Old Quarry Golf Course - Curaçao Southeast

Roca Sucia, or Dirty Rock, is one of those places that, despite its name, really delivers. We love the way this pinnacle rises from the seabed, creating a real magnet for fish. Drop in, and you’re immediately surrounded, particularly on the east side where the barber fish and king angels become your eager escorts – a genuinely fun experience as they zip around you, almost like they're posing for photos. Visibility here averages around 10 meters, so it’s not always gin-clear, but that’s part of its charm. It lends a slightly dramatic, atmospheric feel to the rock formations. We’ve had some fantastic encounters with schools of pompano flashing silver in the distance and spotted sneaky needle-tooth morays tucked into crevices. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too; the blennies and gobies are everywhere if you take a moment to look. Currents can be strong, especially deeper, so this site is definitely best for more experienced divers who are comfortable moving with a bit of push. It's a dive that rewards attentive eyes and a willingness to explore the nooks and crannies of a truly active rock reef.

Location
Curaçao Southeast, Curaçao, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.062700, -68.850100
Type
pinnacle

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 Old Quarry Golf Course

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 Old Quarry Golf Course

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 depths encountered when diving at the Old Quarry Golf Course dive site?
Divers at the Old Quarry Golf Course dive site can expect a maximum depth of 23 meters, characteristic of its wall dive nature. While anchoring is recommended in 20-30 feet of water, the dive itself explores deeper along the wall.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the Old Quarry Golf Course dive site?
The Old Quarry Golf Course dive site is a vibrant wall dive featuring a pinnacle, teeming with diverse marine life. Divers should keep an eye out for bigger critters in the blue water, but also be prepared to encounter lionfish. Spear fishing for lionfish is encouraged to help manage their population.
How challenging is the Old Quarry Golf Course dive site for scuba divers?
The Old Quarry Golf Course dive site is rated as intermediate in difficulty. Divers should be prepared to head against any potential currents, which adds to the challenge of this boat-accessible wall dive.
What is the best time of year to dive at the Old Quarry Golf Course dive site in Curaçao?
The provided data for the Old Quarry Golf Course dive site does not specify the best time of year to dive. For general information on diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required for diving at the Old Quarry Golf Course site?
The available data for the Old Quarry Golf Course dive site does not specify recommended or required scuba diving certifications. Generally, an Open Water Diver certification is a prerequisite for most boat dives to intermediate sites.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility at the Old Quarry Golf Course dive site?
Divers at the Old Quarry Golf Course dive site can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging 27 meters. It's important to be aware that currents can be present, and divers are advised to head against them during the dive.