Curaçao's 2010 Annual Dive Festival is scheduled for May 29 - June 5, 2010
WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO — Ranked among the Caribbean’s best islands for diving, called one of the top destinations for new divers, home to "Mushroom Forest" — one of the top dives in the world, and rated best in the Caribbean for shore diving, Curaçao is, or should be, on any diver’s wish list of places to visit. Most recently CURAÇAO was voted the 2008 Reader's Choice Award by Scuba Diving Magazine and The #1 Healthiest Marine Environment in the Caribbean. Curaçao is a treasure-trove of underwater life with 57 species of coral, 500 species of fish and over 60 different dive spots in which divers can enjoy the scenery.
In addition to its unique architecture and its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Curacao's Dive industry has put this small Caribbean nation on the map - or more accurately, on the chart! The Dive Festival is Curacao's opportunity to share its underwater splendor with the world. For novices and experienced divers alike, there is no better event to attend to enjoy and benefit from expert speakers, SCUBA education and the lasting friendships of other dive enthusiasts.
Registration is free and visitors can enjoy a week full of guided dives, workshops, seminars and advanced dives, while nightfall brings happy hour gatherings with live entertainment, movies on the beach, BBQs and night dives. Visitors are welcome to join the full week of activities, or just join in for two or three days, since it’s a free festival there is no monetary commitment that ties visitors in to a strict schedule. Plus, local dive operators are offering special packages throughout the festival.
World famous experts who participated in past Dive Festival programs with workshops:
Jason Heller, professional photographer, publisher of DivePhotoGuide and author of the "Images" column for Sport Diver Magazine.
Captain Wayne Hasson, president of Oceans for Youth Foundation and experienced dive instructor and trainer.
Peter Evers, airbrush painter and instructor of the Marine Art Paintbrush sessions during the Dive Festival.
Eric Douglas, author and director of Training for Divers Alert Network.
Marc Sluszny, adventure seeker and world traveler.
Ty Sawyer, editor of Sport Diver Magazine: Wild about Curaçao workshops, which provided valuable insight on the island from the perspective of an expert traveler, journalist and photographer.
Jack and Sue Drafahl, a husband and wife team of professional undersea journalists, lecturers and multimedia producers: workshops on Adobe Photoshop Editing Skills for Underwater Photographers.
Dietmar Fuchs, an underwater marine biologist and editor-in-chief of Germany's largest dive magazine Unterwasser: workshops on the Conservation and Wonders of our Underwater Marine Life.
Andreas “Andi” Voeltz, underwater photographer, filmmaker & director, and Marty Snyderman, a still photographer, film producer, author and speaker specializing in the marine environment: workshops on Underwater Digital Photography.
In addition to fabulous diving, Curaçao also offers great hotel and resort options, plus a wide variety of topside attractions and dining options.
For additional information on diving in Curaçao and free registration for the Dive Festival, please contact the Curacao Tourist Board at tel: 5999 434 8200. (If dialing from USA, first dial 011, then the number.)
The Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao boasts an eclectic mix of history and culture creating a Caribbean experience like no other. This 38-mile long melting pot of diversity offers the emblematic sea, sun and sand of the Caribbean combined with the sophistication and atmosphere of Europe. Visitors to Curaçao will enjoy a broad selection of activities, from hiking and biking, to museums and art galleries, to gourmet dining and local cuisine. Also known for its pristine diving conditions, Curaçao attracts the adventure traveler as well as those just looking to unwind and enjoy its perfect climate. American Airlines offer daily flights into Curaçao through Miami. Continental Airlines provides weekly service to Curaçao through Newark. Contact hotels or travel agents directly for more information. To learn more about Curaçao or to receive a free destination DVD, contact 1-800-3-CURACAO (1-800-328-7222) or visit www.curacao.com.
To view all hotel accommodations and contact a hotel directly click here.
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