Bonaire: The Ultimate DIY Dive Destination

bonaire scuba huts

Right now, I’m in Bonaire, soaking up the Caribbean sun and spending my days underwater. As someone who’s had the privilege of diving all over the world—including Komodo, which still holds a special place in my heart—Bonaire offers something unique: the freedom to dive independently. While the marine life here might not match the sheer biodiversity and drama of Indonesia’s famed sites, Bonaire’s shore diving culture is an experience all its own.

One of the most incredible things about diving here is the accessibility. Almost the entire west coast of the island is lined with dive sites that you can reach from shore—just park, gear up, and walk in. No boat, no guide, no rigid schedule. My dive buddy and I took full advantage of this, chasing down a rumor we heard about a frogfish at one particular site. We spent an entire dive exploring one small section of the reef, searching every nook and cranny for the elusive little guy.

Even though we didn’t find him, the dive was still fantastic. The visibility was crystal clear, and the reef was alive with colorful fish, curious eels, and the occasional tarpon cruising by in the distance. There’s something special about diving on your own terms, taking your time, and immersing yourself in the rhythm of the ocean without any pressure.

Bonaire might not have the adrenaline-pumping currents of Raja Ampat or the mantas of the Maldives, but if you love slow, deliberate diving with total independence, this place is magic. If you ever find yourself here, rent a truck, grab some tanks, and start exploring. And if you happen to spot that frogfish—let me know!

Dancing with Mobula Rays in La Ventana

mobula rays la ventana bcs mexico

The moment I slipped beneath the surface of the Sea of Cortez, the world changed. The warm waters of La Ventana cradled me as sunlight filtered through the waves, casting shimmering patterns on the ocean floor. Then, I saw them—the mobula rays.

At first, they were shadows in the distance, moving with a quiet grace. As I swam closer, their beauty became undeniable. Their dark, wing-like fins moved in a slow, hypnotic rhythm, their bodies gliding through the water like dancers in a silent performance. Their undersides were pale and smooth, with intricate markings that seemed as unique as fingerprints.

I hovered in awe, letting the scene unfold around me. The rays swam together in a synchronized flow, their movements so effortless they seemed weightless. Then, with a sudden burst of energy, one broke away, shooting toward the surface. My eyes followed, and just as I reached the surface myself, I saw it—leaping into the air, flipping and spinning before crashing back into the water.

Another followed, then another. From beneath the surface, it was magical—the sunlight caught the water droplets, and their shadows danced below. On the surface, the sight was just as thrilling. Mobula rays launched themselves skyward, twisting and somersaulting before slapping the water with a loud splash.

I couldn’t stop smiling. It was as if they were celebrating, their joy so contagious it filled me too. I later learned their leaps aren’t just playful; they serve a purpose. Mobulas may jump to shake off parasites, attract mates, or communicate with others in their group. But watching them, it felt like more than biology—it felt like art.

These rays have captured human curiosity for centuries. Ancient fishermen spoke of their acrobatics, and scientists trace their lineage back millions of years. Their evolution has shaped them into creatures of grace, power, and resilience—a perfect fit for their watery home.

Being among them, I felt an overwhelming sense of connection to the ocean and its creatures. They moved with such elegance and purpose, a reminder of how beautifully the natural world balances survival and artistry.

As I floated in the water, watching the rays beneath me and above, I felt small in the best way. Moments like these remind me why I dive—to feel part of something far greater than myself.

Later, as the sun set over La Ventana, I thought about how lucky I was to witness this spectacle. But with that gratitude came a sense of responsibility. Mobula rays, like so many marine creatures, face growing threats from overfishing and habitat loss. Protecting their home is crucial—not just for them, but for the balance of life in these waters.

Diving with the mobula rays wasn’t just an adventure. It was a gift, a reminder of the ocean’s beauty, and a call to cherish and protect it. La Ventana had offered me something extraordinary: a glimpse into the world of these incredible creatures and a memory I’ll carry forever.

Perfect Day on a Scuba Boat in the Sea of Cortez

scuba shipwreck sea of cortez ventana travel

Taking place in August, here is a perfect Day scuba diving in the Sea of Cortez…

Morning: Departure and First Dive

  • 6:00 AM – Departure from the Dock
    • Arrive at the dock and board the scuba boat.
    • Enjoy a light breakfast with fresh fruit, pastries, coffee, and juice on board.
  • 7:00 AM – Briefing and Gear Setup
    • Safety briefing and dive plan overview by the dive master.
    • Setup and check scuba gear.
  • 8:00 AM – First Dive: El Bajo Seamount
    • Dive site known for its deep canyons and marine life, including hammerhead sharks.
    • Dive depth: 80-100 feet.
    • Dive duration: 45-60 minutes.
  • 9:30 AM – Surface Interval
    • Snacks and hydration on the boat.
    • Relax and enjoy the view, spotting dolphins or sea birds.

Late Morning: Second Dive and Relaxation

  • 10:30 AM – Second Dive: Los Islotes
    • Famous for its playful sea lion colony.
    • Dive depth: 30-70 feet.
    • Dive duration: 45-60 minutes.
  • 12:00 PM – Surface Interval and Lunch
    • Return to the boat for a delicious lunch with sandwiches, salads, and cold drinks.
    • Time for snorkeling or a refreshing swim near the boat.

Afternoon: Third Dive and Leisure

  • 1:30 PM – Third Dive: Fang Ming Wreck
    • Explore the artificial reef created by this sunken Chinese vessel.
    • Dive depth: 60-80 feet.
    • Dive duration: 45-60 minutes.
  • 3:00 PM – Surface Interval and Sightseeing
    • Snacks and drinks on the boat.
    • Cruise to a scenic spot for a leisurely break.
    • Opportunity to spot whale sharks or manta rays.

Late Afternoon: Fourth Dive and Sunset Cruise

  • 4:00 PM – Fourth Dive: La Reina
    • Known for beautiful coral formations and diverse fish species.
    • Dive depth: 40-60 feet.
    • Dive duration: 45-60 minutes.
  • 5:30 PM – Surface Interval and Snacks
    • Enjoy a light snack and refreshments.
    • Prepare for the return journey.

Evening: Return and Celebration

  • 6:00 PM – Sunset Cruise Back to the Dock
    • Relax on the deck, soaking in the stunning sunset views over the Sea of Cortez.
    • Reflect on the day’s adventures with fellow divers.
  • 7:00 PM – Return to the Dock
    • Arrive back at the dock.
    • Offload gear and say goodbye to the crew.
  • 7:30 PM – Dinner and Drinks
    • Optional: Head to a local restaurant for a celebratory dinner with fresh seafood and Mexican dishes.
    • Share dive stories and enjoy the vibrant evening atmosphere.

Additional Tips

  • Hydration and Sun Protection
    • Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat for protection from the sun.
  • Dive Certification
    • Ensure all divers have the appropriate certification for the dive sites.
  • Marine Life Awareness
    • Follow guidelines to protect marine life and coral reefs.
  • Camera Equipment
    • Bring underwater cameras to capture the stunning marine biodiversity.

This itinerary offers a well-rounded scuba diving experience in the Sea of Cortez, combining thrilling dives with relaxation and the beauty of the surrounding marine environment.

Where to Swim with Sea Turtles

swimming with sea turtles ventana travel

Swimming with sea turtles is a popular activity in various beautiful locations around the world. Here are some top spots where you can enjoy this experience:

  1. Hanauma Bay, Hawaii: This marine embayment formed within a tuff ring is a popular spot for snorkeling and seeing green sea turtles.
  2. Akumal, Mexico: Located in the Riviera Maya, Akumal means “Place of the Turtles” in the Mayan language and is famous for its resident sea turtles.
  3. Great Barrier Reef, Australia: One of the most renowned snorkeling and diving locations, the Great Barrier Reef offers numerous spots where you can swim with sea turtles.
  4. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador: The islands are a haven for diverse wildlife, including the famous Galápagos giant tortoises and sea turtles.
  5. Barbados: Carlisle Bay is a great place to snorkel with sea turtles, often Hawksbill and Leatherback turtles.
  6. Maui, Hawaii: Turtle Town and Maluaka Beach are popular locations to see Hawaiian green sea turtles.
  7. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil: This volcanic archipelago offers clear waters and a good chance of swimming with sea turtles.
  8. Bay Islands, Honduras: Utila and Roatan are part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and are great for spotting sea turtles.

Remember to always respect wildlife and follow guidelines to ensure the safety and preservation of these beautiful creatures.

Touring the Islands of the Sea of Cortez

whales in the sea of cortez ventana travel

Touring the islands of the Sea of Cortez offers a remarkable experience of nature’s beauty and marine diversity. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a captivating island-hopping adventure:

Day 1: Arrival in La Paz

  • Morning: Arrive in La Paz, the capital city of Baja California Sur. Check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
  • Afternoon: Explore La Paz’s Malecón (boardwalk), visit the Cathedral of La Paz, and wander through the city’s vibrant markets.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local seafood restaurant and rest up for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: Espíritu Santo Island

  • Morning: Embark on a boat tour to Espíritu Santo Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life.
  • Afternoon: Snorkel among colorful fish and sea lions, kayak through secluded coves, and hike along scenic trails.
  • Evening: Return to La Paz, dine at a seaside restaurant, and relax.

Day 3: Isla Partida

  • Morning: Catch a ferry to Isla Partida, located just east of Espíritu Santo. Spend the day exploring its pristine beaches, hidden coves, and rugged landscapes.
  • Afternoon: Snorkel in the island’s turquoise waters, picnic on the beach, and soak up the sun.
  • Evening: Return to La Paz and enjoy dinner at a local eatery.

Day 4: San José Island

  • Morning: Depart for San José Island, renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches and rich marine biodiversity.
  • Afternoon: Explore the island’s underwater wonders through snorkeling or diving. Keep an eye out for colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and whale sharks.
  • Evening: Watch the sunset from the island’s shores before returning to La Paz for dinner.

Day 5: Cerralvo Island

  • Morning: Take a boat excursion to Cerralvo Island, also known as Jacques Cousteau Island, famous for its exceptional diving opportunities and underwater rock formations.
  • Afternoon: Dive into the clear waters to discover vibrant coral reefs, underwater caves, and an array of marine species.
  • Evening: Return to La Paz and enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of Baja cuisine.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Depending on your departure time, you may have some free time to explore more of La Paz or pick up last-minute souvenirs.
  • Afternoon: Head to the airport or your next destination, bidding farewell to the enchanting islands of the Sea of Cortez.

This itinerary provides a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and exploration, allowing you to experience the natural wonders of the Sea of Cortez to the fullest. Be sure to check local weather conditions and tour availability when planning your trip.

Deepest Scuba Dive

world record scuba dive

As of my last update in January 2022, the deepest scuba dive on record was achieved by Ahmed Gabr, an Egyptian scuba diver, in September 2014. Gabr descended to a depth of 332.35 meters (1,090 feet) in the Red Sea off the coast of Dahab, Egypt. This incredible feat took place over a period of 12 minutes, with Gabr spending around 15 hours on decompression stops during his ascent. Gabr’s dive set a new Guinness World Record for the deepest scuba dive, surpassing the previous record of 318.25 meters (1,044 feet) held by South African Nuno Gomes since 2005. It’s worth noting that such extreme depths are considered highly dangerous and require extensive training, experience, and specialized equipment.

Swimming with Striped Marlin in Magdalena Bay

striped marlin bait ball swimming

Swimming with striped marlin during bait ball season in Magdalena Bay can be an exhilarating and awe-inspiring experience. These sleek and powerful creatures are known for their speed and agility in the water, making encounters with them both thrilling and memorable. Here’s what it might be like:

  1. Excitement: The moment you spot a striped marlin in the water, your adrenaline starts pumping. Their distinctive striped appearance and long, pointed bills make them instantly recognizable, and the sight of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is truly breathtaking.
  2. Graceful Movement: As you swim alongside a striped marlin, you’ll be struck by their gracefulness in the water. Despite their size and power, they move with surprising agility, effortlessly gliding through the ocean currents with precision and speed.
  3. Close Encounters: Swimming in close proximity to a striped marlin allows you to appreciate the finer details of their anatomy and behavior. You might observe the way they use their elongated bills to herd schools of fish or witness their impressive hunting techniques as they dart through the water in pursuit of prey.
  4. Sense of Wonder: Being in such close proximity to such a majestic creature can evoke a profound sense of wonder and respect for the marine environment. It’s a humbling experience that reminds you of the beauty and diversity of life beneath the waves.
  5. Safety Considerations: While swimming with striped marlin can be an incredible experience, it’s important to remember that these are wild animals and should be treated with caution and respect. Keeping a safe distance and avoiding any sudden movements is crucial to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the marlin.

Overall, swimming with striped marlin offers a unique opportunity to connect with one of the ocean’s most magnificent inhabitants and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Tips for Equalizing Underwater

scuba diving with turtles and equalizing

Equalizing underwater is an important skill for scuba divers and free divers to prevent discomfort or injury caused by pressure changes in the ears and sinuses. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to equalize your ears while underwater:

  1. Start Early: Begin equalizing your ears before you feel any discomfort. It’s easier to equalize when there’s minimal pressure difference between your ears and the water around you.
  2. Understand the Technique: The most common equalization technique for divers is called the Valsalva maneuver. This involves gently pinching your nostrils closed, closing your mouth, and gently blowing through your nose while attempting to breathe out against the closed airway. This action helps to open the Eustachian tubes, which connect your middle ear to the back of your throat, allowing air to flow in or out and equalizing the pressure.
  3. Practice on Land: Before you go diving, practice equalizing your ears on land to get a feel for the technique. You can do this by pinching your nostrils closed and gently blowing while paying attention to the sensation in your ears.
  4. Equalize Often: Equalize your ears frequently during your descent, especially in the first few meters of depth. This helps to gradually equalize the pressure and prevents discomfort.
  5. Descend Slowly: Take your time descending to allow your ears to equalize naturally. Avoid descending too quickly, as this can make equalization more difficult and increase the risk of barotrauma (pressure-related injury).
  6. Listen to Your Body: If you experience any discomfort or difficulty equalizing, ascend slightly until the discomfort subsides, then try equalizing again. Never force equalization if it’s painful, as this can lead to injury.
  7. Use Alternative Techniques: If you have difficulty equalizing using the Valsalva maneuver, you can try other techniques such as the Toynbee maneuver (swallowing while pinching your nose) or the Frenzel maneuver (closing your vocal cords and using your tongue to create pressure in the mouth).
  8. Seek Training: If you’re new to diving or struggling with equalization, consider taking a scuba diving course where you can learn proper equalization techniques and receive guidance from a certified instructor.

Remember, equalizing your ears should be done gently and consistently to avoid injury. If you experience persistent difficulty with equalization or have a history of ear problems, consult with a medical professional before diving.

Is Scuba Diving or Snorkeling More Popular?

snorkeling with ventana travel

The preference between scuba diving and snorkeling largely depends on individual interests, comfort levels in the water, and desired experiences. Here are some factors that may influence people’s preferences for one activity over the other:

Scuba Diving:

  1. Exploration of underwater environments: Scuba diving allows individuals to explore deeper underwater environments that may not be accessible through snorkeling. This can include exploring coral reefs, underwater caves, and shipwrecks.
  2. Closer encounters with marine life: Scuba divers can get up close and personal with marine life, as they have the ability to swim alongside fish, sea turtles, and other creatures in their natural habitat.
  3. Extended time underwater: With scuba diving, individuals can spend more time underwater compared to snorkeling, as they have access to a continuous air supply from their tanks.
  4. Certification and training: Scuba diving requires certification and training to ensure safety and proper use of equipment, which may appeal to those interested in learning new skills and techniques.

Snorkeling:

  1. Accessibility and simplicity: Snorkeling is generally more accessible and requires less equipment and training compared to scuba diving. It can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.
  2. Surface-level exploration: Snorkelers can explore the underwater world while staying close to the surface, which may appeal to those who are not comfortable diving deeper or wearing scuba gear.
  3. Cost-effectiveness: Snorkeling typically involves lower costs compared to scuba diving, as it does not require the purchase or rental of scuba gear and certification fees.
  4. Freedom of movement: Snorkelers have the freedom to move around more easily on the surface and can easily return to shore or the boat if needed.

Ultimately, both scuba diving and snorkeling offer unique opportunities to experience the underwater world and interact with marine life. Some people may prefer the thrill and adventure of scuba diving, while others may appreciate the simplicity and accessibility of snorkeling. It often comes down to personal preference and individual comfort levels in the water.

Where should you scuba dive in Baja?

Baja California, Mexico, offers some incredible scuba diving opportunities with its diverse marine life and stunning underwater landscapes. Here are some popular scuba diving locations in Baja:

  1. Cabo San Lucas: Located at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. Popular dive sites include Land’s End, where you can find sand falls and swim-throughs, and the Cabo Pulmo Marine Park, a protected area with a thriving coral reef.
  2. La Paz: The capital of Baja California Sur, La Paz, is a gateway to the Sea of Cortez, often referred to as the “Aquarium of the World.” This region is famous for encounters with sea lions, whale sharks, and large schools of fish. Espiritu Santo Island is a popular destination for its clear waters and diverse marine ecosystems.
  3. Loreto: Further north in the Sea of Cortez, Loreto offers a more tranquil diving experience. The area is known for its rich biodiversity, including various species of fish, rays, and dolphins. Divers can explore the marine life around the Loreto Bay National Marine Park.
  4. Bahía de los Ángeles: This area, located on the eastern side of the Baja Peninsula along the Sea of Cortez, is known for its unique underwater landscapes and diverse marine species. It’s a less crowded destination, providing a more secluded diving experience.
  5. Cedros Island: For more experienced divers, Cedros Island offers challenging dive sites with strong currents and deep waters. The island is known for encounters with sharks, including hammerheads and white tips.

Before planning your scuba diving trip, ensure that you are aware of local regulations, safety guidelines, and the best times to visit for optimal diving conditions. Additionally, consider diving with reputable dive operators who prioritize safety and environmental conservation.