La Machaca

A small intentionally-sunk fishing boat resting upside-down at 14 metres off Captain Don’s Habitat dock — Bonaire’s most beginner-friendly wreck and a reliable macro subject site.

Overview

La Machaca (BNMP #27) is a 14-metre (45-foot) locally-built fishing boat that was intentionally sunk as a dive target off the dock of Captain Don’s Habitat, one of Bonaire’s pioneering dive resorts. The vessel rests upside-down on a sandy bottom approximately 30 metres from shore at around 14 metres depth, surrounded by fringing reef. The site is one of Bonaire’s most accessible wreck dives: the entry is straightforward, the depth is well within recreational limits, and the wreck is small enough to fully explore in a single dive. It is popular as a training dive, a first-morning orientation dive, and a night-dive destination.

Site Information

• Location: Central Bonaire, off Captain Don’s Habitat dock — BNMP Site #27
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Wreck dive
• Difficulty Level: Beginner
• Maximum Depth: 14 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15–25 metres
• Current: Usually light
• Best Time: Morning or night

Marine Life

The wreck structure is encrusted with corals and sponges and provides shelter for a variety of species. Barracuda, jacks, and groupers patrol the wreck. The surrounding sandy bottom and reef host parrotfish, angelfish, moray eels, and damselfish. The wreck is a good site for macro subjects in the encrusting growth. Night dives reveal octopus and lobster.

Dive Profile

Enter from shore near the Captain Don’s Habitat dock and swim the short distance to the wreck on a sandy and rocky bottom. Descend to the hull at around 14 metres and explore around and beneath the inverted structure. The surrounding reef provides additional interest on the same dive. The shallow depth makes for generous bottom time and easy safety stops.

Entry and Exit

Sandy and rocky shore entry near the dock. The wreck is within easy swimming distance of shore. Exit at the same point. The short profile and shallow depth make this one of Bonaire’s most convenient dives.

Tips

• Pair this dive with Bari Reef or Buddy’s Reef on the same morning — all are within a short drive
• Night dives are productive and very manageable given the depth and proximity to shore
• Look for macro subjects on the encrusted hull surfaces
• Good buoyancy practice site for those developing wreck-diving technique

Safety

The site is shallow and calm — among Bonaire’s easiest dives. The inverted hull provides overhead environment; stay aware of your position relative to the structure. Do not penetrate the enclosed spaces without appropriate training and a dive light.

Photography

The small wreck makes framing easy — wide-angle compositions of the full hull with a diver for scale are achievable. The encrusted surfaces reward close-up work. Natural light is good at this depth throughout the day.

Nearby Sites

Buddy’s Reef is adjacent to the north. Bari Reef (Sand Dollar Resort house reef) lies immediately north. Cliff and Something Special are a short drive away.

Sources: InfoBonaire Dive Site Map, 123 Car Rental Bonaire – Dive Sites, Bonaireisland.com – La Machaca. Last updated 2026-05-24.