1
Cliff
The Cliff may be found off-shore from The Hamlet resort. 2.5 km North of Kralendijk, just North the intersection of Kaya Gobernador Nicolaas and Kaya Amsterdam.
BeginnerMax depth 49.2 ftShore entry
Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Bonaire
The top 64 dive and snorkel sites in Bonaire, ranked by diver reviews, with maps and photos. Read the Bonaire guide
- dive sites
- 64
- dive shops
- 19
- reviews
- 365
64 sites, ranked by diver reviews
2
La Machaca
La Machaca is located off the docks of Captain Don's Habitat. The facilities are excellent here: outside bar, restaurant, dive shop, photo shop. Please check in with the dive shop before unloading your gear. One of the best house reefs on the island of Bonaire. Great abundance of corals and reef fish along with resident tarpons and moray eels. 2.5 km North of Kralendijk, just North the intersection of Kaya Gobernador Nicolaas and Kaya Amsterdam. La Machaca is also known as Captain Don's Habitat House Reef.
BeginnerMax depth 49.2 ftShore or Boat entry
3
Boca Slagbaai North
Boca Slagbaai is a wonderful beach that, unfortunately, was ravaged by the extremely rare hurricane of 1999. Many of the facilities and buildings on this beach were damaged. As repairs are made and concessions begin operations again, we'll put a note in this section. This is a great beach to spend the day with the kids. See the Boca Bartol North site for Washington Park entrance directions.
Shore entry
4
Margate Bay
Margate Bay is nice, remote diving spot. 1.2 km South of White Slave.
IntermediateMax depth 59.1 ftShore or Boat entry
5
Salt Pier
The Salt Pier is one of the most spectacular dives. The pilings harbor some interesting growth that you won't find easily elsewhere. Since you will need permission from the Cargill Salt Company, make plans early with your local dive shop to schedule this dive. 5.9 km South of the Airport. If you miss this one, you're sleeping!
Shore entry
6
Aquarius
Another in the series of dive sites along the double reef system. 1.7 km North of the Salt Pier.
BeginnerMax depth 16.4 ftShore entry
7
Karpata
Popular with shore divers. Karpata is located at the end of the one-way section on the coastal road. Known for its good visibility and panorama views, this site is great for wide-angle photographers. Divers can pose by huge ship anchors embedded in the coral, or over branching colonies of elkhorn, which stretch from ten feet up to the surface. Depth 20-100 feet (6-30 meters). Karpata is just to the East of the No Dive Zone, and offers some of the more spectacular diving on the island.On the stretch of road between Columbia and Karpata, 7 km North of Kralendijk.
AdvancedMax depth 100 ftShore or Boat entry
8
Weber's Joy
Weber's Joy, also known as Witches Hut, is another easy and worthwhile dive. If the current is favorable, you can even drift dive to 1000 Steps which is about 1 km away. On the stretch of road between Columbia and Karpata, 7 km North of Kralendijk.
BeginnerMax depth 26.2 ftShore entry
9
Pink Beach
Pink Beach is another fine beach for sunning -- kids and divers of all ages!. Bring a picnic lunch and plenty of drinks. A few shade palms line the upper stretch. 2.1 km South of the Salt Pier.
IntermediateMax depth 49.2 ftShore entry
10
Sweet Dreams
A more rugged site due to the proximity of the island's Southern most point, you'll enjoy the richness of more open-water sea life. 3.3 km South of White Slave.
AdvancedMax depth 82 ftShore entry
No photos yet
11Cai
Cai is a 4.7-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire South, ABC Islands which is accessible from shore based on 10 ratings.
AdvancedMax depth 65.6 ftShore entry
No photos yet
12Something Special
Something Special is a 4.7-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire North, ABC Islands which is accessible from shore based on 10 ratings.
BeginnerMax depth 49.9 ftShore entry
13
Salt City
Salt City is another pleasant dive on the double reef. 400 m South of the Salt Pier.
BeginnerMax depth 32.8 ftShore or Boat entry
No photos yet
14Reef Scientifico
Reef Scientifico is a 5.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire North, ABC Islands which is accessible from shore based on 2 ratings.
BeginnerMax depth 59.1 ftShore entry
15
1000 Steps
1000 Steps is probably just as famous for the grueling hike to and from the beach as it is for its world-class diving! Don't be dismayed-- there are only 72 steps from your car to the beach. If your dive buddy were a true buddy, he'd carry your tank for you! On the stretch of road between Columbia and Karpata, 7 km North of Kralendijk. Off the entrance to Radio Netherlands.
Shore entry
16
Vista Blue
Vista Blue is one of our favorites! Beautiful scenery, an easy entry, and a dramatic drop off. 2.7 km South of White Slave.
BeginnerMax depth 49.2 ftShore or Boat entry
17
The Lake
The Lake offers a great peek at the double reef system that stretches along this area. 500 m North of the Trans World Radio entrance (South of the Airport).
BeginnerMax depth 59.1 ftShore or Boat entry
No photos yet
18Small Wall
Small Wall is also known as Hamlets Reef, Dive Friends Reef.
BeginnerMax depth 59.1 ftShore entry
19
Oil Slick Leap
Oil Slick Leap is immediate gratification! Easy location, parking and entry. About 7 km North of Kralendijk, as the main road turns right to follow the sea.
BeginnerMax depth 39.4 ftShore or Boat entry
20
Jeff Davis Memorial
Jeff Davis Memorial is another fine dive along this stretch of sites. The kick-out is minimal, so makes for a quick and easy dive to whatever depth you desire. On the stretch of road between Columbia and Karpata, 7 km North of Kralendijk.
BeginnerMax depth 19.7 ftShore entry
Top dive shops in Bonaire
All 194 Wheel Diving
Book5.0 (119) · Caribbean Netherlands
Flamingo Premium Diving
Book5.0 (80) · Kralendijk
Xprodiver Bonaire
Book5.0 (77) · Kralendijk
VIP Diving
Book4.9 (208) · Kralendijk
Bonaire diving guide
Ready to check out the best sites in Bonaire for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 64 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best dive and snorkel sites in Bonaire?
Based on Zentacle reviews, the top-rated sites in Bonaire are Cliff (5.0 from 12 reviews), La Machaca (4.9 from 12 reviews) and Boca Slagbaai North (5.0 from 6 reviews).
Where is the best snorkeling for beginners in Bonaire?
The top-rated beginner sites are Cliff (5.0 from 12 reviews), La Machaca (4.9 from 12 reviews) and Aquarius (5.0 from 4 reviews).
Where can I shore dive in Bonaire?
Cliff, La Machaca, Boca Slagbaai North and Margate Bay are the top-rated sites you can enter from shore.
What is the best advanced dive in Bonaire?
Karpata (4.7 from 43 reviews), reached by boat, with a maximum depth of 100 ft.
Are there dive shops in Bonaire?
Zentacle lists 19 dive shops in Bonaire. The top-rated are 4 Wheel Diving (5.0 from 119 reviews) and Flamingo Premium Diving (5.0 from 80 reviews).