Underwater Archaeology on Bonaire

The Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire is best known as Divers Paradise. Its shallow surrounding waters are famous for the vibrant coral reefs that attract thousands of divers each year. Bonaire’s underwater archaeological heritage, however, is largely unexplored.

Bonaire played an important role in colonial-period history, as it was a supplier of large quantities of salt. Its salt pans were very productive and produced high-quality salt, which was used to preserve food before the invention of refrigerators. Remnants of this industry can be found all over the island, including the surrounding waters. Moreover, as low-lying Bonaire was a navigational hazard that could not easily be seen at night, many ships wrecked along its rocky shores. As a result, Bonaire’s waters are littered with shipwrecks, cannons, anchors, remains of old docks, ballast piles, and artifacts.

This field school aims to explore, study, and map archaeological remains in the waters surrounding the island. We will be documenting remains of shipwrecks, historic anchors and cannons, and remains of maritime infrastructure around the historic salt pans. Located in the Bonaire National Marine Park, these sites offer easy diving conditions and are home to a large variety of marine life, which makes for a fantastic research environment. Participants will have the opportunity to be part of this highly varied project, gaining hands-on experience in underwater archaeological research while being completely immersed in Caribbean history and archaeology.

In addition, we will start a survey of Bonaire’s uninhabited sister island Klein Bonaire. Located just offshore, Klein Bonaire’s waters have never been archaeologically surveyed. If weather conditions permit, we will also conduct a diving survey on the remote east coast of Bonaire. Numerous ships have wrecked on this rough coast over the centuries. Some areas are littered with remains of foundered ships, but much of this coastline remains unexplored. Diving here is a truly special experience.

The field school will comprise an 15-day program focused on exploring Bonaire’s waters and studying and documenting maritime archaeological remains. Participants will be completely immersed in Caribbean history and archaeology through various presentations, workshops, and site visits around the island. You will be actively involved in SCUBA diving surveys and archaeological documentation, and have some fun exploring the island as well. You will also have the opportunity to brush up on your diving skills at the start of the program through several in-water workshops. You are more than welcome to sign up for the program if you do not yet possess the required dive experience and certifications, as long as you meet the requirements at the start of the program. Bonaire is one of the best places in the world to do SCUBA training, so you can also opt to come to the island early for some dive training or fun dives.