Article archive / September 1, 2011
Originally published: . Volume 3, No. 1. Source pages: 13, 14.
[Editors note: Dr. Larry Dilks and wife Tari Dilks of Lake Charles recently returned from a dive in the amazing waters of Bonaire. ‘Unofficial’ master divers (Larry has over 400 dives and Tari has about 350), they share this narrative about the experience and some of their spectacular underwater photography.]
“Bonaire is just a short four and a half hour, overnight plane ride from Houston’s Intercontinental airport to a small island surrounded by turquoise waters that are wonderfully clear. Since the 1950’s this tiny island has protected the stunning reefs and rich marine life contained in its waters as a marine park to be nurtured by the islanders and their guests. As a result this small Dutch island has some of the best diving the world has to offer.
“Bonaire is a scuba diver’s paradise and consistently rated as one of the top dive sites in the world. The island, a part of the Netherland Antilles, offers year round diving with water temperatures in the low 80s, 100 foot plus underwater visibility, no current and a variety of colorful and interesting aquatic life.
“The island is surrounded by a coral reef but most of the diving takes place on the protected western side. Protected from currents it offers a 45-degree wall down to 130 feet covered with both hard and soft corals. The entire reef is a national park where gloves and spear guns are prohibited. Although resorts offer boat diving many prefer to dive directly from the shore as the dive sites are easily accessible and the reef hugs the coast.
“The geography of the island offers a warm dry climate with a constant breeze. The capital Kralendijk is the only major municipality.
“The Dutch have established an efficient government with low crime, convenient transportation and excellent communication capabilities. A visitor can drink the water, eat the local food and walk the streets at night with little concern.
“The Dutch architecture is colorful and unique. The downtown Kralendijk area offers shopping opportunities for those who wish to peruse the local stores and some world-class restaurants. Bonaire boasts restaurants owned by folks from many areas of the world…Italy, Paris, Argentina and Holland to name a few.
“Diving has become our way of escaping our jobs and finding the utter peace of being in an underwater environment. The regulator provides a sense of rhythmic breathing as the denizens of the reef welcome us back to their home. Being underwater provides us with the ultimate in relaxation. Instead of listening to clients we listen to our own breaths and wonder at the rich sea life this small desert island has to offer. It has become a second home to us in many ways.”
An “Iron Fish.” Photo taken by Tari Dilks during an underwater dive at the island of Bonaire. Dr. Larry Dilks has made over 400 dives and wife Tari over 350.
Underwater shrimp at Bonaire from Dilks’ dive.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.