Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The water temperature is between 78
F year-round. Visibility
ranges from 60 feet off the west coast of the main island, to 120 feet off
Klein Bonaire. Most sites have a narrow, sloping shelf beginning in 10 to
30 feet of water near the shore. This reef terrace grows wider as it spreads
south. Gorgonians and fire, staghorn, and elkhorn corals grow along this
shelf and attract parrotfish, blue tangs, barracudas, damselfish, snap-
pers, angelfish and many others.
Most of the shelves slope toward the sea beginning in about 30 feet of
water. This drop-off zone ends in sand at 110 to 130 feet and is covered in
colorful sponges and various corals (most notably mountainous star). Fish
along the slopes include hamlets, spotted drums, blue and brown chromis,
hogfish, and butterflyfish. Goatfish, stingrays, hermit crabs, and conch
live on the sandy bottom along with well camouflaged peacock eye floun-
der, lizard fish, and scorpionfish. Lucky divers spot tarpon, turtles, and
seahorses, and perhaps, in distant blue water, a passing shark or dolphin.
Experienced divers will appreciate Bonaire's special underwater features,
such as the double reef separated by a sandy valley along the south coast,
and the atypical spur-and-groove formations where coral grows perpen-
dicular to the coast.
°
F and 86
°
TIP: See Marine Life in the introduction, page 14,
for descriptions of some common plants and ani-
mals found in the South Caribbean Sea. Many of the
resorts host weekly slide show presentations given
by underwater photographers. If you really want to
learn about life in the Marine Park, sign up for a
PADI Fish ID Snorkeler Course.
Dive shops on Bonaire sell fish identification charts and
books (a great one is Reef Fish Identification:
Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas by Paul Humann and
Ned DeLoach).
The Guided Snorkeling Program
The following operators participate in the Bonaire Guided Snorkel Experi-
ence Program with organized tours to specially selected reefs. Most of the
trips take place from shore, rather than from a boat, and all begin with an
informational briefing about the site. The guide leads participants along
the reef, pointing out significant marine plants and fish. Equipment rental
is included in the $25-$30 price, and programs are geared toward both
experienced and novice snorkelers of all ages. Many dive shops organize
snorkel trips and allow snorkelers to accompany divers on boat dives for
around $12-$15, but the following are designated participants of the
Bonaire Guided Snorkel (BGS) Experience.
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