If you’re planning your vacation in Curaçao, a popular and beautiful island in the Caribbean Sea, you’ll likely want to spend a lot of time in the water. The coral reefs around the island invite you to go diving, and snorkeling enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy as well.
If you’re planning to go swimming, diving, or snorkeling, you might find yourself wondering: ‘Are there sharks in Curacao?’ In short: while the Caribbean Sea is home to sharks, the likelihood of seeing a shark off the coast of Curaçao is very low. The island is also very safe for humans, as the last shark attack occurred decades ago.
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Various Shark Species around the Caribbean Island
So far, a mako shark has been sighted only once in Curaçao, which is why the dive spot is named “Mako’s Mountain.” Occasionally, hammerhead sharks have been seen in the waters as well. Generally, however, it’s quite rare for divers to encounter sharks at all.
Decline in Shark Population around Curaçao
In contrast to sharks, you will definitely see various fish during your snorkeling tours. The large variety of fish around Curaçao might also be a reason for the rare presence of sharks. They find their food in the middle of the sea, without needing to swim close to the beaches and bays.
Moreover, the shark population has declined significantly in recent years. Thus, projects have been initiated to protect these animals. The aim of these projects is to study the population decline and to develop conservation strategies for sharks.
Beneath the Waves: Exploring the World of Fish and Ocean Wildlife
During your snorkeling and diving tours, you will surely encounter various fish species. These include
- anemonefish (also known as clownfish),
- moray eels,
- barracudas
- and parrotfish.
Additionally, you might spot pufferfish, rays, seahorses, lobsters, and other crustaceans with a bit of luck during your underwater explorations.
Sea turtles are also native to the island. In particular, at Playa Grandi, you’re almost guaranteed to admire these cute creatures.
Great Diving Tours for Beginners and Advanced Divers
If you are completely new to the world of diving and have no experience, we recommend booking a beginner’s diving course. In this course, no prior knowledge is needed as experienced instructors will introduce and accompany you.
At the end of the course, you also have the opportunity to dive for the first time and explore the underwater world on your own. During this, you need not fear sharks. If you are concerned, it’s worth overcoming any fears and diving into the breathtaking underwater world.
However, if you have some experience but it’s been a while since your last dive, it’s recommended to enroll in a refresher diving course. This ensures that you’re up to date on everything you need for your next dive, allowing you to safely explore the stunning underwater world of Curaçao.
Divers who hold a valid certificate can also join guided diving trips to popular spots in Curaçao. Dives are conducted in small groups at locations such as Caracasbaai or Marie Pampoen Beach. You’ll benefit from personalized attention from a certified guide.
