News
A Postcard from Curaçao | Episode 12 | Jan Thiel Bay (Watch Video)
Welcome to Episode 12 where we are visiting Jan Thiel Bay, a popular Curaçao beach that is known for more than it’s clear blue water plus we will be diving the wonderful house reef with the on-site PADI dive operator, Dive Center Scuba Do.
But, before we start talking about curling your toes into the white sand beach, diving into the turquoise water or sinking your teeth into the delicious and mouth-watering food that this location offers, we need to tell about the origins of this tremendous area, also known as Jan Thiel.
The Jan Thiel Plantation, named after Mr. Jan Thielen (original owner), is located east of Willemstad near Caracasbaai. The plantation is comprised of over 1,200 hectares (3,000 acres) and dates to the early 1700’s when it was considered one of Curaçao’s principal salt producers due to the extensive salt pans on the property.
According to Maritime Explorer:
“At one time it also had over 1,000 goats, 450 cattle and was a major producer of fruit for export. Landhuis Jan Thiel and the out-buildings sits high on a ridge that overlooks the salt-lake below. The property extends as far as the shores of what is now Jan Thiel Bay and in the 1920’s, the owners developed one of the first resorts on the island. Today that development has expanded exponentially, and Jan Thiel area is one of the major housing and resort developments on Curaçao. Fortunately, much of the original plantation lands have remained undeveloped and are now a nature preserve which stretches right to the back gate of Landhuis Jan Thiel.”
Travel Tip: This special nature reserve is popular among the Curaçaoans especially on Sundays where the salt pans are often visited by cyclists and walkers to unwind and to get ready for the new week. The salt pans are surrounded by a lot of nature and, also an attraction for flamingos plus several endemic species of birds.
Jan Thiel Beach is one of those places on Curaçao where it all happens because if you are dreaming of sun, sea, shopping and entertainment then this is the place to be! You can easily chill out with an ice cold cocktail, let the chefs of four unique restaurants surprise with you a diversity of culinary delights and of course, dive in to discover a world of entertainment that of course includes incredible shore diving and snorkeling just a few fin kicks from the beach.
To make it even easier to immerse yourself into the surrounding turquoise waters, Dive Center SCUBA DO (one of the oldest established PADI 5-Star Dive Resorts on Curaçao) is located right next to the beach. Since they opened in 1996, the brands reputation for high quality shore diving, an unblemished safety record and excellent customer service has not only become part of the company’s culture but sought after within the European dive and watersports communities.
Jan Geerings, Dive Center SCUBA DO’s Managing Directors says:
“Our company never sits still. We are always looking for ways to improve… to crea te high quality products, set innovation standards, drive sustainable tourism initiatives and provide as much value for our customers as possible so they can have an excellent vacation experience here on Curaçao. That is why we are investing in our future with a fleet of custom boats (75ft sailing catamaran, a 42ft lobster boat and a 38ft sportsman yacht) to expand our operations to include boat diving and day sailing, and partnering with high quality sustainable tourism and accommodation partners that are all centrally located at one of the most beautiful beaches on Curacao, Jan Thiel Beach.”
Travel Tip: If you have something special to celebrate, if you looking for a romantic night out, or just want to do something totally different for Happy Hour with your group of friends then the BlueFinn Sunset Sailing Trip is for you!
The bay at Jan Thiel Beach is very easy to access since it has an uncomplicated set of stairs assisting you in and out of the water. The house reef is a typical Curacao diving and snorkeling site that starts at a sandy plateau leading to gentle sloping drop-off and a healthy reef.
You will find a big variety of hard and soft corals, donkey dung sea cucumbers, long spined black sea urchins, colourful fish and course, turtles. Inside the bay, lies the Strea – a wreck of a sailing boat which is a very nice ending to your dive or snorkeling experience. The best treat, possibly, is where you might encounter a curious squad of squid looking directly into your eyes.
Tune in for Episode 13, where will be heading west to visit with All West Apartments and Diving to experience incredible sunsets, starry skies, and to dive the mind-blowing site called Neptune’s Kingdom with GO WEST Diving.
We hope you have enjoyed this Postcard from Curaçao and we also hope to see you soon. Don’t forget to subscribe to our mailing list and to the Dive Curaçao YouTube Channel to be automatically notified.
Sincere Love from Curacao,
Bryan Horne, Dive Curacao
Tilo and Yvonne Kuhnast, Nature Pics Films
Videos produced and edited for Dive Curacao in cooperation with Nature Pics Films.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
-
News2 months agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News3 months agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News3 months agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News3 months agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News3 months agoTry BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months agoBook Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
Blogs2 months agoDive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive
-
News3 months ago2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced