CDF’2008: Tarpons on Curaçao
Easy diving conditions, Carribean flair and stunning coral landscapes but no Tarpons on Curacao. That's not true. We saw them. Even though many people on the island say, that there is no Tarpons – Scuba Do offers a Trip to "Tarpon City" that is worth doing it.
After having heard, that tarpon sightings are rather rare on Curacao, we weren't expecting much. The more we were suprised, when we found out, that Scuba Do is offering a dedicated Tarpon dive in "Tarpon City". Of course we had to try it. It is a shallow Dive Spot on Top of the drop just next to the entry of the harbour and done from the shore. Because of the strong current, that can occur from time to time, the operator offers that dive only with underwater scooters – which turned out to be a good decision. The dive center has 4 scooters – so just enough for 3 divers and a guide, which ensures small groups.
The entry is next to a little peer. After a one minute surface swim we reached the decent point. Submerged on the reefdrop we started the scooters and cruised along the drop for around 10 Minutes. This was quite entertaining – because of the scooters but also because of the big trevallys, schooling fishes, a turtle and the nice reefscape. Once we saw the big metal buoy marking the harbour entry, we knew that we reached "Tarpon City". And straight away we spotted 3 Tarpons and 2 big Barracudas. On the little plateau around the buoy we spend the rest of the dive – it is time to start scootering back, when the first diver reaches 100 bar or after around 45 minutes divetime.
We stayed a little longer. So our guide, who was holding our scooters was freezing a lot – sorry Joony. All in all we saw around 5 tarpons – but apparently sometimes there are many more. The reef alone is a good reason to do that dive – but with the scooter fun and the tarpons it is even cooler. Scuba Do charges around 70$ for the dive including scooter, guide and bus transfer. We conclude: Scuba Do's Tarpon City Scooter-Ride is a Must Do when you visit Curacao for diving!
The dive shuttle from Scuba Do with scooters and our equipment 
On the way to tarpon city you may find various fish traps. 
Feather stars came out during daylight 
When we arrived at the divesite our divemaster "Juni" patiently waited with the scooters. 
The reef at the harbour entrance has a few schools of fish to offer. 
Serge getting ready to photograph the surface marker buoy in front of the harbour 
Our divemaster from Scuba Do posing with the scooters at Tarpon City 
Serge with scooter and Hugyfot 40D 
There is lot's of fish aroung Tarpon City, Curacao 
Finally we see a tarpon on the rainy surface. 
This is one of the famous tarpons. However we saw around six schooling during the dive. 
The surface marker buoy also has some maco candidates to offer. 
Serge (selfportrait) with scooter 
Andi Voeltz drives back with his Hugyfot EOS 5D housing from Tarpon City 
The edge of reef features the Curacao- typical nice sponge formations 
Andi Voeltz with scooter madness |
After having heard, that tarpon sightings are kinda rarefied on Curacao, we weren't expecting more. The writer we were suprised, when we saved out, that Scuba Do is giving a devoted Malacopterygian swim in "Malacopterygian Port". Of series we had to try it. It is a neritic Descend Dirty on Top of the gravitation honorable succeeding to the message of the conceal and done from the shore. Because of the strong current, that can occur from measure to measure, the opportunist offers that cabaret exclusive with underwater scooters - which turned out to be a unspoilt pick. The dive eye has 4 scooters
rdpbd
That is part literal but definately does not include Sea Lions! When you already content that Tarpons are cold then you also screw to stop out the Sea Celebrity Diving with Being Encounters at the Sea Aquarium, Island. Today we had a wonderful swimming with Camilla, a six twelvemonth old soul Sea Cat and her Trainer on the reef. Go and see many photos of this remarkable change.
rdpbd
After a one minute surface swim we reached the decent point. Submerged on the reefdrop we started the scooters and cruised along the drop for around 10 Minutes. This was quite entertaining – because of the scooters but also because of the big trevallys, schooling fishes, a turtle and the nice reefscape. Once we saw the big metal buoy marking the harbour entry, we knew that we reached "Tarpon City". And straight away we spotted 3 Tarpons and 2 big Barracudas. On the little plateau around the buoy we spend the rest of the dive – it is time to start scootering back, when the first diver reaches 100 bar or after around 45 minutes divetime.
Planning for travel
