Bonaire in the Spring, Favorite Dive Sites?

[tortuga diver]

We're going to Bonaire in the March 08. This is our second trip, first was 5 years ago. I remember that "Alice in Wonderland" was a great dive!

For those that have been there... What are some of your favorite Bonaire Dive Sites?
Thanks!!!
PS. We have no interest in boat dives for this trip.

 

[piikki]

I liked many of the usual suspects, like 1000 Steps, Hilma Hooker etc but one of the big favourites was Invisibles in the south for the different island-like reef terrain. We also liked Angel City, The Lake and Ol' Blue, and even Front Porch which was more barren, kinda rubbly site with slightly different creatures hanging around the little wreck while we popped on it.

 

[herman]

I would add Oil Slick to piikki's list.

 

[diversteve]

I'd second Angel City. We also liked Vista Blue but the current was ripping. Witches Hut to the north.

I also really like Bari Reef out front of Sand Dollar condos.

Both piers are DM-accompanied now due to the port regulations.

 

[vanessar]

Tortuga,

Here are my faves in order (2 trips & looking forward to a 3rd in 2008):

1. Oil Slick
2. Angel City
3. Helma Hooker
4. House reefs (Don's and Bari)
5. Andrea (I & II)

Loved the shore dives (boats were OK)

Vanessar

 

[tortuga diver]

Thanks all! I forgot about Oil Slick and Angel City! We will try to fit it all in. Too bad we couldn't just live under the water. Tortuga (wanna be)

 

[dvrliz1]

I also agree with all of the above. Another one, which is great for macro and juvenile life is Tori's Reef. What you need to do is enter at the inlet. DO NOT GO OUT TO THE MOORING! As soon as you exit the inlet go left. You will see large heads of coral with a lot of "little guys & gals"! I saw 6 different types of morays, juvenile to adult french angels, many many types of blennys and gobys and so much more!

Liz

 

[scubadobadoo]

oil slick leap is a wonderful night dive and day dive...angel city...karpata...1000 steps...I just don't get the fascination with the hooker other than the name and the fact that it's a "wreck"..but really...EVERY dive is nice on Bonaire

ALso, do yourself a favor and just go snorkel a few time in the shallow at andrea one and two...snorkeling is highly under rated in Bonaire from the "diver's" perspective.

 

[Allspread Grapealo]

oil slick leap is a wonderful night dive and day dive...angel city...karpata...1000 steps...I just don't get the fascination with the hooker other than the name and the fact that it's a "wreck"..but really...EVERY dive is nice on Bonaire

ALso, do yourself a favor and just go snorkel a few time in the shallow at andrea one and two...snorkeling is highly under rated in Bonaire from the "diver's" perspective.

Andrea II is #1 on my list for snorkeling. There are TONS of fish hiding in those formations close to shore.

 

[del_mo]

I agree with all the above, and would add Yellow Submarine. Real easy entry and exit, frogfish, sea horsies, and food nearby.