10-La Dania's Leap
Dive site number 10 - La Dania’s Leap is a unique and adventurous dive site on the northwest coast of Bonaire. The location is known for its special entry: divers make a controlled jump from a low cliff directly into the sea. This makes La Dania’’s Leap different from most shore dives on Bonaire. There is no beach or stairs, which means that good preparation and diving experience are important. The dive is almost always performed as a drift dive in the direction of Karpata, where the exit of the dive is also located. From the entry you swim briefly to the reef and follow the natural structure of the reef as the current slowly takes you along steep walls and deep drop-offs. The reef starts relatively shallow and slopes quickly, giving this dive an impressive and varied underwater profile. Because there is no option to get out of the water at La Dania’’s Leap, it is essential to make clear agreements in advance about the route, maximum diving time and exit at Karpata. The combination of the jump, possible currents and the fact that the dive ends at a different location makes La Dania’’s Leap especially suitable for experienced divers who are comfortable with drift diving and navigation along the reef.
↓ At the bottom of this page you will find some personal tips for dive site 10- La Dania’’s Leap ↓
💡Personal advice💡
- Before diving La Dania’s Leap, it is strongly recommended to first dive at Tolo. This diving site is located in the same coastal strip and is ideal for getting a good sense of which way the current is going. This is important, because La Dania’s Leap does not have its own exit and the only exit is at Karpata. By checking the current in advance, you avoid having to swim against the current.
- Due to the jump as an entry, the possible current and the lack of an alternative exit, La Dania’s Leap is especially suitable for experienced divers. Make sure you are comfortable with drift diving, good trim and navigation so that you can perform this dive safely and relaxed.
- If you notice that the current is against you, it is smart to go shallower early in the dive and keep swimming towards Karpata. At shallower depths you use less air, leaving you with enough breath to safely complete the entire drift dive. You know you have arrived at Karpata as soon as you see the dive site buoy, which is the landmark to end the dive in a controlled manner.