Introductory dive at Porto Mari

Discover Diving in Curaçao

Curious what it's like to breathe underwater? With an introduction dive at Porto Mari, you will discover diving in a safe, relaxed, and unforgettable way — no experience required.

Have you always wanted to know what it feels like to breathe underwater and float weightlessly through the ocean? With an introductory dive at Porto Mari Dive Center, you can safely, comfortably, and easily get acquainted with diving — no previous diving experience required. For many people, an introductory dive is the first step towards obtaining a full diving certification. On our page Learning to dive in Curaçao you can read exactly how this process works.

Personal guidance and small groups

Our experienced dive instructors take plenty of time to explain everything clearly and calmly and to answer all your questions. We deliberately work with small groups (a maximum of four people, but often even one-on-one), so you receive personal guidance and can feel completely at ease.

Many participants use the introductory dive as a first introduction before continuing with the full SSI Open Water Diver course, with which you can obtain your official diving certification.

A perfect location for your first dive

Playa Porto Mari is an exceptional location for a first dive. Many consider this spot to be one of the best places in Curaçao to learn to dive. The calm beach, clear water, and rich marine life provide ideal conditions for beginners. Even during your first dive, you will see colorful fish, corals, and other tropical sea life.

Diving directly from the beach

Because we are located right on the house reef, your diving experience begins immediately in a calm and clear way. You gear up at the dive center, fit your equipment on site, and then walk into the water together with the instructor. No boats, no transfers, and no lugging equipment — just time to calmly get used to and enjoy your first introduction to the underwater world.

On this same reef, we also regularly organize guided dives at Porto Mari, so many divers like to return after their first experience to further discover what this place has to offer underwater.

How does an introductory dive work?

We start with a short theoretical explanation, supported by simple teaching materials. Then we go through everything with you personally, so you know exactly what to expect. Next, we put on the diving equipment together and walk into the water. In shallow water, we do a few simple exercises, such as clearing your regulator and mask. This is done at a relaxed pace, so you can get used to diving comfortably and calmly. Only when you feel good do we continue.

After that, we make a relaxed dive on the Porto Mari reef, to a maximum depth of 5 meters or 12 meters (at the instructor's discretion). Throughout the dive, we pay close attention to your comfort, pace, and safety. Fun, confidence, and personal attention are central.

From introductory dive to diving certification

After the introductory dive, you can calmly decide whether you want to continue with the SSI Open Water Diver course. With this, you learn to dive independently up to 18 meters deep and receive a globally recognized diving certification. Many participants experience the introductory dive as the moment when their love for diving truly begins — and you have already taken the first step towards a full diving certification.

Ready to experience it yourself?

Would you like to discover what it feels like to breathe underwater and explore the underwater world of Curaçao? We are happy to guide you on your very first diving adventure.