Diving with ostracods
Ostracoden, perhaps a familiar phenomenon among more experienced divers. Just a few days per month, right after the full moon, a very special event takes place underwater. Divers might refer to it as the dance of excited shrimp. These are very small creatures not visible to the naked eye, but the substance they emit when they move is visible. They perform a kind of dance as a prelude to their mating ritual, and the substance, when it comes into contact with oxygen in the water, emits a light. These lights are visible to the naked eye and are best described as fireworks shooting up from the coral.
Where is the best place for Ostracod diving in Bonaire?
We opt for Invisibles, a beautiful spot in the south with no buildings, so there's no interference from stray light. This spot is also known for its beautiful soft coral, which is exactly what we're looking for our Ostracod dive! As we slip into the water, it's already dark.
When to dive with Ostracods?
Timing is crucial, especially avoid searching seven to ten days after the full moon. At that time, there's an increased risk of box jellyfish. They are attracted to light and float on the water's surface. After a dive, always return to the water surface because their long tentacles can wrap around your hand or touch your face, causing a kind of burn. This can be very painful!
Making a dive with Ostracods
It's wise to have recent night diving experience before participating in an ostracod dive. During the night dive with ostracods, each diver must have a dive light for safe entry and exit. It's best to use your dive light as little as possible. At Dive Factory, Luc will accompany you on this special dive. Slowly, you swim together over the sand towards the reef. Luc knows better than anyone that you should be at a depth of 9 meters and searches with you for a place to rest your fins. Around you, you'll see fireworks shooting up from the coral. It's like a starry sky underwater. On the sand, we clearly see the pits where rays have been lying during the day, and once we reach standing depth, we take off our fins and walk back onto the beach together.
At DiveFactory Bonaire, an Ostracods Night Dive costs $69 excluding air and equipment, however, if you rent a home through Bonaireparadise.nl or a car through autohuren-bonaire.nl, you'll receive a 20% discount!
About Dive Factory Bonaire
DiveFactory Bonaire is a renowned PADI Dive Resort, located in the beautiful Bonaire Village Resort in Kralendijk, also known as the 'shore capital' of the world. Customers are welcomed as valued guests, and the dive school emphasizes quality, professionalism, and experience. With small groups, personal attention is provided during various PADI courses and specialties, from wreck diving to nocturnal explorations. With flexible rental options and free lead and dive box, DiveFactory ensures that every dive is an unforgettable adventure. Visitors can take advantage of special discounts for guests booking through Bonaireparadise. Since 2019, despite challenges such as the pandemic, DiveFactory has grown into a thriving dive shop where every guest leaves with a sense of excitement and satisfaction.
