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A Postcard from Curacao | Episode 14 | Curaçao Sea Aquarium (Watch Video)
Welcome to Episode 14, where we are visiting the Curaçao Sea Aquarium Park, diving at Shipwreck Point then descending into the unknown depths with Substation Curacao beyond traditional recreational dive limits.
According to the Curaçao Sea Aquarium, back in the early 80’s, Adrian “Dutch” Schrier dreamed of bringing his passion for the sea closer to the general public. Equipped with acute insight and specialized knowledge, Dutch became very aware that the rare beauty and health of the Caribbean Sea surrounding Curaçao would not last forever if public education about the underwater world was not easily accessible and reasonably affordable. In 1984, Dutch founded the Curaçao Sea Aquarium and now, 35 years later, it has evolved into the Curaçao Sea Aquarium Park which is one of the most unique examples of marine education and tourism facilities in the Caribbean.
The Curaçao Sea Aquarium Park is situated in the Bapor Kibrá district of Curaçao, next to Ocean Encounters and LionsDive Beach Resort. Today, the facility is not only home to the main Curaçao Sea Aquarium, but it also includes Dolphin Academy, Dolphin Therapy, Animal Encounters, Sea Lion Encounters, Substation Curaçao and the newest attraction, the Ocean Lens. Each one of these individual attractions include interactive programs with a distinct focus on marine education, protection, and conservation.
A prime example of Dutch’s limitless dedication for creating these interactive programs at the Curaçao Sea Aquarium Park would be Substation Curaçao. There is simply no where on our planet, except at Substation Curaçao, where you can dive safely down to 1,000 feet (300 meters) in a specifically designed 5 person submarine, called the Curasub, and have an experience that literally equates to going into outer space.
“After I release the ballast air, your journey will start with a slow & even descent along the sloping drop offs around the Ocean Lens Curaçao located here at Shipwreck Point. The beauty of these incredible dives is the kaleidoscope of color & the unexpected variety of life that you will encounter. It is another world that exists on these deep reefs and this is your chance for a trip into an inner space to observe an incredible world only a few know. At the depths that we reach in the Curasub, it is another world of life, wonder and amazement.” says Bruce Brandt, head Engineer and Pilot
So, when you are on Curaçao next, stop by Substation Curacao and consider this bucket list adventure where you will explore the twilight zone well beyond recreational scuba diving limits.
Travel Tip: If you want the ultimate view, without getting wet or taking a trip in the Curasub, of what lies just below the surface then you need to visit the Ocean Lens. The view is not only comfortable, but it is also breathtaking where you are surrounded by an intensity of color and life.
As we mentioned back in Episode 7, Bapor Kibrá, which literally translates to “broken ship” is home to one of the best dive sites on the island called Shipwreck Point.
Shipwreck Point is one of those “must dive sites” located between Cornelius Bay and the Stella Maris reef. In 1884 the SS Oranje Nassau, a trading ship of the West India Company, also perished at this location and remnants of the original kettle can be seen from Sea Lion Encounters.
Apart from the SS Oranje Nassau boiler, divers will find anchors, a shaft and propellers located around the mooring between 20 and 35 meters, and the two tugboats at 50 meters make this a remarkably interesting dive site for technical divers.
Shipwreck Point is incredible fringing reef and one of the healthiest around Curacao largely since it is located on this south-easterly point where loads of fresh salt water circulate and currents are constantly merging. It can be reached from Ocean Encounters at LionsDive Beach Resort on their regular boat dive schedule but from shore, this dive can be a challenge since the nearest entry point is the beach in front of Hemingways Beach Bar and Restaurant.
Tune in for Episode 15, when we are sailing to Klein Curaçao with Bluefinn Charters to explore this historically significant and now deserted Caribbean island, then dive the surrounding picturesque reefs to understand why the locals say “that the underwater habitats of Klein Curaçao is where everything is bigger and there is more of it with almost the guarantee of turtle sightings”.
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.
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