Vaersenbaai (Kokomo) - Curaçao Southeast

Thoondu gives you a good feel for Vaavu's dramatic drop-offs. We’re talking a proper wall dive, reaching down to around 32m, with average visibility sitting at a comfortable 23m. The real draw is a small overhang, it’s a magnet for activity, with schooling silver tips often circling. Nearby, a cleaning station sometimes pulls in thresher sharks – a genuinely special sighting if you’re lucky. We've also spotted decent numbers of snappers here. It's a solid dive for those who appreciate a good wall and don’t mind keeping an eye out for larger pelagics.

Location
Curaçao Southeast, Curaçao, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.160200, -69.005400
Type
wall

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 Vaersenbaai (Kokomo)

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 Vaersenbaai (Kokomo)

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 Vaersenbaai (Kokomo) and what can be found at different depths?
The maximum depth for diving at Vaersenbaai (Kokomo) is 19m, though the site can get very deep quickly due to its wall type. Divers exploring the Car Wrecks, found offshore from the blue buoy line, can encounter a variety of marine life. These include nurse and reef sharks, possible eagle rays, turtles, snapper, angelfish, grunts, anemones, and grouper living in and around the sunken cars.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Vaersenbaai (Kokomo)?
At Vaersenbaai (Kokomo), divers can expect to explore the unique underwater feature of the Car Wrecks, where the bottom is covered in numerous sunken cars. This site is teeming with marine life, including nurse and reef sharks, possible eagle rays, and turtles. You'll also spot a variety of fish such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, and grouper, along with anemones.
Is Vaersenbaai (Kokomo) a good dive site for beginner divers, or is it more suited for advanced divers?
Vaersenbaai (Kokomo) is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site, making it more suited for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners. While it offers an easy shore entry with convenient parking, the site is a wall dive that can get very deep very quickly. Divers should be mindful of their depth and comfort level when exploring the Car Wrecks.
What is the best time of year to dive at Vaersenbaai (Kokomo) considering water conditions and visibility?
The provided data for Vaersenbaai (Kokomo) indicates an excellent average visibility of 23m. However, specific information regarding the best time of year to dive, considering seasonal water conditions or variations in visibility, is not available in the current context. For general guidance on diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive resource.
What dive certifications are required to explore the different areas of Vaersenbaai (Kokomo), especially the car wrecks?
The provided information for Vaersenbaai (Kokomo) does not specify any particular dive certifications required to explore the site or the Car Wrecks. Given its intermediate difficulty and potential for rapid depth changes, divers should ensure they are comfortable with wall diving and managing their depth. We always recommend diving within the limits of your current certification and experience.
How are the typical currents and visibility at the Vaersenbaai (Kokomo) dive site?
At the Vaersenbaai (Kokomo) dive site, divers can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging 23m. However, the provided data does not contain specific information regarding the typical current conditions at this location. It's always advisable to check with local dive operators for real-time current reports before your dive.