Barbara Beach - Curaçao Southeast

Coral Gardens, off Great Dog Island, is one of those places that completely reinvents itself. We remember it as a pleasant, if unremarkable, reef. Now, though, the additions here really make it shine. We’re talking about three airplane wrecks that have been cleverly configured to look like sharks, resting on the sandy bottom at around 14m. The whole setup has a wonderfully art-project feel, especially with "The Cathedral", an archway made from old mooring lines, now encrusted with sponges, that hovers gently in the water column. It’s an interesting contrast to the natural reef, and the marine life seems to love the new structures. We’ve spotted everything from curious barracudas patrolling the wing sections to shy garden eels poking their heads out of the sand nearby. Keep an eye out for the Red Clingfish, clinging to the corals, and the tiny Nine-lined goby tucked away. It’s a site that suits everyone, particularly those who appreciate a bit of creative flair mixed with their reef exploration. Visibility usually hovers around 17m, making for clear views of this evolving underwater landscape.

Location
Curaçao Southeast, Curaçao, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.064000, -68.852000
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Spanish Water Inner Bay Park

Best Time to Dive in Curaçao Southeast

The warmest water temperatures in Curaçao Southeast occur in October, averaging 29.7°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 26.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.0°C
  • February: 26.6°C
  • March: 26.8°C
  • April: 27.0°C
  • May: 27.6°C
  • June: 28.0°C
  • July: 28.2°C
  • August: 29.0°C
  • September: 29.5°C
  • October: 29.7°C
  • November: 29.0°C
  • December: 28.1°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Curaçao Southeast

Nearest Dive Centres to Barbara Beach

Marine Life in Curaçao Southeast

Home to 322 recorded species including 259 reef fish, 24 hard corals, 7 other, 6 crabs & lobsters, 5 seagrass & algae, 5 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Barbara Beach

Based on average water temperature of 28.0°C, currents 22 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories