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We got a pretty early start out to the Hooker dive site. The weather was clear with some small choppy waves. We surveyed the entry point and then fastened a towel to a nearby tree. Then it was time to put on the gear and do a final gear check. The entry was no problem for our group. There was a bit of a current on the way to the buoy. To help us swim in a straight line we swam on our backs while we lined up one of the radio towers with a tree onshore. This helped us keep a true course and avoid unnecessarily fighting the current. Even at the surface we could make out the outline of the wreck, proof again of Bonaire's famed excellent water visibility.
When we reached the southern buoy we made our descent. Once everyone had descended we swam from the bow (that's the pointy end for you landlubbers) to the stern on the beach side. About midway along the keel going towards the stern we saw four tarpon. It always is a thrill to see these four-foot long fish in the daytime. The silver tarpons just floated for a few minutes and then swam away. I suspect that they were using the channel between the hull of the wreck and shore drop-off as an underwater buffet. The mix of man-made and natural underwater geography with a steady current must funnel a lot of meals their way.
By the stern, at around 80 feet two dinner-plate sized queen angelfish passed by us. These were the largest ones I have seen on this trip to Bonaire. The iridescent blue-green crown that they wear does make them the queens of the sea. At the stern I was able to snap a few pictures of the rest of the divers. The wreck and a few strands of wire coral do make a nice background for a group photo. This is the deepest part of the dive. Even though people say the wreck is at 100 feet deep, I doubt it. You would really have to bury your gauges a foot or more into the sand to get over 97 feet.
Going around the stern we were able to see a few more angelfish, this time French angels swimming in the sand. Fred and I went into the wreck to take a look around while Bobbie and Priscille went toward the superstructure. Since the ship is on its side everything in the Hilma Hooker is sideways. This can make going through doorways a little difficult. That air tank on our back doesn't allow us to go through holes we think we can go through. So after negotiating one doorway we decided we had enough. Anyway the soft corals and sponges of the hold are just a little more interesting than some rusty metal. We met up with Priscille and Bobbie and proceeded to the bow.
Unlike the tarpon, we had eaten up our allowed bottom time and air and had to return to the shore. Once we ascended over the first drop-off we headed on the sand shelf leading towards the shore. This is a good area to get that safety stop in as well as do a little exploring. Priscille was able to find a few flamingo tongues and Bobbie found a flying gurnard. When the depth was about seven feet we ascended to the surface. By looking for that towel on the tree we could easily determine our location and exit point. Getting out was no problem for the group.
While stripping off the gear the entire crew agreed that this is what a good recreational dive is all about. Diving the Hilma Hooker gives you the chance to see some big fish, tropical reef fish, dive a wreck, and enjoy the warm clear water of Bonaire. Can it get much better for a diver? We don't think so.
Write up your Bonaire dive experience, include a photo if possible, and send it to us by mail:
Bonaire Reporter
Kaya Gob. Debrot 200-6
Bonaire Netherlands Antilles (AN)
or e-mail to log@bonairereporter.com
We'll send you a top quality 100% cotton Bonaire Reporter T-shirt for a 500-700 word story with a clear photo.
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