Bonaire's Best Dive spots
Bonaire has long boasted of spectacular and diverse dive sites which have made the island gain the reputation of being one of the best diving destinations in the Caribbean.
Thanks to its abundant marine life diversity, seasoned divers consider their experiences in Bonaire as one of their best. Bonaire Marine Park offers a total of 86 dive sites, it is home to over 57 species of soft and stony coral and more than 420 recorded fish species. With ample dive sites that are easy to find both from a boat and from the shore, the island has something to offer every level of diver. In this article, we're giving you a rundown of the top spots to explore Bonaire's underwater magic.
City skyline
City skyline
Salt Pier
This dive site is a
favorite amongst underwater
photographers. Salt Pier is perfect for those wide-angle photos. Barracudas, spotted drums, turtles, all can be found hiding under the shadows of the pier.
A shallow dive starting at 6m going down to 16m, here you’ll see an incredible maze of strikingly colored sponge-covered pillars, placed by Stinapa, also known as the Bonaire National Park Foundation.
Karpata
Karpata is an impressive dive site on Bonaire where divers can
swim along intricate coral formations and ridges.
Visibility is impeccable from the surface to bottom, and it is not unusual to see giant green moray eels, lobsters, and even the invasive lionfish all hiding under the many stony coral ledges that pepper the reef wall.
Invisibles
Located in the southern part of Bonaire, Invisibles boasts of a double reef that guarantees a stunning underwater show featuring amazing marine creatures such as garden eels, spotted drums, parrotfish, trunkfish and spotted eagle rays. Although, finding the second reef may be a bit tricky so make sure you ask your dive center for directions and tips.
Red Beryl
If you're looking for
a pleasant and quiet dive in Bonaire, this spot is perfect for you. Located on a large sandy stretch along the shoreline, this spot is excellent for spotting turtles and big tarpons, as well as large schools of fish that can be seen feeding on plankton.
Red Beryl is an alternation between sandy areas and coral reefs . The first plateau lies at a depth of 3 meters and is mostly covered with soft corals. Between 10 and 15 meters, you’ll spot lip fish, bullet fish, and occasionally a turtle.
City skyline
City skyline
Hilma Hooker
This dive is an internationally known wreck dive. The Hilma Hooker is a 72-meter long cargo ship that was sunk off the southern coast of Bonaire in 1984 with access available from boat or shore.
Diving from the shore guarantees spotting schools of fish along the shallows and coral formations. Descending down the Hilma Hooker is an exciting experience and divers enjoy exploring the marine life nesting among the deep crevices of the ship.
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