Bonaire · March 2019
Bonaire: The Ultimate Shore Diving Adventure
Bonaire is a diver's playground, and our 2019 expedition was the perfect proof. We brought a group of 13 together for ten days of pure underwater autonomy. The rhythm of Bonaire is unique: you grab your tanks, hop in your pickup truck, and drive until a yellow stone marks a site that catches your eye. From the iconic wreck of the Hilma Hooker to the rugged, remote beauty of the northern national park, we explored the island's most legendary sites with the freedom that only this island can offer.
Day by day
Day 1
The Journey to the Dutch Caribbean
Our group converged from across the country, making our way to the bright, breezy shores of Bonaire. After settling into our rooms and getting a feel for the tropical air, we gathered for a welcome orientation to prep for the week of diving ahead.
Day 2
Trucks, Tanks, and Toes in the Water
The true Bonaire experience began as we took delivery of our manual-transmission pickup trucks. After a quick check-out dive to dial in our buoyancy, we headed to Bachelor's Beach and Windsock for our first official shore entries. The afternoon was spent getting 'dialed in' to the easy-access reef system.
Day 3
The Northern Beauty
We headed north today, tackling the famous Thousand Steps. The effort of the stairs is always rewarded with stunning brain and staghorn corals. We followed it up with a visit to Old Blue and Karpata, where the dramatic reef slopes and crystal-clear visibility reminded us why these are perennial favorites.
Day 4
Wrecks and Night Life
A bucket-list day for many! We explored the Hilma Hooker, a deep freighter resting between two reef systems, followed by a drift at Alice in Wonderland. As the sun dipped, we prepared for a group night dive at Windsock, where the reef comes alive with hunting tarpon and curious critters.
Day 5
Offshore and Underwater Architecture
We traded the trucks for a boat today to reach the pristine sites surrounding Klein Bonaire. The visibility was exceptional at sites like Bloodlet. Later, we visited the Salt Pier, an underwater photographer's dream where massive pillars are encrusted with sponges and surrounded by swirling schools of fish.
Day 6
Expedition to the National Park
We ventured into the Washington Slagbaai National Park for a full day of remote diving. The sites here are pristine and rarely visited, offering a raw look at Bonaire's underwater wilderness. Between dives, we took our trucks through the diverse desert landscapes of the island's northern tip.
Day 7
The Southern Shoreline
Our final full day of diving focused on the southern end of the island. We visited the beautiful White Slave and Invisibles sites, known for their unique double-reef structures. We capped off the week with a farewell group dinner at a local beach bar, sharing stories of the week's best sightings.
Day 8
Leisure and Departures
After a final leisurely breakfast and some last-minute exploration of the colorful streets of Kralendijk, we began our journey home, already planning our next return to the shore-diving capital.
From the trip
From the travelers
“The freedom of just pulling the truck over and jumping into a world-class reef whenever we wanted was unlike any other dive trip I've been on.”
“From the stunning wreck of the Hilma Hooker to the wild landscapes of the National Park, this was a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.”
Bonaire never fails to deliver. Whether it was the thrill of navigating the trucks to a remote entry point or the simple joy of a sunset beer after a three-dive day, the camaraderie of this group made the 2019 trip one for the books. There is something truly special about the independence this island grants a diver, and we can't wait to go back.
Want to do this one yourself?
We run trips like this every year. See where we're headed next and grab a spot before the group fills up.