What it's like
Bonaire National Marine Park covers the waters around Bonaire and the small island of Klein Bonaire, including coral reefs and shallow lagoons. It is managed by STINAPA Bonaire, a non-profit foundation, on behalf of the Bonaire government. The reef is one of the main reasons people come to the island.
A visit usually means a dive or a snorkel from the shore, where many of the 86 public dive sites begin. Shore sites are marked with names on yellow stones, and boats reach the rest. Klein Bonaire is a short water taxi ride away and is home to sea turtles year round.
Good to know
- Gloves, chemical glow sticks and spearfishing are banned in the park. Booties are recommended for rough shore entries.
- Stony coral tissue loss disease has been found on Bonaire's reefs. Reef-safe habits matter, and some dive operators run coral restoration dives.
- Fishing follows strict rules here, and the Marine Reserves are closed to all fishing.
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.
Tours that go here
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
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.
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.
Washington Slagbaai National Park
Washington Slagbaai National Park is a wild reserve covering most of Bonaire's north. Visitors drive rough dirt roads past salt pans, blowholes and bird spots, with flamingos and the endemic Lora parrot among the wildlife.
The same kind of day, elsewhere
Scuba diving
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
