Predator patrol
Protect Curaçao’s reefs: join the lionfish hunt and help restore balance
Advanced
Boat Option Available
What you'll explore
- Receive a briefing on why lionfish are invasive, their impact on Curaçao’s reefs, and how divers help restore balance.
- Learn to safely handle pole spears and practise appropriate approach techniques.
- Head out on a guided dive to put your new skills into practice, searching for lionfish in their usual hiding spots.
- Collect your catches in secure containers (zookeepers provided) to protect both the reef and yourself.
- Surface knowing you’ve directly helped protect Curaçao’s reefs — with the option to taste lionfish as a well-earned post-dive reward..
Citizen science
Lionfish may be beautiful to look at, but they are invasive predators with a huge appetite. With no natural enemies in the Caribbean, a single individual can decimate juvenile reef fish at an alarming rate, disrupting the balance of the ecosystem. By joining this mission, you take part in removing a species that does not belong here, giving corals, sponges, and local fish a chance to recover and thrive. You’ll also receive a personalised dive report with our observations and photos — and if you’ve chosen the boat expedition, even underwater audio recordings via hydrophone.
FAQ
Do I need a permit or special certification to hunt lionfish in Curaçao?
No. As a licensed local operator, we provide all required training, equipment, and legal coverage. You’ll use pole spears—the only method permitted here—and receive a full briefing before the dive.
Is lionfish hunting safe?
Yes. We use proven techniques and provide zookeepers to secure catches safely. Lionfish have venomous spines, but with proper handling and guidance from our instructors, the procedure is straightforward and safe.
What happens to the lionfish we catch?
Nothing goes to waste. Lionfish are delicious, and removing them is one of the most effective ways to help the reef. If you choose the private sailing charter, we’ll even show you how to prepare them on board — a sustainable, reef-friendly meal to enjoy after the dive.
What’s the difference between a shore dive and a private sailing charter?
The shore dive is simple and straightforward: gear up on the beach and enter the water directly. The private sailing charter takes you offshore for several hours, hair in the wind, offering greater freedom to explore and extras like a hydrophone, Insta360, and the RealVision™ 3D Axiom Fish Finder to experience the ocean in a different way.
Pre - requisites
- Certification Advanced Open Water Diver obligatoire pour cette plongée.
- Good buoyancy control to safely manage both a pole spear and a zookeeper.
- Comfortable using manual equipment and following underwater safety protocols.
- Awareness and control to approach lionfish without disturbing the reef.
- A sense of adventure — this mission blends purpose with adrenaline.
What to bring
- Swimsuit and towel
- Reef safe sun cream
- Reusable water bottle (if you have one)
- A change of clothes
- Hair tie (if needed for mask)
- A sense of adventure
Shore
Private Charter
-
Private Dive Charter
$750 (1 dive, approx. 3 hours)
$950 (2 dives, approx. 4 hours)
Maximum 6 passengers
Up to 4 divers per dive
· Quick Facts
Access to less crowded / less dived sites
· Included
– Skipper + guide
– Snacks & drinks
– Snorkeling kits (up to 6 people)
– Full diving equipment + tanks (up to 4 divers)On the Private Sailboat Charter, enjoy extras like a hydrophone to hear the ocean’s song, an Insta360 to capture what’s below, and the RealVision™ 3D Axiom Fish Finder to spot marine life and choose the perfect anchor point.
Comparison Card
⛵️ Private cruise:
No queues, no crowds — just your group setting the pace and the programme.
🏖️ Shore dive :
Gear up on the beach and go.
Want to go further ?
Develop your skills with the Deep Diver specialty to feel confident beyond 18 m, Sea Turtle Ecology to deepen your understanding of turtle behaviour and conservation, and Underwater Navigation to explore deeper reefs with confidence. Support Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao (STCC) by contributing your time as a volunteer or making a donation to help fund their essential work protecting sea turtles.
