Cave exploration on Bonaire began in earnest in the late 1980s when a group of experienced cave divers, including John Burge, undertook the first comprehensive surveys of underwater caves on the island. The Bonaire Project, launched in 1988 under the guidance of the National Speleological Society’s Cave Diving Section (NSS-CDS), aimed to map and protect these caves while fostering public awareness and developing a sustainable conservation program. Over the years, Rob Harris led further exploration, using specialized equipment like SONDE sensors to collect valuable environmental data, and conducted surveys of 21 caves. Despite their exploration, many caves remain off-limits due to concerns over damage from commercial activities, risk of accidents, and the need to protect delicate ecosystems such as bat colonies.
In 2014, the CARIBSS initiative was established by a group of dedicated cave divers to continue the exploration, documentation, and conservation efforts, ensuring that Bonaire’s cave systems are preserved for future generations while balancing responsible public access. This collaborative approach also helps guide proper management strategies for sustainable use.
Ongoing projects & participation:
Bonaire Caves Documentation Bank
The Bonaire Caves Documentation Bank is a project focused on compiling and preserving the extensive materials generated by past and ongoing cave exploration efforts on the island. This includes valuable data such as maps, surveys, studies, photos, and videos. By centralizing these resources, the project seeks to safeguard this vital information, ensuring it is available for future research, conservation, and management of Bonaire’s unique cave systems, while supporting informed decision-making for their protection and sustainable use.
Bonaire Underwater Cave Mapping
The Bonaire Underwater Cave Mapping Project aims to formally document and explore the island’s wet cave systems, is a continuation of previous explorations, including informal discoveries made by CARIBSS members and earlier expeditions. These caves, some containing unusual finds like turtle bones in places too small for them to enter, hold valuable scientific and historical significance. The project seeks to map, survey, and study these submerged caves, while collaborating with local authorities, researchers, and stakeholders to ensure the conservation of these unique ecosystems for future generations.
Future projects and proposals:
CARIBSS welcomes the community to propose new projects and ideas for exploration in Bonaire’s caves, we’d love to hear from you!
Contact us>>
to share your ideas, explore funding opportunities, or collaborate on grants to bring your vision to life. Together, we can protect and enhance Bonaire’s cave ecosystems for future generations.
got some skills and want to collaborate? Looking to donate?