local dive shop boat). Anchor in sandy area above the wall. Check out this spot for Ostracod 4 nights after a full moon.
Scubapro
Barracuda Point (★4.5)

Barracuda Point (★4.5)

Lots of purple sea fans and large hard coral formations. This beautiful dive site is opposite Barbara Beach across the channel into Spanish Waters. It is not an easy entry from shore but with its full overgrown coral reef, definitely worth it.
Mares
Small Wall (★4.4)

Small Wall (★4.4)

Lots of purple sea fans and large hard coral formations. This beautiful dive site is opposite Barbara Beach across the channel into Spanish Waters. It is not an easy entry from shore but with its full overgrown coral reef, definitely worth it.
Scubapro
Old Quarry Golf Course (★4.3)

Old Quarry Golf Course (★4.3)

First stop of many along this stretch of coast line headed East. All of these sites are wall dives accessible basically by boat (dinghy from your boat anchored in Spanish Waters or a local dive shop’s boat. Anchor in 20-30’ of water - make sure you are in the sand! Head against any current!
SSI Service Center Southern Caribbean, Willemstad
Barbara Beach (★4.1)

Barbara Beach (★4.1)

A great shore dive accessible through the Santa Barbara Resort of boat dive via dive charter. Barbara Beach has nice, healthy coral formations. Watch out for the boat traffic entering and exiting the Spanish Waters Harbour.
SSI Service Center Southern Caribbean, Willemstad
Director's Bay (★4.4)

Director's Bay (★4.4)

Director’s Bay is a historical spot located between the famous Tugboat Reef and Small Wall dive sites. Up until 1985 this beach was privately owned by the Directors of the Royal Dutch Shell Group and the Dutch Royal family and was not accessible to the public. Now it’s a great shore diving location.
SSI Service Center Southern Caribbean, Willemstad
Tugboat Curacao (★4.2)

Tugboat Curacao (★4.2)

Tugboat is Curacao’s most famous dive and snorkel spot due to its shallow depth. It was wrecked just off the shore of Caracasbaai and sits in only 15 feet of water. The tugboat is crawling with marine life and is now covered in sponges and coral growth.
SSI Service Center Southern Caribbean, Willemstad
Beacon Point (★4.4)

Beacon Point (★4.4)

This beautiful wall dive at the western tip of Caracas Bay is best reached by boat and, due to possible strong currents, is best done as a drift dive. On the shallow plateau, you will find large pillar corals.
SSI Service Center Southern Caribbean, Willemstad
Divers Leap (★4.3)

Divers Leap (★4.3)

Beautiful healthy shallow coral reef with plenty of purple sea fans, large formations of elkhorn coral, pillar coral, and staghorn corals. A very nice steep wall starting at about 10 meters / 30 ft with lots of small holes and overhangs.
Scubapro, Stephen Frink
Lost Anchor (★4.4)

Lost Anchor (★4.4)

The spot is named after the anchor line that runs into the depths here and is truly a hidden gem for divers. The spot is, certainly compared to other spots in the bay, unspoilt!
Scubaçao, Willemstad
Jan Thiel baai (★4.0)

Jan Thiel baai (★4.0)

This bay is located at a busy beach so feel free to bring the family! Entering the water is easy and under water you will find a wreck and a platform, lots of sandy bottom up to a depth of 15m.
Mares
Sandy’s Plateau (★4.2)

Sandy’s Plateau (★4.2)

Lots of hard coral including Elkhorn and Pillar coral, as well as many sponges and soft corals. A small overhang in the shallows often shelters schools of grunts. The dive site is between Jan Thiel beach and Mambo Beach and not accessible from shore.
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
Saba (★4.4)

Saba (★4.4)

The mooring for this dive is located ten minutes by boat East of Mambo Beach, with the Saba wreck sitting at 15ft/5m. The shallows alternate between sandy areas, soft corals and hard coral. The drop-off is covered in hard coral and runs parallel to the coast for the most part. This site can have a slight current.
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
Royal Reef (★4.5)

Royal Reef (★4.5)

This dive site is named after the hotel next door. It is a short swim from the beach or by boat. The site starts shallow but there is a wall right away where you can dive perfectly.