Because sometimes, diving shouldn't be slow...

FLY THE REEF @ THE DIVE BUS, CURACAO

As dive instructors, The Dive Bus Crew spend our days telling divers to go slow. Chill out. Relax. 

The slower you go, the more you see, the longer your tank lasts, the longer your dive, the better your dive.

Right..?

Well, forget that.

 
Originally developed and widely-used for military and search and rescue use in the USA, the Pegasus Thrusters are tank-mounted DPVs, controlled by the push of a button. 

And really, really fast.

And really, really cool.

And a whole lot of fun.

Check this out:

These small but hugely powerful diver propulsion vehicles leave regular, recreational hand-held DPVs standing - quite literally.

Because the Thrusters are tank-mounted, your arms won't feel like they're dropping off, 10 minutes into your dive. So they're great for photographers - or divers who prefer to equalise without coming to a stand-still.


But don't just take our word for it, check out what the experts think about their Fly the Reef experience: 

"A fantastic experience to fly like an eagle ray and swim like a dolphin, with a touch of 007. A must try!"
Arlette

"...the best fun I've had in a wetsuit in ages !!! Mark took us down to the Car Pile after expert instruction on how to use the "Thrusters". It's incredible to be able to just push a button and keep up with the big Tarpon and Barracuda that often hang around this great wreck site.

We'll be back !!"
Tim

"The newest 'toys' on offer at The Dive Bus are Pegasus Thrusters, which strap on to the back of your tank (no heavy or awkward DPV to hold on to) and you whizz along at the press of a button!

Not only does this alleviate long swims, it's also a great safety feature in the case of unexpected currents, and allows you to catch up quickly with that turtle or ray off in the distance.

And you're also, immediately, the coolest-looking diver on the reef!"
Sid

I'm an experienced diver and have never been a fan of DPVs. Pierbaai/Car pile has always been one of my favorite dive sites but we have never been able to spend much time at Car Pile after swimming to it.

Using the Thrusters, we were able to get to there rather quickly, and therefore had a lot more time to explore the dive site. An awesome addition to The Dive Bus menu!! It is a definite must-try when you are in Curacao.
Is

We took the opportunity to dive the house reef using the Thrusters. What a unique and enjoyable way to "fly the reef". I highly recommend it. Well worth the additional cash to create a fun holiday.

Paul

"A great experience of diving with speed. And you don't miss anything: enormous barracuda, lovely turtle and some tarpons, among other things. Way better than the usual DPV's. It's a simple propeller attached to your tank and you can fly along the reef.

An absolute must do!!"
Andre

"If these babies look fast, it's because they are! You fly through the water at up to almost 1 meter / 3 feet per second, whilst grinning like an idiot. That's Pierbaai Reef to Car Pile in about 5 minutes."
Mark

"I dove with the Pegasus DPV! With it, we could explore the wreckage at Car Pile even better, deeper, and longer. This DPV-dive is a real must do!!"

Evert

  
So if you'd like to Fly the Reef on your next Curacao dive vacation,  check out these super-cool Fly the Reef adventures:

An amazing dive adventure - more info

Become a
PADI DPV Specialty Diver

Check it out on your
PADI Advanced Open Water course

The Dive Bus is the ONLY dive shop in Curacao with a fleet of Pegasus Thrusters.  

So when you feel the need for speed or to fly underwater, you know where to come.

 

@thedivebus @PADI @pegasusthruster #flythereef #PADIDPVSpecialtycourse #DiverPropulsionVehicle #DPV #PegasusThruster #divecuracao #divingcuracao #thedivebus

Is your SCUBA showing? 20 signs that you're a diver (and proud of it)

 Divers have a way of spotting other divers, 

no matter how far they are from water.

Because their SCUBA's showing.

Is yours? 

And if so, how much? 

Find out by checking out these 20 signs:

1. You take every opportunity to dress / act /drink like a Pirate. It's ok, you're not alone - find out why.
   
   
2. You have a dive T-shirt for every week of the year. (And wear every one of them.)
   
   
3. You have have dive flags on your shorts, flip-flops and car / truck.
   
   
4. You play scuba videos on your tablet on every overseas flight you take. And most weekends. And evenings.
   
   
5. You can have a complete conversation using only hand signals.
   
   
6. Your truck always smells faintly of neoprene and pee - and you don't notice.
   
   
7. The fact that you're a little hard of hearing has nothing at all to do with the water in your ears.
   
   
8. It never occurs to you to check if you have a mask imprint on your face before you go out.
   
   
9. When you meet a new person, you'd rather know about the places they’ve been than where they work.
   
   
10. You don’t like unfilled blanks, especially in a logbook.
    
    
11. You have a tank rack in the back of your truck - or would if you could / were allowed to / have a truck.
    
    
12. Your pet's name is Deco, Nitrox, Scuba, Diver - or Buddy.
    
    
13. You take longer than everyone else to examine a seafood menu.
    
    
14. You know exactly where P. Sherman lives.
    
    
15. You have several uses for vinegar, besides cooking.
    
    
16. Not unlike Superman, you have an impressive talent for changing clothes quickly, in small spaces, and like wearing tight-fitting suits.
    
    
17. You have a special dive flag wallet for your dive trips, dedicated to your PADI cert cards and your DAN card.
    
    
18. Your watch is almost as large as your hand.
    
    
19. When you see a vehicle with a dive flag bumper sticker, you use the hand with the giant watch to give the driver an OK sign.
    
    
20. Your non-diving friends / partner / colleagues think you're a bit bonkers.

*** End of test ***

So, how many of the above did you answer a big, loud, "hell yeah!" to:

• 0 - 5:
  It's ok, you still have a life outside of SCUBA. If that's disappointing news, click here to fix it.
  
  
• 10- 15:
  It's unlikely you'll be happy with the parts of your life outside scuba. So stop with the denial, embrace it and set your sights on ...
  
  
• ...15 +: 
  You're a dive nerd - or dive nerd in training - and you know it. There is no hope for escape, no turning back, no cure.
  
  So embrace it and use the above tips to seek new dive nerd friends. Or sell everything, become a PADI Dive Pro and buy a dive center in the islands. And use this video to explain to your loved ones:

> Not a diver but want to become one? Here’s how.

> Fallen off the wagon? It’s easier than ever to refresh your dive skills and climb back onboard - here's how.

> Dive nerd and you know it? You can't help it (refer to video above) so embrace it, and take your diving to the next level - here's how.

So, go ahead: let your SCUBA show.

#padi #gopro #divemaster #gopropadi #thedivebus #divebuscuracao #divemastercourse #scubanerd
 #yourscubaisshowing #divepirates #divebackin #refresherdive #reactivate

This Blog post inspired by PADI. 

Enjoy it? Share it and spread the love :)

5 reasons why Christmas and New Years in Curacao ROCKS

1. It'll be at least 85 degrees of sunshine
   
   
2. Water temperatures will be a balmy 82 degrees or so...
   
   
3. The Caribbean festive-feeling is hard to beat
   
   
4. Your nearest and dearest will be freezing their butts off back home
   
   
5. It's just FUN!

Planning on coming down to dive with us in sunny Curacao? Awesome!

But get in touch soon because...

....we're already filling up for some of the dates during Christmas and New Year and have changes to our regular opening hours:

Saturday 24 December::
AM:

• Open for pre-booked, pre-paid guided dives + courses
• Limited availability remaining  

PM:

• Closed; no afternoon activities 

Sunday 25 December: CLOSED


Monday 26 December:

• Later start: 9.45am check in, until usual time  (4.30pm-ish)
• Limited availability remaining  

Tuesday 27 - Friday 30 December

• Regular hours: 8:30am check in, until usual time  (4.30pm-ish)
• Limited availability remaining

Saturday 31 December:
AM:

• Open for pre-booked, pre-paid guided dives + courses
• Limited availability remaining

PM:

• Closed; no afternoon activities

Sunday 1 January:  CLOSED

Monday 2 January:

• Later start: 9.45am check in, until usual time  (4.30pm-ish)
• Limited availability remaining 

Tuesday 3 January onwards

• Back to 'normal for The Dive Bus'
• Limited availability remaining

Got questions? Need info? Start here:

 And keep a look out on our facebook page for any Christmas / New Years Curacao flight / accommodation offers we find.

Happy planning, ho ho ho ;)

#curacaochristmas #caribbeanchristmas #christmasdivevacation #divebus #divecuracao #divebuscuracao #@newyeardivevacation

#divepackagecuracao

The Dive Bus, Curacao adopts Pierbaai Reef and Car Pile with Project AWARE's Adopt a Dive Site Program

 ... and becomes the first Project AWARE dive operator to Adopt a Dive Site™ in Curacao.

We found Pierbaai Reef not long after arriving in Curacao back in 2004. It happened to be just off the beach at our little local bar. 

It took us a few months before we got around to diving it, and we hardly saw a soul diving there in the meantime.That changed the following year, when we opened up The Dive Bus on the same beach. Yup, the reef was that awesome.

Since then, in 2005, thousands of Dive Bus divers and Crew have dived Pierbaai Reef and Car Pile, and taking have been taking care of and keeping it clean ever since.

Although we've since moved to a bigger location just across the road, it's still The Dive Bus house reef, and we're still taking care of it - and it's still stunning. Check out this short, sweeeet video and see for yourself:

So when Project AWARE recently launched their Adopt a Dive Site™ campaign, we were right on it.
 
And we're thrilled to announce that The Dive Bus has officially adopted Pierbaai Reef and Car Pile at Marie Pampoen, Curacao - aka The Dive Bus house reef. 
 
And The Dive Bus is the first Project AWARE dive operator to Adopt a Dive Site™ in Curacao.

Doubly cool :)

What's the Project AWARE Adopt a Dive Site™ campaign all about?

Click above for more info.

"Project AWARE’s Adopt A Dive Site™ aims to involve dive centers and resorts around the world in ongoing, protection and monitoring of their favorite underwater playgrounds.

Monitoring actions are based on Project AWARE’s flagship citizen science program: Dive Against Debris™  – the only underwater global survey of its kind involving scuba divers in the removal, recording and reporting of marine debris found under our ocean waves on the seafloor."

 

OK, great - but so what?

Dive Bus owner, Mark, has this to say about the new Adopt a Dive Site initiative from Project AWARE:

"It's really cool that through this new Project AWARE initiative, we're continuing to do what we've been doing all along, which is keeping 'our backyard' clean, to protect the marine life living here. 

Except now, before "properly" disposing of the trash cleaned from The Dive Bus dive site, we'll be logging it and sharing the data with Project AWARE - like we do on our quarterly Clean Up dives at other Curacao dive sites that need help.

More importantly, we're inviting divers to do the same - and making it easy for them to do it, and recognizing them for doing it.

We've seen over the years that divers become much more engaged once they start taking care of the reef, with a mindset-shift towards protecting the reefs whilst diving them, instead of 'just' diving them.

It's really really cool that so many of our divers are more than happy to join in and make a difference. And actually quite a few of them now feel naked diving without a line cutter, gloves and a mesh bag tucked in their BCD pocket!"

Suzy, the other Dive Bus owner added:

"Our divers like that Project AWARE actually use the data that they capture, to build trash maps, identify key areas of concern and monitor change - hopefully positive, like we've seen on our reef over the years. They know that they're helping make a difference on two levels.

Project AWARE's programs, education and information help dive professionals like us put actions into place to, amongst other things, ensure less trash makes it into our oceans, and motivate more people to help keep them clean.

It's funny. Divers who clear trash from the reefs quickly realise how easy it is  to prevent - or at least reduce the amount of - trash getting into the ocean in the first place. It changes their perspectives about trash and how they deal with it in their daily lives, and that's an awesome bonus - and pretty much exactly what Project AWARE are hoping to achieve.

Like the Project AWARE "The Journey of Trash" - it's strong, serious message, delivered simply. And when you live or vacation on a Caribbean island with limited garbage controls, a one-man army providing recycling services and an enormous landfill station, it really makes you stop and think about the amount of trash you produce - and what happens to it."

Taking care of The Dive Bus House Reef (ADS88)

All of us at The Dive Bus are excited about this great opportunity to keep our favourite dive site clean and healthy - as well as several others around Curacao.  

Watch this space for news of our first clean up on the newest Project AWARE Adopted Dive Site, and how we're making it easy for divers to make a difference on every dive they make on it.

And if you're in Curacao in the meantime, swing by The Dive Bus, grab a mesh bag
and make a difference :) 

 

 

#diveagainstdebris  #AdoptADiveSite #divebuscuracao #divecuracao #projectaware

Turning trash into divers' treasure...

As a Dive Instructor at The Dive Bus, Curacao, there are a lot of other things to do besides diving.

And there are a lot of other things to in the ocean besides diving.

Like fishing.

And Curacao's inhabitants love fishing. 


It's a very long-standing and respected profession and tradition, and wooden, hand-made fishing boats are proudly passed down from generation to generation of fishermen. 

Over weekends and holidays, the 'have-a-go' fishermen take to the ocean to catch snapper for supper on our beloved house-reef, Pierbaai, amongst other locations.

It may not be eco-friendly or well controlled, with clouds of the have-a-go's lost fishing line choking the reef. But it's part of the way of life here in Curacao (and thousands of other islands) and has been for hundreds of years. And hey, who doesn't love a fresher-than- fresh snapper supper, right?

Divers tend to have different perspectives and opinions (except in terms of fresh snapper suppers).

We see the damage caused by wayward anchors. We see beautiful gorgonians and colourful stovepipe sponges - and even, recently, a huge green moral - tangled up in, or choked to death by, ancient, algae-covered fishing line.

And there's an invisible concern regarding the fishing line problem: the lead weights attached to them. Over time underwater, they dissolve, poisoning the ocean, the reef and its inhabitants.

=> Everyone has the right to enjoy the ocean. But the age-old question is: who is responsible for taking care of it and balancing that with the needs of ocean users?

An initiative by the Blue Halo Project is aiming to manage age-old challenge by seeking solutions which balance the needs of all ocean users in Curacao - and therefore help the ocean. Have your say by taking part in their extremely important research: the Ocean Users's survey, here. Because your input matters, whether you live here or vacation here.

In the meantime, all The Dive Bus Crew - and many of our divers -  clear trash from the reef on just about every dive we make. And we arrange dive site clean up events and do our best to raise awareness to good folks like you about the importance of protecting the reef. And we're pretty proud of the HUGE difference that our Crew and divers have made to our house reef, Pierbaai, over the years. 


One of our most successful initiatives, introduced a few years ago, was setting up collection boxes for divers to drop fishing line lead that they clear from their regular dives.


Within the first two months, we had over 18 pounds of fishing weights, from Pierbaai, Tugboat, Porto Mari, Vaersenbaai / Kokomo and Directors Bay in the container.

Here's how this underwater trash gets transformed into treasure:

Feel free to contribute to the old lead collection next time you're diving in Curacao, and help make a difference.

Because when it comes to reef conservation and protection, every little helps - and you don't have to be wet to do it, or even anywhere near the ocean.

Here are examples of plenty of ways that you, as a diver and Ambassador for our precious underwater world, can help:

• Top tips from Project AWARE about how you can protect our reefs
• How to make a difference every day - without even getting wet
• Choose a Project AWARE 100% AWARE dive operator whenever you go divin'
• Take part in the Blue Halo Ocean Users' survey
• Share this Blog post with your family, friends and colleagues and raise awareness

Thanks for doing your bit :)

#bluehalocuracao #divecuracao #projectaware #padi #cleanupdives #oceancleanup #makinglead #diversweights #thedivebus #projectaware #ecooperator #100%aware

A Christmas message from us to yooooooooooooou :)

Wishing you VERY Happy Holidays and a huge massive thank you for your support. It's much appreciated, and so are you.

Hope to see you again in the new year. In the meantime, stay well, healthy, happy -
and just a little bit nuts ;o)

 All best and a big yo, ho, ho - yo

Where would YOU prefer to be..?

This is not a trick question: where would you prefer to be, on the dates below:

a) There?

OR

b) Here? Diving your socks off in the best shore diving destination in the Caribbean, with a bunch of fun people and a team of awesome PADI dive instructors, sipping a cold beer or 3 as the sun sets over the ocean, telling tall diving tales, with a bunch of extra fun stuff thrown in? 

The dates below:

• 5 - 12 Sept 2015:
  Spending Labor Day watching us do all the work, whilst you sit back and dive your butts off.

• 26 Sept - 3 Oct 2015:
  Waving toy swords around, saying ARRRR a lot and drinking rum (yup, we're officially designating this Dive Bus Pirate Week.)

• 21 - 28 Nov 2015:  (Limited space remaining.)
  Eating turkey on the beach on the 26th, and a beautiful full moon night dive on the 25th.
  
  
• 28 Nov - 5 Dec 2015: (Limited space remaining.)
  Playing pirates again, because we can and one Pirate Week just isn't enough.

If you answered b) - and seriously, who wouldn't - congratulations! you're officially invited to join in The Dive Bus 10th Birthday Bash Dive Weeks!

Especially for returning Dive Bus divers*, these special week-long programs are filled with favourite Curacao dive sites (with a couple of twists / somethings different here and there) and oodles of cool diving and plenty of chillin' out with wonderful, like-minded people*. 

*Didn't dive with The Dive Bus yet? Well it's about time you did! You're very welcome to join in the special weeks as long as you're:

• part of a buddy team
• fun and slightly bonkers
• Advanced Open Water certified. If not, no worries, take your PADI Advanced Open Water course with us during this trip - it will be a hell of a lot of fun, and you'll be learning new skills and confidence at the same time! Contact us for pricing for this option.

 
The price of The Dive Bus 10th Birthday Bash weeks include:

• 6 days of 2t guided dives
• Guided night dive
• Unlimited air tanks for indie diving
• Transport to / from dive sites but we recommend you get a rental car to make the most of your unlimited tanks
  
• Lunch most days...
• Birthday cake (of course) 
• Fun and ridiculousness 
• Sales tax
  
• Price per buddy team: $1,460

• Equipment Rental Packages are available if you need anything. Like it? Buy it and your rental is FREEEEEEEE!
• Accommodation: pick your favourite place to stay in the Willemstad area OR check out the flight / accommodation deals from your local travel agent 

Like the plan but the dates don't work for you? Get a group of 6 and we'll run this special dive program whenever works for YOU - subject to availability, of course.

Join the party: 

• drop us an email to get it started! 
• click here for more info about The Dive Bus Curacao's Returners 10th Birthday Bash Dive Weeks (TDBR10thBBDW) 

• check out what else is going on for 
  The Dive Bus 10th Birthday Bash here.

(No, that's it. You should be emailing  us right now, or checking out what else is going on this year. Get on with it!)

How it feels to fly on scuba? AWESOME!

Trust us.


If you've always wanted to be a secret agent (and seriously, who hasn't?) now's your chance to dive like one, with the Dive Bus Curacao Dive Mission Leaders.

We're thrilled to introduce you to the coolest Diver Propulsion Vehicles (DPVs) EVER: the Pegasus Thrusters. Giving you the freedom to fly - whilst diving.

Check out this video to see why we're so excited:
(Turn your volume up first!)

"If these babies look fast, it's because they are! Your biggest challenge won't be your top secret mission, but clearing your mask, as you fly through the water at up to almost 1 meter / 3 feet per second, grinning like an idiot! That's Pierbaai Reef to Car Pile in about 5 minutes. WoHOOOO!!!" 

These small but hugely powerful diver propulsion vehicles were developed and widely used for military and search and rescue use in the USA. And - quite literally - leave regular, recreational hand-held DPVs standing.

Flyin' the reef, baby!

And because the Thrusters are tank-mounted, your arms won't feel like they're dropping off, 10 minutes into your dive. That means they're great for photographers - or divers who prefer to equalise without coming to a stand-still.


Take your pick from the following DPV dive options at The Dive Bus Curacao:

Contact us for more info

• Guided dives on Pierbaai Reef / Car Pile and Tugboat (including parts you don't usually get to see!)

• PADI DPV Adventure dive on your PADI Advanced Open Water course
  
• PADI DPV PADI Specialty course (so new, it's not on our website yet!)
   

The Dive Bus is the ONLY dive shop in the islands with Pegasus Thrusters. So when you feel the need for speed or to fly underwater, you know where to come.



Fly you soon!

The Dive Bus Curacao Dive Mission Leaders.