Bonaire Scuba or Snorkel

If you decide to take a vacation in Bonaire scuba or snorkeling should not be missed.

There is nothing more beautiful than the island's lush, underwater reef. The reef is home to hundreds of different species of colorful fish, coral and other marine life.

Slipping beneath the waves and descending to the unspoiled reef is almost like leaving the planet and experiencing a whole new world.

Picture of a Queen Angel Fish.

This little island in the Lesser Antilles offers even the most well-traveled diver or snorkeler the perfect reef experience.

The undisturbed wildlife living in the warm Caribbean sea that surrounds the small island has benefited from over 40 years of environmental protection at the hands of the island's government.

Starting in the 60’s, Bonaire took a radical break from the traditional ideas of what it meant to exploit underwater resources from a tourism perspective.

Over a two decade period the commercial sea turtle industry was banned, along with spear fishing and coral harvesting. Further protections to the underwater environment were extended in 1979 with the opening of the Bonaire Marine Park.

Picture of Hard Coral.

60,000 people visit the Marine Park every year.

The reef systems off the coast of the island are divided into several different areas of interest for water sportsmen.

A reef terrace begins at the shore and extends to a depth of ten meters.

The coral formations here range from fire coral to soft coral, and the usual accompaniment of brightly colored reef fish haunt this habitat.

With deeper immersion, soft corals dominate, with star coral extending to the reef drop off.

Moray eels, parrotfish, snappers and jacks round out some of the larger denizens of this section of the ecosystem.

Picture of Hard Coral at night.

For those Lucky enough to be hanging out on the edge of the reef right before it drops off to a depth of 150 meters might even spot a whale shark.

Dolphins and nurse sharks also pop in from time to time to startle or delight you – depending on your disposition.

For those who are interested in more than a reef, there are also scattered wrecks off the coast which can be a fun way to spend an afternoon.

The largest of these is a sunken freighter, the Hilma Hooker, which rests in 30 meters of water.

Remember, when wreck diving it is important to make sure that you bring along an experienced partner who will be able to help you if anything unexpected occurs during your dive.

In Bonaire scuba or snorkeling, which ever you decide to do, you are sure to have the most amazing adventure.

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