Page 117 - The Dutch Caribbean Isles

Go Big or Go Home: East Coast Diving

Divers consistently report seeing large schools of tarpon, turtles and massive southern sting-
rays. A favority dive is the “Blue Hole” where the seascape outside the hole is covered in purple
sea fans.

B onaire has been well know for many years Bonaire East Coast Diving is the proud owner Diving conditions on this side of the island
as the shore diving capital of the world. of the only boat on Bonaire that is especially include Surf, Surges, Currents and in some cases
The geographical shape of the island creates
natural protection on the west side against the designed for the east coast of the island. Their Giant Strides from a rocky cliff wall. These condi-
constant eastern trade winds. This together with
its shallow coral reefs make it a one of a kind Zodiac Hurricane 920 is a custom build military tions may sound difficult, but using proper tech-
dive destination - a true diver’s paradise - where
“unlimited” shore diving is possible. Neverthe- RIB, powered by two 250hp Yamaha outboard niques you will see that diving here isn’t as hard
less, the leeward side does not even cover half
of the shoreline, which offers lots of sites to be engines, equipped with all the necessary safety as it sounds. The effort will be well rewarded by
yet discovered on the east side of the island,
where the corals are untouched and marine life gear. This makes it possible to offer an exciting breathtaking coral reefs and amazing marine life.
is abundant. The East Side is typically rough and
is not suitable for shore based entry. Diving the and new experience for all levels of divers. Dive Divers consistently report seeing large
East Coast is performed by boat that leaves from doors on either side of the boat make it possible schools of tarpon, sea turtles and massive
Lac Bay. to hang a ladder on the side so you can easily

get back into the RIB, even in rough seas. southern stingrays. A favorite dive is the “Blue

The ‘wild side’ of the island offers true diving Hole” where the seascape outside the hole is cov-
adventure, including the most amazing ered in purple sea fans. School of spotted eagle
rays frequent this area.

Marine life, such as sea turtles, lobsters, eagle

rays, stingrays, large tarpons, groupers, ocean

and queen triggerfish, snappers and even sharks.