Page 39 - The Dutch Caribbean Isles
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Note: This is not a Navigational Chart Green Iguana The green iguana inhabits much of Bonaire Washington Slagbaai National Park Established in 1969, this Yellow-Shouldered Parrot Endemic to Bonaire, BONAIRE CLIMATE
by living on flowers, fruits, and leaves. It is able to digest the was the first nature sanctuary of the Netherlands Antilles. The this bird, locally called the "Lora" is seen in pairs,
poisonous manzaliña fruit. In the past the green iguana was mission of the park is: “To protect and manage its natural, cultural and will flock to noisy roosts in sheltered valleys. 0F 0C Franko's GUIDE MAP of
called the "Island Chicken", in reference to its favorable taste and historical resources, while allowing ecologically sustainable use Visitors see parrots near town because of the
as food. There is much color variation in iguanas, depending on for the benefit of future generations.” The park is extremely availability of berries, seeds, fruit and the pods
where they live. Iguanas are timid creatures, however a big diverse, with fabulous shoreline scenery and lovely dive and snorkel of the divi divi tree. You can usually catch a
specimen at Playa Funchi approaches visitors in hopes of a treat. opportunities. Desolate volcanic hills have breathtaking views. glimpse on your scenic island drive as well. Even
BOCA BARTOL 20’-80' (6-24m) This is the best spur-and-groove reef in Bonaire, and is within the Visitors and locals alike find tremendous rewards who exploreBoka Di Tolo
Washington Slagbaai National Park. Enter at the south end of the cove. Southern stingrays in the sand, Noordpunt Malmok Lighthouse Bonaire’s Washington Slagbaai National Park by driving around andBarkadera though this lovely bird lives to be fifty years T 100 37.8
sea fans, elkhorn corals, mountainous star corals and colorful sponges on the reef. Large pelagic species. old, loss of habitat and poaching for pets has
Dive only when calm. Beware, this site is virtually in the open ocean - strong currents! through the park on either the "long route" or the "short route". FJAMeapanbrrirulcuahraryycaused this species to become endangered.e 95 35.0
The drives take you by flamingo-filled lakes,past cactus-forested May
PLAYA BENGE 15’- 100' (3-30m) The entry is via a beautiful little rocky beach that leads to a fantastic spur-and- Seru Bentana Boka Kokolishi hills, and along Bonaire's rugged northwest coast. The birdwatching Junem AAAVVVGGG...DDWAAIAILTLYYERHLIOTGEWHMPAAIIARRTTTSEEUMMRPPFACE BONAIRE
groove reef. Groupers, glassy sweepers, grunts, and snappers are common. Caution: The current here is often Julyp 90 32.2 I
strong, therefore this spot is recommended for advanced divers only. 1 is unbeatable, plus you will see no end to the numbers of lizards plus DAOSNueceotgcpvouetesbemtmebmbrebererre 85 29.4 Bonaire!
PLAYA FUNCHI 15’- 100' (3-30m) Enter through a break in the reef at the south side of a beautiful rocky beach. Boka Bartol a few green iguanas along the rough dirt roads. Keep your eye out Sailing The bay of Bonaire is the best sailing spot r
Staghorn, leafy fire corals, and mountainous star corals, and a number of little trunk fish. Big midnight parrotfish. for Bonaire's beloved Lora parrot. A thorough visit takes more than in the Southern Caribbean. Half-day and full-day a 80 26.7
Horse-eye jacks patrol the deep blue water. Advanced snorkeling. Beware of strong currents. Friendly iguanas Boka Katuna Saliña one day. sailing trips with snorkeling, and sunset cruises are t 75 23.9
greet you in the parking. Flamingoes and shore birds grace the playa. available with Bowalie at Harbor Village Marina. Call u
BISÉ MORTO 20’- 100’ (6-30m) The words Bisé Morto mean "dead deer", which is thought to represent the 2 Bartol Seru Mangel Cara Cora Bonaire National Marine Park Established in 1979, 786-7615. Suave Sailing Bonaire offers similar trips, r 70 19.7
numerous elkhorn and staghorn corals present. Pelagic species seen here have even included, on rare occasions, Playa Benge 148m Seru Grandi Playa Macoshi this underwater park extends from the mean high plus full moon sailing from the Plaza Resort Marina.
whale sharks and manta rays, but more likely you'll see horse-eye jacks. This is usually a boat dive. 59m tide mark to a depth of 60 meters (200 feet) all the Call 786-7757. You can be your own captain in a
WAYAKA 30’-100’ (9-30m) This Washington Slagbaai National Park boat dive site is seldom dived, and thus is Pichi Lang way around the island. What that means to divers is motorized boat. Call Jan Blonk Boatcompany at
pristine and beautiful. All sites along this northwest shoreline are liable to have big pelagics, so keep your eye 75m Pos Mangel that Bonaire will continue to be one of the top dive 786-6858.
toward the deep. Some divers enter from the shore. destinations in the world. Bonaire's 63 marked dive
BOCA SLAGBAAI 20’-80’ (6-24m) Enter south along the coast in shallow water. Make your way to the drop-off at Seru Camina Boka Chikitu spots, and Klein Bonaire's 26 dive buoys, give Bonaire 1000m e 65 18.3
40' (12m) and follow the wall back to the beach. Tiger groupers, horse-eye jacks, and schoolmasters patrol. 158m National Marine Park visitors an endless source of cm 4.6 2.8 1.1 2.0 2.5 2.0 3.3 4.0 4.6 8.4 9.7 9.9
Observant divers may find hawksbill turtles, moray eels, and barracudas. Super snorkeling. Playa Funchi 3 Caracao world-class diving adventures, while maintaining one Montly Rainfall: in 1.8 1.8 0.6 0.8 1.0 0.8 1.3 1.6 1.8 3.3 3.8 3.9
NUKOVE 15’-100’ (3-30m) Boat dive or shore dive, but you must drive the long, bumpy dirt road around the oil 4 Put 160m of the world's most interesting National Parks.
terminals to get there. Once there, you'll find some of the finest coral reef anywhere around Bonaire. The Bronswinkel Hobao Piedra Saliña Playa Ave. Annual Rainfall: 55.4cm/21.8in
shallows have elkhorn coral, while the deep has large coral heads, where you might find a sleepy nurse shark. Matijs Chikitu
CAREL’S VISION 20’-100’ (6-30m) This is Bonaire’s newest official dive site, and it is similar to Nukove, with 182m Seru Pretu
extraordinary hard corals and tons of reef creatures. Bring your camera.
Brandaris Juwana Snorkeling Bonaire National Marine Park boasts world-class snorkeling. If you can swim, you can put on Recreational Map for People who love BONAIRE,
241m 164m a mask, snorkel and fins and see the beautiful coral reefs and fascinating sea creatures at many of the
"A Celebration of Marine Conservation".
5 Saliña Matado’i Palmit 103m Indian Boka Pamper Abseilen If you want to do something different, call 63 noted dive sites around Bonaire and the 26 sites around Klein Bonaire. The best snorkel sites are
Wayaka Pascu 136m Inscriptions Playa Grandi Outdoor Bonaire at 791-6272, or 785-6272 and try shown on the map. Andrea II is an example of Bonaire's fantastic snorkeling, with easy access via Includes Points of Interest, Activities, Attractions, Tours,
abseilen, also know as rapelling. You can also do dome shore or from a snorkel tour boat, with incredibly rich shallows, teaming with Caribbean coral reef Resorts, Beaches, & Bonaire's Fabulous Snorkeling & Diving
176m Yuwa Pass Agave Field Park Entrance 500m rock climbing, caving, mangrove kayaking or mountain creatures, including over 100 varieties of fish. Snorkeling at spots such as Witch's Hut or Oil Slick Printed on DURABLE, WATERPROOF SYNTHETIC PAPER
Pos Nobo Boka Onima biking, birdwatching or National Park tours with this to the north or Pink Beach to the south all offer different experiences worth investigating. Visibility
0 1 2 Boka Slagbaai 6 Saliña 200m fun adventure company. often exceeds 30m (100'), and the water temperature is moderate so that snorkelers typically do not Visit Franko at www.frankosmaps.com
S Nautical Miles 1 2 Slagbaai Kimeterio 100m need a wet suit. All Marine Park users pay a Nature Fee.
C 12 34 Salt 122m Lignum Vitae Broadleaf 60m Indian Inscriptions Scuba Diving Pristine coral reefs and diverse marine life make Bonaire one of the top scuba diving
A 0 Pans Caper Landsailing Strong tradewinds are destinations in the world. The warm 26-29°C (78-84°F) waters are diveable all year round, and visibility
Statute Miles Washington Vista perfect for sailing on wheels. Stop by or is almost always at least 30m (100'). Many of Bonaire's dive resorts offer deals for unlimited shore
L Slagbaai Petroglyphs call Landsailing Bonaire at 786-8122. diving, and boat dives are also convenient. Bonaire offers 63 notable dive sites, primarily on the leeward Caribbean Sea
E Kilometers 0 500m Yuwana La Sana side of the island, and Klein Bonaire has 26 sites with moorings (lettered A through Z), which are accessible
1000m National Park 203m 175m by boat. All levels of diving are available, and every single dive site has its own unique attraction. Wreck
divers are also pleased with access to several sunken ships and boats, with the most noteworthy being the
KARPATA 20’-100’ (6-30m) This is one of Bonaire's most popular dives. Like all Bonaire dive sites, the entry is Seru Omwi Baron Seru Kaumati Piedra famous wreck of the Hilma Hooker. A diver could spend a month on Bonaire diving several times a day and BONAIRE
marked by a large yellow stone with the dive site's name on it. Large sea fans, purple tube sponges, and many soft 90m 167m 60m di Boneiru would still be excited and ready for more. Divers in Bonaire's fabulous National Marine Park easily find
corals punctuate several large anchors that are embedded and encursted. Photogenic. over 100 species of fish, and every kind of colorful Caribbean corals, sponges and invertebrates. Divers
LA DANIA'S LEAP 15’-100’ (3-30m) One of the most vertical walls in Bonaire. Many wire corals, canyons and sand Saliña Frans Macutucao on Bonaire must purchase and possess a Marine Park tag. Hawksbill
shoots, large orange sponges and tube sponges. Divers have been known to "leap" off the shore and then drift dive Turtle
to Karpata. It is better to dive via boat than from the leap here.
RAPPEL 30’-100’ (9-30m) A fabulous boat dive with a wall with caverns and crevices. Divers used to rappel the Playa Frans Fishing 133m
beach cliff to get here. Huge sea fans, brain corals, and mountainous star corals host a diversity of colorful
nudibranchs. Boat divers request this site as often as any around Bonaire. Nukove 7 Seru Dos Pos Seru Kabuya
BLOODLET 20’-80’ (6-24m) Immaculate reef is seldom visited. A slope starts at the mooring in 25' (8m) of 124m
water, and goes into the deep. Be careful not to go too deep. This is a good spot for turtles. Moderate currents Indian Inscriptions Gotomeer
can make this site a drift dive. (Saliña Grandi)
OL' BLUE (TOLO) 20’-80’ (6-24m) This site is famous for huge (10' across) purple linguini sponges. Be careful not 100m St. Ludovicus Bertrandus Church Boka Bicycling Mountain biking and road riding are favorite ways to
to touch the sponges, as they are fragile. This can be either a boat or a shore dive. Divers see French angelfish. 200m explore Bonaire up close and personal. Bike rental companies conduct
Snorkelers hear musical tinkling when the waves tumble coral pieces on the beach. Montana Alta Mira Unjo RINC`ON Olivia tours through Washington Slagbaai National Park, along the coast,
COUNTRY GARDEN (MUSHROOM CITY) 20’-80’ (6-25m) Three rock pillars, unique to Bonaire, have broken 144m
from the cliff and fallen into 30 feet (9m) of water. Corals, gorgonians and sponges grow from these pillars, giving COLOMBIA through the village of Rincón, and past Gotomeer, a gorgeous salt lake,
them a mushroom appearance. The rocks make a hideout for grunts and schoolmasters. Seru Wekua BRASIL where flamingoes feed. A half-dozen color-coded ride loops are
BON BINI NA CAS 30’-100’ (9-30m) The name means “Welcome to my home” in Papiamento, the native language 160m
of Bonaire, Aruba and Curacao. This is usually a boat dive, with some current. A variety of colorful tropical fishes Saliña KARPATA 104m Indian Inscriptions shown with dotted ( ) lines on this map.
abound, plus vase sponges, and tube sponges. Punt’i Wekua 8 Light Tern Lourdes Grotto
THOUSAND STEPS 30’-100’ (9-30m) There are actually 71 steps, but it can feel like 1,000 for a faint-hearted Boka Spelonk
diver decked out in full scuba gear. You can avoid the steps by boating in, but it is a great shore dive. Elkhorn and Hiking Hikers enjoy the Inland Trail at Washington Slagbaai National Park. It
staghorn coral, and gorgonians make the stair-stepping well worth it. GOTO West Coast/Rincón Boka Kanoa goes for 24 km one way, with a hike up Brandaris, the island high spot at 241m
Bonaire Petroleum Bicycle Routes
Aloe Oven/Karpata TOLO (760’). Many other short nature hikes are available at the National Park, plus
Reserve - No Diving almost anywhere along Bonaire's scenic northern coast. The leeward shoreline,
60m Devil's Bayashi Grotto MONTANA from dive sites 9 to 17, has many short paved trails for walks or exploration of
Kurado Grotto Gabilan
9 10 Mouth 122m Bonaire's natural wonders. BONAIRE GEOGRAPHY
11 12 BONAIRE BOLIVIA Scenic Drives Even for a small island, there is plenty of scenery. The route around the Length of Island: 39 km (24 mi)
south end of the island is simply fabulous, but the hilly ancient volcanic north end is where Width of Island: 5 to 11 km (3 to 7 mi)
13 14 15 Boca Spelonk Light the scenery really gets interesting. The narrow road along the coast and then inland Area: 288 sq. km (111 sq. mi)
past Gotomeer, and through the town of Rincon is wonderful. Although it is a long, slow, Highest Point: Brandaris Hill, 240m (780ft)
100m 16 Greater Kralendijk Detail on Reverse
windy and bumpy trip, the dirt roads through Washington Slagbaai National Park are not Rainfall: 52 cm (20.5 in.)/year
to be missed. The scenic bays and mountain vistas are unique and sometimes breathtaking.
WEBER'S JOY/WITCHES HUT 20’-100' (6-30m) Boat or shore dive with staghorn, finger and 17 Since there is little public transportation, you will want to rent a car, most likely a diver- Kralendijk to Rincon Distance: 13 km (8 mi)
brain corals. Colorful fishes include rock beauties, angelfish, butterflyfish and parrotfish. The 18 friendly pickup truck that can handle dirt roads. However, there are a number of tour Population: 14,000
"hut" is a defunct dive shack by the parking spot. Photogenic underwater. Nice snorkeling. 19 companies that will ferry you around in style while the driver gives you local information
JEFF DAVIS MEMORIAL 20’-100' (6-30m) Shallows covered with gorgonians with turtles and sea 20 SANTA Seru Largu Seru Kora Boka Chikitu all along the way. You will be amazed by the number of cacti thriving in Bonaire's semi-arid
horses. Big coral formations create chutes that lead to a sandy bottom. 21 BARBARA 123m 58m climate. You will also be amazed by the number of lizards and iguanas you will see on all of
KALLI'S REEF 30’-100’ (9-30m) Named after a Bonaire National Marine Park manager, this boat 22 Cross t Bonaire's back roads, and all of the colorful birds that are found everywhere.
LEGEND dive is great for scuba or snorkeling. Divers find turtles and seahorses.
23
Paved Road OIL SLICK LEAP 20’-80’ (6-24m) Access is by ladder provided by the Caribbean Club Bonaire, just 24 So. American Birdwatching Everybody loves to see a pair of Bonaire's most colorful residents, the
Dirt Road up the street. Here you will find morays, queen angelfish, and orange cup corals. The name derives Yellow Oriole Lora, or Yellow-shouldered parrot, sitting atop a cactus. However, Bonaire is the
from a former plan to build an oil terminal here. destination of millions of migratory birds who rest or stop by in the winter. Perhaps
Scuba Site 14 BARCADERA 30’-100’ (9-30m) Located directly across from the Bonaire Marine Park Bochi van Goto 25 NOORD Seru Grandi Lagún Magnificent Bonaire's most famous birds are pink Caribbean flamingoes, which are often seen
Snorkel Site Headquarters. Boat access only. Elkhorn corals in shallow waters. Huge plate corals are found SALIÑA 117m Frigatebird near the southern tip of the island, at Gotomeer, and in lakes of Washington Slagbaai
Point if Interest beginning at 50' (15m). National Park. Ornithologists have spotted over 190 species of birds, including resi-
Lodging/Resort ANDREA II 6’-100’ (2-30m) The shallows to the north of the entry comprise some of the most Wild Side Kayak Routes26 Playa LechiBlow Holedents or migratory, ranging from the graceful magnificent frigatebird (pictured to
outstanding snorkeling in the Caribbean. Just south of the entry tour boats bring dozens of Pahu Lechi the left), to the South American Yellow Oriole. The Tourist Office in Kralendijk
cruiseship pasengers on snorkeling excursions. Here you will find staghorn, finger, and fire corals, 27 WASHIKEMBA Boka Wahinkemba hands out good info on the best sites for birdwatching.
numerous anemones, and gorgonians, and easily 100 species of reef fishes. 28
ANDREA I 6’-100’ (26-30m) Boat or shore dive. Here you will find many staghorn, finger, and fire Circle Klein Bonaire YZ A 29 Porkfish
corals, numerous anemones, and gorgonians and soft corals, where seahorses may be found. Schoolmaster
X Sport Fishing Bonaire is a great place for bone fishing, as well as big game fishing Spanish Hogfish
W B 30 for sailfish, marlin, tuna, tarpon, wahoo, and dorado. Bonaire hosts local and international
V C 31 Marina ANTRIOL fishing tournaments every year. Fishermen are subject to an annual Nature Fee. Visitors
U West Punt can find good fishing excursions from Harbor Village Marina. Contact Multifish Charters
THOUSAND STEPS A scuba diver PETRIE'S PILLAR 30’-90’ (9-27m) If entering from shore, beware of elkhorn coral. Main Light at 786-1228. Black
has just ascended the 71 steps at attraction here is a large beautiful head of pillar coral. Captain Don named this spot for a friend as T KLEIN BONAIRE Durgon
Thousand Steps dive site, but is all an unusual wedding present. S 32 KRALENDIJK 57m
smiles after yet another beautiful SMALL WALL 20’-60’ (6-18m) Boat dive or enter with permission via a private pier at the Black Rough Ocean
Bonaire dive. Durgon Inn. Interesting mini wall with a cave starts at 40' (12m) and goes to 70' (21m). R Lighthouse Coast Donkey Safari Donkeys on Bonaire worked as beasts of burden Triggerfish
from 1700 until 1950, when they were released to roam freely on
CLIFF 20’-70' (6-21m) Located in front of Hamlet Villas, this boat or shore entry Q SABANA the island. In recent years many of them have been taken into
features Capt. Don's underwater Stone Memorial to the "divers who have gone before the Donkey Paradise Safari Park, where they are kept safe from
KLEIN BONAIRE DIVE SITES: us," which is marked with a plaque and dive flag. A vertical wall, covered with black PD car accidents and abuse. You can take a bus tour of the sanctuary,
coral, wire coral, large orange sponges, tube sponges, and orange ball anemones. and meet, feed, and pet the donkeys. Drive 2.4 km up the dirt
A. NO NAME BEACH To 100’ (30m) Water taxi passengers head here for a day of sunning and O L KJ E 33 Light NIKOBOKO road just south of the airport. Bring some bread and fruit along.
snorkeling. Coral is sparse, but the sand and coral rubble is home to quick yellow-headed jawfish. LA MACHACA (HABITAT) 20’-70' (6-21m) Located in front of Captain Don's Habitat. NM IH G 34 Also, see www.donkeycam.com.
B. EBO'S REEF 40’-100' (12-30m) The mooring is at 140' (42m), so there is a blue water swim There are two interesting wrecks at this site, the La Machaca, a 45-foot fishing boat,
to the reef. This is a great site to see black coral, giant orange elephant ear sponges, purple tube and the Hesper, a 50-foot Venezuelan fishing boat. The La Machaca is home to a green F Hogfish
sponges, and wire corals. Large moray eels, groupers, and filefish are common too. moray eel, who is used divers, but don't let him mistake your fingers for a bite to eat.
35 TERA KORA Queen
Triggerfish
C. JERRY'S REEF 30’-100’ (9-30m) The mooring is in deep water. This site is known for turtles, Butterfly Farm Hundreds of colorful butterflies zig-zag amongst
stingrays, and white-spotted eagle rays. Watch out for black hydroids that sting if you touch. flowering plants and over a pond in a peaceful, beautiful greenhouse.
KRALENDIJK AREA: REEF SCIENTIFICO, BUDDY'S REEF (BUDDY DIVE), BARI REEF, If you are lucky, one might momentarily light on your hand. See
FRONT PORCH, SOMETHING SPECIAL, TOWN PIER, CALABAS REEF, EIGHTEENTH PALM, www.butterflyfarmbonaire.org.
and WINDSOCK are described on the Kralendijk Detail on the reverse side of this map. Horseback Riding One of the best ways to see Bonaire is Stoplight Parrotfish
D. JUST-A-NICE-DIVE 20’-100' (6-30m) The mooring is in 85 feet of water. Many large 36 atop a horse. After touring, equestrians love to take a dip Coney
orange sponges, wire corals, club finger corals, cavernous star corals, leaf corals, and boulder NORTH BELNEM 20’-100' (6-30m) Access is by boat or from shore to an easy dive site. 37 Flamingo upon their steeds in Lac Bay. The steeds love to make a Rainbow Parrotfish
corals. Hawksbill turtles are often seen here. Large schools of blue tang (which are yellow when they are juveniles) inhabit this area. Bachelor's Beach International Butterfly splash as well. Contact the Riding Academy Club at Kunuku
E. NEAREST POINT 20’-100' (6-30m) Deep mooring with very short swim over to the reef. The shallows feature elkhorn coral. 38 Airport Donkey Water Farm Warahama, tel. 560-7949 or 786-2094.
Best to dive here, as on all the south side of Klein, in the morning when winds are at their 39 Sanctuary Mill Kayaking Sit-on kayaks are super popular in Bonaire
minimum, especially for snorkelers. Divers will find the healthiest and must luxurious coral BACHELOR’S BEACH 30’-100’ (9-30m) A convenient stairway leads to the small beach here, waters. They are stable and easy to use for leisurely
formations in the entire Caribbean starting here and continuing on around the south side of Klein. which is a good spot for snorkeling and beginner scuba divers to see turtles and rays. 40 Mangrove Info & trips. The Mangrove Info & Kayak Center, (780-5353) Red Hind
F. KEEPSAKE Closed Punt Vierkant Lighthouse offers nature tours in the Lac Bay Mangrove Forest.
G. BONAVENTURE 20’-100' (6-30m) The reef slope is terraced and nearly vertical in places. CHEZ HINES 30’-100’ (9-30m) Access is by boat to a wonderful scuba and snorkeling site. Mangrove Kayaking Center Trips to Klein Bonaire are also available from Kralendijk. Tiger Grouper Queen Parrotfish
Starting at 100' there are large stacks of plate coral. Sea horses are found in the shallows! The slope features big orange elephant-ear sponges, with horse-eye jacks and tiger groupers. "La Belle Marsh" BAKUNA Kayakers will need to pay a Nature Fee for using Bonaire
H. MONTE'S DIVI 15’-100' (5-30m) A great place to snorkel. Lots of parrotfishes, chromis, National Marine Park. Bonaire's kayak routes are labeled Blue Parrotfish
trumpetfish, and seahorses amongst staghorn corals. LIGHTHOUSE POINT 30’-100’ (9-30m) Access is by boat or shore to a sandy-bottom scuba Kunuku
and snorkeling site featuring soft corals and southern stingrays. Warahama Nassau Grouper Yellowtail Snapper
PUNT VIERKANT 25’-100’ (8-30m) “Square Point” is the northern end of a double-reef, LIMA Mangrove
with the inner reef at 40' (12m) to 100' (30m), and the outer reef rising about 20' (6m).
Amongst basket sponges, gorgonians, and large brain corals divers find a myriad of fishes.
I. ROCK PILE/BONHEUR DE BETSY 20’-100' (6-30m) A great place to snorkel. Lots of THE LAKE 25’-100’ (8-30m) This is the southern part of a double-reef. The mooring is at 41 Trans World Radio Lac Bay Cai Kayak Route and indicated with a dashed line ( ). Black Grouper Juvenile Princess
parrotfishes and goatfishes. Many purple tube sponges and orange elephant ear sponges. A nice 30' (9m) on a shelf loaded with sea fans, fire coral, parrotfish, damselfish, and trumpetfish. Kontiki Parrotfish
stand of staghorn coral makes a hideout for big schools of snappers and grunts. The outer reef is spectacular with mountainous star coral, and numerous colorful fishes. 42 Beach CAI 30’-100’ (9-30m) Also called CONCH SHELLS, the strong
J. JOANNE'S SUNCHI 20’-100' (6-30m) Sunchi means “kiss” in Papiamento. An excellent place currents and open ocean conditions make this dive on the "wild side" Mahogany
to snorkel. Ridges covered with coral and sponges are perpendicular to shore. The sandy bottom HILMA HOOKER 25’-100’ (8-30m) This internationally famous wreck dive has two moorings, 43 63 very advanced. Large pelagics and sharks are likely to be seen here. Snapper Spotted
between the ridges is a sand tilefish nesting area. on the double-reef complex. The top of the 72m (236'), 1000-ton drug-smuggling cargo ship, On shore at Cai there are piles of millions of conch shells left over Tobacco Fish Scorpionfish
K. CAPTAIN DON'S REEF 20’-100' (6-30m) This is a MUST DIVE on your Bonaire trip. At which sank in 1984, lies at 60’ (18m), the mast at 99’ (30m). She lies on her starboard side. 44 SRoereofbon from the days when these delicious snails were harvested from the Graysby
the mooring is a plaque dedicted to Don Stewart, which thanks him for his dedication to the Although it is not recommended that novice divers penetrate this wreck, because there are 45 bay. Larry's offers wildside diving - call 790-9156. Sergeant
preservation of Bonaire's reefs. Ridges covered with coral and sponges are perpendicular to many hazards, divers with wreck dive training and experiece find this a superb wreck to dive. 46 Kontiki Restaurant Spotfin Queen Angelfish Major
shore and are covered with large orange elephant ear sponges, mountainous and cavernous star 47 & Apartments Lac Bay Not only are the turquoise waters beautiful, Butterflyfish
coral, and plate corals. Below 70' there are many black corals and wire corals. ANGEL CITY 30’-100’ (9-30m) The southern end of the double reef here is famous for 48 but Lac Bay is a fantastic activity center, with swimming,
very large purple tube sponges, a huge mountainous star coral head with a swim-through, and Crystalizer Sorobon snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing. Or you can sit Barred Hamlet Juvenile Juvenile
many angelfish. The sand channel has garden eels and stingrays. Access is via boat or shore. Ponds ("Jibe City") in the tradewind with a nice drink or a tasty picnic while
Juvenile
L. SOUTH BAY 30’-100’ (9-30m) Orange elephant ear sponges, purple tube sponges, plate coral, ALICE IN WONDERLAND 30’-100’ (9-30m) A double-reef complex beginning at 30' 49 Light Salt Harvest watching all of the gleeful action in the bay. Some folks Tarpon
black coral, and long wire corals. Ocean triggerfish, scrawled filefish, and horse-eye jacks. (9m), with a covering of coral and sponges, sloping to 90' (27m) to a wide sand channel consider Lac Bay to be one of best windsurfing spots in
M. HANDS OFF 30’-100’ (9-30m) There is a V-shaped valley with ridges of coral on both sides. with garden eels. The outer reef is stupendous, where big fish abound. Salt Pier Blauwe Pan 62 the world. Bonaire Windsurf Place at Sorobon Beach Tomtate
Many orange elephant ear sponges, and lots of black coral, plate corals, wire corals, and lots of 500m
huge brain corals in the deeper water. Currents are sometimes strong. AQUARIUS 30’-100’ (9-30m) An easy site with a mostly sandy bottom. Lots of fish, 50 has rentals, plus the best spot in the world to be intro-
N. FOREST 25’-100’ (8-30m) Lots of black coral colonies below 50' (15m). Mountainous star plus a few southern stingrays, turtles, and peacock flounders. 200mduced to the excitement of windsurfing. 717-5091. Palometa
coral and huge orange elephant ear sponges are found until about 80' (24m), and then are replaced 100m Gray Angelfish French Angelfish
by stacks of plate corals. A cave hosts a green moray, a loggerhead turtle and a nurse shark. LARRY'S LAIR 30’-100’ (9-30m) An easy site with a rocky shore entry. Large groupers 60m
O. SOUTHWEST CORNER 15’-100' (5-30m) Soft corals stand taller than 6 feet, and hang out at cleaning stations. Also good for seeing turtles and rays. 51 Or see Jibe City, 717-5233. Blue Angelfish Reef Banded
mountainous star coral formations stand 10 feet tall. Also found are many iridescent vase BLUE HOLE 15’-100’ (5-30m) Also called WHITE Butterflyfish Butterflyfish
sponges, orange sponges, green and purple tube sponges. Strong currents! HOLE, this spot is a long walk in shallow water to a Yellowfin
P. MUNK'S HAVEN Closed BONARIRE FROGFISH A yellow JEANNIE'S GLORY 30’-100’ (9-30m) Boat or shore dive. Amongst sandy coral rubble, 52 nice drop-off. Tarpon, southern stingrays, and a Damselfish
Q. TWIXT 30’-100’ (9-30m) Many yellowtails, queen angelfish, and trumpetfish. The slope frogfish sits atop a bright orange this site also features large barrel sponges and fire coral. Main Pump Sta. Manparia Kutu few sharks. Caution: Strong currents make this a Honeycomb
features very large orange sponges, sometimes more than six feet in diameter. sponge at Klein Bonaire's Twixt difficult and advanced dive. Divers usually need a Trumpetfish Cowfish
R. SHARON'S SERENITY 20’-100' (6-30m) The best snorkeling site on Klein Bonaire, with dive site. Bonaire reefs host a SALT PIER To 50' (151m) Permission is required for this great afternoon or night Pink Beach Solar dive guide here. Great Barracuda Cero Smooth
staghorn and elkhorn corals, and many parrotfishes, trumpetfishes, French and gray angelfishes, colorful variety of frogfish for dive. Pilings are covered with sponges and soft corals. Photogenic. Condenser Salt Works Rock Beauty
and damselfishes. Sometimes dolphins visit with snorkelers. the observant diver to photograph. Sea Trunkfish
S. VALERIE'S HILL 20’-100' (6-30m) Named after Capt. Don's wife by local dive guides. An SALT CITY 30’-90’ (9-27m) Elkhorn and staghorn corals, plus gorgonians. Between Ponds Kiteboarding Atlantis Beach is one of the greatest Grey Snapper Blue Horse Elkhorn Coral
excellent snorkeling site. Below 80' (24m) there are lots of plate corals, purple tube sponges, and the inner and outer reefs is a sand flat with garden eels. Eagle rays sometimes grace kiteboarding spots in the world. The tradewinds are Green Juvenile Chromis
large orange elephant ear sponges. the sand flats and feed here. strong, the sea is flat, and the water is warm. See Razorfish
T. MI DUSHI 20’-100' (6-30m) "My sweetheart" in Papiamentu is a great place to snorkel and 53 Kitebuzz when you are there for rentals or lessons. Glasseye
it is THE PLACE FOR SEAHORSES. There is a forest of wire corals starting at 60' (18m), and INVISIBLES 20’-100’ (6-30m) Divers have an unusual chance to see garden eels in Witte Pan Clown Snapper
huge purple tube sponges and many large plate corals. shallow water. Coral islands protrude from sandy channels.
U. CARL'S HILL ANNEX/YELLOW MAN'S REEF Closed Witte Pan Cargill Salt Flamingo Sanctuary Over 10,000 Wrasse Highhat
V. CARL'S HILL/PUNTA P'ABOU 20’-100' (6-30m) Photogenic site named after underwater TORI'S REEF 20’-100’ (6-30m) More species of fish have been identified at this
photographer Carl Roessler. Some very large purple tube sponges. There is a small (35'/11m) single dive site than any other in the Caribbean, except Bari Reef in Kralendijk. 54 Slave Huts pink flamingos enjoy one of the Western Hemi- Spotted Drum Longspine
vertical wall with black coral, wire coral, and orange cup corals. Many hard to find fish hide in the fire coral. 55 sphere’s biggest flamingo sanctuaries. Squirrelfish
W. EBO'S SPECIAL/JERRY'S JAM 25’-100’ (8-30m) Named for Bonaire's first certified WILLEMSTOREN LIGHTHOUSE Redlip Bluestriped Sea Fan Foureye Octopus Sea Rod
diver, Ebo Domacassé. A great place for a shallow dive. Beautiful elkhorn and staghorn corals. PINK BEACH 20’-90' (6-27m) The famous beach is pink because of biological 56 To 60' (18m) Advanced divers only. Spotted Blenny Grunt Coral Crab Spotted White Grunt Blue Tang
X. LEONORA'S REEF 25’-100’ (8-30m) Excellent snorkeling on the shelf. There is a big purple mineral collecting. This superb reef has purple and iridescent vase sponges. Dive only when calm. Wreck debris Moray Eel Butterflyfish Trunkfish Juvenile
“linguini” sponge at about 70' (21m). Big tiger groupers are common. includes a few old anchors and chains.
Y. KNIFE 20’-100' (6-30m) An outstanding snorkeling site, walking here from No Name Beach. Yellowhead WHITE SLAVE 20’-100’ (6-30m) Named for white pinnacle and old slave Large pelagic species including jacks Fairy Brown
The shelf has many damselfish and Spanish hogfish. The slope has large tube sponges, and Wrasse huts on shore, which are white in color. Sea turtles are almost guaranteed. Tube Sponge
mountainous and cavernous star coral. Spotted morays are common here as well.
Z. SAMPLER 20’-100' (6-30m) Snorkelers will find many parrotfishes and goatfishes. The Bluehead Blacktip MARGATE BAY 20’-100’ (6-30m) Gorgonians make a nice resting place 57 are common. The upper part of the Brown Chromis Gorgonian FanBasslet Glassy
nooks and crannies of the slope have elusive green morays and frogfish. Wrasse Reef Shark for black margates (a snapper) here. Turtles are usually here as well. 58 Rode Pan Pekelmeer slope has wonderful coral and sponge Mountainous French
59 Oranje Pan coverage. Grunt Sweepers Balloonfish
RED BERYL 20’-100’ (6-30m) Stingrays and turtles love this area. Divers Green Moray Eel Giant Brain Coral Squirrelfish Creole
encounter many schools of Caribbean reef fishes. 60 Slave Huts Willemstoren
Orange-spotted Lacre Punt 61 Lighthouse Cleaning Yellow Tube
Filefish ATLANTIS 20’-100’ (6-30m) Turtles and a few large pelagic fishes are Goby Orange Star Coral Wrasse
found in and around one of Bonaire's colorful southern coral gardens. Nurse Shark Sponge Sponge Cushion
Scrawled Caribbean Watch out for kiteboarders any time there is wind (which is usually). Smooth Branching Arrow Bi-color Basket Sea Star
Filefish Reef Squid Staghorn Coral Star Coral Vase Sponge Crab Damselfish Sponge
VISTA BLUE 30’-100’ (9-30m) At the southern end of Bonaire the currents
Green get stronger and more pelagics appear out of the deep blue. Fire Coral Long-spined Sheet Brain Coral Orange
Sea Turtle Sea Urchin Coral Tube
SWEET DREAMS 30’-100’ (9-30m) Gorgonians thrive in the rich strong Sponge
Horse-eye Jack currents. Coral heads and sponges rise up from the “sugar sand” bottom. Triton's Southern Hermit Crab
Trumpet Stingray
RED SLAVE 20’-80' (6-24m) Located in front of the second set of slave Sea
huts (reddish in color) along the road south of Kralendijk. The remains of Garden Eel Jawfish Sand Diver Anemone Yellowstriped
the HMS Barham attract groupers, turtles, and dolphins. Beware of strong
Striped Bermuda currents which sweep around the island. White-spotted Filefish Peacock Flounder Queen Goatfish Yellow Stingray Sea Cucumber Sand Tilefish Spiny Lobster
Burrfish Chub Conch
White-spotted Eagle Ray Bar Jack
Copyright July 2008 by Frank M. Nielsen, Corona, California 92882 “Franko Maps, Ltd.” email: franko@frankosmaps.com website: www.frankosmaps.com The creator and seller of this map is in no way responsible for violation of law, injury or damage in connection with the use of this map.