curacao1The 10 th annual family meeting of ISAM was held at the Lions Dive Hotel in conjuntion with Ocean Encounters Curacao. Ocean Encounters is a Peter Hughes dive operation, a name that has become synonymous around the world with great diving . In fact, Peter Hughes made a personal appearance and dive with the ISAM group during our week of diving in Curacao.

As you would expect, the diving in Curacao was spectacular. The coral reefs surrounding the island are home to colorful corals, sponges, and more than 500 species of fish. Many of the dives off Curacao are within the Curacao Underwater Park, wich was established in 1983 to help preserve thereef. One of the best dive sites was Mushroom Forest, where we saw Boulder Star coral formations rising as 10 to 15 feet from the ocean floor.

Among the featured dive spots were two wrecks, the freighter Superios Producer and the Tugboat.

Joel Silverstein joined us again this summer to conduct CME program and supervise the diving activities. In addition to the CME course offered during the week, Joel offered a SDI/TDI divemaster certification and an SDI/TDI instructor training course. Master Diver, Rescue Diver, Assistant Instructor, and Advanced Diver programs were also availeble.

Curacao is a picturesque island that never left ISAM guests searching for something to do. Non-diving travel partners appreciated the sandy beaches and tropical gardens, world-class shopping, museums, gourmet restaurants, and lively nighclubs, discos, and casinos.

It was truly a trip to remember. Be sure to sign up for next year’s family seminar in Dominica.

 

 

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