Director of Water Operations and Safety, Carl Hanson, travels all over the world representing
Sub Sea Systems and Sea TREK helmet diving, offering our locations insight, assistance, and camaraderie! He returns to headquarters with stories and lessons to share. Here’s what Carl had to say about his latest trip to Sea TREK locations in Curacao and Aruba!
Where did you go on your latest trip?
Curacao and Aruba, Round 2! These locations were my first two international stops last year.
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| Sea TREK Curacao |
Curacao is under new management, so my time was spent training the new team. The location moved from one beach to another, so helping them set up the new location was also part of my contribution. They are now at Papagayo Beach Resort!
I then traveled to Aruba, which is approximately a twenty-minute flight from Curacao. While I was in Aruba, I completed a site inspection and safety check. We discussed installing the helmet lift system, which assists staff in placing and removing helmets. I also showed them our new underwater wheelchair, Adapted Sea TREK.
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| Soft Corals, Curacao |
Curacao operates Sea TREK at one of the most beautiful, natural reefs. There are no artificial structures, just the majesty of the ocean and its inhabitants. The resort is also amazing and incredible on its own.
In Aruba, Sea TREKkers take their tour from a private island! It’s an all-inclusive experience owned by DePalm Tours. Sea TREK is a main attraction on the island.
How did you travel from one island to the next?
I took a quick flight from Curacao to Aruba. I got lucky- the flight left early, so we landed in Aruba at the time I was scheduled to leave Curacao! You can do that when you fly on a plane that only seats about 50 passengers!
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| Jeremy Carty, Sea TREK Training Coordinator |
Both islands are Dutch, but are so completely different. Aruba is immaculate. The majority of guests come in from the US, while Curacao guests hail primarily from the Netherlands. Aruba is windy, which keeps a hot, humid island from being uncomfortable. Curacao is considered more of a “party” atmosphere!
What animals did you encounter while traveling?
Aruba has lots of lizards in a variety of colors! The underwater environment is unique in that the inhabitants are a little bigger, thanks to the artificial reef created by Sea TREK staff. Fish love the reef and tend to hang out there, so they get food every day. They don’t have to worry about predators, and are able to grow freely. I saw my first wild puddingwife, a type of wrasse, in Aruba.
In Curacao, sea life is pretty much the same, since the two islands are so close together. Coral are the main focus in Curacao, and they are truly special.
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| TREKking at DePalm Island, Aruba |
Aruba is purchasing a helmet lift, which will help make life easier for staff. Helmets are heavy, and having the lift is going to lighten their workload. Curacao has a challenge with water entry, due to significant waves. The team is putting in a platform and ladder, to make things easier on the staff.
What did you do when you had down time?
I got to explore Curacao and scout out some potential new locations for Sea TREK, and maybe even Clear Lounge. I did experience a short time of being under the weather, so I took a bit of time to rest and recuperate.
While I was in Aruba, I spent a lot of time with the team, just hanging out. We went out to eat and really got to know each other. I just wanted the team to know they’re part of our family. On an island, but not alone!
What surprised you the most?
Sea TREK Curacao’s new location is at a high-end resort, and this new home is such a huge improvement over the prior location.
At DePalm Island, they’re constantly adding features. They find ways to create and add new adventures for returning guests, so that there’s always exciting things to try.
Carl’s next trip will take him to San Diego. Stay tuned for more!
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