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Log This Dive

Carl’s Hill (V)

Carl's Hill, over on Klein Bonaire, is one of those sites where we slow right down. It’s a photographer’s dream, and we totally get why it’s named after Carl Roessler. The wall here, dropping from about 10 meters, is just smothered in soft corals and sponges. You get these massive orange elephant ear sponges contrasting with purple tube sponges, creating a kaleidoscope of textures that really pop in the sunlight. We love drifting along, picking out the tiny blennies peering from crevices and the occasional chain moray tucked deep inside a coral head. Keep an eye out for the orbicular batfish that sometimes hover, almost motionless, near the deeper sections. On a sunny day, the visibility is typically excellent, often pushing 25 meters, letting you appreciate the sheer scale of the coral growth. We’d suggest hitting this site mid-morning; the light plays beautifully on the wall then. It’s a site for divers who appreciate the intricate details, the quiet beauty of a healthy Caribbean reef, rather than chasing big pelagics. It’s relaxed, beautiful, and utterly absorbing.