Hurry - and save $150 on your Curacao dive vacation!

Your Curacao dive vacation just got cheaper!

Now, JetBlue's made it even more attractive AND easy for you to book your Curacao vacation - by saving you $150!

Book before 11 June 17 (11:59 PM ET) and save $150 off your JetBlue Vacations package to Curacao, for travel from now until 13 Nov 17. More info on their website here.

According to JetBlue:

"Curaçao is considered a hidden gem amongst all Caribbean island destinations, renowned for its diving, beaches and unique architecture. The historic island is already a popular destination for European travelers and its capital, Willemstad, is a UNESCO World Heritage City."

“This well preserved island is a favorite among diving enthusiasts for its healthy coral reefs, considered one of the nicest Caribbean escapes for discerning travelers thanks to its pristine beaches and clear water.”

We couldn't agree more!

And you can save MORE money when you book your Dive Package with us at The Dive Bus - rated Curacao's #1 dive shop on tripadvisor by people just like you:

So what are you waiting for..? 

 

See you in sunny Curacao soon!

You know you want to... ;)

#divecuracao #jetbluecuracao #divebuscuracao 

UPDATE: Because diving makes you hungry ...

... Curacao Restaurant Week is perfect for divers!

And the following week, it's Flavours of Curacao weekend

According to PADI, a typical cold water shore dive can burn 600 calories per hour. Which is about the same as jogging, but a lot less sweaty.

Warm-water dives burn, on average 300 calories per hour, the equivalent to a brisk walk - and somewhat less sweaty. (To burn more, make it into a colder water dive - don't wear a wetsuit...)

So it's no wonder that most folks are hungry after diving.

Which is why you might be happy to learn about this year's Curacao Restaurant Week, when the entire island focuses on FOOOOOOOD and plenty of it!


A record number of 48 restaurants are participating in this 12th edition of Curacao Restaurant Week, offering special three-course dinners for a little over $30!

Whilst some restaurants are offering your favourite culinary classics, others are going for a slightly different approach with bizarre dishes such as gorgonzola parfait, shrimp sandwiches, Curacao-style cheese fondue, zucchini spaghetti, fried clams, nutella pizza, pumpkin couscous and slow-cooked pickled rib-eye....

And if that's not enough, it's Flavours of Curacao the following weekend.


The 2nd edition of this awesome outdoor food festival is a great way to try out and lurve a wide array of dishes from participating restaurants. They'll be preparing smaller versions of their signature dishes, so you can try as many dishes as you like / can squeeeeeze in... (Just do more diving ;) )

New to this year's Flavours of Curacao weekend is a special feature on lionfish, our unwelcome, uninvited ocean predators. Prepared in all sorts of tasty, unusual ways, as well as good ol' Curacao style: deep fried, head 'n' all.

And some of lionfish will have been be freshly caught and cleaned by none other than The Dive Bus's lionfish slayer extraordinaire, Zoe. (She may look nice and gentle, but you should see her when she's hunting!)

Zoe will be part of the Lionfish Hunters A Team, all volunteer dive professionals from Curacao's leading dive operators, to collect 'food stock'. So wish them all happy hunting...

And if you'd prefer a romantic meal for 2 without the kids, there's a special offer running from Kidwatchers Curacao babysitting service - contact them here.

For more info:

• Curacao Restaurant Week website here (sorry, it's in Dutch only for some strange reason) and their facebook page here (also in Dutch but at least there's a 'translate' button...)
  
•  Flavours of Curacao website here.

• And for fun ways to work off the calories before they take up permanent residency, check out your dive workout options with us at The Dive Bus (any excuse, right?)

 

Can't make it for Curacao's food festivals
this year? 

Put it in your schedule for the same time next year,
and we'll see you then instead :)

In the meantime: eet smakelijk ;)

#curacaorestaurantweek #divecuracao #divebuscuracao #eatlionfish #diningcuracao

More time on your Curacao vacation, less time in line: new eGates open at Curacao airport!

If you've already been to Curacao, then you already know that your first hour or so on this lovely island is usually not all that great, if we're honest.

Whilst the sun shines outside and cold beer calls your name, you're stuck in a never-ending line, waiting to clear Immigration at Curacao airport, before your vacation can finally begin.

But, a few months ago, the new Curacao ED (Embarkation and Disembarkation) card was launched, enabling you to start your clearance process before you even leave home, meaning less time in line at the airport, and more time on vacation.

How to do it:

At least 24 hours before you leave for Curacao, go to: http://immigrationcard.curacao.com/ 
and complete your ED card online.  

Remember to print it out and bring it with your other / regular travel documents to hand in at Immigration.

Look - blue ribbons an' all!
Photo courtesy of curacaochronicle.com

And as of April 2016, the lines got even shorter as six new e-gates were officially opened in the Arrivals Hall.

So now when you arrive at Curaçao International Airport with your ED card, the official estimated time to clear Immigration and Passport Control is "about half a minute".

That's a significant reduction in your landing-to-beer /cocktail-to-beach timeline, which surely calls for appropriate celebration.  

Especially if you're staying at Sunscape Resort, as it's all inclusive - wooHOO! - and literally just across the road from the best dive shop on the island. (The Dive Bus is also close by ;) )

And for those of you for whom your vacation just wouldn't feel right without extensive, unnecessary airport lines, there are six 'manned' counters also available.

Departing the island may be a little slower than entering, however, as there are only three e-gates in the Departure Hall.

If you don't believe us (understandably) check out the full story here. Or better still, come on down to sunny Curacao and see for yourself.

 

Start your planning here and if you haven't already, 

click here to get more news, offers and info from us, 

delivered direct to your Inbox weekly (ish...)

#curacaoairport #divecuracao  #thedivebus  #curacaotouristboard #curacaoimmigration

Things to do and places to stay, on The Dive Bus, Curacao doorstep...

The stylish Mambo Beach Boulevard is one of the hottest beach areas in Curacao - and it's on The Dive Bus doorstep.


No more than a 10 minute island-pace stroll away from The Dive Bus, Boulevard has plenty of chilling out and facilities, as well as several bars, restaurants and shops, and kids facilities- right on the beach.

So it's perfect for your non-diving family whilst you're blowin' bubbles with us. And perfect for chilling out once you're done divin' for the day.

More info on the Curacao Boulevard website here.

The range and choice of accommodations nearby The Dive Bus is also growing, with options to suit all budgets from, erm, budget to 'think of a number and triple it' luxury, and plenty in-between:

• Atlanta Beach Hotel (the 'boat', our next-door neighbours)
• Sunscape Resort
• Kontiki Beach Resort
• The Beach House
• Lions Dive Hotel
• Royal Seaquarium Resort
• Dolphin Suites (by the Seaquarium)
• Ocean Resort (by the Seaquarium)
• Sea Horizon apartments
• Bon Bini vacation bungalows
• Boase Luxury Resort
• The Strand
• Avila Beach Hotel

It's all going on by The Dive Bus!

JetBlue Announces additional service to Curaçao

Perfect for you forward planners, President & CEO of JetBlue, Mr. Robin Hayes recently confirmed that JetBlue will be adding additional service to Curacao by the end of 2016. 

So, to help with your planning (because you can never start too early) :

click here for more info on the existing JetBlue services  

and here for JetBlue's Curacao Vacation Packages....

...and here for more info on The Dive Bus Dive Packages.

Happy planning!

Smithsonian Institute discovers another brand new fish species in Curacao!

One of Dive Bus Mark's dreams has always been to discover a new type of fish. As the discoverer also has the honour of naming the fish, he already has the names lined up.

As a pretty major fish geek (kinda goes with the dive-shop-owner- territory), he thought he'd come close on a couple of occasions. But, as you're probably already aware, you still wont find the Dory or the Doris fish anywhere other than here at The Dive Bus.

 

Mark trying to sneak on board the sub. (Not very well.)

Fortunately for the world, some clever scientists from the Smithsonian Institute are also on the case.

Each summer for the past few years, Smithsonian scientists head to Curacao for several weeks, to spend their days hanging out on Curacao's reefs in a small, orange submarine, at depths up to 600 feet.

Hosted by the good people at Substation Curacao, the scientists' mission is to discover new marine life forms. And our wonderfully talented buddy, Barry Brown, has the honor of photographing these discoveries. 

(How cool are this? We're so proud of Mr Brown!)

Barry's photos are so beautiful that ten of them were released as a beautiful collection of stamps , as a "tribute to the outstanding collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and Substation Curacao." (More info here.)

More info here

The latest clever scientists' discovery is their fourth new deep-reef fish species in two years: this cute little Goby. In recognition of the little sub that could (and still, quite clearly, can!), the new find has been named Coryphopterus curasub.

The Curasub goby is different in size and colouring from the rest of his family members. And since he likes to hang out at around 70-80 meters, unfortunately, not many of us regular divin' folk are likely to meet him whilst out and about on the Curacao reef.

Many congrats and thanks to all involved in this latest find - looking forward to hearing about the next new discovery. Perhaps they'll call that one Dory or Doris..? 

  

Mark hanging out on the Curasub - STILL didn't find new fish species...

New American Airlines flight, direct from Charlotte N.C. to Curacao!

Just in time for the Christmas Holidays, American Airlines has announced a new flight direct from Charlotte, N.C., US of A.

Accommodating 128 passengers on the Airbus A319, this new weekly flight departs for sunny Curacao on Saturdays, starting 19 December 2015.

Yippee :)

And for you forward planners, here's The Dive Bus opening schedule for Christmas / New Year 2015 - book EARLY, we fill up FAST!:



Thursday 24 December: 

• AM: 
• Open for pre-booked, pre-paid guided dives + courses
• PM: 
• Closed, no afternoon activities

Friday 25  December: Closed


Saturday 26 December:

• AM:
• 9.45am check in, until usual time (5pm-ish)
  

Sunday 27 December:

• Back to 'normal for The Dive Bus'

Thursday 31 December:

• AM: 
• open for pre-booked, pre-paid guided dives + courses.
• PM: 
• Closed

Friday 1 January: Closed

Saturday 2 January:

• Later start: 9.45am check in, until usual time (5pm-ish)
• Limited availability remaining 

Sunday 3 January:

• Back to 'normal for The Dive Bus' 

Thinking of bringing a group (6 or more) during these dates? Get in touch early to reserve your slots and avoid disappointment:

That's it for now, folks. 

Happy Planning y'all :)

Curacao Pride: IGLTA awards Curaçao “Destination Pioneer” award

Looking for an excellent LGBT destination for your next scuba diving vacation? 

Try Curacao!

The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) has awarded the Curaçao Tourist Board with its prestigious “Destination Pioneer” award for its exceptional efforts in developing the island into an all-welcoming destination for travelers.
Curaçao boasts an impressive number of hotels and attractions with IGLTA memberships, which reflects its “Live and Let Live” philosophy to embrace all travelers.

Since the 2004 launch of GayCuracao.com, an in-depth resource for gay travelers to the island, the Curaçao Tourist Board has made significant strides to put this Dutch Caribbean island on the map for LGBT travelers.

Throughout the years, the Curaçao Tourist Board has launched several campaigns in an effort to accept travelers from all types of races, orientations, and religions. These efforts include supporting Curaçao Gay Pro to develop a variety of LGBT-focused island events throughout the year, such as last year’s inaugural South Caribbean Pride Festival, a week long celebration bringing together the neighboring LGBT communities.

The Floris Suite Hotel has also been an important advocate for welcoming the gay community. Not only is the hotel’s General Manager, Frank Holtslag, the President of Curaçao Gay Pro, but Floris is also the official host hotel during the Curaçao Pride Festival and hosts several pride and LGBT events throughout the year.

“It is a true honor for Curaçao to be recognized by the IGLTA as a destination pioneer,” said Andre Rojer, North American Marketing Manager for the Curaçao Tourist Board and Ambassador for IGLTA in the Caribbean.” The award is a testament to the work we’ve done on island and abroad, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with IGLTA and bringing more travelers to discover our beautiful island.”

In April, the Curaçao Tourist Board will be honored at IGLTA’s 32nd Annual Global Convention, along with other LGBT advocates in the travel industry.

So what are you waiting for? 

Save the dates for this year's Curacao Pride event and start YOUR vacation planning right now.

(You already know where to come for great, fun scuba diving - and click here for Specials and Offers for our 10th Birthday celebrations throughout 2015 )

Run (or walk) in the Sun – KLM Curacao Marathon 2014

Join in Curacao's first ever Marathon, Sunday 30 November 2014 - there's something for everyone!

2014 marks KLM's 80 year anniversary of flying to Curacao. Sponsored by KLM, this innovative event is for folks of all ages and fitness levels.

Participants can run or walk 5km or 10km, or take on a half or full marathon, or (not for the faint of heart as The Royal Netherlands Navy are involved!) a 15 k trail. There's even a special event for kids - the Lito Kids’ Run - on Saturday 29 November, sponsored by Maduro & Curiel’s Bank.

The route will be unique, to say the least. 

Starting from Lions Dive & Beach Resort, participants will head along the Curacao coastline and the colourful Handelskadeover, past schools and local neighbourhoods you may never otherwise notice, over the famous Queen Emma pontoon bridge (‘swinging old lady’) and the Queen Juliana Bridge. At a height of 185 feet (> 100m) above sea level, this is the highest bridge in the Caribbean and usually closed to pedestrians, so a very cool - and unique - opportunity.

Musical support along the entire route will help motivate participants and spectators alike, and hotels (including Avila Hotel, Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino, Hilton Curacao Resort, Kura Hulanda Village & Spa Curacao) and the Curacao Tourist Bureau will provide drinking stations. And Dolfijn FM radio and Curom online radio will be reporting the event from start to finish.

The evening before, a traditional ‘Pasta Party’, the first of its kind in Curacao, developed with the support of Pascal Jalhay (Michelin star chef and marathon runner) and Curacao “Culinair”, will get the party started.

The finish and after-party will be celebrated at one of the island’s most popular beaches, in front of the Lions Dive Hotel & Beach Resort, where the awards will be presented on a stage floating in the ocean. 

The Run in the Sun Foundation is organising this event, in cooperation with the Curacao Tourist Board, Curacao Athletics Association and the Curacao Hospitality and Tourism Association (CHATA) and members.  

The goal of the Foundation is to promote running on Curacao among people of all ages. Their charity, ‘Run 4 Shoes!’ makes running shoes available to Curacao children to encourage an active, healthy lifestyle. Participants can donate whilst registering for the Marathon.

And CHATA members, The Dive Bus, will have special offers for all participants to enjoy the exact opposite of the Marathon: a quiet, relaxing underwater Curacao experience! Watch this space for more info coming soon.

To register or for more info:

• klmcuracaomarathon.com 
• www.facebook.com/klmcuracaomarathon  

 

All in all, this will be a spectacular and unique event in which to participate or spectate and support. 

Please share with your friends, family and colleagues!

Divin' and Rod Stewart - only in Curacao, baby!

If live jazz(-ish) music and scuba diving and a Caribbean island just happen to be some of your most favourite-ist things ever, you're in luck! 

Jazz up your Labor Day weekend at the Curaçao 2014 North Sea Jazz Festival, August 29 and 30.

As usual, there's an incredible line-up of performers for your evenings' entertainment - Including Rod Stewart, can you believe it?!  Here for program, tickets and more info.  

Then spend your days relaxing underwater to the beat of your own bubbles, exploring the beautiful reefs of Curacao... 

Dive Packages start from 3 days of 2 tank guided dives starting from less than $300 per diver (min 2 divers) - click here for Dive Package pricing  and here for more info about diving with The Dive Bus.

Not only will you spot some very cool things on your dives (at some very cool dive sites), you'll also spot some VERY cool artists performing at the North Sea Jazz Festival, Curacao - click here for more info and latest list of performers.

So get down and go down with The Dive Bus 

@ Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival 2014.

Questions? More info about The Dive Bus?
Click here and hope to see you soon :o) 

Curacao wins Top 100 Readers Dive Choice Awards AGAIN!

You already knew it but now it's official: once again, Curacao voted into the Top 5 'best of' Readers Choice awards for 2014, as follows:

------------------------------------

Best Caribbean & Atlantic Dive Sites for Shore Diving
1. Bonaire
2. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
3. Curaçao

 

---------------------------------------------------

Best Caribbean and Atlantic Macro Diving

Check out the photo credit - someone you might recognise!

1. Bonaire
2. Curacao

 ---------------------------------------------------

 

Whilst this is very cool, of course, we think it would even better if next year's Award winner list looked a bit like this:

Best Caribbean & Atlantic Dive Sites for Shore Diving
1. Curacao

Best dive operator
1. The Dive Bus, Curacao

Most awesomest divers:
1. The Dive Bus, Curacao

Best awesomest Dive Masters:
1. The Dive Bus, Curacao

Best dive site
1. Pierbaai Reef / The Dive Bus, Curacao house reef
2. Car Pile / The Dive Bus, Curacao house reef

Nicest dive shop owner(s) ever:
1. Doris - The Dive Bus, Curacao

Coolest dive shop dogs
1. Boris at The Dive Bus, Curacao
2. Scooby at The Dive Bus, Curacao
3. Joint honours: Nik-Nak, Red Dog, Spotty Dog at The Dive Bus, Curacao

Coldest beers after diving
1. Polar at The Dive Bus, Curacao

Got suggestions for other categories? Post them below!

Curaçao encourages North Americans to say “No to Snow!”

WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao is helping Americans flee the icy winter months by providing deeply discounted offers. 

Vacationers tired of dreary days and shivery nights can more easily afford to luxuriate under warm, sunny skies for a few days in beautiful, colorful Curaçao with these discounts.

“We know how tough it is to get through these winter months,” says Curaçao Tourist Board Marketing Manager, North America, André Rojer. 

“With the support of our island hotels and resorts we are able to provide ways to save some money and take advantage of all Curaçao has to offer – especially our warm sun and sand.”

Hotels and resorts providing special “No to Snow” offers, in order of proximity to The Dive Bus and within our FREE pick up / drop off area include:

• Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino offers up to 25% off + resort coupons when booking here  
   
• The Sea Aquarium Resort is extending a 35% off when calling toll free 1-888-387-4788 to book your stay.
   
• Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino offers up to 35% off leisure rates. For bookings contact here or click here 
   
• Hotel Kura Hulanda Resort and sister property Lodge Kura Hulanda are offering rates starting from $165 per night plus free upgrades upon booking. Contact here  or call 954-999-5981

• Floris Suite Hotel offers a ‘Caribbean Winter Last Minute Deal’ package including free breakfast, cocktail hour and upgrade starting at $179/night. Click to book 

• Hilton Curaçao is granting a 20% off when booking now here. 

• Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino offers a 15% discount on the best available rate. Book here  or call 1-800-228-9290. Request promotion code W21.

• Morena Eco Resort is offering 7 nights for the price of just 6. Book here  or email here 

A wee bit further out but not too far:

• Blue Bay Curaçao Golf & Beach Resort – Stay 4 Nights, Pay for 3. Contact: hotelreservations(at)bluebay-curacao(dot)com /http://www.bluebay-curacao.com.
•  
• Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort Curaçao is offering a 4th night free when booking here

See you soooon and DON'T bring your coat :o)