Keepsake (F) - Klein Bonaire

Mikes Cupboard is an excellent spot for a leisurely dive, especially if you appreciate the smaller stuff. We love how it’s a network of shallow bowls, caves, and overhangs, all intertwined, making for some interesting navigation even at just 15 metres. It’s perfect for new divers or anyone wanting to slow down and really look. You’ll find a good collection of species here – we’ve seen everything from African butterflyfish flitting about to honeycomb filefish poking out of their coral. Keep an eye out for leaf fish and frogfish; they blend in incredibly well, so go slow. The grey-spotted guitarfish and Kuhl's rays often hug the sandy bottom inside the bowls. We’d suggest looking closely in the crevices for nudibranchs; photographers will appreciate the calm conditions for macro shots. While you might spot a bull shark passing by on occasion, it’s generally a relaxed dive, good for taking your time. Visibility averages around 12 metres, which is decent for a site like this, and it’s a quick boat ride to get there.

Location
Klein Bonaire, Bonaire, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.148900, -68.296100
Type
cave

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 Keepsake (F)

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 Keepsake (F)

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 Keepsake (F)?
The dive site Keepsake (F) offers a maximum depth of 20 meters, making it accessible for various certification levels. Divers can explore a beautiful drop-off of 12 meters, alongside a sandy bottom with hills and gullies.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Keepsake (F)?
At Keepsake (F), divers will encounter a diverse underwater landscape featuring a sandy bottom with hills and gullies, alongside a beautiful 12-meter drop-off. Marine life commonly observed includes typical Caribbean species such as nurse and reef sharks, possible eagle rays, stingrays, and a variety of fish like snapper, angelfish, grunts, and parrotfish.
How challenging is the Keepsake (F) dive site for different experience levels?
The Keepsake (F) dive site is suitable for every diver, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of experience levels. Its accessible nature, combined with a maximum depth of 20 meters, ensures an enjoyable experience for beginners and experienced divers alike.
What is the best time of year to dive at Keepsake (F) for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Keepsake (F) for optimal conditions. However, Bonaire generally offers excellent diving year-round with consistently good visibility. For general information on when to dive in the Caribbean, you can visit our When to Dive page.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Keepsake (F)?
Since Keepsake (F) is described as suitable for every diver, a basic Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient to explore this site. Its maximum depth of 20 meters falls within the limits of standard recreational diving certifications.
What are the typical current and water conditions at the Keepsake (F) dive site?
The Keepsake (F) dive site typically boasts an average visibility of 22 meters, offering clear views of its marine life and underwater features. The provided data does not include specific details regarding typical current or water temperature conditions for this site.