Preserving Beautiful Watamula

The Cliff Villa Peninsula is in the center of the Watamula Nature Preserve. It is part of a larger network of parks which will be connected by ecological corridors. The entire area is surrounded by the turbulent water called Watamula from the Dutch word Watermolen meaning “water mill.” The nature preserve stretches from Sabana Westpunt to the westerly tip of the island where you can walk on a lunar-like landscape and watch the sea erupt from natural sea geyser carved into the coral over the millennia. The two westerly currents meet at Cliff Villa Peninsula making it a remarkable drift diving spot.

The government protects the area by banning the breaking or removing shell or coral. Any seas or beach rock removed from Curacao and carried onto a flight leaving the island of Curacao will face stiff penalties.

Watamula, like many around the world is facing the impact of climate change. A coral bleaching event in Curaçao in 2010 recorded a loss of 1% of its living corals - Watamula was particularly effected. In 1983–1984 a disease effected the entire Caribbean and Florida coastline nearly eliminating the long-spined sea urchin Diadema antillarum. Sea Urchins are slowly returning to the area. On the average the current population densities are up approximately 12%. No Unagi Sashimi :)

Cliff Villa is also an artisanal fishing location targeting pelagic and demersal species. Fish species with the highest market value that are caught in this area include wahoo, mahi mahi, Yellowfin tuna, Blackfin tuna, queen snapper and grouper. Carnivorous fishes are found in low abundances across all zones of Curaçao.

There is no shortage of damselfish and lionfish  (an invasive but delicious fish) which inflict significant damage to native reef communities and corals.

Look after this natural wonder.