Cliff Villa Peninsula
{{Short description|Promontory in Bandabou, Curaçao}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Cliff Villa Peninsula
| image_skyline = Watamula View.jpg
| image_caption = View from Cliff Villa Peninsula north of Watamula
| pushpin_map = Curaçao
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Curaçao
| pushpin_label_position = right
| coordinates = {{coord|12|22|55.1|N|69|09|42.9|W|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = Curaçao
| subdivision_type1 = District
| subdivision_name1 = Bandabou
| subdivision_type2 = Town
| subdivision_name2 = Westpunt
| blank_name = Climate
| blank_info = BSh
}}
The Cliff Villa Peninsula (Klif Villa Schiereiland) is a promontory where two currents meet on the north-westerly point of the island of Curaçao (a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean).
Cliff Villa Peninsula is known to be the premier dive destination for drift diving in the region.{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/breannawilson/2018/06/16/mapping-curacaos-7-best-dive-sites/|title=Mapping Curaçao's 7 Best Dive Sites|first=Breanna|last=Wilson|website=Forbes|access-date=2021-04-07|archive-date=2020-09-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919053145/https://www.forbes.com/sites/breannawilson/2018/06/16/mapping-curacaos-7-best-dive-sites/|url-status=live}} The two currents stir the nutrients in the waters 40 ft under the [https://www.cliffvilla.com/sea Cliff Villa]. This turbulent water is called Watamula which comes from the Dutch word Watermolen meaning “water mill.”{{Cite web |url=https://www.curacao.com/de/activity/watamula |title=Curaçao: The Caribbean Getaway That Sets You Free |access-date=2021-04-08 |archive-date=2021-10-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007183513/https://www.curacao.com/de/activity/watamula |url-status=live }}
The Curaçao government has taken steps to protect the site.{{cite web |url=https://rsis.ramsar.org/RISapp/files/RISrep/NL2119RISformer.pdf |title=An overview of specific rules and regulations to protect Curacao's marine life |website=rsis.ramsar.org |access-date=2021-04-07}} Spear fishing and breaking or removing shell or coral is strictly prohibited.{{cite web |url=https://www.eli.org/sites/default/files/eli-pubs/eli-2016-sustainable-fisheries-coastal-zoning-curacao.pdf |title=Sustainable Fisheries & Coastal Zoning in Curaçao |date=2016 |website= www.eli.org|access-date=2021-04-07}} A coral bleaching event in Curaçao in 2010 recorded a loss of 1% of its living corals. Corals near Westpunt were most heavily impacted with 10% affected.{{cite web |url=http://www.researchstationcarmabi.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Vermeij-MJA-2012-Curacao-State-of-the-reef-2012-Carmabi-c2012.pdf |title=The current state of Curaçao's Coral Reefs |website=www.researchstationcarmabi.org |access-date=2021-04-07 |archive-date=2019-05-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521173308/http://www.researchstationcarmabi.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Vermeij-MJA-2012-Curacao-State-of-the-reef-2012-Carmabi-c2012.pdf |url-status=live }}
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 species) which inflict significant damage to native reef communities and corals.{{Cite web|url=http://www.fao.org/fishery/facp/CUW/en|title=FAO Fisheries & Aquaculture - Country Profile|website=www.fao.org|access-date=2021-04-07|archive-date=2019-10-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017035916/http://www.fao.org/fishery/facp/CUW/en|url-status=live}}
Cliff Villa Peninsula is a refuge for Melocactus also called Milon di Seru (Dutch) or Bushi (Papiamentu) which grows in abundance on the cliff. The cactus has an extensive root system that threads through the lime rock. Pulling the cactus up will break the root system and cause the plant to die. The cactus is native to the Caribbean and South-Central American region. Melocactus has approximately 40 species.
File:Melocactus_(melon_cactus)_from_Cliff_Villa_Peninsula,_Curacao.jpg
Cliff Villa Peninsula is located in the center of the Watamula nature preserve. Watamula north of Cliff Villa Peninsula is part of a larger network of parks which will be connected by ecological corridors.{{cite web |url=https://www.dcbd.nl/sites/default/files/documents/TrustfundstudyNethAntilles-complete.pdf |title=Protected Areas Trust Fund for the Netherlands Antilles |website=www.dcbd.nl |access-date=2021-04-08 |archive-date=2021-10-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007183732/https://www.dcbd.nl/sites/default/files/documents/TrustfundstudyNethAntilles-complete.pdf |url-status=live }}