A list of the best rated scuba dive sites in Bonaire.
Hilma Hooker
Bonaire's most famous wreck is without doubt the wreck of the Hilma Hooker that was scuttled just offshore Bonaire's salt mines and Atlantis Beach in september 1984. The 70 meter long Hilma Hooker was built in the Netherlands in 1951 under the name MS Midsland. Other names she has been known by are MS Mistral, MS William Express, MS Anna and the MS Doric Express. In 1984 she was transporting eleven tons of marihuana when she got into technical rudder problems. It took a week before the immigrati...
Mairi Bhan, Windjammer
Visit the classic deep wreck Mairi Bhan or Windjammer that ran aground in a fierce storm in 1912. With the cargo of liquid tar still visibly spread out on the ocean floor below, this majestic tall sailing ship now lies peacefully and partially collapsed ready to be explored. Visiting the crow's nest and possible penetration of this majestic clipper calls for advanced training and equipment. We deem this dive one of the most exhilarating available in the world of wreck diving. With the relatively...
Carl's Hill
The dive Carl's Hill is named after underwater photographer Carl Roessler and lies on the northwest tip of Klein Bonaire. This 6-30 meter deep photographer's dream has light to moderate currents for the intermediate diver. The main feature of the dive is the sheer wall that begins 20 meters offshore and drops to a sandy bottom at 20 meter. The face of the wall is covered with sponges and soft corals, making for dramatic scenery. Barracudas and bar jacks are often seen here, as well as schools of...
Conch Shells, Lac Cai
Large animals, and usually plenty of them, this is what characterizes the East Coast dive site of Lac Cai. The barrier reef that separates the shallow lagoon from the open ocean is the most popular dive location and on the way we'll encounter several dozens of large Tarpons. Public advisory: This dive may cause immense excitement due to Eagle Ray and Turtle encounters but strong swimming skills are a must!...
1000 Steps
One of the more popular shore or boat dive sites north of Kralendijk is 1000 Steps, named after the 64 steps you have to take before entering the water from shore. Especially back out of the water with your scuba gear on, these steps feel like a thousand and can be a real struggle. Located in between Boca di Toto and Barkadera Lont, it is easily found by the yellow stone in front of the tower of Radio Netherlands. This dive site gradually slopes down to ten meters from where a slightly steeper d...
South Bonaire
The southwest shore of Bonaire, from Punt Vierkant Lighthouse to Willemstoren Lighthouse, is decorated in bright colorful dive and snorkel sites. Dive sites such as Alice in Wonderland, Tori's Reef and Larry's Lair are covered in coral sponges, anemones, staghorn corals and plenty of marine fish. Besides scuba diving, you can visit the 9000 acres large Solar Salt Works of Cargill Salt still producing tons of salt which are loaded on boats from the Salt Pier. These enormous salt flats are also h...
Kralendijk
The capital Kralendijk, coming from Koralendijk or Coral Dike, is a sleepy town known for its relaxed pace, open air bars, water front restaurants and delightfully pastel colored houses. Popular beaches near Kralendijk, often shortened to Playa or Beach, are Donkey Beach and Bachelors Beach (near the Windsock Building) and Public Beach found south of the airport. The small island Klein Bonaire and its stunning coral reef is the main attraction for some of the best diving and snorkeling in Bonair...