Country Garden (14) - Klein Bonaire

Herradura, right by the Los Sueños Marina near Jacó, feels a bit different from your typical Costa Rican dive. Don't expect dramatic drop-offs or roaring currents here. Instead, it’s a site for slowing down, for getting low and really looking. We love the shallower depths, maxing out around 15 metres, which means plenty of bottom time to hunt for the small stuff. Visibility can be a mixed bag, averaging around 9 metres, so stay close to your buddy. But that slight murk often works to your advantage, creating a more intimate feel. This is a place for the macro enthusiasts, for those who get a kick out of spotting a tiny Small Goby peering from a crevice, or tracing the intricate patterns on a Pacific Spotted Scorpionfish. Our favourite finds usually include the elusive Bloody Frogfish, often camouflaged so perfectly you might swim right past it, and the colourful Jewel Moray snaking through the rocks. It’s an ideal spot for newer divers, or anyone who prefers a relaxed pace and the thrill of discovery over big pelagic action.

Location
Klein Bonaire, Bonaire, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.214300, -68.335900
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Bonaire

Best Time to Dive in Klein Bonaire

The warmest water temperatures in Klein Bonaire occur in October, averaging 29.6°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 26.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.1°C
  • February: 26.8°C
  • March: 26.9°C
  • April: 27.1°C
  • May: 27.7°C
  • June: 28.1°C
  • July: 28.2°C
  • August: 29.0°C
  • September: 29.6°C
  • October: 29.6°C
  • November: 28.9°C
  • December: 28.2°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Klein Bonaire

Nearest Dive Centres to Country Garden (14)

Marine Life in Klein Bonaire

Home to 202 recorded species including 150 reef fish, 18 hard corals, 6 other, 6 seagrass & algae, 5 crabs & lobsters, 4 sharks & rays.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Country Garden (14)

Based on average water temperature of 28.1°C, currents 34 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins (stiff blade recommended for strong currents)
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Country Garden (14) in Bonaire?
The maximum depth for diving at Country Garden (14) is 20 meters. While the typical depth range isn't explicitly stated beyond the maximum, divers can expect to explore the reef formations within this limit. This depth makes it accessible for various certification levels.
What kind of marine life and underwater formations can divers expect to see at Country Garden (14)?
Divers at Country Garden (14) can expect to encounter beautiful limestone formations. The site is teeming with typical Caribbean marine life, including nurse and reef sharks, and possibly eagle rays and stingrays. You'll also see a variety of fish such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, and parrotfish, making it a vibrant dive. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is Country Garden (14) considered a difficult dive site, or is it suitable for all experience levels?
Country Garden (14) is considered an intermediate difficulty dive site. This means it is best suited for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners. While not extremely challenging, it requires a certain level of comfort and skill in the water.
What is the best time of year to dive at Country Garden (14) for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Country Garden (14) for optimal conditions. However, Bonaire generally offers excellent diving year-round. For general information on seasonal diving conditions, please consult our When to Dive guide.
Do I need an Advanced Open Water certification to dive at Country Garden (14), or is Open Water sufficient?
The data does not explicitly state the required certification level for Country Garden (14). However, with a maximum depth of 20 meters and an intermediate difficulty rating, an Open Water certification is generally sufficient for dives within this depth limit. Divers should always assess their comfort and skill level for intermediate sites.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Country Garden (14) dive site?
Divers at Country Garden (14) can expect excellent visibility, with an average of 22 meters. The provided data does not specify the typical current conditions for this site. However, Bonaire is generally known for its calm waters, though local conditions can vary.