Beacon Point - Curaçao Southeast

Dahab de Nous isn't your typical flat reef dive. We love this site for its topography alone, a real maze of five distinct pinnacles just off the main reef. The dive becomes an adventure, navigating through a series of narrow canyons and faults that connect each one. You’ll spend a lot of time feeling the cool, shadowed rock walls as you squeeze between formations. Our favourite part is the long tunnel leading to the final pinnacle. It’s pierced by shafts of light, creating an almost theatrical effect as you swim through – watch for the flashes of silvery fusiliers darting in and out of the brightness. Keep an eye out for the big, colourful gorgonians that are just everywhere here; they’re truly magnificent and offer great shelter for smaller critters. While the max depth is 21m, which makes it pretty accessible, there's always a chance of jacks or tuna cruising past in the blue, especially if the current is picking up. We’d suggest this one for divers who enjoy exploration and a bit of a scenic swim-through challenge.

Location
Curaçao Southeast, Curaçao, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.070300, -68.873300
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
15-40m

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 Beacon Point

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 Beacon Point

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving at Beacon Point in Curaçao?
The maximum recommended depth for diving at Beacon Point in Curaçao is 20 meters, as described for this beautiful wall dive. While the site itself extends to depths of 40 meters, the primary features and described dive profile focus on the shallower areas. This makes it accessible for many certified divers.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Beacon Point, Curaçao?
Divers at Beacon Point can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life and impressive coral formations. On the shallow plateau, you will find large pillar corals, creating a stunning underwater landscape. Due to the currents, there is a good chance to see pelagic species like jacks and barracuda in the blue waters, alongside sightings of turtles and green morays.
How difficult is the Beacon Point dive site in Curaçao, and what experience level is recommended?
The Beacon Point dive site in Curaçao is rated as intermediate difficulty. This is primarily due to the possibility of strong currents, which make it best suited as a drift dive. Divers should have experience with current diving or be comfortable with drift diving techniques.
What is the best time of year or day to dive at Beacon Point in Curaçao?
The provided data for Beacon Point does not specify the best time of year or day to dive. However, understanding local conditions and tides is always recommended for optimal diving experiences. For general information on when to dive in the region, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for Beacon Point, Curaçao?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated for Beacon Point, its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 20 meters suggest that an Open Water Diver certification would be sufficient. However, given the potential for strong currents and the recommendation for drift diving, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or specialized training in drift diving would be highly recommended for a more comfortable and safer experience.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Beacon Point dive site in Curaçao?
At the Beacon Point dive site in Curaçao, divers should be prepared for possible strong currents. These conditions make it an excellent location for a drift dive, offering a good chance to spot pelagic marine life. The average visibility at this site is typically excellent, around 24 meters, providing clear views of the wall and its inhabitants.