Hilma Hooker

Hilma Hooker is a 73-meter former cargo ship lying on its side and serving as a classic wreck dive with an intact hull, bridge and cargo holds as the primary attractions. Spiny lobsters and other marine life shelter among the collapsed masts and beams, and the site is widely regarded as one of Bonaire’s most popular, frequently dived locations. The wreck sits between two coral reef formations with the deepest parts around 30 m and the highest points near 18 m, allowing a shallow safety stop on the reef at about 5–6 m. Visibility is commonly 25–30 m and water temperatures are in the high 20s °C. Currents are generally mild but can vary. Access is by permanent boat moorings or by a roughly 270 m swim from a marked shore entry (a yellow-painted rock). Much of the outside can be toured by open-water divers, but penetration and the deeper sections require advanced wreck training; divers often use enriched air to extend bottom time. Significant hazards include sharp metal edges, entanglement risks, loose debris, heavy steel doors and narrow passages, with the engine room noted as especially dangerous due to low visibility and obstructions. Divers must follow Bonaire National Marine Park regulations, including purchasing a marine park tag. The ship sank in 1984 after being seized on drug-smuggling charges and now rests on a sandy flat between two reefs. Notable onboard features include the wheelhouse, crew quarters, galley, engine room and a large cargo hold, all covered in coral and sponge growth.