The famous tugboat wreck in Caracassbaai A must-visit for divers, snorkelers and free divers.
Its close proximity to the shore makes it easily accessible, allowing visitors to explore the rich underwater world just a few yards offshore. The wreckage site is situated in a protected bay, offering a safe and calm environment for underwater exploration. The shallow depth of just 5 meters allows for a longer bottom time, perfect for snorkelers or divers who prefer shallower dives.
One of the highlights of this dive site is the abundance of marine life that can be found here. Divers and snorkelers will come across a wide variety of critters, including seahorses, octopus, lobsters, and if you’re lucky, the elusive nudibranch. These fascinating creatures add a touch of color and excitement to the underwater landscape. The tugboat wreck itself is covered in overgrown tube sponges and coral, creating a mesmerizing sight The vibrant colors and textures provide a stunning backdrop for underwater photography enthusiasts.
I’m back in Curaçao and excited to dive again. I hop in a car with a friend and we head towards the shore at Director’s Bay, located at the tip of CaracasBaai. Known to be one of the most diverse dive sites on this side of the island, it is where the famous Tugboat wreck rests upright at aprox 6m/18feet on the southernmost point of an extensive sand plateau. Since it accidentally sunk over 30 years ago, the wreck became fully covered with many different coral formations and colorful sponges. The dive spot is sheltered from the elements so the diving conditions are near perfect. There are hardly any waves or current at this site.
Chest-deep in turquoise waters, we descend and the feeling of weightlessness is freeing once again. Just around the corner in a southeasterly direction we found a steep wall which drops down to 30m/100feet depth. The top of the reef and the shallow part of drop off are fully covered with Sea Rods, Sea Fans, Tube Sponges, Star Coral and an abundance of fish such as Sergeant Majors, Sea Horses and schools of Jack’s.
In the deeper part, Black Coral and Elephant Ear Sponges dominate the wall. After we reach the desired depth we turn back to follow our guide to the tugboat fully covered with a variety of coral formations, colorful sponges and plenty of fish circling the wreck. I have snorkeled and free dived here a few times but the experience of scuba diving here is out of this world.
The volcanic limestone under the waters of Curaçao has been developing for millions of years, ultimately becoming a true work of art and I can’t help but feel grateful and privileged that we have an access pass to this magnificent underwater word.
MORE WRECKS!
Superior Producer:
In 1977 the Superior Producer was on its way to Isla Margarita, when it came into the harbor of Curaçao to take on fuel and supplies. As the ship exited, it ran into trouble and rough seas when part of the cargo shifted and the ship started to take on water. It was towed to the north of the harbor entrance where it finally sunk just off the coast of Otrobanda. The wreck measures about 50 meters in length and sits upright on a sand plateau only 60 meters away from the shore, at a depth of about 30 meters/100ft. The shallowest part of the wreck is the top of the super structure which is at around 18 meters/40ft depth. After all these years on the bottom of the sea the wreck is completely covered with many different species of corals and sponges. The orange tube coral does very well under low light conditions and covers much of the wreck. The polyps of this coral extend during the night to catch food, the wreck turns orange.
by Sheila Botton