I was looking at the dive site map and the number for the Hooker does not appear on the map, it actually skips 2 numbers???????Should I just find center point and head out!!!!!

The Hilma Hooker site is marked with the bright yellow stones as you head south toward Salt pier. It has buoys on the bow and stern. On the 2002-2003 edition of Calabash Skyviews Ltd. road map & guide it is between The Lake and Angel City dive sites.

Tod, You should buy Susan Porter's Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy.
She provides instructions for entrance and exit for the Hooker (number 43) and for every other Bonaire shore dive. She also describes other matters you need to know about each dive. This book is as important on Bonaire as your regulator and BC. Don't go diving without it!
Tish

Tod, I totally agree with Tish, buy the guide book. The descriptions of dive site entries in Susan's book are awesome.

Hi Tod! Yes buy the book it is fabulous. I believe they have it a Chat N Browse. We used it for every shore dive (did 11 of them).

I just dove the Hilma twice and once was by accident. We entered at Angel City and went north, got a little excited and must have been kicking too much because we came up on the Hilma - that was creepy! The second time we dove via boat. There are actually 3 mooring buoys for the site. It is clearly marked with the yellow rock on the side of the road, but I have to caution you that it can be a tricky entry from shore. There is a step down with ground swells to consider and there are also lots of large rocks. If you have a choice, try it as a boat dive.

Jeanine, if there is a current running, it is very easy to go from Angel City to the Hooker. Since Bas suggested it on BT a couple of years ago, Smack and I have done it at least three times.

Ooops! I guess we swam the wrong way going out then. It is the freakiest thing to come up on the bow of that boat when you don't expect it. I'll have to try and do it again on my next trip.

Buy the book, you won't regret it.

However, on the map I have from last year, it lists Hilma Hooker as site #40, between The Lake and Angel City. It is the dive map that you get at the dive shop at your orientation.

Also, it's easy to spot the yellow rock!

Oooo thanks for reminding me Kelly. Not all of the shops have the updated dive maps. It could be 43 or 40 depending on what year the map was printed. They have closed a couple of sites, which is why the numbers have changed. But...those wonderful yellow rocks are still there (with the site names printed on them, not the numbers) so you should not miss it.

According to Susan, who uses the latest Bonaire Marine Park numbering, it is 43.
Tish

Oh thanks Tish for that clarification! I thought it was just "number 43" in her book, I didn't realize she was utilizing the diveshop map with the corresponding numbers. Of course that makes sense which is why I didn't think of it. I don't have my copy of the book yet... I will have it in... how many more days, Cam??? lol
(50-ish I think)

OH MY! It's only 44 more days. Wowww!!!!

Hi, Kelly!
Let me clarify: Susan uses the latest Bonaire Marine Park numbering. A diveshop map might not be that up to date. Who knows?!
Tish

I don't have the new book, but I still have the old one. I always bring it with me on the plane in my carry-on, it gets me in the mood. ;)

Jerry,
The "Hilma Hooker" has 3 moorings (the closest to shore is on the inner reef - the other 2 are at either end of the wreck). Skyview updated their map a year after yours. The new Skyview map is due out in September. The Marine Park changed the numbers after adding the new moorings and a few new dive sites. Since the new sites are only accessible by boat they are not listed in the revised "Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy". Hope this helps, Susan

Is there any place you can get Susan's book online? I checked the Chat N Browse and Amazon without luck.

Jeff , I handle the orders here in the US. You have mail!! Susan

Susan,

I also would like to get the book before I go to Bonaire. We go on Sept 21. Could you tell me how to get it?

Thanks,
Deana

Deana,
You have mail,
Susan

Hi

I would also like to get a copy of the book before we go in October and would love to know the easiest way to get hold of it.

Thanks

Neil

Neil ... you have mail about ordering information. Anyone else with questions or an interest can contact me directly using this board. Thanks! Susan Taft

Susan, I have the 3rd addition (2003-04)of Jesse Armacost's Bonaire Diving Made Easy. Is this the book your referring to, or is this another, just more updated version of the same. If it's just an updated addition, do you think it's necessary to get a 2005 edition or is their not much change? Or is this a totally different guide. If so, I want one!

Rich, when Jessie Armacost left Bonaire Susan Porter inherited her "labor of love" (a direct quote from the acknowledgement page of the new edition)and while it is based on the previous editions I think that you would find the new updates very helpful. Sites have been added and deleted depending on current Marine Park and other laws, entrance and exit information has been expanded, tips added for everything from hiring a dive guide to where to beware of kitesurfers to which fish might be seen. And the new full color cover with a photograph of a Bonaire dive site is just plain fun to look at! You can email me through BT for ordering info. And by the way --- great squid story -- I don't doubt you for a minute since we are visitors in their world!! Susan

Deana,
My wife and I, with a few friends in tow will be in Bonaire September 21st - October 2nd. We will be staying at Sand Dollar, and we, Margarite, Tom and myself are from Texas, DFW area. The other two friends are from Montana.
We love to Dive the Hooker. I have done so from both boat and shore. It is not a bad swim out from shore to one of the three bouys on the Hilma Hooker. If you would like to dive the Hooker with us, the more the merrier, I am sure the rest of the group would be happy to help you guys find a "good shore entry". That is always part of the Bonaire experience the "in" and "out". Drop us a post on this board and we can meet up some where..maybe Buddy Dive for Happy Hour some evening

Could someone send info on how to order the shore diving book? I'll be in Bonaire for the first time in December for Christmas.

Click on Susan Taft's name two posts above yours.

Or, Susan Porters aka Susan BSDME :-) The book is VERY good

Charleen,
You have mail.
Susan

Geez Susan, I meant SUSAN PORTER! That's what i get for typing so fast!

It must be nice to type fast...
I am a pick and peck with a fair amount of accuracy.... some of the time.
Susan

;-)