News
A Postcard from Curaçao | Episode 2 | Caracasbaai Curacao (Watch Video)
Second in a series of inspirational postcards from our friends at Dive Curacao.
Welcome to Caracasbaai, a designated nature preserve “that is as steeped in history as its excellent diving and snorkeling!” We hope this will bring a moment of joy and tranquility to your day so you can dream of Curaçao, our beautiful island in the heart of the Dutch Caribbean.
With two incredible scuba diving and snorkeling sites to choose from, Tugboat and Director’s Bay, combined with the historical significance, this is a destination on Curaçao that you definitely need to feel it for yourself!
The famous Curaçao Tugboat wreck is located at “Tugboat Beach” next to Directors Bay in just 5 meters (15ft) of water below the steep facing cliffside leading up to the infamous Quarantine House. Purposely wrecked just a few yards offshore of Tugboat Beach, in Caracasbaai, this site is absolutely perfect for divers as well as snorkelers.
Director’s Bay is an historic Curaçao landmark, located between the famous Tugboat wreck and Small Wall – perfectly suited for divers, snorkelers and beach goers alike.
Brief History of Caracasbaai
As the local story goes, it is said that the late Queen Juliana, who was invited to Director’s Bay, was so afraid of fish that the Royal Dutch Shell Group caged in a section of the bay for her, to increase her enjoyment and ultimately to ease her mind so that she could relax. But you know, that’s just the story. The fact is that starting in the early 1900’s until departing in 1985, the Directors of the Royal Dutch Shell Group and the Dutch Royal family used this bay exclusively and it was considered private. Now, the beach and surrounding area are open for public use.
The Quarantine House, built in 1882, functioned as one of the parts of the quarantine station at the fortress of Fort Beekenburg. Healthy seamen coming of disease carrying ships were quarantined here for forty days. This lasted until 1925 and nowadays this beautiful house, with a splendid view over the Caribbean Sea, is in severe disrepair.
Fort Beekenburg was built to defend the Spanish Water area of Curaçao in 1703. During that period, it was (at that time) one of the few places where one could easily go from sea to land. The Fort has a proven service history, several times over, of keeping the British and the pirates out of Curacao. As a defensive installation, it seems ironic that Fort Beekenburg was built with ballast stones from a distinctive and “romantic” part of Belgium called the Walloon Region or Wallonia. Ironic because Fort Beekenburg is distinctive, but romantic? I guess you will just have to visit and decide for yourself.
Please stay healthy and safe. We hope to see you soon for your next vacation to the heart of the Dutch Caribbean, so you can Feel it For Yourself! #postponedontcancel
Sincere Love from Curacao,
Bryan Horne, Dive Curacao
Tilo and Yvonne Kuhnast, Nature Pics Films
Video produced and edited for Dive Curacao in cooperation with Nature Pics Films.
Gear News
Go anywhere with Stahlsac
Stahlsac dive bags and travel luggage are built for our community of divers, surfers, kayakers and outdoor explorers who need bags that are constructed with durability, toughness, and the highest quality the industry has ever seen. We were founded by one man determined to build better watersports and dive bags, and today, that mission is carried on by many. Adventure doesn’t just present itself; it requires discovery. When we design dive bags, we make sure they are tough enough for you to explore in all conditions—warm and cold, wet and dry—to the nearest and farthest reaches of the earth. And for those times you want to push the boundaries of adventure, Stahlsac dive bags make sure you can truly GO ANYWHERE.
Abyss Duffels
Made to be your partner-in-crime on every adventure, Stahlsac’s Abyss Duffels protects your gear from Mother Nature’s worst. Tough and 100% waterproof with double-TPU nylon material that shrugs off daily wear-and-tear, and RF-welded seams further boost the bag’s potential for lifelong exploring. Get Wet. Get Lost. Go Anywhere with Abyss.
- A weatherproof duffel for trips, travel, and adventure
- Ultra-durable double-TPU nylon protects your gear
- Material repels water and keeps your equipment dry
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- Removable straps transform duffel into backpack
- Zippered internal stow compartments carry essentials
- External zippered flap is easy to open and close
- Welded external handles make transporting a breeze
Panama Mesh Backpack
The most copied design in scuba diving, the Stahlsac Panama Mesh Backpack is the “original” design and features two high-density foam padded shoulder straps, extra durable polyester mesh, duffel bag handles and our unique zippered dry pocket inside that combines with a wet pocket outside. The bottom’s built from reinforced 18-gauge PVC nylon to combat the wear and tear of your active coastal lifestyle, and, as a bonus in every bag, we supply a 12″ x 12″ mesh drawstring satchel for extra stowing utility. Pack up your beach kit and go.
- Density foam padded shoulder straps
- Outside wet/dry pockets
- 2 Carry handles
- Tough, snag-resistant polyester mesh
- Reinforced PVC bottom
For more information about Stahlsac bags, visit www.stahlsac.com/dive-bags.
Sea & Sea is the home of Stahlsac and other leading diving brands in the UK.
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