The Happy Hippo Way
● “We have no customers, we have friends.”
● “ Be Happy as a Hippo.”
● “ Be a Happy Hippo Diver”
We want to show off our beautiful island, its beauty above land and under the sea. We tailor to your needs. Be it, the perfect dive trip, introducing new divers to SCUBA, or showing you the best restaurants and beaches. For us your (dive) experience must be safe, convenient, and fun. That is the Happy Hippo Way.
Most dive sites are easily accessible from shore. This makes it that Curacao has a dive site for everyone. Beginner to the advanced. Because we only dive in very small groups, to a maximum of 4 people, we can cater to your personal needs. It is all about personal attention.
We believe this results in more fun and better diving. With us you can be sure that you will experience a perfect dive holiday.
Did you Know?
The Happy Hippo donates 10 percent of its yearly revenue to Curacao environmental organizations.
Meet The Happy Hippo Team
Julio
OWNER A.K.A.THE HAPPY HIPPO.
Underwater Adventurer
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
Captain of Team HELL
Hello friends, I’m Julio, the owner and founder of The Happy Hippo Diving. I am thrilled to be your personal dive guide during your trip to Curacao and I cannot wait to show you our beautiful underwater world.
I’ve been teaching scuba diving and guiding new or experienced divers since 2006, but diving recreationally since 1993. Scuba diving is not just a profession for me, but it is a passion. I remember seeing Jacques-Yves Cousteau on the television and all the wonders of the sea. I needed to experience this. Lucky for me, I lived on Bonaire, which is considered Diver’s Paradise, so I had all the possibilities to explore the ocean and spent many days at the beach and snorkeling. After some years in Europe for education, I returned to the Caribbean, this time settling in Curacao where I became a dive professional in 2006. Since 2016 I also have the good fortune of working for the Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature where I can put my legal and veterinary education to further improve our island. I feel extremely lucky being able to combine these passions for the environment and my love for the underwater world.
Today I am a certified PADI instructor, and my main focus is safety and ocean conservation. My goal is to see my clients experience marine life as I do, and be amazed at its beauty. I wish for my students to enjoy their experience while becoming safe and responsible divers. I am able to guide you in . So, let me be your personal dive guide or instructor and give you the full dive experience.
Languages: Papiamentu, Dutch, English and Spanish.
Favorite Dive site: Superior Producer Wreck.
My motto: “We have no customers, we have friends. Be a Happy Hippo Diver”
Silvia
A.K.A. THE DIVING DIVA
Marketing and Business Development
PADI Specialty Instructor (retired!)
I am Silvia, the motor behind The Happy Hippo Diving. Although I no longer dive, and you won’t see me often, my work behind the desk is vital. I meticulously keep track of paperwork and Julio, ensuring the smooth functioning of our operations.
My diving journey began in Curacao during the last months of 2005 when I came to live there for three years. Within nine months, I progressed from Open Water to a full-fledged Specialty Instructor. Originally planning to stay for three years, my love for the island extended my stay to five years before I had to return to the Netherlands. However, my connection with Curacao was strong, prompting my return within a year.
I have a passion for travel and have explored the underwater realms of Galapagos, Bonaire, Sardinia, St. Thomas, and Sint Eustatius.
According to my students, I embody calmness underwater, providing them with the confidence to relax and master the necessary skills. But don’t let that fool you—beneath the serene surface, I can be one tough cookie. Perhaps it’s the influence of my Italian blood.
Languages: Dutch and English.
My favorite dive site in Curacao is Director’s Bay.
