Featured Dive Site – Hilma Hooker and Salt Pier, Bonaire

Every week or so we will feature selected photos from a dive site around the world, so you can share your dives with our community and choose where to go for your next dive trip!

If you would like to showcase your favorite dive site, send an email to ran@housingcamera.com with 10-15 photos from the dive or a video and a short description. We’ll take it from there…

This week’s feature includes 2 great dive sites from one of the world’s most popular dive spots – Bonaire!

The videos were taken by the talented Darryl Jensen – a great videographer and a loyal customer. Check out more of his work HERE.

Hilma Hooker

The Hilma Hooker is a famous wreck located in the Caribbean Island of Bonaire. This 240ft long ship has a cool story behind it. The ship was originally built in 1951 for a Dutch shipping company and named Midsland. Since then it has changed hands and names several times and even sank and was refloated once, until it reached it’s final owner – a shipping line from Colombia.

By the time it reached Bonaire, the drug enforcement agencies have already been following it for illegal activities. When it docked in Bonaire due to engine trouble, the authorities raided it and found 25,000 lb (11 Tons) of Marijuana in a false Bulkhead. The crew and boat was detained and after many months of sitting in the dock, the ship was towed away to an anchorage. On the morning of September 12th 1984, the ship finally gave in, rolled over her starboard side and sank to a depth of 100ft (30m) where she lays still up to this day much to our delight

Salt Pier

The Salt Pier is a spectacular and easy dive site, great for photographers with plenty of corals and schools of fish hiding under the pier enjoying the sun rays as they pierce the water.

There is some misunderstanding whether or not it is allowed to dive there, so it is recommended to consult with locals and perhaps ask for permission from the Cargill Salt Company. Usually, as long as there are no ships docked there, it should be possible.

The depth runs from about 15-50 feet (4-15 meters) and the entry is very easy from shore.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Follow me!

Ran Mor

Sales and Marketing at Mozaik Underwater Cameras

Ran is a professional photographer for over 14 years. His passion for scuba diving and photography has pushed him to combine his profession and hobby and become a professional underwater photographer. Teaching is one of his greatest passions and over the years he has shared his experience with many divers and aspiring photographers. Along with his wife Danielle, an experienced Scuba Instructor, they have founded Dive and More, leading dive trips and UW photo workshops all over the world. Ran is also an electrical engineer and an avid internet marketing specialist.
Visit his personal portfolio at www.ranmorphoto.com.

Follow me!

Latest posts by Ran Mor (see all)

• Native Lenses vs. Wet Lenses for Underwater Photography – December 20, 2023
• The Complete Guide to Practicing at Home for Underwater Photographers – October 4, 2023
• Best Strobe for Underwater – The Ultimate Strobe Guide (Updated!) – June 29, 2023