DIVE INTO CURAÇAO AND OFFER NATURE A HELPING HAND RESTORING CORAL REEFS

Schools of tropical fish, gently swaying seagrass and, if you’re lucky, even a sea turtle or a ray: the moment you step into the sea in Curaçao, you see why the island is considered one of the most beautiful diving and snorkeling destinations in the Caribbean.

But as majestic as Curaçao’s underwater world is, it’s also vulnerable. As with coral reefs all around the world, the coral ecosystems surrounding the island have faced increasing challenges in recent years due to climate change and pollution. That’s why Curaçao is investing more and more in restoration and awareness. And the best part? As a visitor, you can be part of that effort too.

Local organizations such as the BRANCH Coral Foundation offer unforgettable experiences in the sea, experiences that allow you to actively contribute to restoring Curaçao’s coral reefs while enjoying everything that makes the island’s waters so magical.

The importance of coral reefs

Coral reefs are not just a breathtaking sight, they are essential to life in the ocean and even on land. They provide food, shelter, and protection for countless fish species and help defend Curaçao’s coastline from waves and erosion.

“Corals are everything. Without corals, Curaçao as we all know and love it wouldn’t be,” says Max van Aalst, director of the BRANCH Coral Foundation. “If the reef disappears, we don’t only lose nature, we also lose an important part of our economy. Tourism, fishing, and daily life on the island are directly connected to a healthy sea.”

Coral restoration in Curaçao: how it works

BRANCH Coral Foundation focuses, among other projects, on restoring staghorn coral. This is a well-known species that, until recently, grew everywhere in Curaçao’s shallow waters. Restoring staghorn coral helps bring the reef back to life as a full ecosystem, because it creates the structure and habitat that allows many marine species to thrive.

BRANCH’s coral nurseries are often described as “coral trees”: underwater structures where small coral fragments are suspended above the seafloor. Because of this, it is less affected by sand and predators, and it grows much faster than in the wild. After about six months, the fragments are large enough to be replanted. They are then placed on small bamboo tables that gradually dissolve over time, eventually allowing the coral to continue growing independently on the seabed.

In a short period of time, BRANCH has expanded to multiple sites around the island. “We’ve already planted more than 5,000 corals, creating over 400 square meters of new reef,” Max explains

How you can contribute

In Curaçao, it’s very easy to experience the sea’s beauty. From practically every beach, you can step right into the water and discover its vibrant life just beneath the surface. However, a lot of travelers these days want to do more than simply enjoy nature. They want to give something back. And Curaçao is the perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable experience while also making a meaningful, sustainable impact.

Through BRANCH Coral Restoration, you can take part in the Restoration Specialty Course or join a snorkeling tour to visit the coral trees. It’s a unique way to make your holiday not only relaxing, but also truly purposeful. You’ll learn how the reef ecosystem works and you can even assist with coral care and the planting of new reefs.

Because coral grows in shallow waters close to shore, this experience is suitable both for experienced divers and snorkelers.

“Visitors increasingly want to understand what their stay means for the island,” Max says. “I’m really happy we can now offer them the chance to enjoy the sea and, at the same time, contribute to protecting and restoring coral reefs.”

Want to get involved?

Explore the possibilities at www.branchcoralfoundation.com, or ask your dive operator about the BRANCH Coral Restoration Specialty Course.