Parasasa Beach / Crash Site - Curaçao Southeast

San Pedro Canyons is a favourite spot when we’re staying on Ambergris Caye, mainly for the sheer volume of fish moving through. It’s a channel site, right in front of the main San Pedro Town cut, and that flow of water pulls in a lot of life. We often find ourselves just floating, watching schools of snapper, grunts, and parrotfish drift by. Keep an eye out for the big green turtles; they love to cruise these canyons. The maximum depth is 22m, but you’ll spend most of your time shallower, winding through the coral formations. These stony corals create lots of little nooks and crannies, perfect for spotting smaller creatures like brittle stars, shrimps, and crabs if you slow down and look closely. We’ve had some great encounters with eagle rays here, often just gliding silently overhead. Dive this one in the morning for the best light, as the sun streaming into the canyons is pretty special. It's a great dive for anyone who enjoys a gentle drift and wants to see plenty of classic Caribbean reef life without needing to go deep.

Location
Curaçao Southeast, Curaçao, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.115100, -68.964700
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
15-30m

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 Parasasa Beach / Crash Site

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 Parasasa Beach / Crash Site

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 Parasasa Beach / Crash Site, and at what depths can the wreck components be found?
The maximum depth for diving at Parasasa Beach / Crash Site is 18m. Divers can find wreckage of a Kingfisher plane and some parts of the USS Erie within this depth range. The main USS Erie ship itself was sunk several miles off the coast and is not present at this site.
What kind of marine life and wreck remnants can divers expect to see at the Parasasa Beach / Crash Site dive site?
At Parasasa Beach / Crash Site, divers can explore remnants of a Kingfisher plane and some parts of the USS Erie, which was torpedoed in 1942. Alongside these historical artifacts, the site boasts a wide-spread reef teeming with typical Caribbean marine life. Expect to encounter vibrant species such as angelfish, butterfly fish, snapper, and parrotfish during your dive.
Is the Parasasa Beach / Crash Site considered a difficult dive, suitable for advanced divers, or can beginners also explore parts of it?
The Parasasa Beach / Crash Site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. While it offers interesting features for experienced divers, it may not be ideal for absolute beginners due to its characteristics. Divers with some experience will find it a rewarding exploration.
What are the best months or times of day to dive at Parasasa Beach / Crash Site for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best months or times of day for diving at Parasasa Beach / Crash Site for optimal conditions or visibility. For general information on optimal diving times in the region, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are recommended or required to safely dive the Parasasa Beach / Crash Site, especially to explore the deeper wreck areas?
The provided data does not specify particular diving certifications recommended or required for safely diving Parasasa Beach / Crash Site, nor for exploring its deeper wreck areas. Divers should always ensure they have appropriate certification for the depth and conditions of any dive site they plan to visit.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility at Parasasa Beach / Crash Site, and are there any specific weather patterns or times when conditions might be challenging?
Divers at Parasasa Beach / Crash Site can typically expect an average visibility of 22m, offering clear views of the reef and wreck remnants. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions or any particular weather patterns that might lead to challenging dive conditions. It's always advisable to check local conditions before diving.