Bountiful Bonaire
From the air, Bonaire appears barren and
dry with scant features. However, this small
island is not only blessed with some of the
best tropical coral reefs in the Caribbean,
there are also many interesting things to
see and do when you are not underwater
Text and Images by GILL MCDONALD
THIS DUTCH CARIBBEAN ISLAND has had
marine protections in place for more than 35
years. It is one of the Caribbean’s top dive
destinations with more than 100 different dive
sites to choose from. Marine life is prolific and
the diving is wonderful, with more than 470 fish
species and nearly 60 different species of soft and
hard coral found in Bonaire’s water. Fantastic boat
dives, all a short journey away from wherever
you are staying, complement the many accessible
shore dives. Hire a jeep, pack your gear and tanks,
and head out armed with a map of all the available
sites. Underwater photography is extremely
popular due to Bonaire’s incredibly clear water
and unspoiled ecosystem.
This small island is blessed
with some of the best
tropical coral reefs in
the Caribbean
01 A decorative mantle
covers the shell of this
flamingo tongue snail