Frequently Asked Questions

What is the water temperature in Curacao?
The water temperature varies from 79 degrees Fahrenheit/26 degrees Celsius in February and March to 84 degrees Fahrenheit/29 degrees Celsius in September and Oktober..
With how many divers are we in the water?
The Happy Hippo Diving believes in a personal approach. All our dives are personal. For both courses and guided dives we have a maximum of 4 people.So it’s just you and/or your party.
What dive gear should I bring?
As shore diving is most common here, we strongly advise the use of open heel fins with booties instead of full foot fins. Although the water temperature is comfortably warm, we do advise wearing a thin wetsuit while diving.
We advise against wearing gloves, as people have the tendency to touch the fragile underwater life. If you have your own dive gear it’s great. Nothing feels more comfortable than your own equipment. But if you don’t, don’t worry: We can help you out with rental gear!
Can we bring our non-diving friends/family to a guided dive?

It is your party. Be advised that not all dive sites are comfortable for those on shore. There might not be shade, facilities, or guides for the non-divers. But, do not worry, we can cater to your needs and choose sites where everyone can enjoy themselves. We do need to know this in advance so we can accommodate you. It might be a good idea for the non-divers to sign up for our PADI Discover Scuba Diving program!

What are the opening hours of The Happy Hippo?

We only work on appointments so please contact us in advance. We will facilitate you as best as we can.

Should I book in advance?

As we cater to your specific needs, iit is highly recommended to pre-book as that is the only way we can guarantee availability. Want to dive today? Don’t hesitate to contact us, maybe it’s your lucky day.

Are there any age restrictions to diving?
The minimum age is 10 years old. You can join a Discover Scuba Diving or PADI Junior Open Water Diver Course. There is no maximum age, as long as you’re in good condition.
Although we do not offer the PADI Bubble Maker program, little kids from the age of 8 years old can start diving in very shallow water.
How can I pay?
You can pay cash or by money transfer to our local Curacao or Curacao bank account.
To facilitate our Dutch/European clients, we also have a Dutch bank account .
What if I haven’t been diving for a while or don't feel completely sure about my knowledge and/or diving?

We advise people to do our Dive refresher course when they haven’t been diving in a while. Diving becomes much more fun and rewarding when you feel comfortable in the water. Make your diving experience with us as much fun as possible!

What are the requirements for learning to scuba dive?
If you have a passion for excitement and adventure, chances are you can become an avid PADI Diver. Scuba diving is a fun, relaxing activity, but it’s important for divers to be healthy and fit.
You’ll also want to keep in mind these requirements:
● The minimum age is 10 years old.
● All student divers must confirm they are fit to dive and complete a brief scuba medical questionnaire that asks about medical conditions that could be a problem while diving. Some people need their doctor to, as a safety precaution, assess the condition as it relates to diving and sign a medical form that confirms you’re fit to dive.
● Able to float/swim for 10 minutes without swim aids
● Able to continuously swim at the surface for 200 meter/yard without aids or for 300 yard/meter swim with mask, snorkel and fins
What about sharks?
When you’re lucky, you get to see a shark. That would be awesome. However incidents with sharks rarely occur in Curacao and with respect to diving, primarily involve spear fishing or feeding sharks, both of which trigger feeding behavior. Most of the time, if you see a shark it’s just passing through and a rare sight to enjoy.
Does your scuba diving certification expire?
No. Most recreational scuba certifications do not expire. However, it is important to keep up to date with your knowledge and skills to ensure a fun and safe dive.If you have not been in the water recently, you will have the chance to complete a skills check or refresher course.
This is for your safety and comfort.
How long does it take to earn a scuba diving certification?

It’s always one of the first questions that comes up: How long is this scuba course going to take? Before you go scuba diving, you need to have the knowledge and skills to pull it off. A scuba diving certification course will give you just that and get you ready for some amazing adventures underwater. The short answer is “it depends”. If you complete your coursework ahead of time via eLearning, the certification course could take as little as three to four days.

Flying and diving – what do I need to consider?
The longer the time interval between diving and flying, the better. In general, one should not dive at least 24 hours before flying. The interval is extended after deco dives, extended repetition dives or missed decompression stops. Also, when you arrive at your resort, be sure to be fit and avoid dehydration. Read your travel insurance carefully, some require that you leave a minimum time BEFORE diving after flying. So treat yourself to a day more to acclimate and rest, then there is nothing in the way of your SCUBA diving pleasure with The Happy Hippo Diving.
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