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Scuba Diving in Bonaire's Waters

Overview
Just about everyone knows that "SCUBA" is an acronym for Self Contained Under Water Breathing Apparatus. The sport has become extremely popular in the last two decades, due in part to places like Bonaire, which has taken great pains to preserve the underwater world by establishing one of the first marine parks in the Caribbean. The other reason Bonaire has become such a popular destination is the wide variety of fish life and the ease of diving that the island offers.

Diving is easy Photo Courtesy of Julie Morgan

Dive Conditions
Bonaire's pristine reefs and diverse marine life are unique to the Caribbean. Because the waters around Bonaire have been protected by an actively managed marine park for the past 30 years, Bonaire today ranks amongst the top four best diving destinations in the world*. The island's location in the south Caribbean gives it an arid climate with little rain fall; consequently, the waters are exceptionally clear of silt, calm, and diveable year round. It is an ideal destination for underwater photographers. Water temperatures average a warm 78-84°F (25.6-28.9°C), with visibility averaging over 100 feet (30m), and frequently reaching up to 150 feet (50m).

Most Dive Operators are members of CURO, the Council of Underwater Resort Operators. As members, they participate in establishing standards and uniform practices that, along with the Bonaire Marine Park Rules, have worked to preserve our reefs and the fragile ecosystem of the reef.

Bonaire Dive Orientation
If you are planning a trip to Bonaire that includes diving, you will be required to attend a Bonaire National Marine Park Orientation/Briefing prior to your first dive on the island. Check with your dive operator for times. One of the Bonaire Marine Park Regulations is for all visitors to do a check-out dive as part of the briefing process before taking off on their own to shore dive or going on a dive boat. The main reasons for this are to have each diver check buoyancy so that damage to the reef is minimized or eliminated and also to check out their dive equipment, whether it be rented or owned. Also, every diver on Bonaire must purchase a Marine Park Tag valid for one calendar year. Orientation procedures vary from dive center to dive center, so it's a good idea to check in early.

During your dive orientation, you will learn about a new, invasive species, the Pacific lionfish, which is now found on Bonaire. Click here to learn more about this fish and the efforts which are being taken to contain its spread.

Purple Tube Sponge Photo Courtesy of Julie Morgan

Recompression Chamber and Diving Medical Services
In case of a diving accident or emergency, Bonaire has one of the Caribbean's best staffed recompression chambers. The chamber is located behind Centro Medical Central, and people in need of treatment must go to the hospital to gain access to the chamber. Additional, Dive Medical Bonaire offers expertise in diving medicine for either pre-dive evaluations or post-dive situations.

The Bonaire Marine Park
The fringing reef which surrounds Bonaire is a National Marine Park from the high water mark down to a depth of 200 feet/60m. Every diver who has not dived on Bonaire within the last calendar year must attend a diver orientation dealing with Bonaire Marine Park regulations and information. These orientation sessions are usually held at around 9AM the morning after you arrive on Bonaire, and you are required to attend and to obtain your Marine Park tag, which is necessary to legally dive in Bonaire's waters. The cost of the tag is US$25, and proceeds help support park management and services.

*CNN / National Geographic May 2005

Photographs Copyright © 1998-99 Julie Morgan - All Rights Reserved.

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