Certified Scuba Diving in Curacao

This is a family-type business that leads only small groups out at a time. If you've been on a boat of 100 people that basically shows you a sea chart and leaves you to it, you know how nice it is to have a guide who knows the place and handles the particulars well. Van de Ven was exactly what I was looking for. I was able to rent a small, recently-made camera from them for some underwater photography and get myself re-acquainted with diving again after nearly a year since my last dive. My divemaster was really kind, very helpful and they whole group was just really nice. You don't get that everywhere and Van de Ven has a great vibe. He helped me with the shore diving aspect of our treks, literally helping me on with the new-to-me shore-diving fins that go with the shoes, and making sure I didn't fall on the way up the beach in the surf coming out of the water. The reef itself in Curacao is very healthy, more so than in other parts of the Caribbean I've seen, and the diving itself was great.

Like many dive centers in Curacao, they are regional. Going to different parts of the island takes a while by car or by boat, and they all tend to stay rather local. If you want to dive up at Westpunt, you need to drive up there and then use a local dive center to the area, for example. If you want to see the supposedly-spectacular East End, that will require another company and a boat. All of Van de Ven's diving is near their location in Curacas Bay, and it is shore diving, which isn't as easy. You don't lose anything by shore diving, it's just a bit more physical work walking around with a tank on. I hadn't done it in about 12 years, so I had forgotten the particulars. However, I learned while there that most of the boat diving companies in Curacao go to the same dive sites as the shore divers, except instead of walking in, you go off the boat very close to shore. But there is the exception of diving in the East End of the island, and for that you do need a boat (my only regret is not scheduling one with another business because it is said to be gorgeous). If Van de Ven were to occasionally partner with another company for those who wanted to go there and to other parts of the island, it might be a nice addition. I think most people who are first-time visitors to Curacao do not know how big the island is or that if they want to dive in different areas, they really do need to book with more than one company. I didn't, anyway, and it wasn't in the tourist information I read.

If I go back to Curacao, I will arrange to get to the East End another way, and I will definitely go back to Van de Ven for diving, or anyone they would recommend as they have high standards. They took great care of me and I had no worries at all for my safety or my enjoyment. If you are looking for a company to dive the Curacas Bay area, they are the best.

Great diving experience with nice and professional people. They really make an effort to provide you with the trip you are looking for.

I recently obtained my SSI Scuba Skills Update certificate and was very happy with the excellent service this diving school provided. I will for sure come back and I really recommend this school for everyone wanting to receive a good, friendly and high quality service.

We, my partner and I, had 2 amazing dives with Gerald on our trip in Curacao. We just had our certificate since this year and we had wonderful assistance. They do their dives in small groups, so it was just the two of us. I felt completely safe and had an amazing time, we went to two different places and they were both beautiful. We would highly recommend at everyone who wants to dive in curacao to book with them!

Angelique was warm and welcoming, she made me feel safe from the moment I came to the dive center. She explained everything and suggested two good dive sites.

I had to wonderful dives withs lots to see in the water. I hadn’t dived for a while, but because of diving from shore and Angelique’s leading there wasn’t a problem at all. I hope to manage even more dives with this dive center before I go back home,

It’s highly recommended this company if you wanna dive alone or in small groups and get a good experience under water.

Best regards Kristin

Actually the rating should be 5 star plus…….Over the past 5 years I spend 2 to 3 months a year in Curacao avoiding the European winter. During my stay I scuba dive 4 times a week making use of the services provided by Duikcentrum van der Ven. Duikcentrum van der Ven is a family ruined business, they are very dedicated to the safety and welfare of their customers. They operate with small groups and of the one on one. Their philosophy is that you should have a great experience whether you do an intro dive, refresh dive, guided dive or any of their courses. The dive center is located at the Caracas Baai weg in the Jan Thiel area close to Caracas Baai, Tug Boat Beach and Zanzibar Beach servicing a large area with top class accommodations. They sell snorkel equipment and rent out diving gear as well.

We had a wonderful dive this morning together with Angelique from Duikcentrum van de Ven. The warm welcome, interest and especially the expertise of the family working in this business is excellent. We would highly recommend this diving centre, especially as they value small groups (max. 4 persons), which greatly translates in the personalised service and attention (therefore, it is recommended to book early). It’s a must-do on Curaçao to scuba-dive, and a good experience guaranteed when booking with this SSI scuba centre.

I went for two dives with this center this week after obtaining my open water certificate here earlier. Both were amazing experiences, where I’ve seen a wide variety of brilliant marine life. It honestly felt like you were swimming in the midst of a Planet Earth episode. These guys are really passionate about their craft, and this reflects in them knowing the best diving spots and guiding you in the safest way possible. They are also really friendly and accommodating. Go here if you value a personal approach with a high regard for safety. A+ will definitely return.

We rented Scuba Gear from this shop for over a week and loved it. You can't beat their prices on the island, and the Mares Dive Gear is fantastic. The are very friendly, speak English and Dutch, and were more than accommodating with our multiple rentals. Highly Recommended!!!!!!

We booked a dive for my husband and I decided to snorkel. They were wonderful and set us both up with all the equipment we needed. We received great service, quality equipment, and had a fantastic experience all around. Would definitely recommend!