Page 292 - The Dutch Caribbean Isles

el Valley - Eel Valley is next to Newport and divers will find abes Di Barankes (Beacon Pt.) - The depth reaches around 30

E similar conditions in both places. Although it was once known K meters, and the site features some unforgettable drop-offs,
for its abundance of eels, the population is now said to have dwin- as well as a variety of marine species that include groupers, bar-

dled to lesser numbers. Newport is on private property, therefore racuda, and jacks. Take some time, though, to explore the largest

not accessible from shore. pillar coral formation in all of the Caribbean Sea. This site can be

F uikbaai (Newport)- This beautiful and pristine Curacao dive site accessed by boat and is appropriate for all levels of divers.
is only accessed by Ocean Encounters. A beautiful slope with
great star coral, brain coral, and soft gorgonians. Eagle rays and K app Mal Meeuw - Kaap Mal Meeuw, on the point towards Blau-
wbaai (Blue Bay), is an excellent dive site for intermediate and
sea turtles are spotted frequently. advanced divers. The healthy wall of coral abounds with schools of

G uliauw - When diving at this exposed eastern coast, you will reef fish but can have strong currents.
encounter the roughest seas the island can offer aside from
the wild north coast. Without any obstacles to calm its fury, the K athys Paradise - The point past Newport along the South East
Coast. A plateau from 12-ft to 28-ft and then drops off to 120
Caribbean Sea crashes onto this rocky coast. If you don’t mind a feet. This site is a drift dive, There is a small wall from 27-ft to 50-ft

rough boat ride to the sites, these conditions create some unfor- with lots of cracks and crevices for critters to hide in. At the begin-

gettable diving. Coral coverage is extremely healthy and lush. ning of the dive there is a brain coral the size of a mini cooper.

H alfway - Clear water with steep cliffs towering behind, create Anytime you have a point along the coast, this creates nutrient
the atmosphere at this sheltered spot only accessible by boat rich currents making the reef and marine life both healthy and
abundant. The site is accented by a small wall, which divers follow

because of the steep cliffs stretching for at least a quarter of a mile to meet a bounty of interesting flora and fauna.

on either side and no beach. Halfway is normally very calm with

good visibility, about 30 m (100 ft); sometimes a slight current is

present.