Curaçao - Adventure Guide to Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao - page 236

TIP: Reservations must be made 24 hours in ad-
vance for Animal Encounter. 461-6666;

www.curacao-sea-aquarium.com.

Kid's Sea Camp
The Kid's Sea Camp is every child's fantasy and at the top of every parent's
wish list. While the adults dive or pursue other grown-up activities, kids
four and up have fun as they learn cool stuff. Even the youngest quickly
discover ways to identify fish, find out how a reef grows and learn to love
and feel safe in the ocean. The aim, in addition to introducing children to a
life-long hobby and sport, is to encourage participants to conserve and pro-
tect the earth's oceans, reefs and marine animals. Children from four to
eight years old learn to swim, snorkel and SASY (Supplied Air Snorkel for
Youth) under the vigilant watch of experienced instructors. Older kids
learn additional skills and can earn a Junior Open Water Diver certifica-
tion. The week-long camps are held only during the summer and book up
fast, so sign up early by phone or online,

800-433-3483 or 954-236-6611;

www.kidsseacamp.com.

Swim with Dolphins
At the Seaquarium lagoon, you can actually get into the water and play
with gorgeous, graceful, fun-loving bottlenose dolphins. Trainers teach
you how to interact with these amazing creatures, then send you out to
swim and frolic on your own. Free educational presentations are held
every day, and you can observe the dolphins from the shore of the saltwater
lagoon while the park is open. If you really fall in love, sign up for the Dol-
phin Trainer Course,

465-8900; www.dolphin-academy.com.
The Marine Awareness Center (MAC) gives one-day courses that teach
basic information about coral reefs and their importance to the ecosystem
(Reef Impressions) and fascinating facts about marine animals (Ocean
Encounters). Courses run about $70 for adults and $35 for children
between the ages of six and 14. Call for information about the programs
and enrollment, 461-6666.

Additional attractions inside the aquarium complex include a shell
museum, video and 3-D slide show presentations, sea lion demonstra-
tions, and educational displays. The open-air Kontiki Restaurant serves
sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. Souvenirs and gifts featuring the aquar-
ium's popular residents are for sale in the well-stocked shop.
The aquarium is open every day of the year from 8:30 am until 5:30 pm.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $7.50 for children between the ages of two
and 14. Watch for signs along the coast road southeast of Willemstad.

461-6666; www.curacao-sea-aquarium.com.
The Seaquarium Beach, adjacent to the aquarium, is one of the nicest on
the island. Facilities include a dive shop, a watersports equipment rental