Delphins Reef - Klein Bonaire

Hutch Haven always feels like a secret garden, a sheltered spot when the currents are ripping elsewhere in the Somosomo Strait. We love the three pinnacles here, they’re close enough you can orbit them all on a single dive. They start almost at the surface, which makes for a beautiful, bright start to the dive, then slope down to about 20 metres. You’ll find a fantastic mix of hard and soft corals draping every surface – the staghorn and turbinaria corals are particularly impressive, interspersed with sea fans. It’s a macro dreamscape, honestly. We’ve spent whole dives just combing the crevices for ornate ghost pipefish, banded pipefish, and a parade of nudibranchs. Keep an eye out for popcorn shrimp and the endless varieties of gobies. While the focus is usually small, don't forget to glance into the blue now and then; sometimes a snapper school cruises past. We’d suggest an incoming tide for the best visibility, and it's an excellent choice for newer divers or even confident snorkellers looking for a calm, colourful experience.

Location
Klein Bonaire, Bonaire, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.115000, -68.295000
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Het Lac

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 Delphins Reef

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 Delphins Reef

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 diving depth at Delphins Reef in Bonaire?
The dive site features a beautiful sandy plateau before a wall begins at 15m. Divers can explore down to a maximum depth of 17m at Delphins Reef. This makes it suitable for a range of recreational diving experiences.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Delphins Reef?
The provided information describes Delphins Reef as a beautiful sandy plateau before a wall, indicating a reef environment. While specific marine life and coral species are not detailed in the current data, divers can generally expect to encounter diverse reef inhabitants typical of Bonaire's vibrant underwater ecosystems. For more general information on marine species, you can visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Delphins Reef for different skill levels?
Diving at Delphins Reef is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that while it offers an enjoyable experience for certified divers, some prior diving experience would be beneficial. The site's maximum depth of 17m is well within recreational limits.
What is the best time of year to dive Delphins Reef for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data for Delphins Reef does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or marine encounters. However, Bonaire generally offers excellent diving year-round. For more general information on seasonal diving conditions, please consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are needed to dive at Delphins Reef?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed, given the intermediate difficulty rating and a maximum depth of 17m, an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent would typically be sufficient for Delphins Reef. It's always recommended to check with the local dive center for any specific prerequisites.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like at Delphins Reef?
Divers at Delphins Reef can expect an average visibility of 18m, offering clear views of the underwater landscape. The provided data does not specify typical water temperatures or current conditions for this site. For specific current information, it's best to inquire with the local dive center upon registration.