We are only going to be on Bonaire for a week and I can see there is a lot of diving to do.

So I am wondering what you would classify as the top 5 or 10 shore dives on the island, to make sure we don't miss them.

Thanks.

Ron

It's difficult to classify one dive site as a lot better than another since different things show up everytime you dive a site. There are some differences in underwater topography however. I would try to dive some sites in the north where there are buttress formations. I don't have my log handy and don't remember the names of the sites where the formations start, but you can ask when you get there. A little south of that area are some sites with undercuts - La Donia's Leap and Rappel, as I recall - which make a nice contrast to the sites south of the airport. In short, try to make dives all the coast and get a good sampling of what's available.

For different shore dives:

Red Slave - at the southern tip (garden eels in 30 feet or less, rosy razor fish in the sand too, chance of seeing spotted eagle rays or sting rays (both were there in Feb/march in shallow water). Octopus sometimes in the holes at the transition from the sand to the hard pan.

Second reef - go north or south from offshore of the Hilma Hooker - chance to see schools of fish that might not be on the inshore reef - some parts are deeper than others so look in the guide book first or go in at Angel City and cross the sand valley.

Oil Slick leap - metal ladder down wall - different than south sights

Karpata - again just a bit different and a better chance to see the small turtles that seem to hang out there -- and the anchor is nice for photos

Last year, I would have said NuKove but after the waves, we didn't dive it this year.

I am curious how is the reef holding up after the last waves peggy mentioned.Did the storm do much damage to the reef.?

Any info is welcome sorry webmaster,I found a nice trip report.Keep the bubbling fun
Randle Tai,My son name is Taran.

I think there are so many wonderful places on the reef to dive in Bonaire that a week wouldn't be enough to cover them all. Sure some places were hurt, but look at the growth of some of the sponge and coral that HAS taken place since then.
And, every week, things start to grow. That is Nature! Isn't it amazing!

My favorites:

- Invisibles
- Ol' Blue

Bob

I agree with Peggy, don't miss the outside reef at Angel City.

John