The Curacao Cure - Part 8

Two dive sites were visited by boat the next day. They were Bullenbaai and Vaersenbaai and here are the excerpts from Curacao Actief:

Bullenbaai

Located near Vaersenbaai, this site can technically be reached from shore, however, waves, current, private property concerns, and a shallow rocky entry make boat diving preferable. Bullenbaai is renowned for its spectacular vertical wall, starting at 30 feet and offering a perpendicular drop down below 150 feet. From the mooring, swim northwest for a few minutes until you see the bottom disappear beneath you.

The wall itself is pocked with cracks and fissures, inhabited by Spiny Lobster, Spanish Lobster, Cleaner Shrimp, and eels, to name a few. The steep wall offers a great opportunity for wide angle photos, but watch your depth! With the clear waters and vertical drop it's easy to bump against your limits. Moderate swells and current are also usually present, making this an unsuitable site for beginners.

Christmas tree worm

Spiney lobster

Spanish lobster with squirrel fish

The shallow areas are also quite nice. Populated by Star Coral, Staghorn Coral, and Brain Coral, with schools of Soldier Fish, and hungry Parrot Fish this is a great place to make your safety stop and, weather permitting, a nice area for snorkelers.

Soldierfish and Muttonfish

Dive type:
Suitability:	advanced divers only
Photography:	close-up and wide angle
Underwater view:	20 to 35 metres
Current	srong currents are possible and changeable during the dive
Drive & dive map:	30

Vaersenbaai

Located between Bullenbaai and Boca Sami, this is a nice spot for all levels of divers and is accessible from shore or boat. From the Weg Naar Bullenbaai follow the signs to Vaersenbaai. There is a small parking fee and an additional small fee to dive here. Facilities include bathrooms, showers, some shaded areas, and a snack bar. The parking lot is close to the water, so we recommend gearing up at the car.

The drop-off is visible from shore, where the light blue water turns a much darker shade blue; it’s about a five minute swim. Currents and wave action are generally minimal in this protected bay. The shallows are populated by Brain Coral and Gorgonians, with Parrotfish, Blue Tang, and Doctorfish appearing in large numbers. The drop-off starts in 25 feet of water and continues down to 120 feet. Both directions are good. If you swim to the left for approximately 20 minutes, you’ll eventually see the outlines of an old wreck lying on the sloping reef wall.

Gorgonians

This is the remains of the pontoon boat that was being used to transport the cars which now form the neighboring dive site “Car Wrecks”. The shallow part of the wreck lies 65 feet deep with the low end at 110 feet. The wreck has been reclaimed by the sea and is fully encrusted with colorful corals and sponges. This is a nice site for both macro and wide angle photos.

Dive type:
Suitability:	all levels, good snorkeling
Photography:	close-up and wide angle
Underwater view:	between 20 and 35m
Current	little to no current
Drive & dive map:	32