The Dutch Caribbean Island of Curaçao has once again made waves in the international diving community, earning multiple top honors in Scuba Diving Magazine’s 2026 Readers Choice Awards. The island, together with Ocean Encounters and LionsDive Beach Resort, secured an impressive collection of awards — reaffirming Curaçao’s reputation as one of the Top 10 Best Overall Dive Vacation Destinations in the Caribbean and the Greater Atlantic region.
The annual Readers’ Choice Awards are determined by thousands of votes from Scuba Diving Magazine readers who rate their favorite dive destinations, operators, and resorts around the world. For 2026, Curaçao emerged as a standout destination across nearly every major category.
Curaçao’s Top Honors in the 2026 Readers Choice Awards
- 2nd Place – Shore Diving
- 3rd Place – Best Overall Dive Destination
- Top 5 – Macro Life
- Top 5 – Beginner Diving
- Top 10 – Wall Diving
- Top 10 – Advanced Diving
- Top 10 – Snorkeling
- Top 10 – Best Value
- Top 10 – Underwater Photography
- Top 10 – Health of Marine Environment
- Top 10 – Wreck Diving
- One of the Best – Cavern/Grotto/Cave Diving
- One of the Best – Big Animals
“Curaçao continues to impress divers with its diversity, accessibility, and commitment to sustainability,” said Bryan Horne, Managing Director of Dive Travel Curaçao. “The 2026 Readers Choice Awards confirm that our island remains a world-class dive destination — not just for experienced divers, but for beginners, photographers, and eco-conscious travelers alike.”
Curaçao’s second-place finish for shore diving underscores its reputation for easy access to pristine coral reefs directly from the beach. Its 3rd place ranking for best overall dive vacation reinforces the island’s balance of value, variety, and marine health — elements that make Curaçao stand out among Caribbean and Atlantic competitors.
Ocean Encounters Curaçao: Diving Excellence Recognized
Leading the island’s underwater experiences, Ocean Encounters Curaçao once again ranked among the Caribbean’s top dive operators in the 2026 Readers Choice Awards. Based at LionsDive Beach Resort and Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Ocean Encounters earned recognition for its professionalism, fleet quality, and customer service.
Ocean Encounters’ 2026 Awards:
- 2nd Place – Quality of Dive Boats
- 2nd Place – Quality of Rental Gear
- 3rd Place – Quality of Facilities
- Top 10 – Best Overall Dive Operator
- Top 10 – Attention to Safety
- Top 10 – Quality of Staff
- Top 10 – Quality of Training and Courses
“We are incredibly proud of this recognition from divers worldwide,” said Jeremiah Peek, General Manager of Ocean Encounters. “These awards reflect our team’s passion for safety, service, and sustainability — values we uphold every day on the water.”
Ocean Encounters operates a modern fleet of dive boats, offers PADI 5-Star scuba diving Courses, and partners with Reef Renewal Curaçao to support coral restoration and marine conservation. Their consistent performance in the Readers’ Choice Awards underscores the fact that they are the trusted choice for divers exploring Curaçao’s underwater world.
LionsDive Beach Resort: A Top Caribbean Dive Resort
Adjacent to Ocean Encounters, LionsDive Beach Resort Curaçao also made an impressive showing in the 2026 Readers Choice Awards, ranking among the Caribbean’s top dive resorts.
LionsDive’s 2026 Awards:
- 3rd Place – Quality of Resort
- Top 10 – Best Overall Dive Resort
- Top 10 – Quality of Rooms
- Top 10 – Value of Resort
- One of the Best – Quality of Restaurant
- One of the Best – Quality of Staff
Nestled on Mambo Beach, just minutes from Willemstad, LionsDive Beach Resort offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. The resort’s beachfront setting, 50-meter pool, ocean-view rooms, and direct access to Ocean Encounters’ dive dock make it one of the Caribbean’s most convenient and scenic dive accommodations.
Curaçao’s Winning Dive Vacation Formula
Curaçao’s consistent performance in the Readers’ Choice Awards can be attributed to its unmatched combination of variety, accessibility, and sustainability. The island features more than 70 dive sites along its southern coastline, many accessible directly from shore. Calm seas, year-round diving, and an emphasis on coral reef conservation make it ideal for divers of every level.
Beyond diving, Curaçao offers colorful Dutch-Caribbean architecture, a vibrant culinary scene, and unique eco-adventures — from exploring Christoffel National Park to kayaking in Rif Mangrove National Park. These experiences make Curaçao a destination that appeals not only to divers, but to families and travelers seeking a well-rounded island escape.
Dive Travel Curaçao: Your Gateway to the Award-Winning Reefs
As Curaçao celebrates its 2026 Readers Choice Awards success, divers are encouraged to experience the island’s award-winning reefs firsthand.
Contact the reservations team at Dive Travel Curaçao to start planning a personalized scuba diving vacation that includes:
- Accommodations at LionsDive Beach Resort
- Boat Diving packages with Ocean Encounters Curaçao
- Guided shore diving, eco-tours, and cultural excursions
- Private airport transfers, car rentals, and non-diving adventures
Whether you are a beginner, underwater photographer, or seasoned explorer, Dive Travel Curaçao ensures a seamless, customized experience that showcases the best of Curaçao — above and below the surface.
About the 2026 Readers Choice Awards
Scuba Diving Magazine’s Readers Choice Awards are among the most respected recognitions in the global diving industry. Each year, readers rate their experiences across categories such as dive quality, value, marine health, and service. The 2026 results once again demonstrate Curaçao’s exceptional quality as a leading Caribbean destination for sustainable, world-class diving.
