Bonaire's pristine reefs and diverse marine life are unique to the Caribbean.  Because the waters around Bonaire are designated as an official marine park, diving Bonaire is like diving the Caribbean the way it used to be - untouched and unspoiled.  The island's location in the south Caribbean gives it an arid climate with little rainfall; consequently, the waters are exceptionally clear of silt, calm, and divable 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 often averaging over 100 feet(30m), and frequently, up to 150 feet (55m).

 

The Marine Park extends all the way around Bonaire, from the high water mark to the 60m depth contour.  Bonaire's narrow, fringing coral reefs encircle both Bonaire and Klein Bonaire.  The reefs are very well preserved, very diverse, and support a truly amazing array of reef fish.  Recent studies have shown that Bonaire's fish population is the most diverse in the Caribbean and ranks among the best in the world.

 

Typically, the reefs start right at the water's edge and shelve off gently to a depth of about 32 feet (10m).  This area, known as the reef terrace,  is very narrow along the north coast (as little as 20m wide) and much wider in the south, where it may reach widths of 200m.  In very shallow waters are encrusting coral formations, which grow close the bottom to avoid wave action.

 

On the reef terrace, you will find amazing stands of elkhorn and staghorn coral, often with fire coral, patch reefs, and dense stands of soft corals--all inhabited by a dazzling spectrum of reef fish.  The tangs and parrot fish will be out in force, grazing and keeping the algae stands under control.  Expect to see lots of damsel fish, with butterfly and angel fish amid grunts, coneys, rock hinds and their relatives--goatfish, hogfish, and an abundance of wrasse.  On the bottom, look for peacock eye flounder, lizard fish, and scorpionfish, all of which are so well camouflaged that you may easily overlook them. Goatfish, by comparison, are hard to miss.  They make no attempt to hide their presence as they churn up the bottom in search of tasty morsels.  Be sure to notice the sticky tentacled anemones hiding within the coral.

Our accommodations host is the world famous"Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino Bonaire", colorful, unpretentious, and fun - the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort and Casino is the perfect base for KCD's vacationers drawn to world-class Caribbean scuba diving.  Spacious oceanfront and gardenview guestrooms and suites are gaily decorated in bright, tropical colors.   Private balconies overlook the Caribbean Sea and invite guests to relax after a day of diving.

Our KCD group package rates, including diving and accommodations, 8 nights, 6 day 2-tank morning boat dives and tanks for unlimited shore diving, daily breakfast, marine park fee, airport transfers, service charges, taxes and tips, per person, double occupancy:
standard room: pool view $1135
deluxe room: ocean view $1210
studios: pool/partial ocean view $1260

Airfare:
$647.80 pp/round-trip/incl taxes and fuel surcharges   (Quoted only until 8/7/2008)

Flight information:
Continental Airlines Flt#1553Y departs Newark 11/08/2008 at 11:55pm nonstop to Bonaire, arriving 05:40am.
Continental Airlines Flt#1556Y departs Bonaire 11/16/2008 at 7:00am nonstop to Newark, arriving 10:45am.

Reservations for the group package rate:
A non-refundable deposit of 25% is required with your reservation.   An additional deposit of 50% will be due on 9/8, and the remaining balance will be due on 10/8.

Contact information:
Event Coordinator Mia Interrante  . . . mia@kcdivers.net
Kings County Divers Association  . . . (718)648-4232

Please make your reservations as quickly as possible.
Space is limited, and we do not want to leave anyone behind.