Trip Report Bonaire: Den Laman and Dive Friends, May 7-21, 2025

[scubadada]

Nice images and report. Reason for optimism. Thanks! Any idea what’s going on with the SCTLD?

I don't really know. I saw very few healthy corals that are most susceptible to SCTLD. It's hard to tell from the STINAPA website, seems that most all sites are affected, at least to some degree. You might want to contact STINAPA with specific questions.

For those of us who have dived Bonaire in the past, this is heartbreaking. I have beautiful photos of brain, star, and maze corals. The reef has suffered tremendously from SCTLD and bleaching. My hope is that some of this is recoverable and that the sea life generally continues to thrive.

 

[scubadada]

Nice review and photos! I'm planning a trip now -- so, you've used PB Rentals more than once now and are satisfied with them? Assuming this is their website below?

PB Car Rental | Bonaire

pbcarrentalbonaire.com

I have used them twice, Dec 2023 and this trip. I have not rented their trucks directly, used the relationship with Sun Rentals for reservations. Both times paperwork was already completed, and pickup was very quick and easy. Drop off at the airport kiosk couldn't be easier. Trucks were not new but were trouble free both times. I don't know exactly how their prices compare. I have used other companies, have had a few nuisance problems with some trucks and prefer airport on site pickup and drop off.

Best of luck for a great trip.

 

[scubadada]

 

[BoltSnap]

Now, I want to go and stay there for a couple of weeks

Thank you SO MUCH for reporting on your trip and taking the time to share all of this great information with us.

When I decide that I can afford to go to Bonaire, I am going to check with you on the arrangments

 

[Nemrod]

Just returned from two weeks. Diving was good, the coral virus damage is done and it is what it is. The reefs are still pretty and possibly improving slightly, lots of fish, wild side is wild, a couple of huge bait balls and plenty of good diving. Stayed at Divi, I am not going to recommend them anymore though the boats and DMs are excellent.

A few pics of hundreds, these shot with my old Canon FIX/S90, Inon UFL165AD lens and dual Inon S220 strobes as applicable:

 

[Johnoly]

I saw very few healthy corals that are most susceptible to SCTLD.

Viz looks great and the spread out Octo picts are a favorite. Thanks for the report !!