Something Special

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Located just a short distance north of the main harbor in the capital city of Kralendijk, Something Special is a dive site that differs significantly from Bonaire’s typical fringing reefs. While many dive sites on the island are characterized by dense, contiguous coral formations, the underwater landscape at Something Special is predominantly composed of sand and coral rubble. This unique topography is partly a result of its proximity to the town and historical maritime activity in the area.

Despite its less conventional appearance, this rubble environment serves as a highly productive habitat for a diverse array of macro life and juvenile fish species. Often categorized as a “muck dive,” it draws divers and underwater photographers specifically searching for rare or highly camouflaged creatures that prefer this type of substrate. For divers working on their buoyancy and observational skills, particularly those who have recently completed an open water course, the calm conditions and shallow depths make it an ideal practice ground. If you are comparing the best places to learn macro photography, this site offers an accessible and highly rewarding environment.

The Dive Experience

Accessing Something Special is very straightforward, adhering to Bonaire’s famous independent shore diving model. Divers can park along the coastal road just past the marina and enter the water via a small, rocky beach area. As with almost all shore entries on the island, protective dive boots are highly recommended. Prior to your trip, consulting a comprehensive guide on travel and packing will ensure you are adequately prepared for the rocky terrain.

The dive profile begins with a shallow sandy terrace that gently slopes downwards, bottoming out at approximately 25 meters (80 feet). Because the primary objective of this dive is to locate small, stationary, or slow-moving creatures, the pace is exceedingly slow. This relaxed tempo, combined with the generally shallow average depth of the dive, allows for significantly extended bottom times. The site is entirely situated within the Bonaire National Marine Park, meaning all divers must comply with STINAPA regulations, including the mandatory nature fee and the strict prohibition on touching any marine life or substrate.

What You’ll See

The main attraction at Something Special is the macro life. Divers who swim slowly and observe the rubble closely are often rewarded with sightings of longsnout seahorses, which anchor themselves to small sponges or debris. Frogfish, known for their exceptional camouflage that mimics the surrounding sponges, are also frequently spotted here, although they require a trained eye to locate.

The sandy patches and crevices provide shelter for a remarkably high density of eels. It is common to encounter spotted morays, goldentail morays, and occasionally sharptail eels actively foraging during the day. In the shallower sandy areas, divers can observe various species of flounders, jawfish, and garden eels.

While the focus is on the small and cryptic, the site is not entirely devoid of larger marine life. The proximity to the harbor channel means that spotted eagle rays and large tarpon occasionally cruise through the shallows. During night dives, the site transforms entirely, with octopuses, squid, and hunting tarpon becoming the primary attractions. The lack of current and clear visibility—typically ranging from 15 to 20 meters—ensures excellent conditions for observing this nocturnal activity.

Planning Your Dive

Due to its central location in Kralendijk, Something Special is easily accessible and can be dived at any time of day. However, it is particularly renowned as an exceptional night dive site. Divers planning a night dive should ensure they have reliable primary and backup dive lights.

Because the site is located near the marina channel, divers must remain vigilant regarding boat traffic and ensure they do not stray into the designated boating channels. Using a surface marker buoy (SMB) is strongly advised, especially if surfacing away from the immediate shoreline. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding diving regulations, dive site closures, and conservation initiatives, divers should consult the official Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB) website or the STINAPA visitor center.