After my first visit, I can confidently say it lives up to its reputation as the divers paradise!. From March 14 to March 22, I had the incredible opportunity to explore some of the island’s most iconic dive sites. While the remnants of once-thriving hard coral reefs were a sobering sight, the marine life and overall experience were nothing short of spectacular.
Dive Highlights
My journey began at Alice in Wonderland, a great introduction to Bonaire’s underwater world with its stunning double reef system. We got our weights sorted and the next day, Margate Bay and White Slave offered breathtaking visibility, while Hilma Hooker was a true standout, its structure teeming with marine life. A good change from the "wrecks" that are prepared for diving with easy access and as many hazards as possible removed.
Front Porch became a recurring dive site for me, as I visited multiple times to clean the webcam dome. This spot was not only convenient but also an enjoyable dive each time. The variety of creatures here, including the final dive a close encounter with an eagle ray right up near the Eden Beach/ Harbour Village beaches.
Salt Pier was another favorite. With three dives there, I had ample time to explore the massive pilings covered in vibrant sponges and corals, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Schools of fish swirled around as I navigated through the structures, and it was one of the best spots for spotting larger marine life.
Karpata and Tolo were both stunning, offering dramatic reef slopes and impressive biodiversity. Te Amo Beach, Red Slave, and Red Beryl provided diverse seascapes, and The Lake lived up to its serene name and we learned how to use a DPV and jetted over to Hilma and the north edge of Angel City. Lac Bay stood out with its seagrass beds and unique ecosystem, a stark contrast to the coral reefs. We did a DPV powered Lionfish hunt!
The final day’s dives at Invisibles and Angel City were fantastic, with Invisibles offering an incredible double-reef system and Angel City presenting a truly picturesque scene. Ending the trip with one last dive at Front Porch felt fitting, a return to a now-familiar and beloved site.
Marine Life Encounters
Throughout my dives, I was fortunate to see a variety of marine life. Turtles made several appearances, gliding gracefully through the water. I also encountered a stingray and was lucky enough to spot a few eagle rays, something that I never managed to do in Cozumel since March is the end of the season there. The reefs, though visibly affected by environmental changes, still supported an impressive array of fish, eels, and other fascinating creatures.
Reflections on Bonaire’s Reefs
While the dives were awe-inspiring, I couldn’t help but reflect on what Bonaire’s reefs must have looked like in their prime. The dead hard coral was a stark reminder of the environmental challenges facing our oceans. That said, the island’s dedication to marine conservation is evident, and efforts to protect and restore these ecosystems give me hope for the future.
Our Lodging - Resort Bonaire – One-Bedroom Apartment
I stayed at Resort Bonaire in a one-bedroom apartment. Overall, the stay was comfortable and well-suited for a dive-focused trip, though there were a few quirks worth noting.
Room & Amenities
The apartment featured two twin beds, which could be pushed together to form a king. Since I was traveling with a friend, we opted to separate them for added space and comfort. The room itself was clean and functional, with enough storage for our belongings in a separate closet area.
One of the highlights was the fully equipped kitchen, which included a dishwasher—a great convenience for longer stays. The ability to prepare our own meals was a plus, especially given the limited dining options nearby.
One downside, however, was the air conditioning setup. While the bedroom had AC, the living, dining, and kitchen areas did not. This made those spaces noticeably warmer, especially during the day. It would have been nice to have a cooling option for the entire apartment. They also only had EU plugs which isn't a downside for most of the world!
Dining Option
Resort Bonaire offers a single meal each night for a very reasonable price. The catch? You have to get there early because they often sell out. The rotating menu ensures variety, but since there’s only one option per night, it may not suit everyone’s tastes. That said, the convenience and affordability were definite positives.
We did a Dive and Drive Package with 123 Car Rentals and VIP Diving
The rental process was easy with a simple whatsapp message upon arrival and they picked us up in our rental truck a Toyota Hilux which was convenient since we only had to load our bags once! a quick visit to the shop and we were on our way! I will say after a full we off diving we took a clean and perfect truck and turned in a sand filled, dirty truck and they didn't even bat an eye!
I had the pleasure of diving with VIP Diving, and I can confidently say that they exceeded my expectations in every way. From the moment I arrived, their professionalism, friendliness, and dedication to providing an excellent diving experience were evident.
Personalized Service & Professionalism
VIP Diving truly lives up to its name by offering a highly personalized dive experience. Their team took the time to understand my diving goals and preferences, ensuring that I had everything I needed for the week. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable about the local dive sites and marine life, which added immense value to every dive.
Top-Quality Gear & Facilities
The dive shop was well-organized, and their tanks were always plentiful and full. It’s clear that they prioritize safety and comfort, as everything was well-maintained and easy to use. Their facilities were clean and efficient, making the check-in and preparation process smooth and hassle-free.
Fantastic Dive Sites & Marine Life
VIP Diving pointed out some of the best dive sites Bonaire has to offer. Whether it was exploring the famous Hilma Hooker wreck, drifting through the vibrant reefs of Salt Pier, or revisiting Front Porch for some underwater maintenance work, every dive was memorable. The abundance of marine life—turtles, stingrays, and even a few eagle rays—made for incredible encounters.
I will do a follow up post with pictures!
Dive Highlights
My journey began at Alice in Wonderland, a great introduction to Bonaire’s underwater world with its stunning double reef system. We got our weights sorted and the next day, Margate Bay and White Slave offered breathtaking visibility, while Hilma Hooker was a true standout, its structure teeming with marine life. A good change from the "wrecks" that are prepared for diving with easy access and as many hazards as possible removed.
Front Porch became a recurring dive site for me, as I visited multiple times to clean the webcam dome. This spot was not only convenient but also an enjoyable dive each time. The variety of creatures here, including the final dive a close encounter with an eagle ray right up near the Eden Beach/ Harbour Village beaches.
Salt Pier was another favorite. With three dives there, I had ample time to explore the massive pilings covered in vibrant sponges and corals, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Schools of fish swirled around as I navigated through the structures, and it was one of the best spots for spotting larger marine life.
Karpata and Tolo were both stunning, offering dramatic reef slopes and impressive biodiversity. Te Amo Beach, Red Slave, and Red Beryl provided diverse seascapes, and The Lake lived up to its serene name and we learned how to use a DPV and jetted over to Hilma and the north edge of Angel City. Lac Bay stood out with its seagrass beds and unique ecosystem, a stark contrast to the coral reefs. We did a DPV powered Lionfish hunt!
The final day’s dives at Invisibles and Angel City were fantastic, with Invisibles offering an incredible double-reef system and Angel City presenting a truly picturesque scene. Ending the trip with one last dive at Front Porch felt fitting, a return to a now-familiar and beloved site.
Marine Life Encounters
Throughout my dives, I was fortunate to see a variety of marine life. Turtles made several appearances, gliding gracefully through the water. I also encountered a stingray and was lucky enough to spot a few eagle rays, something that I never managed to do in Cozumel since March is the end of the season there. The reefs, though visibly affected by environmental changes, still supported an impressive array of fish, eels, and other fascinating creatures.
Reflections on Bonaire’s Reefs
While the dives were awe-inspiring, I couldn’t help but reflect on what Bonaire’s reefs must have looked like in their prime. The dead hard coral was a stark reminder of the environmental challenges facing our oceans. That said, the island’s dedication to marine conservation is evident, and efforts to protect and restore these ecosystems give me hope for the future.
Our Lodging - Resort Bonaire – One-Bedroom Apartment
I stayed at Resort Bonaire in a one-bedroom apartment. Overall, the stay was comfortable and well-suited for a dive-focused trip, though there were a few quirks worth noting.
Room & Amenities
The apartment featured two twin beds, which could be pushed together to form a king. Since I was traveling with a friend, we opted to separate them for added space and comfort. The room itself was clean and functional, with enough storage for our belongings in a separate closet area.
One of the highlights was the fully equipped kitchen, which included a dishwasher—a great convenience for longer stays. The ability to prepare our own meals was a plus, especially given the limited dining options nearby.
One downside, however, was the air conditioning setup. While the bedroom had AC, the living, dining, and kitchen areas did not. This made those spaces noticeably warmer, especially during the day. It would have been nice to have a cooling option for the entire apartment. They also only had EU plugs which isn't a downside for most of the world!
Dining Option
Resort Bonaire offers a single meal each night for a very reasonable price. The catch? You have to get there early because they often sell out. The rotating menu ensures variety, but since there’s only one option per night, it may not suit everyone’s tastes. That said, the convenience and affordability were definite positives.
We did a Dive and Drive Package with 123 Car Rentals and VIP Diving
The rental process was easy with a simple whatsapp message upon arrival and they picked us up in our rental truck a Toyota Hilux which was convenient since we only had to load our bags once! a quick visit to the shop and we were on our way! I will say after a full we off diving we took a clean and perfect truck and turned in a sand filled, dirty truck and they didn't even bat an eye!
I had the pleasure of diving with VIP Diving, and I can confidently say that they exceeded my expectations in every way. From the moment I arrived, their professionalism, friendliness, and dedication to providing an excellent diving experience were evident.
Personalized Service & Professionalism
VIP Diving truly lives up to its name by offering a highly personalized dive experience. Their team took the time to understand my diving goals and preferences, ensuring that I had everything I needed for the week. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable about the local dive sites and marine life, which added immense value to every dive.
Top-Quality Gear & Facilities
The dive shop was well-organized, and their tanks were always plentiful and full. It’s clear that they prioritize safety and comfort, as everything was well-maintained and easy to use. Their facilities were clean and efficient, making the check-in and preparation process smooth and hassle-free.
Fantastic Dive Sites & Marine Life
VIP Diving pointed out some of the best dive sites Bonaire has to offer. Whether it was exploring the famous Hilma Hooker wreck, drifting through the vibrant reefs of Salt Pier, or revisiting Front Porch for some underwater maintenance work, every dive was memorable. The abundance of marine life—turtles, stingrays, and even a few eagle rays—made for incredible encounters.
I will do a follow up post with pictures!
