Day 1: Welcome to the Island

Arrive on the beautiful island of Curacao , where a welcome reception, orientation, and dinner await you. Your guides will be on hand to answer questions, help you get settled, and introduce you to the other participants. Enjoy your first night at the Lions Dive Hotel while you watch the sunset from the beach-side deck.

Days 2 and 3: Jump In and Get Wet!

In the mornings, learn the essentials of SCUBA—on land—so you can jump in the water by the afternoon. Your first dives, will be in a protected seawater lagoon, surrounded by beautiful puffer fish, blue tangs, and red snapper. The instructor and guides will help each new diver feel secure. You will complete the written portion of your certification by the end of Day 3.

We will also have a naturalist leading a snorkeling group and a SCUBA diving group, depending on the preference of our participants. Everyone will explore the reef in a way that is comfortable for them.

Day 4: Graduate to the Reef

Use your new knowledge to dive on the reef. No boat required—the reef is just steps from the shore. See live coral for the first time, plus parrot fish, trumpet fish, rock fish, anemones, sea stars, sponges, and more! If you look carefully you may even spot a seahorse. In the afternoon, celebrate your successes relaxing on the beach or head into town where you can dine at a café or buy souvenirs.

Day 5: Try to Train a Sea Lion

How many fish does it take to get a 500 lb. animal to balance a ball? A professional trainer will teach you about the behavior of sea lions and give you the chance to interact with these animals. For dinner, head to a unique Curacao barbeque and relax.

Day 6: Camp on a Desert Island

In the morning, get your gear and enjoy a three hour private boat ride to Klein Curacao, a nearby deserted island. At the island, you'll experience your first drift dive, where you can observe the reef as you drift with the current. Keep your fingers crossed—you may even see sea turtles! After dinner, relax around the beach bonfire, gaze up at the starry sky, and fall asleep in your tent to the sound of surf.

Day 7: Hike the Highest Peak

Drive to the foot of Christoffel Mountain , where you'll take an extreme jeep ride to the trailhead that will lead you to the 1,000 foot peak, past lizards and cacti. At the top, a panoramic view of the island and surrounding Caribbean Sea will take your breath away.

Day 8: Swim with Dolphins!

Jump in the water with dolphins and learn the techniques that trainers use to get them to jump, splash, and circle around you. This is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to interact closely with dolphins. In the afternoon, we'll say our reluctant goodbyes; you won't want to leave!

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