This dive site, Front Porche, is a distinctive shore-accessible location on Bonaire, renowned not for its natural coral formations but for its fascinating artificial reef. The underwater environment is a collection of discarded materials including steel pipes, various wreck parts, and old machinery, which have transformed into a vibrant ecosystem. Divers can navigate through and around these unique man-made structures, exploring the intricacies of this unconventional landscape. The site's history suggests its origin as an area where industrial scraps found their way into the sea, evolving into an intriguing habitat.
Despite being an artificial reef, Front Porche attracts a remarkable variety of marine life. Among the larger inhabitants, divers frequently encounter nurse sharks and reef sharks, with occasional sightings of majestic eagle rays and different species of sea turtles. The structures are also home to numerous fish, including schools of snapper, angelfish, and grunts, alongside grouper and a colorful array of anemones, all thriving amidst the unique underwater scenery.
Front Porche is an excellent dive site to visit year-round, benefiting from Bonaire's consistent tropical climate and warm waters. Divers are encouraged to explore the complex textures and hiding spots within the artificial structures, which are rich in both macro life and various fish species. Its shore accessibility and average depth of 10 meters make it particularly suitable for freedivers looking to explore unique underwater landscapes and marine encounters on a single breath. Photographers will appreciate the distinct wide-angle opportunities presented by the wreck parts and the macro potential around the diverse fish life.
