wreck

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Hilma Hooker

The Hilma Hooker, off Klein Bonaire, isn't just a wreck; it's a genuine Bonaire institution, and we love it. What was once a drug-smuggling cargo ship now sits upright on a sandy bottom at about 30 metres, the mast reaching up to 18 metres. Descending, you can feel the water cool a few degrees as you pass the reef edge. The sheer size of the Hilma Hooker is impressive, but it’s the way the light filters through the holds, illuminating schools of Spot Snapper and Barber, that really gets us. We often drop to the stern first, where a group of resident Coney usually greet us, then slowly work our way forward, poking into the open cargo holds. The swim-throughs are easy and spacious, perfect for getting a real feel for the ship's internal structure. Keep an eye out for the shy Pearl Blenny tucked into crevices and the flash of a Banded Basslet. The corals here, especially the Mustard Hill Coral, have really started to take hold, softening the edges of the metal. It’s a spectacular dive for anyone who appreciates a bit of history with their marine life, and it’s accessible enough for advanced open water divers to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. Our pick for timing is late morning, after the initial boat rush, when the light angle is just right to penetrate the deck openings.