Bonaire

Strictly protected by STINAPA, sea turtles are a constant presence. They are frequently seen foraging in the shallows of Klein Bonaire and resting under the reefs at 1000 Steps.

Green and Hawksbill Turtles

These majestic rays are often found gliding over the sandy patches between the shore and the reef drop-off, particularly at sites like Salt City and The Invisibles.

Southern Stingrays

Large, silver tarpon are a signature of Bonaire's night dives. They often follow divers' lights to hunt, providing a thrilling and close-up experience.

Tarpon

Bonaire is famous for its camouflaged seahorses. Sharp-eyed guides often find them clinging to sea fans and sponges at sites like Bari Reef.

Seahorses

Bonaire is universally acclaimed as the 'Shore Diving Capital of the World,' a title it holds with unmatched prestige. As part of the ABC Islands in the southern Caribbean, Bonaire has pioneered marine conservation for decades, establishing the Bonaire National Marine Park as early as 1979. This commitment to protection has resulted in some of the healthiest and most biodiverse coral reefs in the entire Caribbean. The island's unique geography is its greatest asset for divers: the western leeward side is shielded from the open Atlantic swells, creating calm, crystal-clear waters with virtually no current. Over 60 of the island's 85+ official dive sites are accessible directly from the shore, marked by iconic yellow stones along the coastal road. This provides divers with a level of freedom found nowhere else—you simply load your tanks into a rental truck and dive whenever and wherever you choose. The underwater landscape is characterized by a narrow fringing reef that starts just meters from the shore and drops off into a dramatic double-reef system in some areas. Highlights include the haunting wreck of the Hilma Hooker, the vibrant pilings of the Salt Pier, and the untouched beauty of Klein Bonaire. Whether you are a beginner enjoying the shallow coral gardens or an advanced diver exploring the deeper walls of Washington Slagbaai National Park, Bonaire offers a pristine, world-class underwater experience defined by autonomy and ecological excellence.

Bonaire is primarily a land-based diving destination due to its incredible shore diving accessibility. There are currently no large, full-time liveaboard vessels based permanently in Bonaire's waters. Most visitors find that staying at a dive resort or villa and utilizing a rental truck provides the most freedom and value. However, some regional liveaboards that cruise the ABC Islands may occasionally include Bonaire as part of a larger itinerary. For most, the 'Bonaire experience' is best enjoyed from the shore, where you have the flexibility to dive at your own pace without being tied to a boat's schedule.

Harbour Village Beach Club

Delfins Beach Resort

Captain Don's Habitat

Internal transport in Bonaire is centered around the 'Dive Truck.' Because shore diving is the island's primary attraction, almost all visitors rent a pickup truck to transport their gear and tanks between sites. There is no formal public bus system. Taxis are available but are generally used for airport transfers rather than daily exploration. For shorter distances in Kralendijk, bicycles and scooters are popular. Driving is on the right side of the road, and traffic is minimal, making it very easy to navigate the coastal roads marked with the island's famous yellow dive site stones.

Liveaboard Diving in Bonaire

Experience Overview

Featured Operators

Remote Reach

Booking Advice

Where to Stay in Bonaire