RESEARCH IN CURACAO

CARMABI offers a variety of services to scientists that visit Curacao for biological fieldwork on a wide variety of terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Interested parties should send the scientific director Dr. Mark Vermeij an email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) detailing what they want to study on Curacao. This way CARMABI can advise about potentially suitable research locations, available local infrastructure and items one might want to bring to successfully execute research projects. Similarly, if one thinks about teaching a (coral reef ecology) class at CARMABI, it is advisable to make an inquiry at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it so details and needs can be discussed. CARMABI can also help to provide information on where to rent affordable cars, ship samples or hotel reservations should one decide not to use the CARMABI appartments. Each year approximately 70 scientists visit CARMABI and about 6 courses are taught in Coral Reef Ecology. Hence it is advisable to start planning a trip to CARMABI early.

At CARMABI wet- and dry labs are available with standard laboratory equipment. Diving is organized through a professional dive school located directly next to the station (DiveVersity). When bringing research equipment we recommend shipping these materials well before coming over as customs generally holds such equipment for a while. Dry ice, liquid nitrogen and all sorts of chemicals are available on the island and CARMABI has a wire-less internet system.

A total of 26 people can stay at CARMABI simultaneously in single, double and multiple person rooms with 3 shared kitchens and 6 shared bathrooms. A wet lab is present at CARMABI with running sea water and  30  large aquaria. A dry lab offers 26.5 meters of bench space and the modular set-up of the lab allows visiting researchers to customize the lab entirely to their research needs. A presentation room overlooking the Caribbean Sea provides room for 30 people and is available for classes and is equipped with computers and beamers. This presentation room can also be used for workshops and meetings. Several boats are available: one 21-ft Boston Whaler and two 13-ft Boston Whalers. Some sort of boat license is required to operate these boats off-shore. The CARMABI library holds a  large number of scientific journals and a enormous amount of historic scientific reference literature on Curacao’s ecosystems.

CARMABI staff is glad to assist you in applying for collecting and export permits, in forwarding field samples and in helping you to meet any other needs you might have.