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Scuba Diving & Apartments

Diving

Women in diving: inspiring change & a love of the ocean

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PADI Women’s Dive Day

On July 15th, the world celebrated PADI Women’s Dive Day. This day aims to encourage women from all over the world to discover the wonders of scuba diving. We will use this occasion to highlight the role of women in the diving industry as well as gender equality within scuba diving as a whole! Thanks to the efforts and valuable contributions of women in diving, who despite all odds, have defied gender barriers and made a significant mark on the diving industry. 

Female pioneers in the world of scuba diving

The fact that, historically, women represented a minority in the diving world goes without a doubt. There are a few reasons for this. First off, diving was established in the male-dominated military field and did not yet include women. It was also due partly to the false belief that women were more prone to suffer from decompression sickness than men, and so were excluded from the sport. The early years of diving were not always very friendly to women and those who dared to dive were forced to use ill-fitting equipment designed for men. However, this did not stand in the way of many who became pioneers in the diving world.

Dotti Frazer

A great example is the case of Dotti Frazer who, in the 1940s, became the first female scuba diving instructor. She had the honor of becoming the first woman to set up and run her own dive center. She also designed and created her own line of wetsuits. To top it all off, she did this all while raising 4 children!

Sylvia Earle

We cannot talk about the role of women in diving without mentioning the diving icon, Sylvia Earle. She is also known as “Her Deepness”. Dr. Earle is a renowned oceanographer and underwater explorer who has dedicated her entire life and soul to marine conservation. Her love for the ocean has led her to reach places where no one has ever been before. Including being the first person to walk the seabed at a depth of 400m! Furthermore, in 1970, she was part of the Tektite project, an expedition to investigate the seabed which earned her the label of the first “aquanaut”. This project gave her the opportunity to be a part of the US Virgin Islands Underwater Research a few years later at a depth of 15 meters. This was just one of the first milestones that Dr. Earle would achieve throughout her extensive career.

Despite her achievements, making a place for herself in an industry dominated by men was one of the most difficult challenges for the explorer. Despite having more than a thousand hours of research behind her back, she was rejected to join the second expedition in the project called Tektite I the following year, simply for being a woman. Dr. Earle never gave up and two years later, she was selected to be the leader of a group of female divers on the third expedition under the name Tektite II, in which they spent two complete weeks living and researching under the sea. Today, she is recognized worldwide as one of the greatest marine ambassadors and most influential people behind the marine conservation efforts leading the project called Mission Blue.

Bonaire

Of course, there are also women on Bonaire who make a great contribution to the diving industry. One example is Kim Kloet, one of the two main pillars behind Beyond The Corals. Kim is a role model for the entire staff, where women represent 60% of the team. She also leads the PADI Reef Renewal Diver Distinctive Specialty at Beyond The Corals. Spreading awareness of coral reef conservation and teaching divers and staff how we can take care of Bonaire’s coral reefs.

Inspiring the next generations of PADI divers

The work and legacy of these inspirational women in diving have been a source of inspiration for generations to come. By showing us that women can be leaders in marine conservation and that they can revolutionize the diving industry. Their stories and achievements have encouraged and paved the way for many women to fall in love with the marine world and follow in their footsteps. We want to celebrate this on PADI Women’s Dive Day!

How scuba diving empowers women

There are a host of scuba diving benefits that empower women:

  • Experiencing the world from a new perspective: diving allows you to explore our blue planet’s underwater world. It offers abundant opportunities to experience new adventures, travel to unique destinations and find wonderful wildlife. You may even discover things you would never have imagined existed!
  • Keeping fit: when diving we work all the muscles in our body. The best thing is that you won’t even notice the effort. You will only feel the peace of mind of being in near zero gravity while you enjoy all the wonders that the underwater world has to offer.
  • Saying goodbye to stress: diving provides a great sense of relaxation known as the Blue Mind. When we dive we forget all our stress and worries. We are able to relax the senses and separate ourselves from distractions, to the point where we can hear only the sound of our breathing. This will help you to focus on the “here and now”. 
  • Meeting new friends: scuba diving is a buddy sport. It allows you to meet and interact with other like-minded people who share your interests and passions.
  • Gaining a sense of achievement and pride: every dive leads to personal growth. Opening up to new experiences builds self-confidence.
  • Defending our oceans: through diving adventures you will learn about the importance of preserving the marine world and how you can make a difference.

Let’s go scuba diving!

What is of the utmost importance, is that scuba diving is a safe and fun activity. It is suitable for everyone – regardless of their gender, age or level of experience. Whether you want to try diving for the first time, or you are a certified diver looking for a new adventure, we have a PADI diving program for you! Reach out to us to find out how to get started. Enjoy PADI Women’s Dive Day!

Sea turtles: ambassadors of the ocean!

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Sea turtles have a rich and fascinating history dating back more than 150 million years. These creatures have witnessed the evolution of the oceans and have survived countless climatic changes and catastrophic events over the millennia. This makes it extra unique to see them whilst diving here in Bonaire’s national marine park!

As captivating creatures that have roamed the world’s oceans for millions of years, sea turtles play a vital role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.

In today’s blog, we want to share with you their significance and nesting habits, how Bonaire protects sea turtles and what we can do to protect these animals. Are you ready to become a sea turtle expert? Just keep reading!

What makes sea turtles special?

Sea turtles are unique marine reptiles that have evolved to life in the ocean. They possess several distinguishing adaptations that set them apart from other marine life.

One of their most recognizable traits is their streamlined body, designed for efficient swimming through the water. This is partially thanks also to their modified legs in the form of large flippers that allow them to travel thousands of kilometers across our oceans easily, quickly and with almost no effort.

Did you know that unlike other reptiles and their relatives (land turtles and river turtles), sea turtles cannot retract their limbs and head into their shells? Instead, they developed a hard protective shell called a carapace, which shields them from predators, although unfortunately for them it does not exempt them from being a delicacy for some apex predators such as sharks and killer whales in the sea and several species of mammals on land.

There are seven recognized species of sea turtles found across the world. These are the green, loggerhead, hawksbill, leatherback, olive ridley, kemp’s ridley, and flatback. Each species has its own unique characteristics and habitat preferences, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the world’s oceans.

The importance of these ancient creatures

Sea turtles play a crucial role in marine ecosystems. They help maintain healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs by grazing on algae and controlling population levels of their prey. Additionally, their eggs and hatchlings provide nutrients to the beaches and surrounding ecosystems when they hatch and return to the ocean. Moreover, sea turtles serve as indicators of the overall health of the marine environment. Their decline in numbers can indicate disturbances or imbalances in the ecosystem.

Forming new generations

Female sea turtles return to the same beaches where they were born to lay their eggs. They use their flippers to dig nests in the sand, carefully depositing their eggs before covering them and returning to the ocean. The nesting process is a delicate and vulnerable time for the turtles, as they are susceptible to predation and human interference. After an incubation period of around 50 to 60 days, the hatchlings emerge and make their way to the water, facing numerous challenges during their journey.

Sea turtles on Bonaire

Can we find sea turtles on Bonaire? Well, let me happily tell you that the answer is YES. We can find three of the seven species in the surrounding waters: the green turtle, hawksbill turtle and loggerhead turtle. People of Bonaire are able to encounter adult males and females while diving, snorkelling or boat sailing as they congregate in the open waters around Bonaire for several weeks in courtship and mating either at the surface or at some meters depth. Bonaire’s locals and tourists are lucky because sea turtles can be seen year-round here in divers’ paradise! Though, from April to December there are higher chances of finding them both underwater and on the shore as females of the three species will start going out to the beaches to lay their eggs on an average of 3 to 6 clutches of nests. They are able to deposit a range of 100 to 180 eggs per nest, depending on the species.

Magic happens after about 60 days when a group of enthusiastic hatchlings will join forces to reach the surface and begin their race for survival. They go into the sea fighting against the elements such as prowling predators, the stifling heat of the sand and even their own physical conditions.

What do you know about Sea Turtle Conservation in Bonaire?

Located in the Caribbean, Bonaire is a true haven for sea turtles. That’s why on the island we can find the Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB). This is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of sea turtles on the island. STCB works tirelessly to monitor nesting activities, protect nests from predation, and educate the local community and visitors about the importance of sea turtle conservation. Their efforts have led to a significant increase in sea turtle populations in the region. STCB uses best practices in science and conservation to build knowledge and protection of Bonaire’s sea turtles. They share their knowledge to raise awareness, affect policy and build support for biodiversity protection.

For those who come to Bonaire and want to know more about sea turtles or get to know more about the great work that STCB do here, you should check out their website. Have a look at the different options they offer for those who would like to volunteer while being on the island. Be sure to check out their social media for updates on their biweekly free presentations for more information!

Dive sites for sea turtle encounters:

Bonaire offers some of the most spectacular dive sites for encountering sea turtles. Sites such as Salt Pier, Margate Bay or La Dania’s Leap are known for their abundance of marine life, including these magnificent creatures.

You are more than welcome to join us on one of our guided dives by asking for the option to dive at one of the sites where we know there is a good chance of finding them. Diving with sea turtles in their natural habitat is one of those unique moments that every diver should experience at least once in a lifetime. Witness their graceful movements and marvel at their beauty.

How can we help and protect sea turtles?

There are several ways that we as individuals, nature lovers and divers can contribute to sea turtle conservation:

  • Being a responsible tourist. When visiting sea turtle habitats, it’s crucial to follow responsible tourism practices. This includes maintaining a safe distance, not touching or disturbing the turtles, and refraining from littering or polluting the ocean.
  • Reducing our plastic usage. Marine debris and single-use plastic, pose a significant threat to sea turtles. By reducing our consumption of single-use plastics and properly disposing of waste, we can prevent it from ending up in the ocean.
  • Supporting conservation organizations. Consider donating to or volunteering with organizations like STCB or other sea turtle conservation groups. These organizations rely on public support to continue their crucial conservation efforts.
  • Spreading the awareness. Sharing information about sea turtles and their conservation with friends, family, and on social media platforms gives us the opportunity to raise awareness and encourage others to join the cause.

By understanding their unique characteristics, supporting conservation efforts, and adopting responsible practices, we can ensure the survival of these ancient animals. Let’s unite to protect and conserve our sea turtles. For the sake of our oceans and for both their and our future generations. I like turtles!

Bonaire’s underwater life

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Throughout our various blog posts, we’ve explained how Bonaire, otherwise known as Divers Paradise is a very popular destination thanks to our gorgeous reefs and diverse fish species. As we pointed out in our previous blog post- Bonaire: Divers Paradise, we have over 350 sorts of fish species! During a dive, you are guaranteed to come across a few of these! Therefore, we thought it would be a great opportunity for us to share some of our fish species.

Parrotfish

Parrotfish are a family of brightly colored fish that can be found in our shallow waters. These fish are named for their beak-like mouth, which they use to scrape algae off of coral reefs. If you listen closely, you will be able to hear the scraping sound of their teeth on the corals/rocks. It is also interesting to note that Parrotfish are very important to Bonaire’s ecosystem, they help to keep coral reefs healthy by preventing the overgrowth of algae. You can definitely find snaps of them on our Instagram!

Butterflyfish

Butterflyfish are a family of small fish that can be found around Bonaire’s coral reefs. These fish are known for their unique markings and patterns, which resemble the wings of a butterfly. They have various patterns, some with black and white stripes, others with a black dot surrounded by white. Butterflyfish feed on a variety of small invertebrates and algae.

Sergeant Major

The sergeant major is also a small fish, silver-colored with a distinctive yellow stripe running down its spine. These fish are found in large schools around Bonaire’s coral reefs and are known for their curiosity toward divers and snorkelers. If you’ve been to the Salt Pier with us, you will have seen that these fish lay their eggs on the pillars of the pier. The male will spend weeks guarding the nest until the eggs hatch and constantly chase off predators. While on the dive, you may feel something on your fin, this will be the protective Sergeant Major, who thought you were too close to its eggs (don’t worry it doesn’t hurt)!

Barracuda

The barracuda is a predatory fish, this silver fish is long and slender in shape and has sharp teeth. You can find black spots on their lower and rear body. They are commonly spotted near the Salt Pier, hiding in the shadows. They feed on a variety of small fish and invertebrates. They are a favorite to spot amongst divers!

Tarpon

Tarpons can sometimes be mistaken as a Barracuda due to their similar shape and silver coloring, however, they do not have black spots. Research shows that tarpons have been swimming in our oceans since prehistoric times. They are toothless fish, so they swallow their prey whole. During a night dive, you will have most likely heard our instructors tell you that your flashlight may attract Tarpons, this is because they can use your light to hunt.

Smooth Trunkfish

If you’ve been snorkeling in our waters, you’ve most likely seen this quirky fish. They have a very unique bulky shape, somewhat like a trunk, hence the name. They are covered in black polka-dotted spots and have eyes and snouts that are very projected. Trunkfish are very friendly. They feed on invertebrates and can produce a toxin through their body mucus as a defense mechanism, therefore you cannot eat them!

Lionfish

Lionfish are an invasive species in Bonaire’s waters. They are a threat to Bonaire’s coral reefs and native fish species, as they have no natural predators in the area. These fish are known for their striking shape and coloring, with red and white stripes running down their body. Lionfish are carnivorous and feed on a variety of small fish and invertebrates.

Help save the reef and become a lionfish hunter! In this specialty course, you will learn about the anatomy and behavior of this invasive species. Such as how they got to Bonaire and how we can humanely and safely remove them. Learn more about this course on our website.

Moray Eel

Moray eels are often found hiding in crevices and/or under rocks near the reef, therefore, seeing a free-swimming one is a big treat! Another fantastic creature to spot while on a dive! This predator is long and slender with green coloring. They have large mouths filled with sharp teeth and feed on a variety of small fish and invertebrates. Moray eels are generally shy and prefer to avoid encounters with humans. If they feel threatened, they may open their mouths to display their sharp teeth and release a warning scent.

Seahorse

These gorgeous and enchanting creatures add to the rich marine biodiversity of Bonaire. Their unique appearance, behaviors, and ecological role make them a special sight for divers and snorkelers exploring the island. Their bodies are covered in bony plates and they have a very distinctive snout and tail. They feed on small crustaceans and plankton. Seahorses are able to mimic the color and texture of their surroundings, such as seagrasses, coral, or sponges. This helps them blend into their habitat and camouflage themselves.

French Angelfish

The French angelfish is another gorgeous fish, known for its size, coloring, and unique patterns. They have thin bodies and small mouths. Colored black, with yellow stripes and hints of blue. As adults, French angelfish can grow up to 38 cm (15 inches) in length. French angelfish feed on a variety of small invertebrates and algae.

These are only some of the fascinating and beautiful underwater species to be found, as there are many we haven’t mentioned, such as the spotted eagle ray, grunts, frogfish, turtles, octopuses, and more; the list goes on. However, we can conclude that Bonaire’s waters are home to a diverse array of fish species, each with their own unique characteristics and behaviors. From the brightly colored parrotfish to the predatory moray eel, there is no shortage of fascinating fish to observe and admire in Bonaire’s crystal-clear waters. Remember to always respect the underwater world and life, do not touch or move anything, you are a guest there.

Whether you are a seasoned scuba diver or a casual snorkeler, exploring Bonaire’s coral reefs and marine life is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed. Book your guided dive with us and our instructors will gladly show you our gorgeous reefs. Make sure to check out our Instagram too where we share content of all the underwater life we find and of our divers!

10 Scuba tips for beginners

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Scuba diving is an exciting and adventurous activity that allows you to explore the underwater world and take your first breaths underwater. Whether you’re a beginner or simply interested in exploring this world, we know it can be daunting to know where to start. Here are 10 scuba diving tips to help you get started: 

1. Get Certified

Although this may seem like an obvious step, getting certified is important. The Open Water Diver Course (OWDC) will teach you the basics of scuba diving, which includes safety procedures, how to use the equipment, underwater communication, and more. We offer a range of PADI courses but as a beginner, you would most likely be starting with the OWDC.

We would first like to introduce you to the Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) program. While not a scuba certification course, the DSD is a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world. During this, you learn the basic safety guidelines and skills needed to dive, while under the direct supervision of a PADI professional. After discussing the basic rules and skills, you will start by practicing these in the pool. Following this you will make an open-water dive, taking your first breaths underwater! Book your DSD with us, and experience this incredible adventure.

If you want to become PADI certified, then the Open Water Diver Course (OWDC) is for you, the world’s most popular and widely recognized scuba course. The PADI OWDC is made up of four main parts: academics, equipment, pool training, and open water training. PADI’s open water diver manual is designed so that you can learn the academics at your own pace when it is convenient for you.

Five chapters cover all of the theory you’ll need to know to prepare yourself for your final exam. You will not only learn how to use your basic scuba gear, but at the end of your course, you will be able to assemble and disassemble your scuba equipment properly and understand the importance of the equipment. You will get hands-on training and practice skills such as equalizing, clearing your mask, sharing air, and much more. After you’ve become comfortable with the skills, get ready to experience everything with the freedom of open water. Experience the reefs of Bonaire while you learn to scuba dive. The PADI Open Water Diver certification is recognized worldwide so your diving experiences will be limitless! Book your OWDC with us!

We promise that whether you’re with us for a DSD or your PADI OWDC (or anything else), you’re in good hands.

2. Choose the right gear

The gear must fit you well, while still being comfortable. This includes: a Buoyancy Control Device (BCD), regulator, wetsuit, mask, snorkel, boots, and fins. Beyond the Corals has all equipment necessary to dive (and more) available for rental and also has various diving materials to be purchased (which could be useful if you plan to dive regularly after certification!). Our staff is happy to assist you in finding the right size gear for you.

3. Stay calm

We know scuba diving can be somewhat intimidating at first, however, it is still important to stay calm and relaxed underwater. As mentioned, the DSD and OWDC both start in the pool. This should give you the chance to feel comfortable in your gear as well as learn and practice skills. Therefore, once we take you into the ocean, you should already feel more confident in your abilities. Remember, your instructor will always be close by if you need help. If you do end up feeling anxious or uncomfortable while on your dive, take a moment to relax and breathe, and let your instructor know if you need help.

4. Breathe normally

During your DSD or OWDC, you will hear this enough, it is very important to continue breathing normally and avoid holding your breath. It’s one of the first rules you will learn, as it otherwise could be harmful to your lungs. The reason why will be explained to you during the course.

5. Equalize your ears

Another point you will be made aware of continuously throughout your course with us is to equalize your ears. As you descend, the pressure in your ears will increase, and to relieve this you need to equalize to the surrounding pressure. The most common way divers do this is by gently blowing out against pinched nostrils. Our instructors will be there to guide you throughout and teach you more tips and tricks in regards to the equalizing process.

6. Stay hydrated

It’s important to drink plenty of water before and after you go diving. The air in your tank is dry and you lose more fluid to humidify this dry air. Not only this, but if you are dehydrated, you are more likely to get muscle cramping, feel fatigued, or have an increased heart rate and blood pressure. Dehydration can also increase the risk of decompression sickness. Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate you more, so it is smart to avoid these before a dive.

7. Control your buoyancy

Excellent buoyancy control is what defines skilled scuba divers. You will learn how to control your buoyancy during your OWDC. However, if you wanted to dedicate more time to buoyancy control, the Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty is for you. This improves the buoyancy skills you learned as a new diver and elevates them to the next level. By the end of it, you’ll learn how to: streamline and save energy, use air more efficiently and move more smoothly through the water, hover effortlessly in any position, and you will have determined the exact weight you need. Look into our Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty if you’re Open Water certified and looking to perfect your buoyancy!

8. Respect marine life/environment

Scuba diving allows you to step into the underwater world and explore its surroundings. It’s very important to respect the environment as well as marine life and avoid damaging it in any way. Therefore, do not touch or disturb anything underwater.

9. Always dive with a buddy

Whether a newly certified diver or one with much experience, scuba diving is much safer when you dive with a buddy. They are an extra pair of eyes and hands. In the water, they can help remind you of the planned dive route/depth, as well as air checks throughout. They are the ones who can help in difficult situations, ranging from leg cramps to emergencies such as running out of air. Divers Paradise has so much to offer, why not share these amazing sights with someone else, they might even catch something you’ve missed!

10. Have fun!

Scuba diving is a fun and exciting activity allowing you to explore a whole new part of the world. Although you should ensure you are safe and responsible, make sure you also enjoy yourself. Take your time taking in the underwater world and enjoy everything around you! Trust us, there is so much to see.

Scuba diving is an exciting new experience, allowing you to explore environments you otherwise would have never gotten the chance to. It’s important to take it seriously, follow safety procedures and listen to your instructor. With these tips for beginners and our instructors eager to get you certified, you can start your diving journey confidently and prepared. Although there are many more tips we could write, we don’t want to spoil everything you would learn during your DSD or OWDC! If you have any questions or would like to find out more about the courses we offer get in touch with us.

Coral Disease – What we know and how to help

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You might have already read/heard that there is currently a coral disease outbreak on various reefs along Bonaire. This is very concerning as the disease is moving fast and the number of corals being affected and dying are large. We have been reposting any and all updates from STINAPA and will continue to do so. Although little information is known as of now, what we do know is the infected areas so far, as well as what we can do to limit the spread while still being able to dive.

The type of coral disease is not exactly known, however, it is thought to be Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD). In July of last year we had our first SCTLD scare at two of our beautiful dive sites: Karpata and La Dania’s Leap. These dive sites were closed to limit further spread of the disease. They were opened again after much monitoring and research by STINAPA.

What is SCTLD?

The cause of SCTLD is unknown, however, it affects quite a few species of coral, including brain, pillar, and more. The disease spreads quickly and causes high mortality in coral, destroying the soft tissue of the reef-building corals.

How to help protect our reefs:

Divers should limit dives to only one area of the island per day. This means that divers can make more than one dive a day but restricted to one area, namely the North, Town, South, or Klein Bonaire. Aside from this, divers should avoid diving in the infected areas. It is also extra important to practice good buoyancy and avoid touching or kicking coral (as always).

There is a coral disease map which depicts the known diving areas affected by the infection. There is currently a stoplight system in place. Be sure not to dive a green area after diving in an orange or red area on the same day! Dive gear needs to be fully decontaminated and fully dry before heading to a green zone after diving orange or red.

Furthermore, divers need to clean and decontaminate their gear properly. Rinse your diving equipment after each dive. This is essential, as it helps remove dirt and any other contaminants (such as micro-organisms) or any coral particles. In addition to rinsing your gear: wetsuits, BCDs, boots and fins should be decontaminated in an antiseptic solution that kills bacteria and provides protection against germs. If it is your first dive on Bonaire, make sure to decontaminate all dive gear prior to getting in the water.

For any new information on the coral disease outbreak continue to keep an eye out on the STINAPA Facebook page or any of our social media such as Facebook or Instagram. We at Beyond the Corals are taking all precautions possible to limit the spread of the coral disease. Please help us keep our reefs safe and as healthy as possible. If you have any further questions, our dive staff are more than happy to give you more information or recommendations!

Dive for a Worthy Cause

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Are you an eager diver, looking to give back to the beautiful underwater world that has given you wonderful experiences? 

We at Beyond the Corals are very passionate about protecting the ocean and how to enjoy the fragile underwater world harmlessly. Along with the Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire, we educate people from around the world about how they can help, and use the latest science and research to guide and shape our techniques.

If you’ve ever been diving with us, you will probably have seen our exemplary coral nursery tree hanging in our dive center. In collaboration with the Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire, we have our own Coral Nursery at Bachelors Beach, which proudly has five trees in it! 

Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire is a non-profit and non-governmental organization dedicated to resorting Bonaire’s coral reefs. With the help of 11 partner dive shops (one of those being us) and dedicated volunteers, Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire has been able to outplant over 50,000 corals back to the reef! 

As we mentioned, we have five coral nursery trees. These trees have both ‘Staghorn Coral’ and ‘Elkhorn Coral’ fragments growing in them. Staghorn coral is a shallow-water, branching coral that can form massive thickets. This stony coral is one of the fastest-growing corals in the Caribbean and provides shelter to many fish species, especially juveniles. Staghorn coral is at high risk of extinction,  threatened by disease, bleaching, and geographic isolation. Elkhorn coral is also a shallow-water branching coral, providing shelter for both mature and juvenile reef fish species. Its strong branches assist in breaking the force of waves. A combination of disease and environmental impacts has caused this coral to significantly decline. Both staghorn and elkhorn corals are critically endangered and without action are at high risk of extinction. You can read more about these corals on the Reef Renewal website.

The staghorn and elkhorn corals fragments are hung and protected in our nursery and given time to grow (while being cleaned weekly). Once corals are reef-ready they can be outplanted back onto the reef on the outplanting site. Reef-ready entails that its size and health allow for it to have a good chance of surviving outside the nursery environment and back on the reef. The outplanting method is dependent on the coral species and reef environment.  

We offer the opportunity to become a part of this rewarding experience. Through either a Reef Renewal Discovery Dive or the Reef Renewal Diver Distinctive Speciality Course.

The Reef Renewal Discovery Dive offers you the opportunity to learn how to conduct a nursery/restoration site survey and participate in the site maintenance activities such as removing algae and predators, which can damage the corals and affect their growth. However, if you want to become a Reef Renewal Volunteer, the Reef Renewal Diver Distinctive Speciality Course is the one for you. This course includes three training dives and classroom sessions to learn all the techniques involved in the reef restoration process. You will participate in all the activities that need to be carried out in the nurseries and on the restoration sites. Below we have briefly outlined each dive: 

Dive 1: Nursery and restoration site maintenance by conducting a survey, cleaning, removing algae and predators, which can damage the corals and affect their growth.

Dive 2: Learn how to prune, tie and tag the coral fragments which will be hung on the nursery trees.

Dive 3: Learn how to outplant mature corals onto the reef to ensure their growth in the actual reef system.

After completion of this course, you will be a qualified diver for the Volunteer Program with the Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire.

Let us know if you are interested in either discovering our coral nursery or becoming a Reef Renewal Volunteer, we would love to welcome you to the Reef Renewal Volunteer community. For those who are already Reef Renewal Volunteers, we would like to thank you for your contribution in protecting our ocean. Contact us if you are interested in joining us for a weekly nursery clean. We provide air tanks for volunteers.