A Complete Guide to Diving Bonaire
- December 13, 2023
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Thinking about scuba diving in Bonaire?
This is our complete dive travel guide. Read on to find out everything you need to know about scuba diving in Bonaire.
Or jump directly to booking your stay.
Exploring the Underwater Wonders of Bonaire, the Shore Diving Capital of the World
Renowned as one of the world’s premier scuba diving destinations, Bonaire boasts an array of breathtaking dive sites, vibrant marine life, and crystal-clear waters that lure enthusiasts from across the globe.
Bonaire, nestled in the Leeward Antilles of the Caribbean is, as the car license plates say, a Diver’s Paradise offering a diverse range of dive spots catering to both beginners and seasoned pros.
The island’s fringing coral reefs are nothing short of spectacular, boasting an abundance of diverse marine species. With over 85 official dive sites, 60 of which are easily accessible from the shore, Bonaire is a dream come true for shore diving enthusiasts. Imagine simply parking your car, strapping on your BCD and tank from the back, then taking a few steps and gliding effortlessly through pristine waters teeming with vibrant coral gardens, schools of tropical fish, and even encountering majestic sea turtles and eagle rays along the way.
One of the hallmarks of Bonaire’s diving experience is its commitment to conservation. The complete coast and surrounding waters is a marine reserve. The Bonaire National Marine Park is a testament to its dedication to preserving the marine ecosystem. Visitors are encouraged to practice responsible diving, respecting the fragile underwater environment while relishing the beauty it has to offer.
Bonaire’s year-round warm water and excellent visibility make it an ideal destination for underwater photography enthusiasts. Capture the vibrant hues of the coral gardens, the graceful dance of sea creatures, and create mesmerizing memories that will last a lifetime.
Above the waterline, Bonaire’s charm extends beyond its diving splendors. Explore the laid-back island life, indulge in local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the welcoming culture that adds another layer of richness to this breathtaking destination.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned scuba diver, Bonaire offers something extraordinary for everyone. From exhilarating dives to tranquil underwater vistas, this Caribbean gem never fails to enchant and captivate all who venture into its waters.
What is the best time of year to visit Bonaire
The island of Bonaire, boasts a delightful climate year-round, making it a fantastic destination for divers and travelers at any time. However, the best time to visit Bonaire for scuba diving or snorkeling, is typically during the dry season, which spans from January to August. During this period, the weather remains sunny and dry with low chances of rain, ensuring excellent visibility for underwater exploration.
It is worth noting that the island experiences a constant trade wind throughout the year, providing relief from the tropical heat but also leading to slightly rougher seas on the east coast. As such, the west coast, where most of the dive sites are located, tends to offer calmer waters and better diving conditions.
If you’re looking to avoid crowds and potentially find better deals on accommodations and activities, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons—September to December. While these months fall within the rainy season, Bonaire typically experiences short, sporadic showers rather than prolonged rainfall. Traveling during this time allows for quieter exploration of the island’s natural beauty.
Ultimately, Bonaire’s temperate climate means that there isn’t really a bad time to visit. Whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of the high season or the quieter, more budget-friendly shoulder season, Bonaire’s captivating underwater world and island charm await your exploration year-round.
The Top 3 Dive Sites of Bonaire
Scuba Diving on Bonaire is a special experience regardless of which dive site you visit. All 60 dive sites on the main island are shore dives, which means there’s no need to book a boat or a dive guide (if you have a bit of experience). Basically all you need is to rent a car, preferrably a small pickup truck and air tanks. All dive centers offer packages for air tank rentals. And if needed any gear or equipment you don’t own yourself. You drive up to the dive site, gear up, walk into the water, put your fins and mask on, swim a short distance to the drop off and descend. Go against the current for about half of your air supply. Turn around, ascend a few feet and slowly go back. That’s it! Just make sure to not leave any valuables in your car and leave the doors unlocked. There’s hardly any crime to speak of on Bonaire, but there’s always a slight chance of opportunity thieves and you wouldn’t want your window smashed in in any case.
All dive sites on Bonaire are conveniently marked with a yellow painted rock with the name of the site, so you’ll know where to park your car.
Karpata
Karpata, once an Aloe Vera plantation promises an unforgettable exploration of vibrant marine life amidst stunning underwater landscapes. It is also an excellent snorkeling site.
Located on the rugged northwestern coast of Bonaire, Karpata is a true gem for scuba diving enthusiasts seeking an exceptional underwater experience. To get there, you’ll take a scenic drive along the coastal road, which winds its way through picturesque landscapes and offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. It is a one-way road though, so to get back to Kralendijk, you’ll have to go all the way through Rincon. So maybe don’t plan this as your first dive of the day if you’re thinking of doing multiple dives.
The journey there takes approximately 20-30 minutes from Kralendijk. For the way back you might as well take the road through Goto lake and Rincon. It will take about 45 minutes without stops, but the views are absolutely stunning and you’ll most likely see some flamingos along the way.
Once you reach the Karpata dive site, parking is available near the shore. From there, you’ll notice a set of concrete steps leading down to the water. Divers often gear up in the designated parking area before making their way down to the entry point.
Entering the water at Karpata is relatively straightforward, thanks to the easy access provided by a concrete platform. Divers typically opt for a giant stride entry, stepping off the platform into the clear, Caribbean waters. The water depth at the entry point varies, allowing divers to adjust their descent according to their comfort level.
The dive at Karpata typically starts by following the coastline along the vertical wall. As you descend, the vibrant reef wall gradually reveals itself, adorned with an array of colorful corals and marine life. Divers can navigate along the drop-off, exploring the stunning underwater terrain and encountering diverse sea creatures.
For snorkelers and those seeking shallower depths, there are opportunities to explore closer to the surface, enjoying the shallower sections teeming with marine biodiversity.
Karpata’s accessibility, varied depths, and rich marine life make it a popular dive spot suitable for divers of all skill levels.
Hilma Hooker
This is one of the most popular dives on Bonaire. The Hilma Hooker is an old cargo ship that was sunk in 1984. Now a thriving artificial reef, Hilma Hooker has a colorful history: she was seized for illegal drug smuggling activities and went unclaimed until she was in such disrepair she sank.
Once in the water, swim up to the buoy and follow the buoy line leading to the Hilma Hooker wreck. The wreck rests at a depth between approximately 60 feet (18 meters) and 100 feet (30 meters), catering more toward experienced divers with at least Advanced Open Water certification due to its depth.
You’ll see parrotfish, groupers, snappers, wrasses and most likely barracuda. But most exceptionally, you’ll see the glittery tarpons that patrol the sides of the freighter and then disappear into the shadows.
Salt Pier
Note: this dive site is only open when there is not a ship docked.
The magic of Salt Pier isn’t just in its marine life; it’s in the play of light and shadow that creates an ethereal atmosphere. As the sun’s rays pierce through the pier’s framework, they create captivating patterns that dance on the seafloor, casting an enchanting allure over the entire dive.
Imagine descending into the crystal-clear Caribbean waters, greeted by a landscape that seems straight out of a diver’s dream. The Salt Pier, once a bustling hub for salt harvesting, now stands as an extraordinary underwater playground for divers.
As you descend into the depths, the towering pier columns adorned with vibrant corals and sponges come into view. These pillars serve as canvases painted with an explosion of colors—yellows, oranges, purples, and greens—creating a mesmerizing underwater tapestry. Soft corals sway gently in the currents, providing a stunning backdrop for the diverse marine life that calls this site home.
Keep your eyes peeled for an incredible array of sea creatures that inhabit this underwater sanctuary. Schools of tropical fish dance around the pillars—blue chromis, sergeant majors, and parrotfish adding dashes of color to the already vibrant scene. Eagle rays gracefully glide by, their wingspan casting shadows against the sunlight filtering through the water’s surface.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Salt Pier dive is the chance to explore the nooks and crannies of the structure itself. Underneath the pier, you’ll find a labyrinth of beams and supports, offering shelter to a myriad of marine species. From camouflaged frogfish to elusive seahorses, the pier’s infrastructure becomes a bustling underwater metropolis waiting to be discovered.
Salt Pier is not a deep dive, so it’s ideal for beginners. Although experienced scuba divers, especially underwater photographers will also have an excellent time here.
Where to stay
Bonaire has a very DIY atmosphere. Since most dive sites are shore dives, you don’t necessarily need to book any complete packages with included boat trips. You just need to book accomodation, rent a car and get an air package at one of the many resorts that cater specifically to divers.
Below you’ll find a few resort recommendations from us and if you do prefer to have a fully organised scuba diving vacation. We’ve got you covered with some very special packages as well.
Buddy Dive Resort
Buddy Dive Resort located to the north of Kralendijk has excellent facilities for divers.
They have a full service dive center, two swimming pools, two restaurants, vehicle rental and a drive-thru fill station for air tanks.
They even have their own reef!
Book with Expedia or Booking.com
Captain Don's Habitat
Scuba diving on Bonaire started with Captain Don Stewart. When he landed on Bonaire with his sinking ship in 1962, he was all but broke and Bonaire a still sleepy Dutch Island. He was instrumental to the founding of the Bonaire Marine Park and nature conservation in general.
He founded Captain Don’s Habitat in 1976 as a resort specifically for divers. Every detail from the low impact construction methods to the use of solar water heaters and energy-saving devices, has been designed to have the least possible impact on the local environment.
The resort has 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, a dive center and fully equipped dive shop.
They have regular rooms, Garden Bungalows and Ocean-front Villas.
Book with Expedia or Booking.com
Plaza Beach & Dive Resort
To the south of Kralendijk lies the Plaza Beach & Dive Resort. It is one of the better luxury resorts on Bonaire.
They have a huge pool with pool bar, a private beach, a dive school, their own marina and a wellness center.
Book with Expedia or Booking.com
Eden Beach Resort
A more budget friendly option, Eden beach resort is the very first resort we ever stayed at on Bonaire.
There’s an outdoor pool. It’s located at one of the nicest beaches on the island, which offers excellent snorkeling, there’s a nice and happening beach bar and the watertaxi to Klein Bonaire stops right at the jetty!
All scuba diving gear can be rented a the Wannadive Dive Center, which also has one of the coolest dive schools on Bonaire.
Book with Expedia or Booking.com
Dive packages
We’ve carefully selected a few complate scuba diving packages for you.
