For those who have been to Bonaire, the little island of Klein Bonaire located just off the west coast, has proved to be a favorite.

As the largest uninhabited island in the Caribbean, and being completely protected from development, it offers an unforgettable underwater experience with 26 moored dive sites and great snorkeling. The diverse underwater landscape is unmatched elsewhere on Bonaire.

What many divers don’t know is that not too long ago (in the mid 1990’s) this island was threatened by developers. At the time, it was privately owned and the owners were on the brink of selling it to developers. This would have caused the degradation of the reefs due to construction, sewage, boat traffic, etc. The pristine beaches that serve as one of the best nesting sites for endangered hawksbill turtle would be lost. There was even talk of building a bridge to Klein Bonaire for ease of access.

For those who love Bonaire and its pristine conditions, this was unthinkable. Bonaire has been a leader in nature conservation — creating a protected marine park long before any others in the Caribbean. The few dive operators in business at that time kept conservation as their goal.

A group of concerned divers got together to try to prevent this sale and get Klein Bonaire back for the people of Bonaire. Bruce Bowker and Kitty Handschuh from Carib Inn, together with others, formed the Foundation for the Preservation of Klein Bonaire (FPKB), which is headquartered at Carib Inn. They worked long and hard to raise awareness and funds. They were aided by World Nature Funds in Netherlands and other environmental groups who helped with research and funding.

Divers, dive magazines, locals and the Bonaire’s government came together, and in 1999, it was official — FPKB and the Bonaire government were successful in purchasing the island back. The largest sum of money came from the government of the Netherlands. Klein Bonaire is now protected from any development by a contract that prohibits it under penalty of law.

Carib Inn is proud of the part they played in protecting Klein Bonaire. They thank their loyal divers (many of whom are still diving with them) for all their support. Their boats go out to Klein Bonaire quite often, taking small groups to enjoy what has hopefully been preserved forever!

Book your next dive at Klein Bonaire withBruce Bowker’s Carib & Inn today!

BRUCE BOWKER’S CARIB INN

Bruce Bowker's Carib Inn is a resort dedicated to the needs and requirements of destination divers. Although many guests simply love to soak in Bonaire’s calm, tranquil ambiance, diving and snorkeling the Caribbean’s turquoise waters is Carib Inn’s main attraction. With a PADI certified dive shop, breathtaking dive sites just offshore and eleven comfy resort suites, Carib Inn has everything a traveling diver could need.

Bruce Bowker's Carib Inn staff don’t just dive for a living; they live for diving! Bruce Bowker was the first dive instructor to teach on the island. He set up the perfect place to get away from any sort of stress, and the best location possible for your dive vacation. His dive shop is also a repair shop full of gear and spare parts you might need during your travels. Bruce, himself is named the "Repair Guru" on Bonaire.

Book a getaway with Bruce Bowker’s Carib Inn.

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