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Our wonderful group of 24 Under Sea Adventurers, spent June 21st through June 28th, diving the nearby reefs off the beautiful island of Curacao.
We could not have asked for better weather. Mother Nature smiled on us and we were delighted with sunny days and beautiful breezy, starry nights!
Sunset Water's staff was very willing to fill our needs and requests, in the "island way"...just relax..don't worry, be happy.
That is just what we did. Our rooms were large and comfortable and we had beautiful views. The resort's swimming pool, complete with swim up bar, was our post dive gathering and watering hole. Chicken fights, anyone? Yes, I do recall a few. Congratulations to the Ficarra's for defeating the Manhold's in a "no holds barred" match. How about the underwater hand stand contest? Yes, Pat Smith holds the record.....32 seconds. Way to go Pat! I even heard a story about a runaway Conga Line! I would be remiss not to include our Mini Golf-A-Mania Match. Three of the most difficult to maneuver holes were played by most in our group. Even though we suffered a shortage of golf balls, we  managed to share the few we had. Can you believe, it was just like Pebble Beach.....we had to play a sudden death hole. The crowd hushed (yeah right!!) as Pat Smith and John Ficarra faced off for the championship. In the end, John was crowned victor of the First Mini Golf-A-Mania Match at Sunset Waters Beach Resort. Only a few minor injuries were reported!
Sunset Divers, managed by Lynn Bean, was a wonderful dive operation. We were ALL able to dive, in comfort, from the 44 foot boat "Day Dreamer". We had room to spare. The dive deck was roomy. The Day Dreamer was equipped with two large ladders that made getting back on the boat very easy. Lynn supplied us with numerous rinse buckets for the many camera buffs. Dive Masters were helpful with gear and did a speedy tank change between our dives while we munched on fresh fruit. Our Watamula drift dive was truly spectacular. The coral formations were the biggest I have ever seen. Large sponges and fans covered the ocean floor. It was hard to see any sand. Just as the brochure stated, it was truly a not-to-miss dive. The adjoining, Mushroom Forest, was another marvelous dive site. Huge coral heads that have eroded at the bottom, resemble giant mushrooms!! Curacao's west coast is truly a diver's paradise and is famous for clear, calm waters, beautiful reefs and excellent visibility.
 The famous "House Reef" was frequented by several in our group, every day. There were also night dive enthusiasts. From the shore it was beautiful to see all the lights, strobes and other flashes going off. Many USA'ers made the most of the unlimited shore diving offer. Yours truly, did her first beach dive in Curacao, on the "House Reef" and I have to give a special "Thank You" to Linda Ianniello for pointing out my very first sea horse. Thanks Linda, it was truly a wonder to behold. I even managed to capture a few pictures to prove it. Another "Thank You" goes to John Ficarra for leading Julie and I from the shore over the rocky bottom until we reached a sandy area.
Our meals were all served in a huge Tiki Hut with open air dining  and whirling paddle fans, at least in half of the hut. Colorful, friendly island birds, greeted us each morning and desperately tried their best to sneak a bite, or sip of our breakfast selections. There was something for everyone at every meal. We enjoyed very friendly dinners and would linger at the bar and share jokes and stories and lots of laughter. "You Scream, I Scream, We All Scream For Ice Cream!!
Small groups of USA'ers would take the complimentary shuttle into  Willemstad and spend either a morning or afternoon strolling the stone streets dotted with colorful shops. There were several street vendors by the famous floating bridge. They offered brightly colored shirts, beads and souvenirs just waiting to be purchased. A few of us visited the "Floating Market". Fruits and vegetables of all sizes, shapes and colors were beautifully displayed and very tempting. Waterfront cafes and restaurants lined the sea and were a welcomed oasis after a long hot walk.
We had comfortable beds, good food and drink, entertainment, great diving  and Under Sea Adventurers. What else did we need?
I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of my 23 travel companions for making my debut as Trip Leader a pleasant one. Your help and cooperation made our "Wow, We're Going To Curacao", a huge success.
Please be sure to visit the Under Sea Adventurers’ Photo Gallery page. Click on the Curacao Trip and see all the fun we had, on land and under the sea.
Clare Anthon
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