Long Beach - Curaçao Southeast

Outer Photographers Reef feels like a well-kept secret, though we wish more divers knew about it. Dropping down, you’re often greeted by a soft current, pushing you gently over granite outcrops dusted with brilliant feather stars and those surprisingly handsome grey sea cucumbers. We’ve spotted California yellowtail darting through the water column here, and on a good day, the visibility opens up enough to hint at the sheer scale of the reef, even if the average is a modest 6m. Our favourite time to dive Outer Photographers is in late summer when the water has warmed a little and conditions are typically calmer. Keep an eye out for the big pelagics – tuna are not uncommon, and we’ve even had fleeting glimpses of larger sharks cruising through. It’s a site for divers who appreciate the subtle beauty of a temperate reef and don’t mind a bit of a treasure hunt for those less common sightings.

Location
Curaçao Southeast, Curaçao, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.124900, -68.973600
Type
reef

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 Long 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 Long 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths at Long Beach dive sites?
The typical diving depths at Long Beach reach a maximum of 18m. Divers can enjoy exploring a nice drop-off as well as beautiful formations found in the shallower parts of the reef.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving at Long Beach?
At Long Beach, divers can expect to see a vibrant reef with a nice drop-off featuring sponges and pencil corals, alongside beautiful shallow water formations. Common marine life sightings include schools of Surgeon fish in the shallow reefs, Scorpion Fish, Sea Horses, Sharp Tail eels, Moray eels, and Eagle Rays.
How challenging is diving at Long Beach, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Long Beach is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the site often boasts calm surface conditions, making entry and exit easier, its classification suggests it is best suited for divers who have some prior experience.
What is the best time of year or season to go diving at Long Beach for optimal conditions?
The data indicates that Long Beach is protected from South East waves, ensuring calm surface conditions the majority of the time. This consistent tranquility suggests it is a favorable dive site throughout much of the year. For broader seasonal insights on diving in Curaçao, you can explore our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required or recommended for diving at Long Beach?
With an intermediate difficulty rating and a maximum depth of 18m, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient for exploring Long Beach. Divers with more advanced training may find it beneficial for enhanced comfort and skill application.
What are the typical current and water conditions like for diving at Long Beach?
Divers at Long Beach can typically expect calm surface conditions, as the site is protected from South East waves. Underwater visibility is generally good, averaging around 14m, offering clear views of the reef and its inhabitants.