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Dive Review of Sunrise Diving/Royal Resorts in
Curaçao

Sunrise Diving/Royal Resorts, Mar, 2012,

by Glen Madsen, UT, US (Sr. Reviewer Sr. Reviewer 8 reports with 7 Helpful votes). Report 6493.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 5 stars Food 5 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity N/A
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving 5 stars
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ 5 stars
Beginners 5 stars
Advanced 4 stars
Comments As a first time diver to Curacao I had no expectations other than what fellow Undercurrent reader reports gave. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the dive sites and the abundance of marine life. We did 13 dives in 4 days and all were beach entry dives. Chris Schmitz owner of Sunrise Diving was a fabulous Dive Master. He gave excellent dive briefings and had all Cressi gear in great condition. He picked us up at our resort and took us to a variety of dive sites across the leeward side of the island. As a local growing up on the island he was able to share extensive knowledge about the area both below and above the water. He caters to small groups and tailors the dives to the skills of the divers. No cattle operation here! Chris worked with 5 of our group in obtaining our advanced certification with thorough briefings and an extensive knowledge base. I would highly recommend Chris and Sunrise Diving and look forward to a repeat visit.
The west end had the best visibility and Playa Kalki was the highight dive of the trip. With bottom times well past 1 hour we had plenty of time to explore the vibrant reef. Lots of micro photo opportunities with clear water and healthy coral structures. Lion fish were found on most dives but less populated the further west you went. The wreck "Superior Producer" was in 100' upright and in great condition, an excellent dive.
In addition to scads of fish, we encountered sea horses, multiple turtles, octopus, an enormous Manta Ray gliding over head in about 15' of water, spotted eagle rays, and a marvelous bright green Frog fish nestled in some pink tube sponges.
Royal Resorts is located east of Wilhemstead on it's own small islet with a private beach and bay. It is a time share property that also rents out vacant units on a weekly basis. It is a very nice resort located right next to the Sea Aquarium and across the bay from Lion's Dive and Beach Resort.
For excellent diving on healthy reefs with a very healthy population of fish, you must put Curacao on your diving bucket list.
Websites Sunrise Diving   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 101-250 dives
Where else diving Hawaii, Bahamas, West Indies, Cozumel, BVI's
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, windy Seas calm, no currents
Water Temp 80-84°F / 27-29°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 30-100 Ft/ 9-30 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions Not to exceed 100'. dive length dependant upon air use.
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? yes

What I Saw

Sharks None Mantas 1 or 2
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles > 2 Whales None
Corals 5 stars Tropical Fish 5 stars
Small Critters 5 stars Large Fish 2 stars
Large Pelagics N/A

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 4 stars Boat Facilities N/A
Overall rating for UWP's 4 stars Shore Facilities 3 stars
UW Photo Comments All shore diving with no availability of fresh water rinsing unless you brought it yourself
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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