I have seen two articles in Rodales Scuba Diving within the past 6 month (one in November issue)that talk about how great Playa Funchi and Boca Slagbaai are. Those were two of my favorite sites to dive there (or anywhere for that matter) but last year when I was in Bonaire, we were told that Lenny distroyed everything down to 120 feet at those sites. I have emailed both authors to ask how recently they dove those sites, but have received no response. I will be in Bonaire in two weeks. Is it worth driving up north to dive those sites now? Or are the Rodale articles based on old information?

Last time I dove Nukove was a few months after hurricane Lenny went through, and there was absolutely NOTHING left.

It will be interesting to hear if these sites have had any time to regenerate.

Peggy

Mike:

I have dove the Park dives few times since Lenny. Lenny did take toll, but it did not destroy the park dives. (I have not dove Nukove)

In the shallower depths, maybe to 40' or so, considerable damage existed in some places. Some of the parkl dives were effected more than others. I do not have dive log with me to review which ones hit harder. If you want to know details let me know and I will review my log.

What I do know is that I used to dive the park twice each trip. Once is enough now. They were my favortie dives prior to Lenny. They ar still good, but like they used to be.

Dave

Mike:

I have dove the Park dives a few times since Lenny. Lenny did take a toll, but it did not destroy the park dives. (I have not dove Nukove since Lenny)

In the shallower depths, maybe to 40' or so, considerable damage existed in some places. Some of the park dives were effected more than others. I do not have my dive log with me to review which ones were hit harder. If you want to know details let me know and I will review my log.

What I do know is that I used to dive the park twice each trip. Once is enough now. They were my favortie dives prior to Lenny. They are still good, but not like they used to be.

Dave

Mike:

Unfortunately the shallows at Playa Funchi were pretty well destroyed by Lenny. However, IMHO, the reef from the drop-off down is still good. No question, there is some damage. But there is always plenty to see. It remains one of my favorite sites. Boca Bartol is still good.

Going to the park is a highlight of any trip to Bonaire.

Bob

Bob, Dave,
Thanks for your input. I will probably make the trip up there one day to check it out. It is a long drive and cuts into the dives/day ratio. My dive buddy made his 100th dive in Bonaire last year and he now has 175. He wants to make dive number 200 in Bonaire, too. So we will be on a busy schedule, but we made 27 duives last year in a week so it is a realistic goal.