Introduction to Scuba Diving at Tugboat Beach

At Villa Leoni we love to give recommendations for activities, restaurants and beaches to help guests get the most out of their stay. However, we have noticed that many guests overlook the incredible experience of scuba diving, which is one of Curaçao’s top attractions. This captivating Caribbean island is renowned for its mesmerizing dive sites, easily accessible from the shore. With warm waters and excellent visibility, it is the ideal destination for beginners to embark on their scuba diving journey. We understand the concerns that may hold you back from trying scuba diving: the unfamiliarity of breathing underwater, handling the equipment, and worries about the costs. Villa Leoni’s host Olga, who lived on the island for almost a year without trying scuba diving, was no exception. But all her concerns evaporated when she took her first plunge! Curaçao is home to many outstanding PADI certified diving instructors ready to guide you into the enchanting underwater world. Our preferred diving instructor, Pascal Hermes from Curadivers, took exceptional care in introducing Olga to scuba diving at Tugboat Beach, one of the island’s premier diving sites. In just one morning, Olga went from zero experience to having the dive of a lifetime. And here is the best part: at the time of writing, her private scuba diving lesson, tailored to her needs, cost only ANG 150 (~$80), including convenient pick-up and drop-off at the villa. This article aims to address any apprehensions you may have about scuba diving and ensure it lands at the top of your to-do list for your next trip to Curaçao. We will cover everything you need to know, making your first-time scuba diving experience in Curaçao a memorable and exhilarating adventure. Get ready to dive in and discover the captivating wonders awaiting beneath the surface!

Getting Ready for an Unforgettable Dive

An unforgettable scuba diving adventure in Curacao starts with a good preparation. First of all, how to book and schedule your dive? Booking your introduction dive with Curadivers is quick and easy. Simply reach out to them via WhatsApp using the phone number provided on their website. You can choose a morning or afternoon session on a date that suits you best. With Curadivers employing more than one instructor, there is a good chance they will have a free time slot as soon as the next day. Or book in advance to make sure this amazing activity will fit nicely in your itinerary. When it comes to payment, you can settle the cost of your dive after the adventure. It is possible to pay in cash or through a convenient bank transfer. To ensure your safety and optimal diving experience, Curadivers will collect some necessary information from you. They will ask about your height, weight, and shoe size to provide you with equipment tailored to your body’s dimensions. Additionally, you will be required to complete a health questionnaire to ensure you are fit for scuba diving. After all, your well-being is their top priority. Once everything is arranged, get ready for an engaging and informative session at the villa. You will receive theoretical training, covering the essential aspects of diving. This engaging lesson culminates with a fun quiz to test your knowledge. Once you have aced the quiz, it is time to gear up. You will be provided with a wetsuit, shoes, and diving goggles, ensuring you are fully equipped for your underwater adventure.

First Steps into Adventure at Tugboat Beach

When it comes to choosing the perfect dive site near Villa Leoni, one location stands out as an absolute must-visit: Tugboat Beach. Just a short drive from the villa, Tugboat Beach is renowned as one of the most famous and beloved diving spots on the island of Curacao. Its name is derived from the sunken tugboat, which met its watery fate accidentally around 30 years ago. Over the years, it has become a thriving hub for marine life, forming an integral part of their habitat. The tugboat is surrounded by a thriving coral reef, which is home to a wide variety of marine life. The fish here have grown accustomed to the presence of divers and snorkelers, allowing you to observe their captivating behavior up close. When you arrive at the parking lot of Tugboat Beach, it is time to gear up. You will don the necessary diving attire and secure the vest housing the oxygen tank. The instructor will double check that everything is in order. Your valuables will be safely stored, leaving you free to embrace the adventure ahead. Via the Tugboat Beach Bar, you will walk to the shore, fully equipped and ready to explore, flippers in hand. Entering the water, your first task will be to slip on your flippers. With these last essential accessories in place, you will have a chance to acquaint yourself with breathing through the rebreather while keeping just your face submerged. It is a gradual and comfortable introduction to the underwater experience, building your confidence step by step. Above water, your instructor will then provide detailed explanations of three assignments that you will later complete underwater. This pre-dive practice allows you to further familiarize yourself with the equipment, ensuring you feel at ease and prepared when it is time to put your newfound skills to the test beneath the surface.

Diving with Confidence

As you take your next plunge into the underwater realm, it is time to put your training into action. With the guidance of your patient instructor, you will find yourself fully submerged, approximately two meters deep, still within close proximity to the beach. Kneeling on the sandy sea floor, you will work through the assigned tasks at your own pace, steadily honing your skills. Rest assured, your instructor will be by your side, offering unwavering support and assistance whenever needed, ensuring you gain complete mastery of each technique. The assigned tasks hold the key to unlocking the core skills necessary for a successful dive. You will learn the art of prolonged breathing through the rebreather, gaining confidence in maintaining a steady flow of oxygen. In addition, you will practice the crucial maneuver of reinserting the rebreather should it accidentally become dislodged from your mouth. Furthermore, you will discover the valuable technique of removing water from your diving goggles without the need to resurface, allowing you to maintain crystal-clear vision throughout your underwater adventure. Thanks to the top-quality gear provided by Curadivers, we were fortunate not to encounter any situations requiring the application of these learned techniques during the entire dive. And here is a pro tip for our male adventurers: shave your mustache before leaving the villa to ensure a snug fit of the diving goggles. Once you have successfully completed the assigned tasks, you will be ready to embark on the exhilarating dive itself. Lasting approximately 45 minutes or until your oxygen supply is depleted, this immersive experience will take you to new depths of wonder. Throughout the entire dive, your attentive instructor will keep a watchful eye on you, providing guidance through a series of hand signals and offering assistance whenever necessary. Whether it is maintaining optimal depth or ensuring control over your equipment, you can trust that your instructor will be there to support you every step of the way. In just a matter of minutes, you will find yourself becoming more at ease, transitioning from focusing on the techniques to fully embracing the sheer joy of the dive.

The Full Scuba Diving Experience

You are now officially scuba diving! The first part of the real adventure takes you straight to the Tugboat shipwreck, only a couple of minutes from the beach. We went snorkeling at the Tugboat site before, but under water the experience is so much better. You can swim around the wreck and really take your time to absorb all its beauty. After soaking up the wonders of Tugboat, you will venture further along the coral reef. There are so many different types of coral to discover on the reef that even a marine biologist would need an encyclopedia to name them all. The different shapes and sizes, but especially the colors are simply mesmerizing. The fluorescent purple colors and the towering pipe structures were our favorite. Among the coral you will see fish with all colors of the rainbow. Other fish have excellent camouflage, like the elusive scorpion fish we spotted as can be seen in the video above. So, keep your eyes peeled during your dive to unveil as many fascinating secrets of the deep as you can. On the second half of the roundtrip dive you pass by a staghorn coral nursery. It is aimed at the conservation and restoration of weakened reefs in Curaçao. The nursery actually facilitates growth of coral at three times the usual rate in the natural reef itself. Beyond the nursery you will navigate the pillars of the Tugboat pier. The pillars are overgrown with beautiful coral and home to large schools of beautiful fish. It was our lucky day, because hiding deep below the pier we caught a glimpse of the cutest little snoozing seahorse. After soaking up all the wonders of the deep, we headed back to the beach to conclude the dive, feeling absolutely exhilarated by the sights we had witnessed. With our heads above water again, we slipped off our flippers and made our way back to the shore. Back at the car, you will take of all the gear and your diving instructor will stow everything away in the truck for you. After a quick rinse with fresh water provided by the instructor, you can put your normal clothes back on and you will be dropped off at the villa.

Want to Go Diving Again?

The memories of the incredible underwater world will undoubtedly keep dancing in your mind for a while after the introduction dive. So, what are your options when you want to go diving again? You could consider becoming a PADI certified diver at one of the many diving schools in Curaçao. Curadivers offers the official open water PADI certification for only ANG 800 ($450), at the time of writing. It includes more theoretical training and an official theoretic exam. And, most importantly, you will go on eight more dives where you will practice many different diving techniques that will take your diving skills to the next level. After this initial certification, you can obtain several other more advanced certifications. It all depends on how far you want to take your new hobby. After Olga’s introduction dive, she is determined to continue scuba diving. So, especially if you have never tried scuba diving before, we wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try. Scuba diving on Curaçao is an amazing activity that will add a new dimension to your experience of the island. So, do not hesitate to book your introduction dive at one of the diving schools like Curadivers and jump right in!