Stella Maris / Ocean Encounters - Curaçao Southeast

Ulua Beach Park is one of our favorite spots for a relaxed morning dive on Maui. We've spent hours here, often kicking out around dawn, just as the day wakes up. The entry is simple, a sandy walk-in, which is perfect for carrying your gear without a struggle. What we really love about Ulua is its consistent shallow coral reef, dropping to about 10 meters. It’s teeming with little critters if you slow down and look closely. We’ve found several different nudibranchs here, including the striking bicolor nudibranch, and spotted numerous frogfish tucked away in the coral. The reef structure is home to plenty of small reef fish – think eight-lined wrasses zipping past and black-back butterflyfish foraging in the shallows. On a good day, we've even seen giant trevally cruise through the deeper sections, and the occasional green sea turtle munching on algae. Visibility hovers around 10-12 meters most mornings, which is plenty for appreciating the macro life. This site is ideal for photographers looking for smaller subjects or newer divers wanting a gentle introduction to shore diving without strong currents.

Location
Curaçao Southeast, Curaçao, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.084900, -68.898800
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-15m

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 Stella Maris / Ocean Encounters

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 Stella Maris / Ocean Encounters

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 typical depth range for recreational diving at the Stella Maris / Ocean Encounters dive site in Curaçao?
The typical depth range for recreational diving at the Stella Maris / Ocean Encounters dive site is between 5-15 meters. With a maximum depth of 14 meters, this shore-accessible site is perfect for newer divers and snorkelers to explore the vibrant reef within the Curacao National Marine Park.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Stella Maris / Ocean Encounters?
At the Stella Maris / Ocean Encounters dive site, divers can expect to encounter many different colors of hard and soft corals and sponges. The site is teeming with diverse marine life, including parrotfish, angelfish, stingrays, and snapper, offering a rich underwater experience.
How difficult is the Stella Maris / Ocean Encounters dive site for recreational divers?
The Stella Maris / Ocean Encounters dive site is rated as intermediate in difficulty for recreational divers. However, its shore accessibility and relatively shallow maximum depth of 14 meters make it a great house reef dive, perfect for newer divers and snorkelers to gain experience.
What is the best time of year to dive at Stella Maris / Ocean Encounters in Curaçao?
The provided data context does not specify the best time of year to dive at Stella Maris / Ocean Encounters in Curaçao. For general information on seasonal diving conditions, please consult our When to Dive guide or specific country resources.
What dive certifications are required to dive at the Stella Maris / Ocean Encounters house reef?
The provided data context does not specify the exact dive certifications required to dive at the Stella Maris / Ocean Encounters house reef. For the most accurate and up-to-date requirements, we recommend contacting a local dive operator in Curaçao directly.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Stella Maris / Ocean Encounters dive site?
At the Stella Maris / Ocean Encounters dive site, divers can expect excellent visibility, averaging around 20 meters. The provided data does not specify the typical current conditions for this site, but as a house reef, it generally offers calm conditions.