Dive and Snorkel Sites in Bonaire

The Best Dive and Snorkel Sites in Bonaire

Bonaire is known around the world as a paradise for divers and snorkelers. The reef starts right off the coast, so at most sites you simply step in from the shore. Clear water, little current and a colorful underwater world make the island perfect for beginners and experienced divers alike.

On this page we share the best dive and snorkel sites in Bonaire, plus everything you need to know before you go. You can also discover the best things to do in Bonaire.

The 11 best dive and snorkel sites in Bonaire

1. Bari Reef (Kralendijk)

Bari Reef lies close to the center and is one of the most species-rich dive sites in the Caribbean. The shallow, calm water makes it ideal for beginner divers and snorkelers. You will spot hundreds of fish species, often within a few meters of the shore.

Good for: snorkeling and diving. Access: from shore.

2. 1000 Steps

Just north of Kralendijk you will find 1000 Steps, perhaps the most famous site on the island. The name sounds heavier than it is, since there are only 67 steps. Below waits a beautiful reef with plenty of sea turtles. Take your time, because the climb back up does feel like a thousand steps with your gear on.

Good for: snorkeling and diving. Access: stairs from the road.

3. Klein Bonaire

Around uninhabited Klein Bonaire lies one of the finest reefs in the area. You get there by water taxi or dive boat. Turtles, rays and sometimes even a nurse shark swim in the clear water. No Name Beach is the perfect starting point to snorkel in.

Good for: snorkeling and diving. Access: by boat or water taxi.

4. Salt Pier

In the south, by the salt flats, stands the Salt Pier. The pillars are covered in coral and form a fairy-tale backdrop full of fish. One of the most photogenic dive sites in Bonaire. Note that diving is only allowed here when no ship is moored.

Good for: diving and experienced snorkelers. Access: from shore.

5. Hilma Hooker (wreck dive)

The Hilma Hooker is the only shipwreck you can dive in Bonaire. The 70-meter ship rests at about 30 meters depth between two reefs. An impressive dive for advanced divers with the right certification. Snorkelers see little of the wreck itself from the surface.

Good for: experienced divers. Access: from shore.

6. Karpata

Karpata lies in the north and is a classic among the dive sites. Colorful coral, steep reef walls and an old mooring chain you follow underwater. The water is usually crystal clear. A popular spot for a calm, beautiful dive.

Good for: diving. Access: from shore.

7. Something Special

Near the marina of Kralendijk lies Something Special, known for the many garden eels that sway up from the sandy bottom. An easy, calm site that is perfect for a relaxed dive or snorkel close to town.

Good for: snorkeling and diving. Access: from shore.

8. Te Amo Beach

Near the airport lies Te Amo Beach, a popular snorkel spot with a gently sloping shore. Ideal if you want to snorkel calmly or just dip your head under without swimming far. Also a nice place to watch planes come in low.

Good for: snorkeling. Access: from shore.

9. Oil Slick Leap

In the north you will find Oil Slick Leap, where you take a giant stride off a small platform into the water. A beautiful, steep reef lies right below you. A favorite among divers who enjoy an exciting entry. There is a ladder to get back out.

Good for: diving. Access: giant stride from platform.

10. Angel City and Alice in Wonderland

In the south lie two double reefs side by side, Angel City and Alice in Wonderland. Tarpon, parrotfish and sometimes a barracuda swim between the two coral ridges. Calm water and plenty of life make it one of the best dive sites in the south.

Good for: diving. Access: from shore.

11. Lac Bay and Cai

On the east side lies the shallow lagoon of Lac Bay. At Cai you can snorkel calmly in sheltered, shallow water, with a chance of turtles and young fish among the mangroves. A pleasant, kid-friendly spot with no waves or current.

Good for: snorkeling. Access: from shore.

Practical information for diving and snorkeling in Bonaire

The STINAPA nature fee

Everyone who enters the water to dive, snorkel or swim pays the mandatory STINAPA nature fee. In 2026 it costs 40 dollars per person for the whole calendar year. Children up to and including age 12 are free. You arrange it easily online and receive a QR code. Without a valid fee you are not allowed into the protected marine reserve.

Diving and snorkeling from shore

Bonaire is the place for shore diving. The reef starts right off the coast, so at most sites you do not need a boat. Road-accessible dive sites are marked with yellow stones showing the site name, so you know exactly where to step in.

Your gear

You can rent dive gear from one of the island’s many dive schools, often including unlimited tank fills. Snorkel gear is easy to bring yourself. Many divers rent a pickup so they can carry their tanks and gear between sites.

Water, visibility and best time

The water is pleasant year-round, around 26 to 28 degrees Celsius. Underwater visibility is often excellent, sometimes 20 to 30 meters. Because Bonaire sits outside the hurricane belt and the west coast is sheltered, you can dive and snorkel here practically all year.

Relax at La Cantina after your dive

Salt on your skin, tired but happy? Then La Cantina is the perfect place to close out your dive day. We sit right in the center of Kralendijk, with a cozy beer café at the front and a beautiful courtyard at the back. Taste our own Bonaire Blond beer and the fresh fish from our local fisherman. Exactly what you need after a day in the water.

Book your table

Frequently asked questions about diving and snorkeling in Bonaire

For beginners, Bari Reef near Kralendijk is a winner, with shallow, calm water full of fish. 1000 Steps and Klein Bonaire are also favorites for their turtles. Want calm water with no waves? Then Lac Bay at Cai is ideal.

Yes. Snorkeling requires no certificate, only the STINAPA nature fee. At most sites you simply step in from the shore. For scuba diving with a tank you do need a valid dive certification.

In 2026 the nature fee costs 40 dollars per person for the whole calendar year. Children up to and including age 12 are free. You pay online and receive a QR code that gives you access to the marine reserve and the nature parks.

Absolutely, and Bonaire is world-famous for it. The reef starts right off the coast and accessible sites are marked with yellow stones along the road. You do not need a boat for most dives.

Bonaire is good for diving year-round. The water is always around 26 to 28 degrees and visibility is often excellent. Because the island sits outside the hurricane belt, you do not need to worry about the season.

Yes, chances are high. Especially at 1000 Steps, Klein Bonaire and Lac Bay you regularly come across sea turtles. Always keep your distance and do not touch them, because they are protected.