Turtle guardian
Dive deeper into the world of sea turtles and discover their secrets beyond the seagrass meadows.
Advanced
Boat Option Available
What you'll explore
- Descend beyond the seagrass meadows to the deeper reef slopes, where sea turtles sometimes rest or pass through.
- Observe how their behaviour changes with depth — effortless gliding, resting pauses near corals or sponges.
- Capture the moment: take your own respectful identification photos, borrow one of our cameras, or simply enjoy the view while we handle the images for you.
- Look for subtle indicators of their health — relaxed movements, scars, or possible signs of fibropapillomatosis (FP) — and note their interactions with the environment.
- Share your observations and impressions during a relaxed surface debrief.
Citizen science
Deeper dives offer a new perspective on sea turtles — how they glide, rest, and feed along reef slopes beyond the seagrass meadows. We also monitor subtle indicators of their health, from fluid movements to possible signs of fibropapillomatosis (FP). These observations support the work of Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao (STCC), which tracks turtle health around the island, and connect with the efforts of Reef Renewal Curaçao, as healthy reefs mean healthier turtles. You’ll also receive a personalised dive report with our observations and photos — and if you joined a boat outing, even underwater audio recordings via hydrophone.
FAQ
Will we really see sea turtles on the deeper reef?
Yes — while nothing is ever guaranteed in nature, Curaçao’s reefs are home to resident sea turtles that use both shallow seagrass meadows and deeper reef slopes. This mission offers the best chance to observe them gliding, resting, or feeding in their deeper habitat.
What’s the difference between a shore dive and a private sailing excursion?
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.
How close can we get to the turtles?
Close enough to observe natural behaviour, but always at a respectful distance. We never chase or surround turtles — they set the pace, and we follow calmly.
How long is the dive?
Up to one hour underwater, depending on air consumption and conditions. Unhurried and steady — plenty of time to slow down and observe.
Pre - requisites
- Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent) certification required, with the option to join as part of your Advanced training.
- Comfortable at depth with good buoyancy control and confident air management for dives beyond 18 m.
- A keen eye to observe turtle behaviour and spot subtle health indicators such as FP.
- A spirit of adventure, curiosity, and care makes every encounter more meaningful
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.
