What it's like
Bonaire is known for reef snorkeling you can start from the land. Its shore sites are marked entry points along the coast, and more than thirty are open all year. The island's marine park protects the reef that runs close to the shore.
Many people go in on their own, while others prefer a guide who knows the reef. Booties help on the rough shore entries, and the marine park fee covers the water.
Good to know
- Marine park rules ban gloves, chemical glow sticks and spearfishing. Booties are recommended for rough shore entry.
- The marine park fee is per person and valid for one year. It can be paid at any dive shop or online.
- Driving is on the right, and the island has no stoplights, so the drive from town is simple.
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.
Tours that go here
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
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.
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.
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
Snorkeling
