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CURACAO 2023

Curacao Mar 11-18 2023

All Aboard! Next Stop......Curacao!

  • Below, you will find the most current information available pertaining to your trip itinerary. (This link is sharable.)
  • This page will also be used to communicate the most recent and relevant information about your trip to you. (Updates/Changes will appear in RED.)
  • FAQ (Facts & Questions): (If you have a question, check here you will likely find an answer.)

Bus

The group air leaves from BDL:       

There is NO BUS

  • Please arrive to the terminal 3hrs in advance to check in. 
  • American Airlines suggests airport check-in 3hrs prior to flight time.

  • Passports must be valid for 6-months from date of return. 09/18/2023

  • Travel/Dive insurance is not included, but highly suggested (See section below for private purchase insurance suggestions). 

Flight Info

Group Airfare Information: American Airlines

Depart 03/11/2023 BDL

Return 03/18/2023  BDL

DEPART- 03/11/2023 (1 Stop MIA)

AA2595: 6:00a Hartford (BDL)- 9:20a Miami (MIA)

AA1931: 10:08a Miami (MIA)- 2:08p Curacao (CUR)

RETURN- 03/18/2023 (1 Stop MIA)

AA708: 2:08p Curacao (CUR)- 5:19p Miami (MIA)

AA1272: 7:38p Miami (MIA)- 10:45p Hartford (BDL)

Hotel

Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino

Address: 78 Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, Willemstad, Curaçao
 

Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino

Answers to your Questions (FAQ):

Into Curacao:

  • AS OF JUNE 5, 2022, THERE ARE NO COVID-19 RELATED MEASURES IN PLACE FOR INBOUND TRAVELERS.

  • Travelers:
    • All international visitors are required to complete the Digital Immigration Card (DI card) online prior to departure. The Digital Immigration card is a mandatory card for all foreign travelers to clear immigration in Curaçao. To do so visit: dicardcuracao.com
    • Note: No COVID testing is required before traveling to Curaçao.
    • Please note: Check whether your travel insurance offers sufficient coverage for medical care abroad and any additional costs related to COVID-19. Please note that if you have to be quarantined or become ill during your stay and for example incur additional accommodation costs, these costs are for your own account if you are not sufficiently insured.

To Return to the US:

  • (As of 12:01AM ET) on June 12, 2022, CDC will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight.
  • Use THIS LINK to access the CDC website and find the most recent US travel requirements.

Although not required for entry or return at this time, if eligible, it would be wise to hand carry your original paper copy with your other important documents. (ie. passport, cert card, paper copy of any independently purchased insurance policies, and your Digital Immigration Card (DI card) that is required for entry.)

Dive Accident Insurance:

Thankfully I have never had to use it, but have met some who have:

Dive Travel Insurance:

If you are choosing to purchase private travel insurance, I have purchased several in the past 2 years since Covid-19 started. There are more out there as well, these are just ones I have experience with or have heard positive things about:

Get a DAN TRAVEL INSURANCE QUOTE. Single Trip Quote/Annual Quote.

                                                            Please list New England Dive #2782626 as your referring dive center. 

  • Dive Assure Travel Insurance This quote will also ask about a referral source, please choose New England Dive as your Dive/Travel operator.  
  • TravelSafe Not specifically a dive travel insurance, but I used this one when covid was still a major travel issue coverage applies to medical, trip interruption, and property coverage. Get a quote.
  • Generali Travel Insurance This travel insurance was suggested by a previous trip member. When needed came through smoothly for them.
  • GeoBlue is by Blue Cross Blue Shield, I felt it was more of a catastrophe insurance, but cheap enough why not. It was comforting to have international medical coverage. Get a quote.

If you have specific questions about what’s included please call the insurance company direct to make sure you know what you are buying.

We do not require travel insurance for the trip. But do remind people that the trip is non-refundable, and dive/travel insurance is excellent to help you with the unexpected. Physically, Financially, & Medically world travel has been altered in numerous ways due to Covid 19.

Diver PACKAGE INCLUDES:

 

*7 Nights Accommodation (Run of the House “ROH” room class based on Double OCC.  *Additional fee applies to single occupancy and/or Room upgrades*.

*On-Island Airport/Hotel Transfers

*Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, Alcoholic & non-alcoholic Drinks.

*10  Boat dives (includes tank, weights & belt) 

*Unlimited use of tanks for shore diving.

*Lounge chairs and towels at pool and beach.

*Resort Entertainment & Amenities

*Non- Motorized watersports equipment

*Airfare if pre-purchased with New England Dive group airfare package.

*On-island transfers from airport to the hotel

Non-Diver PACKAGE INCLUDES:

*All of the above except diving.

10 AM Boat Dive Package

  • Includes tank, weights & belt.
  • It is highly suggested you travel with your own scuba diving equipment when partaking in a scuba specific travel adventure.
  • If needed, all other equipment can be rented from New England Dive or from Ocean Encounters.
  •  5-days 2-tk AM boat dives.

*Dive schedule subject to change according to dive destination operation protocol.  

*This dive schedule is included, but not mandatory. If you would like to sit out, then please let someone know so the boat does not wonder & wait. 

*If you would like to continue your skills with additional training please contact the crew at New England Dive to hear about opportunities available during your trip. (additional fees may apply.)

ENTERTAINMENT

Sunup or sundown, there’s always something happening.

  • Nightly entertainment
  • Movies on the beach
  • Concert projections under the stars
  • Live musical performances
  • One of the largest and most visited casinos on the island
  • Dance and Papiamentu lessons

MAKE A SPLASH

Make a splash on your next getaway.

  • Four pools 
  • Adults-only outdoor hot tub
  • Kayaking
  • Snorkeling (guided tours)*
  • Non-motorized water sports*
  • Motorized water sports*
  • Scuba diving*

SPA BY PEVONIA

Pamper yourself at our á la carte spa.

  • Hydrotherapy circuit
  • Treatment rooms for singles and couple
  • Anti-aging facial
  • Beauty salon
  • Sauna and steam room

FITNESS

Take your fitness to the next level above sea level.

  • Treadmills
  • Free weights
  • Elliptical machines
  • Cross country skiing
  • Nautilus and ICARIAN weight machines

KIDS CLUBS

Kids and teens can have their own adventure. 

  • Explorer’s Club For Kids, for ages 3-12 (no parents allowed)
  • Offering weekly campout adventures, sand castle competitions, arts and crafts, games and programs based on science, nature and exploration. Open daily from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Core Zone Teens Club, for ages 13-17, features video games, a euro-bungee, batting cage, archery, billiards and rifle shooting are some of the activities that teens can choose to do throughout the day Open daily from 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.

FAMILY FUN

There’s no better place to enjoy some family time.

  • Euro-bungee
  • Foosball
  • Beanbag toss
  • Beach volleyball
  • Batting cage
  • Sumo wrestling
  • Bouncy boxing
  • Tennis
  • Golf* (nearby)
  • Rock climbing wall
  • Bocce ball
  • Board games

  

  • THERE ARE NO PAPER AIRPPLANE TICKETS, when we get closer to our travel date an email with an E-ticket will be sent to you. 
  • At the bottom of the ticket there is an itty-bitty individual reservation number. This is the number you will need to link your reservation to your American Airlines Advantage app and receive notifications about your flight if you have not provided your AA Advantage # at the time of sign up. 
  • There is no on-board entertainment on American Airlines. The American Airlines App is also how you will receive WiFi on the plane to use your own devices for entertainment. If you do not have a rewards account you can sign up for 1 for free here
  • You are allowed 1-personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. (i.e. a purse or bookbag.) and 1-overhead carry on bag at no charge.
  • American Airlines Baggage Policies: (Subject to change at will of American Airlines)

**An update to complete this information at the correct timestamp will be emailed to you in the future.**

Waivers must be completed within 30 days of our return date. During this time period this section will be updated with the appropriate waivers and you will receive an email containing the waivers needed and directions on how to fill them out. 

  • Please use this link *________* (To be filled in within 30 days of travel).
  • In the email you will receive, there may also be a Hotel Waiver and/or  Dive Waivers or links.
  • Please fill out and return waivers 2-weeks prior to travel.
  • There may also be a link to pay a reef tax. (More info and quotes to come.)
  • THERE ARE NO PAPER AIRPPLANE TICKETS, when we get closer to our travel date an email with an E-ticket will be sent to you. 
  • Notify banking and credit cards of international travel, so they do not freezer your funds thinking you were hacked when used abroad.
  • PRINT AND HAND CARRY copies of any special insurances you may have purchased. (Just in case.) I DO NOT NEED COPIES OF THESE. They are yours. If you are a single traveler and need help, I gotch-you. Zip them into the lining of your suitcase so I know where to find them if you are not able to retrieve them yourself. I’ll ride with you as long as I can and/or notify your contacts for you. But none of us will need these, just nice to have them. (Knock on wood)
  • Please keep a copy of your important Documents in paper form, as well as a photo of them in your email incase they get lost. 
  • Bring your scuba certification card. It will need to be presented at orientation to the on-site dive operation.
  • Print and hand carry your copy Digital Immigration Card that you filled out prior to travel.

What you need to know before we go:

This section contains many helpful tips for travel and will help clarify what happens up arrival to the island.  

Waivers:

You will receive an email from New England Dive within a few weeks of travel. Please complete accordingly following the steps provided. 

Upon Arrival:

-Once the plane has landed- collect your baggage- and clear Customs & Immigration.

-You will exit through customs door. Immediately after exiting the door, look for a staff member holding a sign that says “Sunscape Resorts” or “New England Dive”. There will be a bus waiting for guests and some trucks waiting for luggage. The bus may be making a few trips, and it will take some time for everyone to clear customs and check-in. You are now on “Island Time” it doesn’t move as fast as “US Time”, so sit back- relax- and enjoy the surroundings. 

  • IF YOU HAVE ARRANGED ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION, and WILL NOT BE TAKING THE INCLUDED SHUTTLE FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE RESORT. Please make sure your group leader is aware. We do not want to think someone was forgotten, or have to search the airport looking for you when you have already gone. 

Upon Departure:

  • The day prior to departure, the front desk will ask us to bring down our luggage by a certain time, and notify us when we will need to meet for the shuttle back to the airport. We will have to be out of the rooms, but will still have access to the hotel amenities. 
  • We will be taking a GROUP PHOTO at this time if we have not done so already. Please join us to document the great memories we shared with you.

Other Fees:

Baggage Fees:

What American Airlines charges, they charge. If this changes before travel we have to just roll with it. Currently:

Caribbean (except Cuba and Haiti)$30 1st Checked bag each way (50lbs)$40 2nd Checked bag each way ($50lbs)

 

Boat Tip:

Suggested $5-$10 per tank used. Please have enough CASH. New England Dive has a “Boat Leader” on each vessel.  A group tip is collected and given to the boat crew as one sum at the end of the week. We find this avoids any confusion with how to leave gratuities, as well as, makes sure that the cash goes directly to those who earned it most. If you choose to leave more than what is customary, we bet the Dive staff would be flattered. 

Ocean Encounters Dive Operation:

Shop Location:

The primary Ocean Encounters location is just down the beach and connected to the Lions Dive European Resort. However, their satellite location is right at the Sunscape resort. 

We will be picked up on the dock at the hotel each Morning. Group diver locker, and unlimited shore diving tanks are also located on-site at the Sunscape Resort dock. 

Yes. The dive dock and man-made barrier island channel to a calm sandy seascape. You can also dive the outer perimeter of the barrier island on a lovely reef that is home to a coral farming tree farm, reef, and small boat. Tanks are available on these docks  for shore divers.

Strap on your gear, then step off into 12’ of crystal clear blue water. The reef quickly drops down to 12’ right in front of the dock. There is a line to a buoy where the reef starts outside of the barrier island. Reef is a location of beauty, featuring a wide variety of tube sponges, parrot fish, trumpet fish and anemones.

Yes. There is a wash station and group diver locker at the resort. We recommend that you bring your own padlock, just incase they have upgraded to some individual units.

Yes its magical and night diving certified divers. Thrill-seekers can dive under the stars right off the dock to swim alongside exotic marine life like octopus, tarpon and brightly colored coral reefs. Night Diving specialty classes are offered by the New England Dive staff on-site. (A main dive light, back-up, and Tank-light are required pieces of equipment for night diving.)

Different sites each day. There are so many spectacular dive spots on Curacao, so we make an effort to see a variety of seascapes. If you have a specific site request, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.

It takes about 10-20 minutes to reach most dive sites. 

The dive boats typically sit in 25’ of water, close to shore, with the drop off right behind the boat. When you reach your destination, you will drop down below the boat and follow the divemaster. Dive down to the recommended depth and enjoy exploring Curacao’s pristine coral reefs. Halfway through your air time or bottom time, or when the divemaster signals it’s time to return, you will turn around and head back toward the boat, ascending throughout the dive. You’ll then spend the last few minutes at the 10′-15′ range checking out the vibrant reef and colorful fish and completing a safety stop.

It is promoted divers be self-reliant when setting up or tearing down their dive gear, to maintain dive skills. However, due to COVID-19 concerns, any guest requiring assistance with gear or getting into or out of the water, should have a designated “dive buddy.”

Due to COVID-19 concerns our policy has changed and we do encourage you to bring your own dive gear.

  • Rental Equipment will be disinfected by trained Staff members with industry-appropriate disinfectants.
  • Disinfecting procedures will remain the same as if the rental equipment belonged to the user until it is returned.

Yes but a limited quantity, by request only, make sure you specified if you need it with NITROX or AIR.

Aluminum tanks with yoke valves. 

78-80 degrees and above

Most recommend a wetsuit because you are diving more than one dive a day, 3mm is good enough.

Credit card information will be held at the dive shop for on-site dive add-ons and incidentals. This tab is required to be settled at the end of the week. 

Curacao Mar 11-18 2023

All Aboard! Next Stop......Curacao!

  • Below, you will find the most current information available pertaining to your trip itinerary. (This link is sharable.)
  • This page will also be used to communicate the most recent and relevant information about your trip to you. (Updates/Changes will appear in RED.)
  • FAQ (Facts & Questions): (If you have a question, check here you will likely find an answer.)

Bus

The group air leaves from BDL:       

There is NO BUS

  • Please arrive to the terminal 3hrs in advance to check in. 
  • American Airlines suggests airport check-in 3hrs prior to flight time.

  • Passports must be valid for 6-months from date of return. 09/18/2023

  • Travel/Dive insurance is not included, but highly suggested (See section below for private purchase insurance suggestions). 

Flight Info

Group Airfare Information: American Airlines

Depart 03/11/2023 BDL

Return 03/18/2023  BDL

DEPART- 03/11/2023 (1 Stop MIA)

AA2595: 6:00a Hartford (BDL)- 9:20a Miami (MIA)

AA1931: 10:08a Miami (MIA)- 2:08p Curacao (CUR)

RETURN- 03/18/2023 (1 Stop MIA)

AA708: 2:08p Curacao (CUR)- 5:19p Miami (MIA)

AA1272: 7:38p Miami (MIA)- 10:45p Hartford (BDL)

Hotel

Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino

Address: 78 Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, Willemstad, Curaçao
 

Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino

Answers to your Questions (FAQ):

Into Curacao:

  • AS OF JUNE 5, 2022, THERE ARE NO COVID-19 RELATED MEASURES IN PLACE FOR INBOUND TRAVELERS.

  • Travelers:
    • All international visitors are required to complete the Digital Immigration Card (DI card) online prior to departure. The Digital Immigration card is a mandatory card for all foreign travelers to clear immigration in Curaçao. To do so visit: dicardcuracao.com
    • Note: No COVID testing is required before traveling to Curaçao.
    • Please note: Check whether your travel insurance offers sufficient coverage for medical care abroad and any additional costs related to COVID-19. Please note that if you have to be quarantined or become ill during your stay and for example incur additional accommodation costs, these costs are for your own account if you are not sufficiently insured.

To Return to the US:

  • (As of 12:01AM ET) on June 12, 2022, CDC will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight.
  • Use THIS LINK to access the CDC website and find the most recent US travel requirements.

Although not required for entry or return at this time, if eligible, it would be wise to hand carry your original paper copy with your other important documents. (ie. passport, cert card, paper copy of any independently purchased insurance policies, and your Digital Immigration Card (DI card) that is required for entry.)

Dive Accident Insurance:

Thankfully I have never had to use it, but have met some who have:

Dive Travel Insurance:

If you are choosing to purchase private travel insurance, I have purchased several in the past 2 years since Covid-19 started. There are more out there as well, these are just ones I have experience with or have heard positive things about:

Get a DAN TRAVEL INSURANCE QUOTE. Single Trip Quote/Annual Quote.

                                                            Please list New England Dive #2782626 as your referring dive center. 

  • Dive Assure Travel Insurance This quote will also ask about a referral source, please choose New England Dive as your Dive/Travel operator.  
  • TravelSafe Not specifically a dive travel insurance, but I used this one when covid was still a major travel issue coverage applies to medical, trip interruption, and property coverage. Get a quote.
  • Generali Travel Insurance This travel insurance was suggested by a previous trip member. When needed came through smoothly for them.
  • GeoBlue is by Blue Cross Blue Shield, I felt it was more of a catastrophe insurance, but cheap enough why not. It was comforting to have international medical coverage. Get a quote.

If you have specific questions about what’s included please call the insurance company direct to make sure you know what you are buying.

We do not require travel insurance for the trip. But do remind people that the trip is non-refundable, and dive/travel insurance is excellent to help you with the unexpected. Physically, Financially, & Medically world travel has been altered in numerous ways due to Covid 19.

Diver PACKAGE INCLUDES:

 

*7 Nights Accommodation (Run of the House “ROH” room class based on Double OCC.  *Additional fee applies to single occupancy and/or Room upgrades*.

*On-Island Airport/Hotel Transfers

*Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, Alcoholic & non-alcoholic Drinks.

*10  Boat dives (includes tank, weights & belt) 

*Unlimited use of tanks for shore diving.

*Lounge chairs and towels at pool and beach.

*Resort Entertainment & Amenities

*Non- Motorized watersports equipment

*Airfare if pre-purchased with New England Dive group airfare package.

*On-island transfers from airport to the hotel

Non-Diver PACKAGE INCLUDES:

*All of the above except diving.

10 AM Boat Dive Package

  • Includes tank, weights & belt.
  • It is highly suggested you travel with your own scuba diving equipment when partaking in a scuba specific travel adventure.
  • If needed, all other equipment can be rented from New England Dive or from Ocean Encounters.
  •  5-days 2-tk AM boat dives.

*Dive schedule subject to change according to dive destination operation protocol.  

*This dive schedule is included, but not mandatory. If you would like to sit out, then please let someone know so the boat does not wonder & wait. 

*If you would like to continue your skills with additional training please contact the crew at New England Dive to hear about opportunities available during your trip. (additional fees may apply.)

ENTERTAINMENT

Sunup or sundown, there’s always something happening.

  • Nightly entertainment
  • Movies on the beach
  • Concert projections under the stars
  • Live musical performances
  • One of the largest and most visited casinos on the island
  • Dance and Papiamentu lessons

MAKE A SPLASH

Make a splash on your next getaway.

  • Four pools 
  • Adults-only outdoor hot tub
  • Kayaking
  • Snorkeling (guided tours)*
  • Non-motorized water sports*
  • Motorized water sports*
  • Scuba diving*

SPA BY PEVONIA

Pamper yourself at our á la carte spa.

  • Hydrotherapy circuit
  • Treatment rooms for singles and couple
  • Anti-aging facial
  • Beauty salon
  • Sauna and steam room

FITNESS

Take your fitness to the next level above sea level.

  • Treadmills
  • Free weights
  • Elliptical machines
  • Cross country skiing
  • Nautilus and ICARIAN weight machines

KIDS CLUBS

Kids and teens can have their own adventure. 

  • Explorer’s Club For Kids, for ages 3-12 (no parents allowed)
  • Offering weekly campout adventures, sand castle competitions, arts and crafts, games and programs based on science, nature and exploration. Open daily from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Core Zone Teens Club, for ages 13-17, features video games, a euro-bungee, batting cage, archery, billiards and rifle shooting are some of the activities that teens can choose to do throughout the day Open daily from 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.

FAMILY FUN

There’s no better place to enjoy some family time.

  • Euro-bungee
  • Foosball
  • Beanbag toss
  • Beach volleyball
  • Batting cage
  • Sumo wrestling
  • Bouncy boxing
  • Tennis
  • Golf* (nearby)
  • Rock climbing wall
  • Bocce ball
  • Board games

  

  • THERE ARE NO PAPER AIRPPLANE TICKETS, when we get closer to our travel date an email with an E-ticket will be sent to you. 
  • At the bottom of the ticket there is an itty-bitty individual reservation number. This is the number you will need to link your reservation to your American Airlines Advantage app and receive notifications about your flight if you have not provided your AA Advantage # at the time of sign up. 
  • There is no on-board entertainment on American Airlines. The American Airlines App is also how you will receive WiFi on the plane to use your own devices for entertainment. If you do not have a rewards account you can sign up for 1 for free here
  • You are allowed 1-personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. (i.e. a purse or bookbag.) and 1-overhead carry on bag at no charge.
  • American Airlines Baggage Policies: (Subject to change at will of American Airlines)

**An update to complete this information at the correct timestamp will be emailed to you in the future.**

Waivers must be completed within 30 days of our return date. During this time period this section will be updated with the appropriate waivers and you will receive an email containing the waivers needed and directions on how to fill them out. 

  • Please use this link *________* (To be filled in within 30 days of travel).
  • In the email you will receive, there may also be a Hotel Waiver and/or  Dive Waivers or links.
  • Please fill out and return waivers 2-weeks prior to travel.
  • There may also be a link to pay a reef tax. (More info and quotes to come.)
  • THERE ARE NO PAPER AIRPPLANE TICKETS, when we get closer to our travel date an email with an E-ticket will be sent to you. 
  • Notify banking and credit cards of international travel, so they do not freezer your funds thinking you were hacked when used abroad.
  • PRINT AND HAND CARRY copies of any special insurances you may have purchased. (Just in case.) I DO NOT NEED COPIES OF THESE. They are yours. If you are a single traveler and need help, I gotch-you. Zip them into the lining of your suitcase so I know where to find them if you are not able to retrieve them yourself. I’ll ride with you as long as I can and/or notify your contacts for you. But none of us will need these, just nice to have them. (Knock on wood)
  • Please keep a copy of your important Documents in paper form, as well as a photo of them in your email incase they get lost. 
  • Bring your scuba certification card. It will need to be presented at orientation to the on-site dive operation.
  • Print and hand carry your copy Digital Immigration Card that you filled out prior to travel.

What you need to know before we go:

This section contains many helpful tips for travel and will help clarify what happens up arrival to the island.  

Waivers:

You will receive an email from New England Dive within a few weeks of travel. Please complete accordingly following the steps provided. 

Upon Arrival:

-Once the plane has landed- collect your baggage- and clear Customs & Immigration.

-You will exit through customs door. Immediately after exiting the door, look for a staff member holding a sign that says “Sunscape Resorts” or “New England Dive”. There will be a bus waiting for guests and some trucks waiting for luggage. The bus may be making a few trips, and it will take some time for everyone to clear customs and check-in. You are now on “Island Time” it doesn’t move as fast as “US Time”, so sit back- relax- and enjoy the surroundings. 

  • IF YOU HAVE ARRANGED ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION, and WILL NOT BE TAKING THE INCLUDED SHUTTLE FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE RESORT. Please make sure your group leader is aware. We do not want to think someone was forgotten, or have to search the airport looking for you when you have already gone. 

Upon Departure:

  • The day prior to departure, the front desk will ask us to bring down our luggage by a certain time, and notify us when we will need to meet for the shuttle back to the airport. We will have to be out of the rooms, but will still have access to the hotel amenities. 
  • We will be taking a GROUP PHOTO at this time if we have not done so already. Please join us to document the great memories we shared with you.

Other Fees:

Baggage Fees:

What American Airlines charges, they charge. If this changes before travel we have to just roll with it. Currently:

Caribbean (except Cuba and Haiti)$30 1st Checked bag each way (50lbs)$40 2nd Checked bag each way ($50lbs)

 

Boat Tip:

Suggested $5-$10 per tank used. Please have enough CASH. New England Dive has a “Boat Leader” on each vessel.  A group tip is collected and given to the boat crew as one sum at the end of the week. We find this avoids any confusion with how to leave gratuities, as well as, makes sure that the cash goes directly to those who earned it most. If you choose to leave more than what is customary, we bet the Dive staff would be flattered. 

Ocean Encounters Dive Operation:

Shop Location:

The primary Ocean Encounters location is just down the beach and connected to the Lions Dive European Resort. However, their satellite location is right at the Sunscape resort. 

We will be picked up on the dock at the hotel each Morning. Group diver locker, and unlimited shore diving tanks are also located on-site at the Sunscape Resort dock. 

Yes. The dive dock and man-made barrier island channel to a calm sandy seascape. You can also dive the outer perimeter of the barrier island on a lovely reef that is home to a coral farming tree farm, reef, and small boat. Tanks are available on these docks  for shore divers.

Strap on your gear, then step off into 12’ of crystal clear blue water. The reef quickly drops down to 12’ right in front of the dock. There is a line to a buoy where the reef starts outside of the barrier island. Reef is a location of beauty, featuring a wide variety of tube sponges, parrot fish, trumpet fish and anemones.

Yes. There is a wash station and group diver locker at the resort. We recommend that you bring your own padlock, just incase they have upgraded to some individual units.

Yes its magical and night diving certified divers. Thrill-seekers can dive under the stars right off the dock to swim alongside exotic marine life like octopus, tarpon and brightly colored coral reefs. Night Diving specialty classes are offered by the New England Dive staff on-site. (A main dive light, back-up, and Tank-light are required pieces of equipment for night diving.)

Different sites each day. There are so many spectacular dive spots on Curacao, so we make an effort to see a variety of seascapes. If you have a specific site request, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.

It takes about 10-20 minutes to reach most dive sites. 

The dive boats typically sit in 25’ of water, close to shore, with the drop off right behind the boat. When you reach your destination, you will drop down below the boat and follow the divemaster. Dive down to the recommended depth and enjoy exploring Curacao’s pristine coral reefs. Halfway through your air time or bottom time, or when the divemaster signals it’s time to return, you will turn around and head back toward the boat, ascending throughout the dive. You’ll then spend the last few minutes at the 10′-15′ range checking out the vibrant reef and colorful fish and completing a safety stop.

It is promoted divers be self-reliant when setting up or tearing down their dive gear, to maintain dive skills. However, due to COVID-19 concerns, any guest requiring assistance with gear or getting into or out of the water, should have a designated “dive buddy.”

Due to COVID-19 concerns our policy has changed and we do encourage you to bring your own dive gear.

  • Rental Equipment will be disinfected by trained Staff members with industry-appropriate disinfectants.
  • Disinfecting procedures will remain the same as if the rental equipment belonged to the user until it is returned.

Yes but a limited quantity, by request only, make sure you specified if you need it with NITROX or AIR.

Aluminum tanks with yoke valves. 

78-80 degrees and above

Most recommend a wetsuit because you are diving more than one dive a day, 3mm is good enough.

Credit card information will be held at the dive shop for on-site dive add-ons and incidentals. This tab is required to be settled at the end of the week.