Bonaire Scuba Diving Travel Guide

Bonaire Scuba Diving Travel Guide

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Bonaire Scuba Diving Travel Tips

By Nathan Borchelt
  • Bonaire is undeniably one of the best diving destinations in the Western Hemisphere, thanks in large part to the Bonaire Marine Park, which was established over 20 years ago. As a result of the park's environmental stewardship, the reefs surrounding the island are some of the Caribbean's healthiest and most pristine.   The park itself covers the water surrounding the island, as well as the dive sites off the coast of Klein Bonaire.  A $25 annual entry fee for divers (or $15 for snorkelers and other water sports) goes toward the future protection of the reef.
  • The island boasts more than 80 dives, including aptly-named 1000 Steps and dive wrecks like the Hilma Hooker. Most of the sites are shore dives, the locations marked by yellow-painted stones along the road. Just grab your kit, hop in a pick-up, snag a map of the local dive sites, and head out--you end up both diving and exploring the island at the same time. 
  • The sea life is quite varied, with grouper, parrotfish, and snapper in abundance, as well as octopus, squid, and the famed frog fish, but most of the shoreline sites don't boast large-sized sea life. For that, head to the rugged side of Bonaire and dive with Larry's Wild Side.
  • Approaching the various shore sites can be tricky, with navigation across exposed reef. Wear protective shoes and/or booties for most dives, or target the more-difficult-to-reach sites by boat.

Bonaire Travel Guide

Unspoiled Bonaire is only gently touched by development. Although your options range from bird-watching to doing nothing, Bonaire is foremost a scuba diver's delight and also offers some of the Caribbean's best snorkeling. This sleepy island doesn't attract crowds and has none of Aruba's glitzy diversions except for a few small casinos with minor action. Instead, turquoise waters beckon travelers to discover colorful clouds of tropical fish. Come here for the diving, not the beaches. Read More

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  • Hey there , want to snorkel right from shore, where is the best place in Bonaire to do this and see fish?
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Hotels

Harbour Village Beach Club

Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot No. 71
Bonaire Map

Distance: 2.3 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated

expert favorite hotel
Good For Scuba Diving
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
3.0

Den Laman Condominiums

Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot 77
Bonaire Map

Distance: 1.4 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Good For Scuba Diving
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0

Bellafonte Chateau de la Mer

E.E.G. Blvd
Belnem Map

Distance: 1.7 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Good For Scuba Diving
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
All Bonaire Hotels »
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Attractions

1000 Steps

expert favorite attraction
Good For Scuba Diving
Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles

Distance: 4.4 mi. (from destination center)

Description: 1000 Steps is a popular snorkeling site that leads to a small beach. Just off the beach, guests can... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
4_0

Bonaire Marine Park

expert favorite attraction
Good For Scuba Diving


Distance: 1.7 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Bonaire Marine Park consists of the entire coastine of Bonaire, Klein Bonaire, and Lac lagoon, and... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

Angel City Dive Site

expert favorite attraction
Good For Scuba Diving
West shore
Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles

Distance: 3.3 mi. (from destination center)

Description: This double reef dive was named for the friendly angelfish in the area which accompany divers. The... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
All Bonaire Attractions »

Airports

Major Airports near Bonaire

Distance (mi.)
Caracas Simon Bolivar Airport 139.5 map

Other Smaller Airports near Bonaire

Distance (mi.)
Bonaire Flamingo International Airport 1.6 map
Curacao Aeropuerto Hato Airport 45.2 map
Las Piedras Josefa Camejo Airport 131.8 map

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