Hilma Hooker

The Hilma Hooker is Bonaire's only major wreck dive — a 72-meter Dutch cargo ship with a colorful smuggling history that was seized by Bonairean authorities in 1984 carrying 25,000 pounds of marijuana, abandoned by her owners, and scuttled that year to become one of the Caribbean's most popular wreck dives. She rests on her starboard side in the sand channel between two parallel reefs at 30 meters, with her upper hull at 18 meters making her accessible to a wide range of certified divers. The wreck sits perfectly positioned for circumnavigation, surrounded by sand with reef walls on both sides. Divers typically descend onto the double reef system, explore along one wall, cross to the wreck for a full traverse, then return via the opposite reef — a 'triple threat' dive that combines two walls and a wreck in a single profile. The Hooker's hull is substantially coral-encrusted after 40 years underwater, with soft corals, sponges, and fire corals making the steel appear to be a natural reef outcrop. Marine life has completely claimed the wreck. Massive schools of horse-eye jacks, yellowtail snappers, and tarpon cycle through the upper superstructure. Resident green moray eels inhabit the engine room, and the hull's interior can be penetrated safely by properly trained divers. The twin reefs flanking the wreck host the full Caribbean cast — hawksbill turtles, eagle rays, southern stingrays on the sand, and an exceptional density of reef fish including parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish. The Hilma Hooker is Advanced Open Water diving due to the 30-meter depth on the hull, though the 18-meter upper section is within Open Water limits. Accessed as a shore dive from the coastal road 40 minutes south of Kralendijk, or more commonly by boat for convenience. Visibility 20-30 meters, water temperatures 25-29°C. Bonaire Marine Park tag required for all diving. Combines beautifully with the island's other classics (1,000 Steps, Angel City, Salt Pier) for a complete shore-dive itinerary.