Private Tour
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
This is a fully private guided dive, exclusively with your own group. No mixed groups and no fixed rush. We take our time and adjust the pace of the dive to your experience level, so you can relax and enjoy the underwater world.
We do shore dives at Tugboat or Caracas Bay. Tugboat is a famous dive site with a shallow sunken tugboat surrounded by coral, sponges, and colorful fish. Explore the wreck and the nearby reef, home to vibrant marine life.
Caracas Bay features a gently sloping reef, sandy patches, and abundant marine life. The calm bay has a local feel, good visibility, and occasional sea turtles.
As a small, family‑run dive center in Jan Thiel, personal attention, clear guidance, and a safe, enjoyable dive are our priority.
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
All participants must hold a valid scuba diving certification and be able to show a physical or digital dive card upon arrival.
Diving within 48 hours of flying is not recommended.
All participants are required to complete a medical health questionnaire prior to diving.
Some pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma, heart problems, or other serious conditions, may prevent you from diving. Please consult your doctor if unsure.
The minimum age to participate is 10 years old.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Participants should bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.
All dives are shore-based in calm, shallow waters under the close supervision of a professional instructor.
This activity is not suitable for pregnant participants or those with serious back, ear, or sinus problems.
Not recommended for travelers with serious lung or breathing problems (e.g., asthma, bronchitis)
Not recommended for travelers with serious ear or sinus problems
Not recommended for travelers with serious eye problems or recent eye surgery
Not recommended for travelers with neurological conditions or epilepsy
Not recommended for travelers with recent surgery or treatments that limit physical activity
Not recommended for travelers with untreated mental health conditions or addictions
Not recommended for travelers with stomach, intestinal, or digestive problems that limit activity
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
At our dive center in Jan Thiel, we take certified divers on relaxed, private guided shore dives at Tugboat or Caracas Bay. We dive at an easy pace, fully adapted to your experience level, so you can truly enjoy the underwater world without pressure. Before the dive, all participants complete the mandatory medical health declaration via the Divessi website or app. At the dive center, we prepare and check the equipment together and go through a clear dive briefing. We discuss the dive plan, conditions, and what you would like to see underwater. From the shore, we enter the water calmly and start the dive once everything feels comfortable. The guided dive lasts about 30–60 minutes underwater. At Tugboat, we explore the well-known shallow wreck and the surrounding reef, home to colorful fish, corals, and sponges. At Caracas Bay, you dive in a quiet local bay with coral formations, sandy areas, and plenty of marine life. Sea turtles are regularly spotted here. All dives are private, only with your own group. This allows us to give full attention, keep the dive relaxed, and create a personal diving experience focused on enjoyment, safety, and fun.
Small private groups ensure personal attention and a relaxed experience.
Complete scuba gear including BCD, regulator, wetsuit, fins, mask, tank and weights
All applicable local taxes and fees are included in the price.
Enjoy a private dive with one or two tanks at Tugboat or Caracas Bay.
An experienced instructor guides your group throughout the dive.
Transport between the dive center and the dive site is included.
Shore-side instruction, assembling your dive set, and practicing basic skills and dive signals.
No pick-up from hotels or cruise terminals is included.
Lunch
Bring your own swimwear and a towel.
Any personal insurance
95 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
johannesbA5952SW,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
You can go to many hotels for a swim, but if you want certified and safe diving then look a little further. So I ended up at van der Ven diving school. Because I hadn’t dived for several years, we did a refresher course and went through everything in peace before diving. We did 2 dives that day in Caracas Bay and turtle island. Seen a lot from large turtles to stingrays. Highly recommended for those who want to experience personal and the right way of diving. See you again someday! Greetings from Friesland!
Door211,,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our second time diving with Van de Ven. Just like the first time, we loved our experience. This is a no nonsense, family run business with great customer service and a very obvious love of sharing their dive knowledge. They also have a high priority on dive safety, which we so appreciate. We did a navigation course, then 2 guided dives and finally 2 dives by ourself. Loved it all. Recommend them! We will be back for sure.
O3494HYstevenk,,Sep 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Very nice dive with Gerard. This school takes plenty of time, has a passion for diving and makes it a wonderful day in addition to the two dives we did. All facilities are available, modern equipment is used and the dives are discussed and chosen extensively in advance. We compared several dive centers but got a nice feeling with Angelique and Gerard. It's like going diving with friends. During our two dives we saw several turtles, beautiful coral, Caribbean sea devils and a beautiful blue spotted eel. We were more than satisfied with this diving school and are definitely considering going back. (Young couple, both padi advanced)
jobl693,,Jul 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had top dives with good and quiet explanations, thanks again! if you want to dive on curacao this is a must.
veravL4260CO,,Jul 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
I was quite excited to dive again after a year, but Monique immediately put me at ease. She explained everything calmly and clearly, which made me feel completely relaxed. The dive was beautiful! For the first time I dived for more than an hour, and Monique really took her time with me. Afterwards, we entered everything into the SSI app together, including the fish we had seen – so I could let the home front enjoy what I had seen and persuade them to go diving next time. A great experience and highly recommended. Thank you so much!
Culture27347713794,,May 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
In a relaxed vibe I was able to do an extra SSI training quickly and without any problems. Top experience in a nice location! Definitely recommended!
226tjerkv,,Apr 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Again this year I dived wonderfully and got a new license with the team of Diving School of the Ven. Thank you again for the lovely experiences. Next year I will definitely be back for the next license.
688hannekec,,Mar 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
What a special experience! Today we did an introductory dive with our family of 4 at Dive Center vd Ven. We were warmly received and received a good explanation from our instructor. Then we were taken to Caracas Bay and practiced in the shallow water in peace... Once we got the confidence and the battle we descended along the coral reef to the 10 mtr where we were introduced to the beautiful underwater world of Curaçao! 🐠🐟🦀🦑🏝️ Thank you dive center vd Ven and especially instructor Erik! You really put ox at ease!
Joe v,,Mar 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
For the 4th time back at diving center of the fen, this time to get my advanced adventurer. In addition, 2 extra guide dives made with gerard! Finest diving school on the island. I will definitely be back!

750wiebed,,Jan 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Was very nice and nice guidance! The guidance was quiet and pleasant. A lot of time and tranquility is allowed, making your diving experience pleasant.
Operated by Dive Center van de Ven