Beautiful Bonaire: Diver's Paradise

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**Please be aware that some dive sites are currently closed in Bonaire due to Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD). When visiting, be sure to rise your dive gear thoroughly to help prevent the spread of this disease. To learn more, visit the STINAPA website.**

Bonaire provides dozens of dive sites, gorgeous and healthy reefs, and spectacular marine life. Year-round diving is possible thanks to a typically calm sea and an average water temperature of 80 °F.  Divers who visit Bonaire come back again and again!

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The Shore Diving Capital of the World

The majority of dive sites in Bonaire are easily accessed from the shore. This allows divers of all levels to set their own pace and schedule, rather than being forced to adhere to strict boat schedules. 

Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Bonaire

Here are important facts to keep in mind as you prepare for your trip to Bonaire.

  1. Every diver must pay the Bonaire National Marine Park fee. As of 2023, the fee is $40 USD and is valid for one year. 
  2. Don’t pack your gloves. Divers are not allowed to wear gloves in Bonaire unless they have a doctor’s note dated within 30 days of the dive. 
  3. Pack your boots. Many of the shore dive entries are rocky and a good pair of boots keep feet protected. 
  4. Rent a truck. Divers will need a truck to get from site to site and to haul tanks.
  5. Keep your gas tank full. There are only a few gas stations on Bonaire, it’s better to have a full tank than run out with no station in sight.  
  6. Look for the painted yellow rocks. Every shore dive site is marked with a large bright yellow rock with the name of the dive site on it. 
  7. Don’t leave anything important in your truck while diving. Bonaire is a very safe island, however, it’s not uncommon for divers to return to shore to find their phones, wallets, or other valuables stolen from a truck parked at a dive site. Be sure to leave valuables at your resort!
  8. Watch out for donkeys. Wild donkeys roam all over the island and will happily take a treat. 

What is the Currency of Bonaire?

The official currency of Bonaire is the U.S. Dollar. There are ATMs readily available throughout the island and many local stores happily accept credit cards. 

What Are Bonaire’s Best Dive Sites? 

With so many dive sites to choose from it’s difficult to narrow down the options but here are a few of the favorite SGG team favorites! 

Something Special

Diver Certification Level

Open Water + (Snorkeling Friendly)

Entry

Shore or Boat

Common Sightings

Scorpionfish, Boxfish, Lobster, Turtles, Rays

Something Special is aptly named! There’s always something special to see here thanks to the huge biodiversity, from the more common parrotfish to seahorses, lobster, shrimp, frogfish, and puffers. You’ll find a great mixture of soft and hard corals and a sandy bottom where rays are commonly spotted. This dive site is also great for eel lovers, including the Sharptail Snake Eel. Many divers also report seeing a turtle at this dive site. 

Entry is easy, making it a great place to do a night dive for those who are certified. Walk down the small hill directly into the water and swim out to the buoy. If you’re bringing friends who snorkel, this is a great choice for snorkelers as well! 

Here’s another hint: Something Special is located near the local restaurant “Between 2 Buns”. This is a wonderful place to stop for a delicious breakfast, fresh salad, and of course, a wide variety of sandwiches! Stop in before your dive for a special treat!

Sharptail Snake Eel on sandy ocean floor

Bari Reef

Diver Certification Level

Open Water + (Snorkeling Friendly)

Entry

Shore or Boat

Common Sightings

Octopus, Tarpon, Grunts, Needlefish, Trunkfish

According to the Reef Environmental Education Foundation, Bari Reef has the greatest variety of species in the entire Caribbean! 

Close to Kralendijk, this dive site has an easy entry. Once underwater, divers will be thrilled with the variety of hard and soft corals. Large tarpon and barracuda are commonly seen, as are seahorses, octopus, damselfish, parrotfish, flounder, moray eels, and schools of blue tang. 

This is another great spot to bring a snorkeling friend!

Captain Don’s Reef

Diver Certification Level

Open Water +

Entry

Boat

Common Sightings

Cleaner Shrimp, Blenny, Moray Eels, Barracuda

Located off of Klein Bonaire, Captain Don’s Reef is named in honor of Captain Don Stewart, known as the “Father of Bonaire”. Captain Don first arrived in Bonaire in 1962 and was instrumental in creating mooring systems that protected the reefs, naming most of the dive sites, and heading a campaign that resulted in the prevention of spearfishing in Bonaire. He also helped to open the first hotel and dive shop on the island. 

This reef is gorgeous and consists of descending terraces. A reasonably shallow dive, divers will see schools of every fish color shape, and size. 

Salt Pier

Diver Certification Level

Open Water + (Snorkeling Friendly)

Entry

Shore

Common Sightings

Octopus, Grunts, Parrotfish, Moray Eels, Barracuda

Please note that diving is not allowed when a ship is docked. 

Salt Pier is a unique dive, making it easily recognizable in pictures and videos. This dive is under a working pier used to transport salt onto waiting ships. Entry is effortless from the shore, walk in and head for the pillars!

On a sunny day, the visibility of this shallow dive is outstanding. Massive schools of fish congregate at the base of the pillars where colorful coral has made its home. Octopuses are frequently reported at this dive site, especially at night. Explore the surrounding reef to find seahorses, frogfish, and eels. 

Salt Pier is an ideal location for photographers!

school of bluestripe grunt at salt pier, bonaire
fish in coral formation at salt pier bonaire

Alice in Wonderland

Diver Certification Level

Open Water + (Snorkeling Friendly)

Entry

Shore or Boat

Common Sightings

Triggerfish, Parrotfish, Trumpetfish, Banded Butterfly, Trunkfish

Experience the magic of a double reef at Alice in Wonderland!

Another spot with easy shore entry, this dive site isn’t too far from Salt Pier. The reef consists of mainly fan coral, brain coral, and leaf coral. The second reef is not visible from the first reef – divers must use their compass to find it. It’s common to see rays passing between the two reefs!

Things To Do On Land in Bonaire

There’s so much to do and see when you’re not diving in Bonaire! 

  • Lac Bay: Located on the east side of Bonaire, Lac Bay boasts gorgeous beaches. While it is possible to swim and snorkel here, most people come to relax, enjoy the beachfront dining, or take a windsurfing lesson!
  • Washington-Slagbaai National Park: This nature preserve provides a safe habitat for species that are native and endemic to Bonaire. Three hiking trails of different difficulties are available. There’s also a museum where you can learn about the history of the island. 
  • Cadushy: For those who are old enough, Cadushy Distillery is a must-see! Take the tour to learn about how a wide range of liquors is made from the Kadushi cactus. Sample every option and enjoy a drink in a relaxing atmosphere.
  • Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary: The flamingo sanctuary is one of only four designated flamingo breeding grounds in the world! Breeding season is from January to July when around 6,000 birds come to take advantage of the breeding grounds. 

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