Curaçao Named Caribbean Dive Destination of the Year at the Caribbean Travel Awards 2026
Curaçao has been officially crowned Caribbean Dive Destination of the Year at the Caribbean Travel Awards 2026, further cementing the island’s reputation as one of the most compelling and progressive dive destinations in the world.
Presented by Caribbean Journal, the Caribbean Travel Awards celebrate excellence across the region’s travel industry and are regarded as the most meaningful measure of distinction in Caribbean tourism. Now in their 12th annual edition, the awards are nominated and selected exclusively by the editors of Caribbean Journal, widely recognized as the world’s top Caribbean travel experts.
A Thriving Caribbean, A Standout Destination
When final tallies are confirmed, more than 35 million travelers are expected to have visited the Caribbean as overnight guests in 2025, representing a 4 percent increase over the previous year and approximately 3 percent more than in 2019. This growth comes alongside another 38 million visitors arriving by cruise ship.
In short, travelers continue flocking to the Caribbean — and for good reason.
The region remains the world’s most dynamic travel destination, defined by stunning and vibrant cities and towns, breathtaking beaches, remarkable hotels, extraordinary cuisine, and the world’s most fascinating tapestry of cultures. These are the very elements the Caribbean Travel Awards were created to honor.
“The Caribbean Travel Awards have emerged as the region’s most meaningful measure of travel distinction, celebrating the destinations and experiences that shape the future of Caribbean travel,” said Alexander Britell, Editor and Publisher of Caribbean Journal.
Curaçao Takes the Top Dive Honor
Among 41 categories recognized in 2026, Curaçao stood out by earning the title of Caribbean Dive Destination of the Year.
“Despite Curaçao’s surging popularity, its dive offering continues to fly a bit under the radar,” Britell noted. “The reality is that this Dutch Caribbean Island has some of the best diving in the whole region… along with some terrific dive hotels including LionsDive Beach Resort and Scuba Lodge & Ocean Suites.”
With calm, crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, easy shore diving, and diverse marine life, Curaçao offers an unmatched combination of accessibility and underwater variety. In total, the island boasts over 70 world-class dive sites, appealing to beginners, advanced divers, underwater photographers, and technical divers alike.
Leading the Caribbean in Sustainable Dive Tourism
Curaçao’s recognition goes beyond exceptional diving. The island is also widely regarded as a regional leader in sustainable dive tourism, setting an example for how conservation and tourism can thrive together.
Through initiatives such as Reef Renewal Curaçao, Green Fins, and the PADI AWARE Foundation, Curaçao is actively restoring coral reefs, promoting responsible dive practices, and safeguarding marine ecosystems for future generations. These efforts are driven in close partnership with Curaçao’s responsible dive industry leaders, such as Ocean Encounters at LionsDive and Dive Center Pietermaai at Scuba Lodge, whose daily commitment ensures that sustainability is not just a promise, but a practice.
It’s Time to Dive Curaçao
Curaçao’s win as Caribbean Dive Destination of the Year underscores what divers and travelers are increasingly discovering: this island offers one of the best overall dive vacation experiences in the Caribbean — above and below the surface.
With more than 70 world-class dive sites, a thriving marine conservation movement, outstanding dive resorts and operators, and a rich blend of culture, cuisine, and adventure topside, Curaçao invites travelers to dive in and experience the very best of Caribbean diving.
Now is the time to discover Curaçao — the Caribbean Dive Destination of the Year.
