Page 129 - The Dutch Caribbean Isles
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The Deep Reefs of Bonaire
Karpata and La Danas Leap on the Northwest side of Bonaire
are world class and amazing locations for videography. The
coral and sponge growth is magnificent and vibrant. These
are must dives. The coral is unspoiled and the sea life is amaz-
ing. Large purple tube sponges make these reefs their home.
B onaire has over 80 marked dive sites and is are truly remarkable with large fan corals, near
famous for it shore diving, 24 hours per day vertical walls and home to a massive and varied
of diving and coined the term “Diver’s Freedom”. sea life. Karpata has large brain, kobbly brain and
Most of the reefs that are accessible from shore staghorn corals that provide an opportunity got
start in approximately 20 feet of water and extend some great shots.
Kto 90 feet at a slopping 45 degree angle. On the
arpata is located just to the East of the No
north side of the island are two amazing dive sites Dive Zone on the Northwest side of the island.
located side by side: Karpata and La Danas Leap. The drive is about 20 minutes from Kralendijk.
You enter Karpata by descending 12 steps and en- Karpata descends at a sharp 75 degree angle to
tering from a concrete platform. La Dania’s Leap is depths approaching over 200 feet. As you go
about a 100 yard back swim on the surface from deeper the corals become larger, richer and more
the entry point at Karpata. These dives are deep, vibrant.
with massive corals and near vertical walls.
Both of these infrequently dived sites are home
to larger fish, massive schools of fish and
large coral heads and expanses. The two drives