This unique program allows anyone to become a deep sea explorer for the day
Next time one of your friends brags about scuba diving with sharks, casually mention the rarely seen specimens you ran into 1,000 feet deep in the Caribbean. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure takes place on the island of Curacao, where a unique mini sub known as the Curasub ferries a max of 4 passengers down to depths far beyond the range of scuba to view an underwater world few will ever see.
The Curasub provides an up-close look at the coral reefs of Curacao. This submersible is safe, comfortable and suitable even for persons who cannot dive due to ear problems. Photo: Barry Brown/ Substation Curacao
The sub, which is certified by Germanischer Lloyd’s to meet and exceed the industry’s highest safety standards, is operated by a professional pilot, leaving the passengers free to peer out the wide-angle front viewing bubble or through a pair of side windows. Unlike diving, there is no pressure change inside the sub, which makes these excursions suitable for many individuals who are unable to dive for medical reasons, have ear problems, or simply don’t want to get wet. In addition, the sub moves about with a smooth gliding motion that is typically enjoyable even for people who sometimes experience motion sickness on boats.
The Curasub can carry up to four passengers and a pilot to depths of 1,000 feet, and is also equipped to perform marine research tasks such as collecting samples. Photo: Substation Curacao
The company behind this undersea adventure is Substation Curacao, which not only offers these submersion programs to the public, but also conducts ongoing research projects. The Curasub is equipped with mechanical appendages for sampling and collection of specimens, and passengers sometimes become participants in the discovery of a new species, help document a previously unknown animal behavior, or aid in monitoring the health of the reefs.
The RV Chapman is a 127-foot research vessel that was once used by NOAA for oceanographic research. It now serves as a support vessel for the Curasub: Photo: Substation Curacao
A range of unique underwater experiences are offered, including submarine tours of the island’s shallow to mid-range coral reefs and shipwrecks; explorations of deeper reefs to depths of 500 feet; and plunges into the abyss to depths of 1,000 feet. Also offered are night dives and the latest addition: the Shark Deep Dive. This program allows participants to seek out a range of Caribbean shark species that includes not only those found at scuba diving depths, but also some that live in deeper water, such as the Cuban dogfish, sevengill shark and other deep sea creatures.
Colorful sponges growing on a shipwreck are illuminated by the Curasub’s lights. These are used on night dives and deep dives where there is little or no sunlight. Photo: Barry Brown/ Substation Curacao
The Curasub makes up to four dives a day from the Substation Curacao base, near the Curacao Sea Aquarium on the island’s southeast coast. For more information, visit www.substation-curacao.com
