Bonaire Dive Sites

Discover the Full List of Bonaire Dive Sites

Bonaire, a small island in the Caribbean, is famous for its many interesting dive sites. It has something for everyone, from beginner to expert. You can dive from the shore at places like the Salt Pier and Karpata. Or try more challenging dives at sites like Oil Slick Leap and Red Slave.

This Caribbean dive destination has lots of beautiful underwater worlds. Dive into the coral gardens of Sweet Dreams and Country Garden. Or explore sunken ships and purpose-sunk reefs like the Hilma Hooker and La Machaca.

No matter your diving level, Bonaire has spots for you. You’ll find quiet places at Klein Bonaire and fun night diving spots. This guide shows you all of Bonaire’s dive treasures. It helps you have a great time underwater exploration.

Below, we take you through a comprehensive guide to the island’s top dive sites, from the northern tip to the southern shores.

1. Boka Bartol

Currently closed for diving.

2. Playa Benge

Currently closed for diving.

3. Playa Funchi

Currently closed for diving.

4. Bise Morto

Currently closed for diving.

5. Wayaka

Currently closed for diving.

6. Boka Slagbaai

Currently closed for diving.

7. Nukove

Nukove is famed for its clear waters and dramatic underwater cliffs. Divers can enjoy stunning visuals and frequently encounter large, roaming fish like groupers and barracudas.

8. Carel’s Vision

This site is ideal for macro photographers, with its small critters nestled amongst vibrant corals and sponges, offering a close-up view of Bonaire’s rich biodiversity.

9. Karpata

Karpata is known for its historical remnants and striking coral formations. The site offers deep dives and is a favorite for photographers looking to capture the essence of Bonaire’s marine landscapes.

 

10. La Dania’s Leap

Popular for drift dives, this site starts from a thrilling leap off the rocks. Divers can drift along a vibrant wall teeming with life before surfacing near Karpata.

11. Bruce’s Rappel

Adventure seekers will love Bruce’s Rappel for its cliff entry and the chance to explore deep reef structures populated with colorful marine life.

12. Bloodlet

Known for its challenging currents and rich pelagic life, Bloodlet is a site for experienced divers who enjoy a bit of adrenaline under the water.

13. Tolo

Historically known as “Oliver’s Hill,” this site is great for advanced divers, offering deep dives with frequent sightings of larger marine species.

14. Country Garden

For divers seeking a serene environment, Country Garden offers a lush, vibrant reef teeming with diverse aquatic life, perfect for leisurely exploration.

15. Bon Bini Na Cas

A dive here offers a quintessential Bonaire experience with its easy access, abundant fish life, and photogenic coral formations.

16. 1000 Steps

Despite its name, a mere 67 steps lead you to one of Bonaire’s most beloved dive spots, known for its breathtaking coral landscapes and diverse marine life.

17. Weber’s Joy/Witch’s Hut

This site is a favorite for its sandy beach entry and diverse underwater topography, offering everything from coral gardens to sandy patches.

18. Jeff Davis Memorial

An excellent site for deeper dives, offering a chance to explore sprawling coral formations and spot large marine animals.

19. Kalli’s Reef

A less crowded site known for its serene environment and the presence of unusual species among the standard Bonaire fish population.

20. Oil Slick Leap

A unique site with a platform for entry, Oil Slick Leap is famous for its ease of access and the vibrant life on its steep drop-off.

21. Barcadera

Known for calm waters and a healthy reef, Barcadera is great for both novice and experienced divers.

22. Andrea II

Andrea II delights with its lush coral gardens and the abundance of small fish, making it a perfect spot for leisurely dives.

23. Andrea I

Similar to its sister site but with its own unique features, Andrea I offers divers a rich tapestry of marine life and coral structures.

24. Petries Pillar

This towering underwater pillar is covered in soft corals and sponges, providing a home to a diverse range of marine species.

25. Small Wall

A miniature version of a dramatic wall dive, Small Wall is perfect for those looking to experience wall diving without venturing too deep.

26. Cliff

As the name suggests, Cliff offers a dramatic underwater drop-off, attracting divers with its depth and the marine life it harbors.

27. La Machaca (Habitat)

Located near a popular resort, this site is frequented by underwater photographers due to its vibrant coral and fish species.

28. Reef Scientifico

A site dedicated to marine research, it allows divers to observe tagged corals and partake in citizen science efforts.

29. Buddy’s Reef (Buddy Dive)

Accessible right from the resort, this site is perfect for training dives or a relaxed afternoon underwater.

30. Bari Reef (Sand Dollar)

Holding the title for the most species sighted in a single dive, Bari Reef is a must-dive for biodiversity lovers.

31. Front Porch

Once known for its spectacular night dives around the old pier pilings, it continues to be a site with diverse marine life.

32. Something Special

Aptly named, this dive spot offers a unique blend of industrial and natural underwater landscapes.

33. Town Pier

Currently closed for diving.

34. Calabas Reef (Divi Flamingo Beach Resort)

Directly accessible from the resort, this site is known for its schooling fish and easy diving conditions.

35. Eighteen Palms

This site is located at a resort and is perfect for snorkelers and divers alike due to its shallow coral gardens and abundance of fish.

36. Windsock

The nearby beach and the dive site are both named after the airport windsock, making it an easy landmark for beginning divers.

37. Corporal Meiss

A quiet site known for its soft corals and diversity of small fish, ideal for a peaceful dive.

38. Bachelor’s Beach

A gentle slope leads into a vibrant reef at this site, making it popular among less experienced divers.

39. Chez Hines

Unique for its muck diving opportunities, this site allows divers to search for rare critters among the sandy bottom.

40. Lighthouse Point

The southernmost dive site on Bonaire, offering pristine conditions and less crowded dives.

41. Punt Vierkant

Known for its deeper dives and frequent encounters with pelagic species, this site is a favorite among advanced divers.

42. The Lake

So named for its calm, lake-like conditions, The Lake is perfect for training dives and underwater photography.

43. Hilma Hooker

A famous wreck dive, the Hilma Hooker offers divers the chance to explore a sunken ship enveloped in marine life.

44. Angel City

One of Bonaire’s iconic double reef dives, Angel City is known for its channel that teems with fish and coral life.

45. Alice In Wonderland

Famed for its vibrant coral formations that seem to belong in a fairy tale, this site is a visual treat.

46. Aquarius

Located near popular resorts, this site is known for its large schools of fish and vibrant coral ecosystems.

47. Larry’s Lair

Ideal for spotting rare macro creatures, this site is a hidden gem for photographers and critter lovers.

48. Jeannie’s Glory

A beloved site for its diversity of marine life and beautiful coral formations, perfect for an afternoon dive.

49. Salt Pier

The pillars of the working salt pier are encrusted with corals and sponges, providing a unique backdrop for diving.

50. Salt City

Adjacent to the salt pans, this site features mini-mountains of salt under the water, creating a surreal dive environment.

51. Invisibles

Though it may be less marked than other sites, Invisibles offers a rich underwater experience with its steep drop-offs and abundant life.

52. Tori’s Reef

Famous for its soothing currents and vibrant coral gardens, Tori’s Reef is ideal for relaxed diving.

53. Pink Beach

Named for its pink-hued sands, this site’s underwater life is as colorful as its beach, making it a favorite among snorkelers and divers.

54. White Slave

This site derives its name from the historic slave huts visible from the shore; underwater, it features vibrant corals and abundant fish life.

55. Margate Bay

A deeper dive site known for its coral ridges and abundant marine life, suitable for more experienced divers.

56. Red Beryl

Named after the rare gemstone, this dive site is a treasure trove of marine biodiversity and stunning coral formations.

57. Atlantis

Also known as Kite City, Atlantis is not only popular with kitesurfers but also divers who enjoy its expansive sandy areas and coral reefs.

58. Vista Blue

Offering panoramic views of the blue ocean, Vista Blue is a serene dive site with a gently sloping reef.

59. Sweet Dreams

This site promises divers a dreamlike experience with its calm waters and vibrant night diving opportunities.

60. Red Slave

Located near the historic red slave huts, this site offers both cultural significance and vibrant marine life.

61. Willemstoren Lighthouse

Situated at the island’s southern tip, this site is exposed to the open ocean, offering challenging dives and the potential for big fish encounters.

Bonaire Dive Sites for All Levels

Bonaire offers dive sites for all, from beginners to experts. You can start with places like Andrea I and II. They have light currents and are 20-100 feet deep. For those with more skill, Boca Bartol and Playa Benge await. These spots have stronger currents, posing a challenge for the skilled diver.

If you’re an intermediate diver, check out Karpata and Ol’ Blue. They’re just right – not too easy, not too hard, and beautiful to see. With such variety, Bonaire has something for everyone. It proves why it’s famous for diving – anyone can enjoy its waters.

Wrecks and Artificial Reefs

Bonaire is known for its natural coral reefs. It also has exciting wreck and artificial reef diving spots. These areas offer fun and adventure under the sea.

Hilma Hooker

An internationally renowned wreck dive, lies near the beginning of the island’s double reef system. Its top is at 60 feet and the mast at 100 feet. This makes it a thrilling spot for divers at all levels of experience.

La Machaca

Found near Capt. Don’s Habitat, is a 45-foot locally built boat. It rests in 40-50 feet of water, just 30 yards from shore. This makes it great for beginners to explore in shallow water. It’s also a favorite spot for spotting a large green eel.

bonaire dive sites

Bonaire has many bonaire dive sites both on the main island and Klein Bonaire. They provide endless chances to explore its underwater world. You can dive from the north at Boca Bartol, to the south at Willemstoren Lighthouse. Each spot has different marine life and features. Most of these bonaire dive sites are easy to reach, near the main roads and dive shops. This helps when planning your bonaire dive planning. Knowing where these bonaire dive site locations are can really improve your diving trip.

The diving map of Bonaire is rich and varied, with something for every diver. You can visit places like Salt Pier, Karpata, and the exciting Oil Slick Leap and Rappel. These bonaire dive logistics make sure every diver, no matter their skill, can enjoy the underwater world. If you’re starting or a diving pro, there’s an adventure waiting for you among Bonaire’s bonaire dive sites. It truly is a top diving destination.

Uncrowded Bonaire Dive Sites

Bonaire has famous dive spots but also secret places to explore. One such place is Nukove, in the island’s northwest within Washington Slagbaai National Park. It’s perfect for skilled divers wanting to see untouched coral. The currents range from mild to strong at this bonaire off the beaten path diving site. It’s a peaceful place to discover Bonaire’s reef system without the crowds.

Nukove

Nukove is a special bonaire uncrowded dive sites unveiling Bonaire’s stunning underwater scenery. It’s known for its exceptional coral that’s largely untouched. As one of the bonaire less explored dive locations, Nukove’s currents offer a challenge to divers. Yet, it’s a perfect chance for seasoned divers to enjoy the bonaire unique dive experiences.

Wayaka

Wayaka is tucked inside the national park, making it a serene dive locale. It’s off-the-beaten-path and showcases Bonaire’s marine life and reefs without many visitors. Known as one of the bonaire remote dive sites, it’s perfect for those who want a unique diving adventure.

Night Diving Adventures

Bonaire is amazing for night diving, too. It’s not just daytime that’s exciting. Dive into Reef Scientifico at night. It’s a grid system placed to watch the reef’s algae. During night dives, you can see parrotfish sleeping and spotted morays moving freely.

Reef Scientifico

Reef Scientifico is perfect for night diving. The unique grid lets divers see the reef’s night life. At night, you might see sleeping parrotfish or watch spotted morays.

Buddy’s Reef

Buddy’s Reef, near Buddy Dive Resort, is great for beginners. It has a school of tarpon fish. At night, these fish shimmer in divers’ lights, offering a stunning show of the night sea.

These places are treasures of the ocean after dark. They offer a look at Bonaire’s enchanting underwater world. Night diving here is full of surprises and wonders. It makes Bonaire’s diving even more thrilling.

Marine Life Hotspots

The dive sites in Bonaire are amazing to see. They are not just beautiful; they are also full of a wide range of marine life. Bari Reef at Sand Dollar Beach Resort is top in the Caribbean for fish diversity. There have been over 300 different species found there. Divers can also see angelfish, jacks, and the rare yellowhead jawfish at places like Ol’ Blue and Munk’s Haven.

You might see big marine life like whale sharks, mantas, and sea turtles at sites including 1000 Steps and Bloodlet. These spots on Bonaire are a haven for underwater wildlife. They make the island a top choice for those who love scuba diving.

Are you interested in colorful reef ecology or thrilling wildlife encounters? Bonaire’s many dive sites will give you an amazing scuba diving adventure. From the world-famous Bari Reef to lesser-known sites full of unique ocean life, this place is a dream for divers. It shows the stunning underwater biodiversity that makes it perfect for diving.

Conclusion

The Bonaire dive sites offer an unparalleled diversity that caters to every level of diver, from shallow, calm waters for beginners to deep reefs and exciting wrecks for the advanced. Each site boasts its own unique features and marine ecosystems, making Bonaire one of the top diving destinations in the world. Enhance your diving adventure with the “Dive and Drive” package from 123 Car Rental, which conveniently combines car rental and diving equipment, allowing you to seamlessly explore both the enchanting underwater and scenic land attractions of Bonaire.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a guide to dive the Bonaire Dive Sites?

A: While not mandatory, a guide can enhance your diving experience by pointing out hidden marine life and ensuring your safety, especially at less familiar sites. Experience the guided dives with VIP Diving.

Q: Are there any entry fees for Bonaire dive sites?

A: Yes, divers are required to purchase a marine park tag to dive on Bonaire. This fee goes towards the conservation of the island’s marine life.

Q: What is the best time of year to dive in Bonaire?

A: Bonaire is a year-round diving destination, but the best visibility and sea conditions are typically from April to November.

Q: Are there any health or safety tips for diving in Bonaire?

A: Always check your equipment, stay hydrated, and follow local diving rules and regulations. Be mindful of the sun and sea conditions, and never dive beyond your certification level.

This comprehensive overview of Bonaire dive sites is designed to help divers plan their underwater adventures and discover the rich biodiversity that the island has to offer. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, Bonaire’s waters await with unforgettable experiences.