Curacao Geography

Curacao is a transcontinental island that is geographically part of South America but is also considered to be part of West Indies and one of the Leeward Antilles. The flora of Curacao differs from the typical tropical island vegetation. Xeric scrublands are common, with various forms of cacti, thorny shrubs, evergreens, and the island’s symbolic divi-divis. Curacao’s highest point is the 375 meter (1,230 ft) Mount Christoffel in the northwestern part of the island.

Curacao is renowned for its coral reefs which makes it an excellent spot for scuba diving. The beaches on the south side contain many popular diving spots. An unusual feature of Curacao diving is that the sea floor drops off steeply within a few hundred feet of the shore, and the reef can easily be reached without a boat. This drop-off is locally known as the "blue edge." Strong currents and lack of beaches make the rocky northern coast dangerous for swimming and diving, but experienced divers sometimes dive there from boats when conditions permit. The southern coast offers remarkably calm waters. The coastline of Curacao features many bays and inlets, many of them suitable for mooring.

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