Snorkeling in Bonaire
Snorkeling at Bonaire is mostly a matter of walking or wading in from the shore. The western side has a protected reef with more than 30 shore sites, and the water is calm there most of the year. Snorkelers can also head out by boat to the reefs off the small uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire, or to the remote beaches of Washington Slagbaai National Park in the north.
Places to go
Klein Bonaire
Klein Bonaire is a small uninhabited islet about 800 meters off Bonaire's west coast. It is a marine preserve, and people come for the snorkeling, the turtles and the beach.
Bonaire shore snorkel sites
Bonaire's shore snorkel sites are reef spots you enter straight from the land, with no boat needed. Over thirty are open year-round, and many are led by experienced guides.
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 snorkelers start from the shore on the western coast. Dive shops along the coast rent gear, and many guided snorkel tours depart from the water in Kralendijk. A guided shore snorkel tour runs about 2.5 to 3 hours, and the group swims over the reef with a guide who points out fish, coral and turtles.
The reef on the western side is shallow and well protected, so the water stays calm for most of the day. Booties are useful on the rough rocky entry. Boat trips to Klein Bonaire, about 800 meters offshore, suit those who want a different reef, and the crossing is a short ride by water taxi or boat.
Where to go
- Bonaire shore snorkel sites. Over 30 accessible shore sites along the western coast, led by experienced guides or entered on your own. Reef of over 57 coral species. By shore entry or guided tour. A trip that goes here: Bonaire Underwater Snorkel Safari, 3 Hours, $99 a person
- Western shore beaches of Washington Slagbaai. Picturesque snorkeling and swimming beaches inside the national park, in the north of the island. Swim with a companion. By off-road park drive. A trip that goes here: Bonaire Underwater Snorkel Safari, 3 Hours, $99 a person
- Klein Bonaire. Uninhabited marine preserve with reefs for snorkeling. It has no running water or sanitation facilities. About 800 meters from Bonaire's shore, by water taxi or boat. A trip that goes here: Bonaire Underwater Snorkel Safari, 3 Hours, $99 a person
Getting there
Shore snorkel sites on the western coast are reached by walking in from the shore or by a dive shop or tour vehicle. Klein Bonaire is about 800 meters off the coast and can be reached by water taxi or boat. Washington Slagbaai lies in the north and needs an off-road vehicle or mountain bike on about 34 km of rough dirt road.
When to go
Snorkeling works year-round, and the western reef is calm most days. The park closes on national and local holidays and may close after heavy rain, so check before planning a park trip.
Good to know
- Pay the national marine park fee at any dive shop or online before snorkeling. It is valid for one year and covers snorkelers.
- Booties help on the rough shore entry, and gloves and chemical glow sticks are not allowed in the marine park.
- Bring a waterproof bag for keys and cash. Do not leave valuables in a car, because break-ins are common.
Questions
Can you snorkel in Bonaire without a tour?
Yes. Many of the western shore sites can be entered on your own from the beach. Pay the national marine park fee first, and carry the tag while you swim. Do not swim alone at the remote park beaches.
How long is a guided snorkel tour in Bonaire?
Guided shore snorkel tours run about 2.5 to 3 hours. Boat snorkel trips to Klein Bonaire can take a little longer, depending on the operator.
Is snorkeling in Bonaire good for beginners?
Yes. The western reef is shallow and sheltered, and the shore sites are easy to enter. Booties help on the rough rocky entry, and a guide helps first-timers find the best spots.
