101 Questions and Answers About Diving at Porto Mari and on Curaçao

Certainly. Tell us about your experience, and we will help you comfortably enjoy diving again. For example, with a private dive at no extra cost.

Yes, that is possible. With a private guide or instructor, you receive full attention and we can completely tailor the pace and content to your wishes and level.

This is ideal if you want some extra guidance, feel unsure, want to learn quickly, or simply want to dive alone or with just the two of you in peace and quiet. Feel free to ask about the possibilities and availability.

Take a shower, rinse your ears with fresh water, and give them rest. Don’t keep clearing them repeatedly. 

Yes. Usually about once a week. Night dives at Porto Mari are only allowed with a guide. We also occasionally dive at other locations at night. Ask us about the next available opportunity. 

Yes. At our dive school, we have emergency oxygen, a first aid kit, and an AED. We also always bring emergency oxygen and first aid materials on our dive trips, so we are well prepared both on land and on the water.

All our staff are first aid trained, and we also regularly provide React Right first aid courses ourselves. 

Yes, of course. We also rent out individual tanks and lead.

Certainly. Beginners appreciate the calm conditions and the easy-to-navigate reef. Experienced divers, on the other hand, enjoy the size of the dive site, the variety in depths, and the underwater life.

This makes it a place where everyone can dive at their own level.

In many cases, no. For an introductory dive or course, you first fill out a medical questionnaire. Only if you have to answer one of the questions with “yes” might you need a statement from a doctor.

That often sounds more daunting than it actually is. For most people, there is nothing to worry about and everything can proceed as normal. On our website, you can already find the medical statement, so you can review it calmly in advance.

Are you unsure about something? Feel free to contact us, and we’ll look together at what’s best.

Yes, that is definitely possible. Porto Mari is actually a great place for mixed groups, where one person wants to dive and another prefers to stay on the beach. 

While you go diving, your partner or children can relax on the beach, swim, snorkel, or have something to eat and drink at the beach bar. Everything is within walking distance and easy to oversee, making it a fun and relaxing day for everyone.

If you both want to dive but are traveling with small children, we can also schedule your dives so that you can take turns. 

Many families and groups choose Porto Mari for exactly this reason: everyone can do what they feel like, and in between you can simply meet up again on the beach.

The short answer: yes.

As a snorkeler, you mainly see the reef from above. As a diver, you move right through it, among and alongside it. You get closer to the life, see more detail, and experience a sense of calm and weightlessness that is unlike anything else (except maybe a trip to the moon, we think). Many snorkelers who try it once are immediately hooked.

Diving is generally a safe sport, precisely because there is a strong focus on training, preparation, and clear procedures. We work according to established safety guidelines and ensure that everything proceeds calmly and in a controlled manner.

We always have oxygen and first aid equipment on site and are trained to act if necessary. In practice, dives usually go very smoothly and without any problems.

Actually, all year round. The water temperature is always pleasant, visibility is usually good, and there is almost always a spot on the island where the sea is calm.

Each season has its charm, but diving is possible here in every month of the year. That makes Curaçao an ideal destination, whether you come on holiday in the summer, winter, or somewhere in between.

Do you mean the time of day? There are plenty of options then as well. We dive from morning until the afternoon, and each moment has its own atmosphere. Even at night, there is plenty to see on the reef for those who want to make a night dive.

Just tell us what you want to do and when. You can do this by email, phone/WhatsApp, or simply drop by. We will then add you to our schedule. 

Porto Mari Sports is open 7 days a week from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

Yes, of course. We welcome all divers.

You can find a basic set of good quality for around € 1000. Depending on the brands and types of equipment you choose, this can go up to € 2500. And those who opt for advanced regulators, BCDs, computers, or technical equipment can easily spend € 5000 or more.

But of course, you can also just keep renting from us for a few tens of euros per day. That also saves you an extra suitcase.

Although we usually dive at Porto Mari itself, we also organize daily trips all over the island. From shore, we dive at locations ranging from Director’s Bay in the southeast to Playa Kalki in the northwest—and almost everything in between. By boat, we visit places that are not accessible from the shore. Our Eastpoint boat dives are especially recommended, but we also regularly head towards Westpunt and Klein Curaçao.

Some of our favorites are Double Reef, Fisherman’s Wharf, Pure Nature at San Juan, Cas Abou, Lagun and Jeremi, Playa Kalki, Piscado, and Forti. All of these are located west of the bridge (pabou di brug). On the east side (pariba di brug), we love to dive at Director’s Bay, Tugboat, Palapa, and Marie Pampoen. For our trips to Eastpoint, we naturally cross the bridge as well. And if you ever get the chance to dive on the rugged east side of Klein Curaçao, you should definitely take it!

Yes, we have about twenty tanks with Nitrox 32% ready for you every day.

Most dives last between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on your air consumption, experience, and the conditions. Sometimes we stay a bit shorter, sometimes a bit longer — it always goes at a calm and relaxed pace.

Many people are surprised at how quickly time passes underwater. You are mainly busy looking, discovering, and enjoying, and before you know it, the dive is already over.

We usually schedule at least one hour of break between two dives. This gives your body enough time to recover and eliminate nitrogen.

When making multiple dives in a day, we always ensure a safe and comfortable schedule.

Yes, most of our tanks are DIN-compatible. Pay attention to the blue caps.

Tipping is certainly not mandatory, but it is always appreciated. Our instructors receive a modest salary but are not dependent on tips. Our divemasters are on Curaçao for an internship or working holiday and only receive a limited expense allowance. For all of us, a tip is therefore seen as a welcome addition and also as a nice and personal token of appreciation. 

We accept all major credit and debit cards (except AmEx). Cash in guilders, dollars, and euros. We accept cash euros at the rate of 1 USD = 1 EUR (as long as the euro is worth more than the dollar).

Yes. We consider diving to be an inclusive sport. Our team is trained in adaptive diving and we have instructors for this in-house. We have already successfully dived with divers with an amputation, autism, paralysis, or visual impairment. Let us know what you need, and we will adapt. Often, a little extra patience is enough; sometimes we arrange an extra guide (at no additional cost).

Absolutely. Curaçao is known worldwide as one of the best places to learn how to dive. The water is warm, visibility is often excellent, and the conditions are usually calm and clear.

At Porto Mari, you also have the advantage of walking straight from the beach into a beautiful reef, with a gently sloping bottom and plenty of marine life close to the shore. This makes it a safe and comfortable environment to make your first dives.

Curaçao is a typical shore diving destination. We work together with boat charters for trips to Eastpoint and Klein Curaçao.

Drink enough water before and after diving to stay well hydrated.
Alcohol is not recommended before diving. The rule “Don’t drink and drive” also applies underwater: “Don’t drink and dive.”

Usually yes. We can also order a new card (for a small fee).

Most dives at Porto Mari simply start from the shore, so seasickness usually isn’t an issue there.

During boat dives, it can sometimes occur, especially if you’re sensitive to it and the sea is a bit rough. Fortunately, many people find that they feel fine once they’re underwater. Any nausea often disappears as soon as you enter the water. If you get seasick easily, taking a tablet beforehand can help, and we try to schedule calm times and locations whenever possible. Not sure? Just let us know, and we’ll think along with you to find what works best for you.

For many divers, Porto Mari is one of the most beautiful and relaxing spots on the island. The reef is large, diverse, and suitable for both beginners and experienced divers, and you can walk straight into the water from the beach.

What also sets us apart is our personal approach. We work with small groups, take time for everyone, and make sure you feel comfortable — whether it’s your first dive or your hundredth. That’s why many guests return to us several times during their holiday.

Yes, for a small fee, provided it is within a reasonable distance from Porto Mari.

Porto Mari has everything that makes a dive site special: clear water, little current, a large and healthy reef, and a wide variety of depths. This makes it suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.

In addition, you can enjoy a very relaxed shore dive here, with a gently sloping bottom and plenty of marine life close to the coast. That makes it a place where divers love to return—often several times during their holiday.

Moreover, it is an ideal location for mixed groups. Porto Mari offers everything for a perfect beach day, both for divers and non-divers: a beautiful beach, good facilities, and plenty to see and do, both above and below the water.

That varies from person to person. Many people think beforehand that they are claustrophobic, but actually experience a sense of calm and freedom underwater. You are not confined: you move in an open environment and can calmly ascend at any time.

Are you unsure? Then start with an introductory dive. We take our time, stay close to you, and build it up step by step.

Safety is always our top priority. Our guides and instructors are extensively trained to act appropriately and calmly in emergencies, both underwater and at the surface. During every dive, we follow established procedures and continuously monitor the group, the progress of the dive, and the conditions.

If something unexpected does happen, the dive will be ended in a controlled manner and we will immediately follow the applicable emergency procedures. Depending on the situation, we provide first aid, administer oxygen, and – if necessary – call for medical assistance. Thanks to thorough preparation, clear communication, and small groups, we can act quickly and effectively, ensuring everyone remains as safe as possible.

Dive equipment is included with all courses. For dive trips and dive packages, dive equipment can be added at a reduced rate. For our Pro courses, we assume that you have your own equipment.

For a multi-day stay, you travel to Curaçao by plane.

From Europe, Amsterdam is the main and in fact the only daily intercontinental connection, with multiple flights per day operated by KLM, TUI, and Corendon. In addition, there are sometimes seasonal flights from Frankfurt and Brussels.

From North America, there are year-round direct connections from Toronto, New York, and Miami. There are also less frequent, often seasonal, direct flights from Montreal, Chicago, Newark, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Fort Lauderdale. The main airlines are American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta, United, Air Canada, and WestJet.

There are also direct connections from South and Central America, including from Bogotá, Barranquilla, Medellín, Caracas, Panama City, Belo Horizonte, and Lima. The main airlines here are Avianca, Wingo, Copa, LATAM, and Azul.

Within the Caribbean region, there are regular flights from, among others, Aruba, Bonaire, Sint Maarten, Santo Domingo, Port of Spain, and Paramaribo. The main airlines for Curaçao in this region include Divi Divi Air, EZ Air, Winair, Arajet, Caribbean Airlines, and Surinam Airways.

In addition, Curaçao is also visited by many cruise ships, making the island a popular destination for day visitors as well.

We always try to accommodate guests without a reservation, but we can only guarantee your spot if you book in advance. Usually, booking a day or two ahead is sufficient, but you can also reserve months in advance.

You do not need to make a reservation (and it is not possible) for renting tanks or equipment. We almost always have enough tanks and sets available. Only on the very busiest days might you have to wait a little while until someone else comes out of the water. 

No, that's completely normal, especially when you're just starting out. Beginners often breathe faster because everything is still new and exciting.

With experience, relaxation, and better technique, you'll naturally start to breathe more efficiently. Until then, we'll simply take that into account in our planning.

We also have some larger tanks (100 cuft / 14 L), so even if you use a bit more air, you can often stay underwater a bit longer.

We are open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM and dive flexibly throughout the day. 

During quiet periods, you can often easily find a spot last minute. In the high season and during school holidays, however, it can fill up quickly, especially for courses and boat dives.

We therefore recommend booking in advance to make sure there is space on the days that suit you best. This way, you avoid disappointment and can plan your holiday with peace of mind.

That’s not strange at all. For many people, it’s the first time they breathe underwater, and that can take some getting used to. That’s why we take things step by step and take the time to make you feel comfortable.

If you still don’t feel comfortable underwater, we’ll simply stop or take a step back. Nothing is required. For most people, the tension quickly disappears and is replaced by calm and wonder.

After diving, it is important to wait a sufficient amount of time before flying. As a guideline: wait at least 12 hours after a single dive and 18 to 24 hours after multiple dives or multiple days of diving. This gives your body time to safely eliminate excess nitrogen.

Diving immediately after flying is not a problem. Many people plan their dives during the first days of their holiday and keep the last day free. We are happy to help you with a safe schedule.

Absolutely. How long it has been and how much experience you have determines what suits you best. If you haven’t dived for a while, a short refresher dive can be a great way to get comfortable with your equipment and the feeling of being underwater again.

This way, you can start calmly and with confidence, and you’ll usually find the enjoyment comes back quickly. Many people choose to do their first dive with us as a refresher and then continue diving comfortably afterwards.

Yes — and that is actually a very logical and popular choice. The SSI Advanced Open Water course is specifically designed to be taken immediately after the Open Water course. By combining these courses, you quickly gain extra experience and become a more confident diver in a short period of time. The two courses together can be completed in a minimum of five days, with optional rest or “dry” days in between.

We work with a close-knit and dedicated team of dive professionals. Instead of freelancers, we consciously build long-term collaborations with people who truly want to be part of our dive school.

Many of our staff members started with us as students or interns. We enjoy training people ourselves and often see someone progress from enthusiastic diver to Divemaster, Instructor, or a permanent member of the team.

Sometimes we have a job opening, but most of the time, team expansion comes from the people we have guided through their training process.

Due to local regulations, we can only hire Dutch, American, or Curaçao residents.

If you do not yet have a Divemaster or instructor certification but dream of working in the diving industry, you can start with us through a Divemaster internship and grow from there.

No. We focus on snorkeling and real scuba diving, where you enter the water with your own dive set and full training.

Actually, not much. Swimwear, a towel, and possibly some sun protection are usually sufficient. We provide the diving equipment and everything else you need.

Many people find it convenient to also bring a bottle of water and a dry set of clothes for after the dive. Other than that, you can keep it simple.

That mainly depends on what you enjoy and what you are curious about. Do you want to improve your buoyancy in the water? Then Perfect Buoyancy is a great choice. Want to see more of the reef? Then, for example, Deep or Fish ID might be interesting.

We are happy to think along with you and help you choose what suits your level, interests, and holiday plans. That way, you get the most out of your time underwater.

Shore diving is relaxing, flexible, and often surprisingly beautiful. You simply walk into the water from the beach — no boat, no rush, and no long travel time. You won’t get seasick and we dive in small groups, sometimes even one-on-one with a guide or instructor. This is exactly what makes Curaçao such an attractive diving destination.

At Porto Mari, the reef starts close to shore and gradually slopes down in depth. This makes the site ideal for both beginners and experienced divers. You dive at your own pace, with plenty to see from the very first meters.

We collaborate with the professional underwater photo and videography company Turtle & Ray, who often join us on dives to capture beautiful images of your dive. They may come spontaneously, or we can arrange for them to come especially for you. 

Sometimes our guides also take photos or short videos during the dive themselves, but we cannot always guarantee this. Our primary focus is on safety and guidance.

Would you like to be sure of having beautiful images of your dive or course? Then it’s best to ask about the possibilities in advance. Of course, you are also welcome to bring your own camera if you have experience with it.

Decompression sickness (also known as diver’s disease or “the bends”) occurs when you ascend too quickly after a dive that was too deep or too long. Dissolved nitrogen in your body can then form bubbles, which may cause symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, skin rash, and dizziness.

You can prevent this by:

• staying within the limits of your dive computer

• ascending slowly

• always making a safety stop

• diving well-rested and hydrated

Always keep breathing calmly and never hold your breath.

During ascent, the air in your lungs expands due to decreasing pressure. By continuing to breathe normally, you prevent problems and dive safely.

You will learn all about this during the Open Water course.

Yes and no. If you can't swim, you can still experience what it's like to breathe underwater during an introductory dive. We will stay close to you, keep everything calm, and provide personal guidance.

To obtain a diving certificate, you do need to be able to swim a little. During the Open Water course, we do a simple swim test, but it's manageable for most people. Are you unsure? Feel free to let us know, and we'll look at the possibilities together.

Due to the warm water temperature, a 2.5 or 3 mm shorty is ideal. If you get cold easily, then a 3 mm longsuit is recommended. If you get warm quickly, a rash guard will suffice. 5 mm or 7 mm suits, gloves, or hoodies can be left at home.

Yes, that is possible. You can rent dive equipment from us for several days to dive elsewhere on Curacao. Please make a reservation in advance. 

Go to MedPoint (healthcare for tourists and expats). WhatsApp +5999 524 2944 or email info@medpointcuracao.com.

Yes, you can go diving with contact lenses. Both soft and hard lenses are usually not a problem.

Do you wear glasses? Then you can use a prescription dive mask. For many prescriptions, there are ready-made solutions available, so you can see clearly underwater again. We have some available for rent. And we can also order a custom-made one for you. It will be ready for you the next working day.

Children from the age of 10 can take a course or do a Discover Scuba. For 8- and 9-year-olds, we also have special children's programs (such as the Scuba Explorer or an introductory dive for children).

Fortunately, the weather in Curaçao is usually good and diving conditions are often calm. If the sea on one side of the island is less suitable, we often move to another spot where it is pleasant and safe to dive.

If a dive really cannot take place, we will work together to find an alternative time. Safety always comes first, but we do our best to make sure your dive can go ahead as planned.

Everyone loves encounters with sea turtles (green or hawksbill turtles) and rays (southern stingray or spotted eagle ray). We often see them, but not always. In addition, there are small creatures such as frogfish, seahorses, and scorpionfish, or tiny ones like flamingo tongues and cleaner shrimp. Schools of baitfish are also spectacular (but don’t tell the fishermen).

That depends on your certification:

• Intro: max. 12 m

• Open Water: max. 18 m

• Advanced: max. 30 m

• Deep certified: max. 40 m

On most dives, we stay shallower than 18 meters.

Just arrive at the dive school at the agreed time. This way, we have plenty of time to get to know each other, set up the equipment, and prepare for the dive at a relaxed pace.

We deliberately schedule things so that there’s never any need to rush. It’s better to be a few minutes early than late, but most importantly: come in relaxed, and we’ll take care of the rest.

For the boat dive trips to Oostpunt and Klein Curacao, we meet at the old fishermen’s harbor on the Spanish Water. This is located at the end of Caracasbaaiweg, just past the Jan Thiel roundabout, opposite Palapa Resort. For Oostpunt, the boat departs at 9:00 AM; for Klein Curacao, it usually leaves an hour earlier, at 8:00 AM. 

The chances are slim. On average, you need hundreds of dives to see one, usually a harmless nurse shark.

If the plantation gate is still closed, it is probably not yet 9:00 AM and you are early. Although it says that the beach only opens at 9:30 AM, the gate usually opens at 9:00 AM.

3 days and 6 dives. 

Yes, in cash, at the rate of 1 USD = 1 EUR (as long as the euro is worth more than the dollar).

The conditions here are ideal for starting out calmly. You begin in shallow, clear water and can gradually go deeper as you build your confidence. The reef starts close to shore, so you’ll quickly see plenty of fish and coral.

Because everything is so easy to oversee, we can fully focus on your pace and comfort. This ensures that many people experience their first dives here as relaxed and enjoyable.

We hope so ourselves every dive! In practice, we only see sharks occasionally — on average maybe once every few hundred dives. Dolphins even less often. It’s still nature, so there are no guarantees. The good news: there is an enormous amount of other life to see. Turtles, rays, barracudas, schools of fish, and beautiful coral make almost every dive special. Take a look here for an impression of what we have seen.

Yes, you can rent complete snorkel sets from us, including a mask, snorkel, and with or without fins.

This is ideal if you are coming along with divers but prefer to stay at the surface yourself, or simply want to explore the reef from above. Porto Mari is also a beautiful spot for snorkelers, with plenty of fish and clear water.

We attach great importance to nature and coral conservation. We follow the Blue Oceans guidelines and try to limit the use of plastic and other disposable products as much as possible. During our dives, we regularly collect waste whenever we encounter it.

In addition, we are actively involved in and support two local nature conservation organizations: BRANCH Coral Foundation and Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao.

Independent diving means that you plan your dive together with your buddy and dive your plan, without further supervision from a dive professional. Guided diving means that you dive under the supervision of a guide. 

The water temperature ranges between 25°C and 30°C: warmest in September-October, coolest in January-March. Most divers wear a 2 or 3 mm shorty year-round. Visibility is often better than 30 meters.

Then you will have to wait for a moment. This does not happen often, but on the busiest days of the year it can occur. Unfortunately, it is not possible to reserve your equipment for independent diving. 

For our regular dives and most courses, you must be at least 10 years old. For children aged 8 and 9, we have special programs (Explorer or the introductory dive for children). Some courses require a minimum age of 12, 15, or 18 years.

The Scuba Diver course is essentially the first half of the Open Water course. With this certification, you may only dive under the direct supervision of a professional and to a maximum depth of 12 meters.

With an Open Water certification, you can dive independently with a buddy to a depth of 18 meters, anywhere in the world. That’s why this is the most popular and comprehensive entry-level course.

The Scuba Diver option is especially suitable if you have limited time or as an intermediate step.

Yes, we recommend renting a car. Taxis are expensive and Curaçao is easy to drive yourself. We can pick you up at the cruise ships.

Of course. Everyone started somewhere. You can get your certificate with us in three days. Or you can do an introductory dive – this is a two-hour program that consists of a short theory lesson and a practical lesson in the water, which is immediately a real dive on the reef. Too much fun not to do!

Within recreational limits. We do offer specializations such as Enriched Air Diver, Sidemount, Advanced Wreck, and Self-Reliant. For advanced technical diving or rebreathers, we refer you to Into the Blue or Goby Divers.

In principle, no. Exception: divers with a ‘self-reliant’ or 'independent' diver certification who follow the special procedures. If necessary, we also rent out pony bottles with stage regulator. We can also organize the Independent Diver course for you.

We have worked with PADI for many years with great pleasure and have gained a lot of experience with it. Switching to SSI is not a rejection of PADI, but a conscious choice for a system that better fits the way we like to teach.

SSI offers us more flexibility to make courses more personal and practice-oriented, with more attention for the diver themselves. The course material is fully digital and well-organized, allowing students to learn at their own pace and prepare thoroughly for the dives.

For us, SSI feels like a modern and logical step that better suits our way of working and how people want to learn nowadays.

Important to know: if you have a PADI certification, you can still dive with us or take a continuing education course. The certifications are recognized worldwide and are compatible with each other.

In short: we have switched to SSI because it helps us continue to provide the best possible dive training in our own way—with personal attention, quality, and enjoyment as our top priorities.

Yes, absolutely. Especially if you have never dived before, you have come to the right place. During an introductory dive, we take our time to explain everything and help you get used to breathing underwater step by step.

You are never alone: you dive one-on-one with an instructor or in a very small group, and we adjust the pace to what feels comfortable for you. Most people find it exciting at first, but soon discover how relaxing and special it is to be underwater.

All our staff speak English. Most of them also speak Dutch. There is often someone who speaks Spanish, German, or French. Portuguese is a bit more difficult, but we do our best. Let us know if you would like a guide or instructor who speaks your language. We can often arrange that. Discover the faces of our team here.

We understand that plans can sometimes change during a holiday. That’s why we always try to be as flexible as possible if you want to reschedule or adjust a dive.

If you let us know in time, we’ll look together for another day or time. We are happy to think along with you to find a solution that works for you.

We deliberately work with small groups, so that there is enough personal attention for everyone. Especially during introductory dives and courses, we take the time to explain everything calmly and work at your pace.

This not only makes it safer, but also much more pleasant and relaxing. With us, you are never just “one of many”.

Yes. After obtaining your Open Water certification, you may dive independently with a buddy up to 18 meters.

Many new divers stay with us for a few days after their course to gain experience, with a guide or independently. That is the best way to further develop your new skills.

But you can also join a dive trip or take a next course with us. 

“Open Water” does not necessarily mean the ocean. A lake, river, or even a swimming pool can also be considered open water. It simply means that the way to the surface is free and directly accessible.

The opposite is a so-called overhead environment: for example in caves, cenotes, wrecks, or under ice, where you cannot go directly to the surface. Decompression dives are also included in this category. These types of dives require additional training and special procedures.

After your Open Water course, the real discovery is just beginning. You can make extra guided dives (for example, a boat dive to Oostpunt), go out independently with your buddy, or further develop yourself with the Advanced Open Water course or a specialty such as Perfect Buoyancy. Whatever you choose: just keep diving — with every dive, you grow in comfort, experience, and confidence.

The no-decompression time, or no decompression limit, is the maximum amount of time you can stay at a certain depth without having to make mandatory decompression stops during your ascent. Your computer usually displays this number in the middle of the screen: it starts at 99 and decreases as you dive deeper and longer.  

If you stay within this time (above zero), you can safely ascend to the surface with a normal ascent and a safety stop.

The SSI Advanced Open Water Diver consists of five so-called adventure dives: the deep dive, the navigation dive, and three adventure dives of your choice. These give you a broad introduction to different types of diving. Specialty courses go further in depth: each adventure dive from the Advanced course can be expanded with one or two extra dives to become a full specialty. The Advanced course is therefore a broad next step; specialties are ideal for further developing specific skills.

A safety stop is a short pause of 3 minutes at about 5 meters depth at the end of the dive.

This gives your body extra time to safely eliminate nitrogen. It is a simple but important habit that every diver learns.

No, but our neighbors at B-Diving (Cas Abou) do.

If you are an experienced diver, you don’t have to. Our Open Water courses are designed so that, after the course, we usually let our students dive independently with confidence (always with a buddy). And if that’s not the case, we often offer you an extra dive. We are happy to give you tips and recommendations if you want to go out on your own. Still, many experienced divers also enjoy going with a guide.

Absolutely. Many specialties can be combined very well. For example, you can combine Waves, Tides & Currents with Boat Diving during a boat dive trip, or Wreck Diving together with Enriched Air Nitrox and/or Deep Diving. Smart combinations save time, deepen your experience, and help you on your way to the SSI recognition ratings Specialty Diver, Advanced Specialty Diver, and Master Diver.

No. We dive all over the island, both from shore and by boat. However, we prefer to do the first dive with every guest at Porto Mari.

Of course. You are welcome to join us at the beach, go snorkeling, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the atmosphere while others are diving. This is especially possible at Porto Mari, but we can also take this into account on our trips.

Many non-divers decide to try an introductory dive after a while — and we think that's great.

Our address is: Plantage Porto Mari z/n, Sint-Willibrordus, Curacao (map). But you don't need an address to find us. Just look for Porto Mari beach and you've found us!

Yes, that’s possible. The Open Water course is flexible and can be scheduled over multiple days, so it fits well with your holiday plans.

Many people choose to do a part each day, with plenty of time in between to relax and let everything sink in. We’re happy to help you come up with a schedule that works well for you.

For young children, we often recommend spreading the three-day course over four or five days (or even longer). This keeps it enjoyable, prevents overstimulation, and gives everything time to settle in properly.

Porto Mari is a private beach. A small fee of | 5 XCG per person is requested for access. This helps maintain the facilities on the beach, such as the road from the gate, the parking lot, the toilets and the rinse stations next to the dive school, as well as daytime security.

The entrance fee can be paid at the wooden hut at the entrance to the beach (not at the dive school).

For the dive trips, we usually meet at the location of the trip itself. Most of the time, we meet at 9:30 AM, but sometimes a bit earlier or later.

Near Porto Mari, you will find several small-scale options such as Flamingo Park, Jan Kok Lodges, Amazing View Bungalows, and Caribbean Breeze. For families or larger groups, a seaside villa at Coral Estate or at Villapark Fontein is a good idea. More centrally located, but still west of the bridge, there are also options in Grote Berg and Julianadorp. In Julianadorp, Kasper and Caroline run Annidas Sambuyá Studios and Apartments. In fact, there is no neighborhood you need to avoid, and driving distances on Curaçao are limited. Some of our guests even stay all the way in the Jan Thiel area. Porto Mari is never more than an hour’s drive away, no matter where you stay on the island.