Curaçao Uncovered: Why This Hidden Gem Beats Bonaire for Diving

If you’re a diver, “Caribbean” probably makes you think of one place: Bonaire. I get it. But I’m here to tell you to look 30 miles east. There’s a vibrant, dynamic island that’s finally stepping into the spotlight: Curaçao.

In our latest episode of the Know Where You Want to Go Travel Podcast, I sat down with Mark Pinnell, the legendary founder of The Dive Bus Curaçao, to uncover what makes this island—a key stop on many Virgin Voyages itineraries—and its dive community so incredibly special.

This isn’t just a sales pitch for Curaçao—it’s a love letter. As I admit in the show, “Curaçao is to me, the very best island in the Caribbean to visit.” Here’s why.

Forget “Bonware”: Why Curaçao Is the Smarter Choice

For years, serious divers have flocked to Bonaire. But Mark Pinnell, who has been diving Curaçao for 20 years, makes a compelling case for its neighbor. “We call it ‘Bonware’,” he jokes, “we’ve heard of this tiny little island.”

The difference? Bonaire, he explains, is a “tiny chilled out village” of 23,000 people, known for its “barren, rocky entrance” dives. “You’ve typically got a lot of loose, broken old corals to walk across… it’s not as easy to get into the water.”

Curaçao, on the other hand, is a “nice sized town” that strikes the perfect balance. The biggest difference for divers? “We have beaches that you can walk in from.” This is a game-changer, making entries and exits infinitely more comfortable for beginners and veterans alike. No more ankle-twisting struggles over sharp coral rubble.

It’s Not Just Diving (Unless You Want It to Be)

Here’s the other key, especially for my fellow Virgin Voyages sailors: Curaçao is *not* just a dive island. It offers a massive diversity of attractions. “We’ve got plenty to do outside of diving,” Mark says. “There’s a big food truck culture here, a lot of excellent restaurants… we’re famous for our kite surfing, windsurfing, climbing, hiking.”

This makes it the perfect destination for families or couples where not everyone is a diver. You can have a world-class vacation without ever getting wet. That blend of high-energy adventure and options for relaxation is exactly why I find that vacations in Curaçao and on Virgin Voyages are such a powerful way to boost creativity.

Comfort & Community: The Dive Bus Story

So, why The Dive Bus? Mark’s origin story says it all. When he and his partner arrived 20 years ago, they saw a problem. “We’d seen some smaller dive shops… loading all the gear in the back of a pickup and putting the divers on top,” he recalls. “We’d be driving behind them and you can see them getting redder and redder… occasionally you’d see the odd wetsuit or dive boot lying in the road that had flown out.”

Their solution was simple: “We decided to do it in comfort.” They got what they call a “bus” (a comfy, air-conditioned minivan) and built their business on a philosophy of fun, safety, and hospitality.

This is where my personal experience comes in.

That’s the Dive Bus difference. They’re ScubaPro dealers so their equipment is top-notch, but more importantly, they specialize in turning nervous beginners into confident, happy divers. They are, without question, our trusted partner in Curaçao.

Can’t-Miss Curaçao Sights (In and Out of the Water)

Dive Sites for Every Level

Pressed for time, like on your Virgin Voyages port day? Mark says The Dive Bus’s house reef is a must—it’s been his go-to for 20 years for a reason. “It’s that nice,” he says. “It’s very diverse. We’ve got a wreck area which is called the car pile, as well as the beautiful reef out from where we’ve got the coral trees.”

For advanced divers, Mark also gives a nod to the Superior Producer wreck, a legendary spot. But here’s the ultimate insider tip: “We can’t actually access it when you guys are in… it’s right under the cruise ship mega pier.” You’ll have to come back for a longer stay to catch that one!

Local Eats & The “Miracle” Bridge

When you dry off, Mark suggests heading straight into Willemstad. He recommends local hotspots like Perenchees and Mashibeo, a local food market with picnic tables where you can grab a “stoba” (local stew) and make new friends.

His best tip? Grab a seat at a canal-front restaurant and watch the “miracles” at the famous floating bridge.

After you’ve seen a miracle, take a historic walking tour. As Mark notes, “You’ve got buildings with cannonball holes still in them… from hundreds of years ago.”

Make the Leap: Why Curaçao Is the Place for New Divers

My “scared to death” testimonial is proof, but Mark doubles down: Curaçao is the best place in the world to try diving for the first time. Why? No boats, no pressure, no scary drops.

“With us, you literally start in the bay here,” Mark explains. “We practice some skills and then we head out and it’s very gradual. It’s very, very easy. For you adventurous types out there… this is a really great place to give it a go.”

Ready to Experience Curaçao?

Hear all of Mark’s tips, local secrets, and my firsthand experiences by listening to the full episode: “Curaçao Uncovered: Scuba Diving, Hidden Gems & The Dive Bus Experience (KWYWTG 33)”. Just search for “Know Where You Want to Go Travel Podcast” on Apple Podcasts or your favorite platform. You can also listen directly on Spotify!

For more information about planning your dive trip, visit The Dive Bus Curaçao. Even better, when you’re ready to plan your Virgin Voyages cruise, let me handle the details and I’ll make sure your Curaçao stop is perfectly planned.

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