Are you planning on going diving in Bonaire and still have no idea how and where? Then I got you covered!
Bonaire has some of the best dive sites in the world. The beautiful coral reefs in Bonaire are strictly protected and therefore in great shape.
With lots of regulations and many great dive sites in Bonaire hidden away, it can be hard to plan your trip.
I have just returned from my vacation in Bonaire and learned all about the majestic dive sites on the island.
Let’s dive in!
Basic Info About Diving in Bonaire
Before we explore the best dive sites in Bonaire in this article, it is important that you know some basic facts and info about the underwater world in Bonaire.
Bonaire has over 85 (!) different dive sites and about 20 of these sites are on the small island of Klein Bonaire. 54 of these dive sites are accessible from shore.
Due to its high level of marine life protection, Bonaire has one of the high-quality diving sites in the Caribbean.
The water is crystal clear, so people can enjoy on average a visibility of 30 m (100 feet). The water is also usually very calm and with 28 C (80 F) pretty warm.
Overall, 350 different species of fish and 57 different corals have been spotted in the marine world around Bonaire. This also indicates that Bonaire’s reefs have a high coral cover compared to other Caribbean destinations.
Bonaire’s Efforts in Conserving the Marine Life
Bonaire is putting a lot of effort into conserving its coral reefs. Here is a bit of an overview of the protective measures that are currently in place to ensure the safety and health of the reef.
Captain Don Stewart was initially responsible for organizing the first protective measures and the Marine Park in Bonaire.
Bonaire has a Marine Protected Area (MPA) that includes the entire coastline of the island. It has different regulations for fishing, anchoring, and diving within its boundaries to minimize damage to the ecosystem.
These regulations include the especially important no-touch policies. You may not wear gloves and touch the corals or shells underwater. It is also strictly forbidden to take any objects with you.
When diving in Bonaire’s Marine Park, you have to pay a USD 45,00 nature protection fee. It is used for preserving marine life and educational programs around coral health. This is in addition to the USD 75,00 tourist tax upon entry.
Bonaire’s government regularly does underwater cleanups. Marine debris and trash from the reefs and coastal areas are removed.
There are restrictions on the use of sunscreens that contain harmful chemicals. Make sure to read up on those before bringing sunscreen to the island.
Lastly, the island has installed some artificial reefs. They provide additional habitat for marine life and take some of the pressure off the regular reefs.
As of June 15, 2023, Bonaire has had cases of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD). To battle the coral disease, diving in certain sites has been limited. Make sure to check up on developments before your trip.
Best Time to Go Diving in Bonaire
Bonaire is conveniently located outside the hurricane belt, so it has good temperatures and little rainfall year-round.
You can still get the occasional storm during hurricane season from June to September, but it should not affect your holiday too much.
Bonaire is truly a great destination to visit at any time during the year with the constant good weather.
The water is the warmest in August and September, so it is a great time for diving. Bonaire is mostly visited by Dutch people, so try to avoid Dutch school holidays to enjoy cheaper prices and fewer tourists.
Who Can Dive in Bonaire?
One of the best things about diving in Bonaire is that it is open to all skill levels. Bonaire is mostly famous for its shore diving, which is great for beginners.
Bonaire is also quite child friendly regarding diving. Some instructors teach children above the age of 10 the basics of scuba diving.
Beginners can book snorkeling sessions, one-day introduction courses, or get their SCUBA certification.
More advanced divers will love NITROX diving, wreck diving, night diving, or even technical diving. They can take extended range, decompression procedures, or Tri-mix courses.
Additionally, you can find special courses for divers with disabilities in Bonaire, making it one of the most inclusive dive sites in the world.
What to Bring for Diving in Bonaire
As mentioned earlier, it is forbidden to use diving gloves in Bonaire.
I suggest wearing a diving suit for your excursion, a protective skin of 1 mm to 3 mm should be sufficient.
While many people go without a diving suit, it is not recommended.
Bring reef-friendly sunscreen for your diving expedition in Bonaire.
What Kind of Diving Is Bonaire Famous For?
Bonaire is especially famous for shore diving. The water is less than 70 feet deep, making it easy and predictable.
The currents are usually not too strong and there are no predators in the water that you should be aware of. At best, nurse sharks have been spotted from time to time.
Some of the most interesting features in Bonaire’s underwater world are the shipwrecks. You can find quite a few of those in Bonaire’s diving sites.
Other interesting things to see are sponges, sea turtles, barracudas, sea horses, and other fish.
Best Bonaire Dive Sites
As mentioned before, there are many different dive sites in Bonaire.
You can easily find them by looking for small, yellow stones on the way. They have shore dive sites that range from easy access to extreme in terms of difficulty.
Here are the 10 best dive sites in Bonaire:
1. ï Hilma Hooker: Hilma Hooker is undoubtedly one of the most beloved dive sites in Bonaire because it features a famous wreck. The Hilma Hooker is a sunken cargo ship with an interesting history.
You can find it at a depth of around 100 feet (30 meters) and is famous for its marine life and coral growth. The top of the wreck is around 65 feet. It can be accessed by boat or from the shore. Visibility is usually good.
2. ï Salt Pier: This unique Bonaire diving site is amazing for both day and night dives. The pylons of the old salt pier are covered in colorful corals and sponges. The area is also famous for schooling fish. The depth is between 70 and 40 feet. Keep in mind that you need special permission to dive from shore here. Boat access is also possible.
3. ï Klein Bonaire: The uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire is famous for its great visibility underwater. Sites like “No Name Beach” and “Just a Nice Dive” are among tourists’ favorites. Klein Bonaire is perfect for all experience levels, but you can only reach it by boat. Make sure to book a Klein Bonaire Boat Tour for your trip.
4. ï 1000 Steps Beach: Despite its name, there aren’t actually 1000 steps leading down to 1000 Steps Beach.
5. ï Washington Slagbaai National Park: If you plan on visiting the famous National Park on the island, you should check out Wakaya 1, 2, and 3 as well as Playa Funchi Dive Sites.
6. ï Karpata: Karpata is a great place to see pelagics out in the blue water. You can access it from a boat or shore. It is definitely one of the more advanced shore diving sites.
7. ï Alice in Wonderland: Alice in Wonderland is an amazing spot to dive and see the double reef.
8. ï Invisibles: As the name already suggests, this Bonaire dive site is known for its macro and critter diving. There are many amazing things to see at this site. Check out the seahorses, nudibranchs, and other small marine creatures. There are also some beautiful coral formations.
9. ï Andrea I and II: Andrea I and II are two dive sites near the southern tip of the island. They offer some healthy coral formations, stunning marine life, and the possibility of seeing some sea turtles and eagle rays.
10. ï Shipwreck Dives: Apart from the famous Hilma Hooker dive site, there are a few more shipwrecks for you to see in Bonaire. Check out the Spelonk Wrecks, the Divi Wreck, the Windjammer, and the Habitat Wrecks.
What Does Diving in Bonaire Cost?
Since diving is one of the most popular things to do in Bonaire, there is also a lot of choice in offers and providers.
You can find anything from high-end luxury diving packages and all-inclusive dive resorts to cheaper deals. Especially out of season, you can snatch up some pretty cheap diving deals in Bonaire.
The best way to experience diving in Bonaire is by staying at a Bonaire Dive Resort. Mid-range resorts will cost you around 2,500 USD per week including a few dives.
Some resorts offer drive-and-dive packages that also include a rental car (you will definitely need one to get around the island).
If you arrive in Bonaire on a cruise ship for one day, you can book special diving tours that pick you up at the cruise pier starting at USD 150,00.
Best Bonaire Dive Resorts
As mentioned before, Bonaire is quite invested in diving tourism. It is not surprising, that there are many great dive resorts on the island.
1. Buddy Dive Resort:
Buddy Dive Resort is the most famous and renowned dive resort in Bonaire. It offers a wide range of accommodations, including apartments, studios, and condos. It is great for both couples and families.
The resort has its own on-site dive center, the Buddy Dive Academy. You can take diving courses and guided dive there.
There are two saltwater swimming pools, a restaurant, a bar, and a diving shop on the property. You can buy everything you need there.
The Buddy Dive Resort is located on the waterfront. This gives you easy access to some dive sites right from your hotel.
2. Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino:
The Divi Flamingo is a beachfront resort that is also beloved among divers. The on-site dive shop, Divi Dive Bonaire offers different diving services and equipment rental.
The resort has also two freshwater swimming pools. There is also a casino, multiple restaurants, and bars.
Divi Flamingo Resort is super close to downtown Kralendijk. The is super convenient for a small sightseeing adventure to the capital city.
3. Harbour Village Beach Club:
The Harbour Village is a luxury beachfront resort. It is a bit more upscale than the other resorts, but still amazing for diving.
Their on-site dive shop, Great Adventures Bonaire, offers diving courses and guided dives.
The resort has a private beach and house reef, which is super convenient.
If you are not necessarily looking for a dive resort, the Ocean Breeze Boutique Hotel & Marina in Bonaire is a fabulous choice for accommodation in Bonaire.
Conclusion: Diving in Bonaire
As we have seen in this post, Bonaire is the perfect location for a diving holiday.
The island offers great diving resorts, well-preserved marine life, coral reefs, impressive shipwrecks, and an endless array of shore-diving sites.
While there are many amazing things to do in Bonaire besides diving, it is still the main focus of the island.
Before going diving in Bonaire, make sure to read up on the safety regulations and adhere to all the instructions to keep the marine life intact and healthy.
FAQ: Diving in Bonaire
What is the best dive site in Bonaire?
Bonaire’s ‘Hilma Hooker’ dive site is considered the best diving site in Bonaire. It is renowned for its sunken cargo ship, offering a unique wreck diving experience. You can see abundant marine life and coral growth at a depth of around 100 feet.
What is the best month to dive in Bonaire?
The best time to dive in Bonaire is outside the hurricane season, which is from June to September. The peak diving season in Bonaire is from December to April. Make sure to avoid peak season if you are on a budget.
Is Bonaire a good place to dive?
Yes, Bonaire is an amazing place to dive. It offers well-preserved marine life, has about 85 different diving sites, and is known for impressive shipwrecks underwater. The water is usually warm and shallow without strong currents and great visibility.
This is a post by Guest Contributor Sabrina.
