The Study Abroad program to Bonaire was incredible! I have never experienced such magnificent places. Before my trip to Bonaire, I have only ever explored the waters of the Keys.

To find a good dive spot here, all you need to do is drive around and choose which yellow stone you wish to stop at. I love that here in Bonaire, all divers and snorkelers can simply walk straight into the water to see what we would normally take a boat out to see. The Andrea dive spot in particular was one of my favorites. As we were cruising out farther and deeper in depth, I almost found myself swimming in a swirl of bait fish! It can be upsetting when you notice something unbelievable but you cant get anyone’s attention!

Although most of the fish I’ve seen so far are found almost at every reef, this one had a few others in particular I haven’t seen before in any of my previous diving experiences! Before I boast about the fish, I’d like to talk about the coral. It was BEAUTIFUL!!! I have never seen coral growing the way it was here… reaching incredible lengths in size! It’s amazing that here in Bonaire the conditions to successfully have coral growth are so perfect that you can see coral reaching all the way up to the surface. When they say it’s divers paradise, they aren’t kidding!

My favorite fish, and found most common in these waters, is the parrot fish. So unique and so pretty to look at! They have mouths that look more like beaks. The strangest things I know about these parrot fish is how they sleep at night. On our night dive, we saw parrot fish that had surrounded themselves in a mucus ball and were lying down on their side in the coral beds to sleep. I never knew that some fish would behave like this. All the fish here are so colorful and interesting that you definitely feel like you’re swimming through a fish tank. I absolutely recommend any ocean lovers to visit this island, diver or not. Bonaire is not only beautiful under the waters, but there are any of places to adventure above water! With 400 known caves, and a huge national park over the mountains, I’m sure anyone could find some adventure.

I luckily got to experience this trip with my best friend. Easily saying that the entire week was one of the best experiences we’ve ever had, we’re planning our trip to Bonaire next year! My advice to anyone who visits Bonaire in the future, learn about the island first! You’ll have more of an appreciation for its true colors and the different creatures you’ll face. Most importantly, don’t forget to, “Save the reefs, eat a Lion fish!”