About The Plateau
Sandy's Plateau, an enthralling dive site, is located just east of the Jan Thiel salt pans inlet in Curaçao, nestled between the famous Saba Tugboat wreck and Jan Thiel Bay. This expansive, shallow plateau gradually transitions into a breathtaking, coral-covered wall. The site is a vibrant tapestry of marine life, adorned with majestic gorgonians, intricate hard corals, and a diverse array of aquatic creatures. As you descend, you'll encounter a vibrant marine world where the coral-covered wall showcases a kaleidoscope of colors. The transition from the sandy expanse to the captivating drop-off reveals a rich ecosystem. The overhangs at the site serve as perfect sanctuaries for Caribbean spiny lobsters, while elusive crabs often seek refuge within large barrel sponges. Sandy's Plateau is a haven for biodiversity, attracting snorkelers and divers alike due to its rich marine inhabitants. The site's meeting of a shallow plateau and a vibrant coral wall creates a symphony of marine life, offering an unforgettable experience for those exploring the Caribbean's underwater realm. This is primarily a boat diving site, accessible to Open Water certified divers. Depths typically range from 12 to 36 meters.
Highlights
Expansive shallow plateauCoral-covered wallMajestic gorgonian coralsCaribbean spiny lobstersLarge barrel spongesElusive crabs
Season calendar
Best months to dive here
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Excellent
Good
Off-Season
Jun – Oct
Dry season with best visibility on the Great Barrier Reef. Minke whale season June–July. Ningaloo whale sharks March–July.
Apr – May & Nov
Comfortable temperatures, good visibility, fewer crowds. Giant cuttlefish aggregation in South Australia May–August.
Dec – Mar
Wet season in the tropics. Reduced visibility, jellyfish season. Warmer water attracts coral spawning.
Dive site facts: The Plateau
- Depth
- 12–36 m
- Current
- Strong
- Entry
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Level
- Beginner
- Dive type
- Reef, Reef
- Region / port
- Australia
- Coordinates
- 28.6150° S, 153.6280° E
Conditions & Currents
Due to recreational and commercial boat traffic in the area, divers are required to use an inflated surface marker buoy for safety. While specific current information for Sandy's Plateau is not detailed, sites in the region can experience varying conditions. Divers should be prepared for potential boat traffic and ensure proper surface signaling. This site is accessible to Open Water certified divers.
Why dive The Plateau from a liveaboard?
The Plateau is one of Australia's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.
Below are the liveaboards that include The Plateau on their Australia itineraries.
Liveaboards diving The Plateau
These liveaboards may visit The Plateau on selected itineraries, the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.
Spoilsport
Australia
28 guests30 m
Odyssey Liveaboard
Australia
20 guests24 m
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