Best Snorkel Spots Bonaire: 10x Our Favorites

Everyone who goes on vacation to Bonaire wants to get in or on the beautiful water. You can do this by going snorkeling! In this article we tell you about our best snorkeling spots on Bonaire, which can be reached both by boat and without.

5x the best snorkel spots with shore access

Bonaire is known as Divers Paradise, because in many places you can enter the water from the shore: shore diving. This also applies to snorkeling! Especially for beginners this is very pleasant, but also the experienced snorkeler can find the most beautiful surprises at the following snorkel spots of Bonaire.

1. Lac Cai

Without a doubt, we say that spending a day at Lac Cai is one of our favorite things to do on Bonaire. Don't forget to pack your snorkeling gear, because Lac Cai is known for the presence of turtles! You walk from the mountains of coral shells into the water; there the turtles are often hiding in the sea grass.

2. De Zoutpier

The salt pier is one of Bonaire's most famous diving and snorkeling spots. Here you can especially find many different species of fish under the pier itself. Turtles are also often spotted at this location and are very easy to see because of the barren sand flats.

3. Karpata

Karpata is a slightly more challenging snorkeling spot where you can only go when there is little or no wind, because of the wave action. But once you have clambered into the water, you will be rewarded with the healthiest coral reef in the north. Tip: bring water shoes.

4. 1000 Steps

Like the salt pier, 1000 Steps is also a very famous snorkeling spot, and easy to reach if you are not afraid of a bit of stair climbing. The name says it all: 1000 steps! Fortunately, there are only 72, and the variety of colorful fish and different corals is a great reward. Turtles are also often spotted here.

5. Wayaka 2

Wayaka has three different snorkeling spots and is located in Washington Slagbaai National Park. Of these three spots, Wayaka 2 is considered the best because it is close to the rocks. As a result, you will spot many different fish there.

5x the best snorkel spots from the boat

Are you ready for a little more challenge, or can't get enough of snorkeling on Bonaire? Rent a boat with us and discover the best snorkeling spots! The great thing about a boat is that you get to snorkel spots where not many other people come. Because of this, the coral is still pristine and you often have the snorkeling spot to yourself. Here are our top 5 of Bonaire's best snorkeling spots to dock your boat.

1. No Name Beach

This beach on Klein Bonaire can be reached by water cab or by your own rented boat. From the beach you can walk straight into the water, and a few meters offshore you will already find large amounts of fish. Because of the white sand, the water is crystal clear, giving you an incredible view.

2. Carl’s Hill

Carl's Hill is a shallower snorkeling site full of coral and colorful fish. Because there are no beach guests or swimmers at this location, the coral is a lot less affected than at the main island, for example. This buoy also marks the end of the area where you can enter with a rental boat. Moor at the yellow buoy and enjoy a true underwater treat.

3. Something Special

Again, the name lives up to its name: it is a very special place to snorkel. Although little coral grows here, the nearby harbor and sandy bottom attracts a variety of fish, including stingrays. Because you could also get here from the shore, the buoy is little used by boats with divers and you can moor quietly. What makes this spot extra special is one of the Reef Renewal Program's Coral Nurseries. Here you can see for yourself how this initiative contributes to the “breeding” of new coral.

4. Andrea

Snorkeling at Andrea is a favorite of ours, as it is a wonderful place to lay out by boat for a while. Andrea has two different snorkeling spots, and both are worth exploring. You tend to find some more unusual species of fish and larger schools here. Turtles are also not lacking at this spot.

5. Barkadera

Next to the snorkeling spots Andrea 1 and Andrea 2, you will find Barkadera. This spot is accessible only by boat and is characterized by the presence of deer antler coral. The spot is not super deep so there is a lot to see while snorkeling. Large schools of Blue Tangs are often seen here. These are blue algae-eating fish that move as one through the water.

Best Snorkel Spots Bonaire Map

Despite being a small island, Bonaire has countless diving and snorkeling sites. From the most famous locations to our hidden gems, you'll find them all on our snorkel directory:

Getting into the water prepared

Have we ignited your enthusiasm and are you planning to hit the water? Here's how to best prepare!

1. Protect yourself from the sun

The sun on Bonaire is wonderful, but also very treacherous, especially when you are on the water. Water reflects the light, like a magnifying glass, so you can burn faster. All our boats offer shade, but it is still very important to protect yourself properly when snorkeling. The best protection in the water is to wear a lycra with an SPF in it. These are for sale in many sports and water sports stores, both in the Netherlands and Bonaire. Choose one with at least SPF 50, long sleeves and a high collar. In addition, always wear reef-safe sunscreen. Reef-safe means they do not contain harmful chemical filters such as oxybenzone, octinoxate or nanoparticles. These sunscreens are also available both in the Netherlands and on Bonaire. Above all, don't forget your cap or hat for when you get out of the water!

2. Rent a boat

To discover Bonaire's best snorkeling spots, sail there yourself by boat. You can then reach your chosen spots at your own pace and as you wish. With our boat rental you get a cooler, so you can also enjoy a cold beer after your snorkeling adventure!

3. STINAPA Nature Fee

Anyone entering the Bonaire National Marine Park must pay a nature fee to STINAPA (Bonaire National Parks Foundation), the organization responsible for the protection and preservation of Bonaire's two national parks. This nature fee is also valid in the Washington Slagbaai National Park. You pay the STINAPA Nature Fee easily online.

In need of some snorkel gear?

Didn't bring your own snorkel gear, or are you unexpectedly planning to visit Bonaire's best snorkeling spots? No problem! There are plenty of locations on Bonaire where you can rent or buy snorkelgear, such as Dive Friends, Buddy Dive and Xpro Diver. Renting a boat from us? We have the right snorkelgear for you!

Go out with your own boat and visit bonaire's best snorkeling spots!