Sea Creatures
Curacao is home to a variety of marine life, including whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. A great place to view these wonders of the Caribbean sea is Cliff Villa Peninsula.
Whales: Humpback whales, Sperm whales, and occasionally, Bryde's whales, can be spotted off the coast of Curacao during their migration season, which usually occurs between January and April.
Humpbacks travel up to 16,000 miles annually between their breeding and feeding grounds. You will recognize them: Humpback whales are highly acrobatic and are known for their spectacular breaches, in which they leap out of the water and land back with a huge splash.
Dolphins: Curacao is home to several species of dolphins, including Bottlenose, Spotted, and Common dolphins. The Bottlenose dolphin is the most well-known and recognizable species of dolphin, often seen in aquariums and performing in shows. Spotted dolphins are named for their black and white spots on their bodies (surprise). Common have a distinctive hourglass pattern on their sides, with a yellowish-tan hourglass shape set against a darker background.
Sea Turtles: Head to Playa Piskado in Westpunt to swin with these beautiful animals. Three species of sea turtles can be found in the waters around Curacao: the Green turtle, the Loggerhead turtle, and the Hawksbill turtle. These turtles can often be spotted while snorkeling in Playa Piskado as the fishermen throw out the fish offal.
Turtles come to the beaches down the coast in the Northwest of Curacao to lay their eggs between May and September, with peak nesting season occurring in June and July. The eggs are buried in nests in the sand, and after about two months, the baby turtles hatch and make their way to the ocean. (Amazing)
Here are some additional facts to ponder while you swim with the turtles at Playa Piskado:
Green turtle:
They are one of the largest sea turtles, with adults reaching lengths of up to 4 feet and weights of up to 700 pounds.
Green turtles are named for the color of their body fat, which is green due to their herbivorous diet of seagrasses and algae.
Green turtles can hold their breath for up to five hours while resting.
The Green turtle is the only species of sea turtle that nests in the United States.
Green turtles have a unique ability to navigate back to their birthplace to lay their own eggs.
Loggerhead turtle:
It is the most abundant species of sea turtle in U.S. waters.
Loggerhead turtles can weigh up to 1,000 pounds and reach lengths of up to 3.5 feet.
Loggerhead turtles are named for their large head, which is used for crushing and grinding their food, which consists of hard-shelled prey like crabs and mollusks.
Loggerhead turtles are the most migratory of all sea turtle species, with some individuals traveling more than 9,000 miles in a single year.
The Loggerhead turtle is listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
Hawksbill turtle:
It is named for its narrow, pointed beak that resembles a hawk's bill.
Hawksbill turtles are relatively small, with adults reaching lengths of up to 3 feet and weights of up to 200 pounds.
Hawksbill turtles are critically endangered, with populations declining by as much as 80% over the past century.
Hawksbill turtles are important for coral reef health, as they feed on sponges that can overgrow and harm coral reefs.
The beautiful and unique shells of Hawksbill turtles have been historically used for jewelry and other decorative purposes, which has contributed to their decline in numbers.
