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Black Sand Beach / Boca Santo Pretu

Black Sand Beach / Boca Santo Pretu

Curacao, Curacao

Depth
Depth Icon

40m

Visibility
Visibility Icon

- - -

Entry
Boat Entry Icon

Boat

Experience Level

Beginner

Black Sand Beach / Boca Santo Pretu

Curacao, Curacao

Black Sand Beach / Boca Santo Pretu
Depth
Depth Icon

40m

Visibility
Visibility Icon

- - -

Entry
Boat Entry Icon

Boat

Experience Level

Beginner


About Black Sand Beach / Boca Santo Pretu

This site is located between Santa Cruz and the Mushroom Forest. Because it is surrounded by private property it might be best to access it from boat, but you can access it from Boka Santo Pretu (Playa Chikitu) beach. Snorkelers and divers can all enjoy this site. The beach is usually deserted during the week. It is an excellent spot for picnics and the beautiful beach is surrounded by large mansalina trees. The easiest entry and exist is on the northwest side of the beach. The currents near the shore are usually light with various smack caves and plenty fish life. About 140 meter out from the beach lies the Balck Sand Werck. It is upside down in about six meter water. The wreck reaches about 45 meter. Named the Catherine, she was sunk by Captain Goodlife in 1993 to honour his father captain Erik by creating an artificial reef. To reach the reef wall continue past the wreck for another five minutes. Be aware that currents here vary. The reef start at 9 meter and drops below 30 meters.

Black Sand Beach / Boca Santo Pretu Dive Info

Terrain & Features

Cave, Reef, Wreck

Entry Type

Boat

Max Depth

40m

Visibility Range

Experience Level

Beginner

Best Gas Mix

21% – 28%

O2

13% at 38m / 29%

O2
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Marine Life

  • Brain Coral
  • Peacock Flounders
  • Scorpion Fish
  • Snappers
  • Sponges
Weather Conditions

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Location

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Dive Site Hazards

  • Remote Silt Disturbance — Silt can be disturbed metres away from the source.

  • Rapid Stress Escalation — Stress can increase sharply when visibility or navigation degrades.

  • High Cognitive Load Navigation — Complex passages increase mental workload even on a line.

  • Hidden Depth Variations — Complex reef topography can conceal depth changes, leading to unintended profile variations.

  • Distraction from Marine Activity — High fish activity can distract divers and delay depth or gas awareness.

  • Rapid Surge Direction Changes — Surge near reef structures can reverse direction quickly, pushing divers sideways into unexpected areas.

  • Deceptive Entry Openings — Openings may become restrictive inside due to angle, collapse, or corrosion.

  • Surge-Induced Internal Silt Shift — Internal surge can move silt and debris without direct contact.

  • Partial Overhead Environment — Many wrecks limit direct ascent even without full penetration.

  • Fine Rust Particle Silt-Out — Disturbed rust particles can rapidly reduce visibility.

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