Rappel (11) - Klein Bonaire

The SS Oratava is a proper old-school wreck, a freighter that went down in 1909 and has been settling into the sand ever since. We love a wreck with a story, and this one certainly has character, even if it’s getting a bit unstable in places. You’ll hit the highest point around 23 metres, right at the top of the funnel, and she slopes down to 30 metres at her deepest. It’s an excellent dive for those who appreciate the skeletal remains of history. You can still make out the long raised quarter deck and the outline of the small wheelhouse, now open to the ocean. Expect to see multi-coloured sea fans swaying in the surge, big strawberry sea anemones clinging to the metal, and we’ve often spotted frilled nudibranchs crawling along the corroded plates. Visibility here averages around seven metres, so it’s a site for focusing on the details, getting up close with the wreck, and appreciating the life that has made a home out of her. It's a dive that rewards slow, deliberate exploration.

Location
Klein Bonaire, Bonaire, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.217700, -68.344500
Type
wreck

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 Rappel (11)

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 Rappel (11)

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 scuba diving at Rappel (11) in Bonaire?
The Rappel (11) dive site in Bonaire offers a maximum depth of 21m, making it suitable for recreational divers. This depth allows for ample bottom time to explore the beautiful reef and its diverse marine life.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at the Rappel (11) dive site?
Divers at Rappel (11) can expect to encounter breathtaking coral formations and a beautifully shaped reef. The site is home to typical Caribbean marine life, including nurse and reef sharks, possible eagle rays, stingrays, and a variety of fish such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, and parrotfish. For more information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Rappel (11) dive site considered for scuba divers?
The Rappel (11) dive site is considered to be of intermediate difficulty for scuba divers. This suggests that while it's not overly challenging, divers should have some prior experience to comfortably enjoy the site's features.
What is the best time of year to dive at Rappel (11) for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Rappel (11) for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on diving seasons in the region, please consult our When to Dive guide.
Are there any specific diving certifications or experience levels recommended for diving Rappel (11)?
Given that Rappel (11) is rated as an intermediate dive site, divers should possess a suitable certification level and some prior diving experience. This ensures they can safely and confidently navigate the site and fully appreciate its features.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Rappel (11) dive site?
Divers at Rappel (11) can expect excellent visibility, with an average of 23m. However, the provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current conditions at this dive site.