Scuba diving in Bonaire
Bonaire is one of the best-known shore-diving islands in the Caribbean. The reef along the western coast is protected and in good shape, and many divers simply walk in from the beach in front of their hotel. Much of the diving is easy, so beginners and experienced divers both find a place here.
Places to go
Bonaire National Marine Park
Bonaire National Marine Park is the protected sea around the island and Klein Bonaire, home to reefs, shallow lagoons and 86 public dive sites. Most of the diving and snorkeling happens here.
Bonaire western reef
A protected reef along Bonaire's western shore, where divers wade in from the beach in front of their hotel. Divers can walk in from the sand in front of their hotel and start the dive there.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
Most people dive from the shore on the western coast. You rent a truck or take a taxi to a site, carry your tanks in, and walk into the water. The western reef is marked along its length by painted yellow rocks and moorings, so the sites are easy to find. Dive shops across the island rent gear, and many offer drive-thru tank rentals for the day.
Boat dives run through dive operators and reach sites that are not close to the beach. The park has 86 public dive sites, and many can be reached either from shore or by boat. Introductory and guided dives are offered, and coral restoration dives let you help with reef repair. Snorkelers and kite surfers also pay the marine park fee, so a snorkel day is possible too.
Where to go
- Bonaire western reef. Protected reef where divers wade in from hotel beaches and swim out over coral and reef fish. By shore entry from the beach. A trip that goes here: Bonaire Underwater Snorkel Safari, 3 Hours, $99 a person
- Bonaire National Marine Park dive sites. 86 public dive sites, many reached from shore or by boat, with shore sites marked by names on yellow stones. By shore or boat. A trip that goes here: Bonaire Underwater Snorkel Safari, 3 Hours, $99 a person
Getting there
Dive sites are spread along the western coast, so most divers reach them by rental vehicle, taxi or dive operator boat. Kralendijk is the main town and port on the island.
When to go
Diving is possible year-round, and water temperatures average about 26°C (80°F). The rainy season from late October to January is still fairly dry, with rain often clearing shortly after sunrise.
Good to know
- Bring booties for rough shore entry, and a 3 mm wetsuit suits most divers year-round.
- Buy the marine park fee at any dive shop or online; it covers divers, snorkelers and kite surfers and lasts one year.
- Never leave keys, wallets or phones in the car, since break-ins are common at dive sites.
- Gloves, chemical glow sticks and spearfishing are not allowed in the marine park.
Questions
Can you dive Bonaire from the beach without a boat?
Yes. Much of the protected western reef can be entered straight from the beach in front of hotels or from dive sites marked by painted yellow rocks. You need a buddy and the right experience, and dive shops rent gear and tanks.
Is Bonaire good for beginner divers?
Yes. Much of the shore diving here is easy, and introductory and guided dives are offered by local operators. Guided dives are needed on the rougher eastern coast, and only on the calmest days.
Do I need a permit to dive in Bonaire?
Yes. Divers must review the national marine park rules and pay a per-person fee that lasts one year. It can be paid in cash at any dive shop or online, and you carry the dive tag while diving.
