Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Bonaire

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.

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.

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.

Margate Bay is nice, remote diving spot. 1.2 km South of White Slave.

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!

Another in the series of dive sites along the double reef system. 1.7 km North of the Salt Pier.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Salt City is another pleasant dive on the double reef. 400 m South of the Salt Pier.

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.

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.

Vista Blue is one of our favorites! Beautiful scenery, an easy entry, and a dramatic drop off. 2.7 km South of White Slave.

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).

Small Wall is also known as Hamlets Reef, Dive Friends Reef.

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.

From the aerial you can see how close you are to the rugged Eastern shore, so you'll probably see larger species of fish beginning here at Atlantis. 2.1 km South of White Slave.

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.

The Town Pier is renowned for its wonderful night dive. You will need permission from the Harbor Master to dive here, and you must be led by dive operator staff. Although sometimes difficult to schedule, if you have a chance to experience this site, just do it! Off the one lane coastal road in Kralendijk.

Playa Funchi is an excellent dive. Easy entry, a short kick-out, and plenty of sights. There is even a bit of tree shade available. For night dive, bring your own shore light, there are NO lights visible for orientation. Last Dive must be done till 2:30 pm Easy access, sandy bottom with some corrals See the Boca Bartol North site for Washington Park entrance directions.

Easy beach access

North Belnem is located at the Southern end of Wind Sock. Just South of the airport runway.

Bachelor's Beach is a great little site, complete with picnic facilities. 800 m South of the airport.

Nukove is really out of the way, but not difficult to find with a good map. It is a beautiful cove and beach area where you'll have little, if any, company. The dive is easy and rewarding. Bring a lunch and plenty of water. You'll start your trek by turning right just before the Bonaire Petroleum Corporation storage tanks in the Karpata area.

This is the northern-most shore diving spot on Bonaire. Since the rugged Northeast coast is just a few km from this site, you can imagine that the diving could be a little dodgy. Pick a good day when the winds are from the South or Southeast, and you'll be able to explore some relatively unvisited areas. Hopefully, you have a good map that will get you to the Rincon Village! Once in the village, look for the signs that will point you to the Washington Park entrance. You then will wind your way through about 4 km of well-paved roads to get to the park.

This is another perspective of the Slagbaai Beach, from the South. The area is a wonderful site to visit, if only to spend the day relaxing on the beach. See the Boca Bartol North site for Washington Park entrance directions.

This is a high boat traffic area so stay low. It's almost right in the center of downtown along the main road. Swim over a sand channel to the reef. The best part of this dive (IMHO) is in the shallows. Also, fish like to hang out under the boats of the marine park moorings. You can reference Susan Porter's very useful book, "Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy." That's how we found it. This is an unmarked site on Bonaire and doesn't have a yellow rock in front of it but instead, it's landmark is the dive shop of the same name. Just park along the street by the dive shop and walk in the water down the small slippery boat ramp. It's also a great snorkel!

The Willemstoren Lighthouse dive is for advanced divers, and then only when the conditions are right. The site is on the windward side of the island, so currents can be strong and unpredictable. Ask a dive guide to assist in the evaluation and also to join you on the dive. Drive South to the tip of the island. You can't miss it!

Just South of Light House Point you'll find Punt Vierkant. 800 m North of the Trans World Radio entrance (South of the Airport).

Wayaca II is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire North which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

The Point is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire North which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Kalli's Reef is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire North which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Ti Amo Beach is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire South which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Keepsake is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire North which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Webber`s Joey is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire North which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Larry`s Lair is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire South which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Directly from the boat only

Petries Pillar is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire North which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Carel's Vision is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire North which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Advanced divers only. There is a dive operator to dive by boat. Visit the Google Earth and you will see clearly the shape of this dive site. You will find a lot of Tarpoons. Current: Sometimes very strong. Off Lac Bay. Once parked, there is a long walk in shallow water to the drop-off. White Hole is also known as Blue Hole.

Boka Slagbaai North is also known as Slagbaai.

You must get through very low vis. (3 metres) channel to get to the drop-off. Don't be scared if Ealge rays and BIGGGG Tarpons (70 pcs.)cruise by at 2 metres. Best dive of Bonaire IMHO. From shore. Registered Bonaire dive. Lac Bay is also known as Lac Cai, Lac Cay.

Many "do not touch me" sponges and an excellent sampling of the abundant marine life around Bonaire North side of Klein Bonaire Ebo's Reef is also known as Ebo's Special.

Wayaca III is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire North which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Delfin Beach Resort Reef is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire South which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Sarra's Smile is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire South which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

A shore or boat dive, Windsock offers the novice diver the chance to cruise the area located at the end of the runway off Flamingo Airport. Divers often see turtles and rays. Park just south of Flamingo Airport at Windsock Public Beach. Walk into water. Windsock is also known as Riba Ruina.

1000 Steps is a shore or boat dive (actually, for the shore divers, 64 steps down to the site from the road and it seems like 1000 steps coming back up with scuba gear!). Currents are light and the novice diver will have a chance to observe hawksbill turtles and seahorse. This is a nice dive and especial place to photographers. See the map of diving in Bonaire. All sites are widely identified. Thousand Steps is also known as 1000 Steps.

It is closed to shore dive due an accident with two divers. Contact with a dive operator to dive boat only. Very nice dive. In the shallow you will see a lot of big parrotfish. The Windjammer change its position due a storm. Last dive site before BOPEC (Bonaire Petroleum). Windjammer is also known as Mary Bahn.

Difficult entry on the first 10-20 meters, Because the reef-top is only 30-50 cm deep. But you will see undestroyed corals at all.

Great example of the marine life in and around Bonaire North shore of Klein Bonaire - interesting story for it's name ...

South Bay is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire North which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Directly from boat only

This easy shore or boat dive, with light currents and a depth of 6-30 meters, offers novice divers a chance to see mountainous star coral with abundant fish life. Angelfish, rock beauties, and butterfly fish make their homes in the rocky reefs. See the map of diving in Bonaire. All dive sites are widely identified. Witches Hut is also known as Weber's joy.

Small interesting wreck at 29m max up about 100m to the north. Front Porch is located at the Sunset Beach Resort. Front Porch is also known as Sunset Beach.

Jerry's Jam is also known as Ebo's Special.

Klein Bonaire east Jerry`s reef is also known as Jerry Sponges.

Suit up with boots at the top. Carry your BC and tank. Walk down the well worn path to an area of very large but very loose rocks. Carefully walk south over the loose rocks until you reach the boundary of the rocky area and turn right (West). Climb up over the rocky deposits and descend to the rocky/gravelly beach. Playa Benge is also known as Playa Bengi.

Reef that slopes down to 34 meters. cross the sand channel for the second reef were you will find schooling tarpon, follow the reef you will find the point were the 2 reefs connect. lots of coral blocks, barracuda and tarpon. sometimes an eagle ray is digging in the sand From the beach. This site is in front of the Lt. Governor's house. This house has at least 18 palm trees in the front yard, so its name. Access is from the NW entrance at Plaza Resort (it is also the house reef of this resort). Eighteen Palms is also known as 18th Palm.

Bakadera is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire North which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Baby Beach is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Bonaire, Bonnaire South which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.