Atlantis

What makes Atlantis special?

Atlantis is located about 20 minutes south of Kralendijk and combines three different underwater environments in one dive: reef, sandy bottom, and open ocean. What makes this site unique is the gradual transition from shallow reef areas to a steep slope that drops into deep blue water. The sloping reef only begins 330 feet from shore, giving you a relatively long swim before reaching the actual reef.

This dive site has no yellow mooring line, so you can only dive here from shore. The combination of easy access via the sandy beach and variation in depth zones makes Atlantis suitable for beginners doing their first reef dives, but experienced divers will also find enough challenge along the steep slope down to 130 feet depth.

Due to its location on the open ocean, you have a chance of seeing larger pelagic species like sharks, dolphins, and during migration season even whales. The current here can be moderate to strong, which creates clear water with an average visibility of 80 feet.

The reef only begins 330 feet from shore - a relaxed swim through shallow water before you reach the real reef area.

Location

You'll find Atlantis on Bonaire's west coast, about a 20-minute drive south of Kralendijk. Drive south along the coastal road and look for an accessible sandy beach without a yellow mooring line. Parking is along the road on the paved shoulder. The beach has easy access to the water, allowing you to carry your gear to the waterline without difficulty.

Underwater

10-25 feet

Sandy flat and reef beginning

You start your dive in shallow water with a sandy bottom where you might encounter boxfish and stingrays. After swimming about 330 feet, you reach the beginning of the reef at 16 feet depth. Here you see the first hard corals with reef fish like parrotfish, angelfish, and surgeonfish.

25-65 feet

Reef plateau with coral gardens

The reef plateau shows a beautiful variety of hard and soft corals. Between the coral formations swim triggerfish, trumpetfish, and wrasse. In the crevices you'll find lionfish and porcupinefish. Eagle rays sometimes glide over the reef and sea turtles graze among the corals.

65-130 feet

Steep slope to deep water

From 65 feet the steep slope begins that opens into the open ocean. Here it gets interesting for those wanting to see larger species: grouper, snapper, and jacks hunt in schools. In the blue water sometimes swim mackerel, barracudas, and various shark species. Dolphins and whales pass by here during their migration.

Marine life

Eagle raysRegular

These elegant rays often glide over the reef plateau and sandy flats. They feed on small crustaceans in the sand and are not shy around divers.

Sea turtlesRegular

Hawksbill turtles and green turtles graze among the corals or rest in sheltered spots. They are less shy here than at busy dive sites.

GrouperRegular

Various grouper species hang around the deeper reef structures. Tiger groupers are particularly photogenic here against the coral background.

BarracudasWith luck

Large barracudas patrol along the reef edge where deep water begins. They are curious about divers but keep their distance.

Also on the reef: lionfish, stingrays, boxfish, porcupinefish, triggerfish, angelfish, parrotfish, surgeonfish, trumpetfish, wrasse, snapper, jacks, mackerel, various shark species, anemones with shrimp, and pipefish among the corals.

Night diving

Atlantis is well-suited for night diving, although the current can sometimes be challenging in the dark. At night the corals become active and you see polyps that remain hidden during the day. Lobsters come out of their hiding places and slimehead fish are active among the coral formations. Use a good dive light and account for the current which can feel stronger than during the day.

For night diving, it's wise to first do a day dive to become familiar with the reef structure and current patterns. Stay close to the reef plateau between 25-50 feet for the best experience.

Good to know

Nature fee ($40) is required for all divers and snorkelers via STINAPA
No yellow mooring line present - only accessible from shore
Swim 330 feet from shore before reaching the real reef
Watch the steep slope from 65 feet - your depth can increase quickly
Current can be moderate to strong, especially around the reef edge
Bring a surface marker buoy for safety in open water
Dive booties are recommended due to the sandy bottom at entry