News
A Postcard from Curaçao | Episode 3 | Cas Abao Beach (Watch Video)
Third in a series of inspirational postcards from our friends at Dive Curacao.
Welcome to Episode 3 of Virtual Postcards from Curaçao where we are diving into Cas Abao Beach. In times like this, dreaming of going to the beach to curl your toes into the sand or to dive into the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean is exactly what the doctor ordered!
Welcome to Cas Abao Beach in Curaçao, proclaimed to be one of the most beautiful beaches of Curacao and it is also in the top 5 of most beautiful beaches of the world. With its clear turquoise water, waving palm trees and white sandy beach, Cas Abao (also spelled Cas Abou) is a true paradise. It is located at the northwest coast of Curaçao, the beach is and ideal spot for shore diving, snorkeling, freediving and swimming because of the spectacular shallows leading to the healthy fringing reef.
Other top Curacao beaches include Kenepa Grandi, Playa Kalki, Playa Porto Mari, Klein Curacao, and Klein Kenepa.
“Cas Abao Beach, Curaçao: Ringed by reefs, Curaçao hides a Caribbean underwater wonderland, and this beach is one of the few sandy ones on the arid island, with a bar and a shop to rent snorkel gear. Slip straight into the shallow crystalline bay alive with sea fans and coral, tropical fish, sponges, sea turtles, and more.” says Kimberley Lovato from National Geographic.
Brief History of the Cas Abao Plantation
The Cas Abao plantation has existed since the 17th century and used to include almost a thousand acres of land. It used to be named Engelenberg after its owner, Willebrord van Engelen, who also owned the Van Engelen plantation in the heart of Willemstad.
The main activity was agriculture, while salt mining was also practiced. The plantation incurred heavy damage during the slave rebellion of 1795 and the English sackings which took place some 14 years later. It was completely restored around 1970, at which time a number of modifications were applied to facades, dormers and windows. We hope this will bring a moment of joy and tranquility to your day so you can dream of our beautiful island. Please stay healthy and safe. We hope to see you soon for your next vacation to the heart of the Dutch Caribbean, so you can Feel it For Yourself!
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. Header photo courtesy of Gail Johnson Photography.
News
Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
-
Blogs3 months ago
Gozo: An Underwater Treasure Trove in the Heart of the Mediterranean
-
News3 weeks ago
Iconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
Blogs2 months ago
NovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
-
News1 month ago
Book Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months ago
Book Review: Sharkpedia
-
Gear News1 month ago
DYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News1 month ago
Exploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Blogs3 months ago
Freediver Christian Redl Sets His 13th World Record at Lake Neufeld