Bonaire is the snorkeling and shore diving capital of the Caribbean.
Most islands require boat trips to reach good reefs — but in Bonaire, the reef starts right off the beach.
You literally pull your rental car up to a shore marker, walk into the water, and you’re on a protected coral reef in minutes.
This island is:
- calm
- safe
- quiet
- reef-focused
- extremely easy for DIY explorers
If you want snorkeling, diving, underwater photography, or calm no-stress beach days, Bonaire is ideal.
How to Get There
- Airport: BON (Flamingo International Airport)
- Direct flights from US (seasonal), Netherlands, Canada, and regional Caribbean hubs.
No ferries from Curaçao or Aruba → Bonaire is fly-in only.
Getting Around
- Rent a car or pickup truck — essential for reaching snorkeling beaches.
- Roads are simple; driving is safe and easy.
- Some coves require slow driving + caution with coral rock terrain.
Bonaire Marine Park (Important)
Every visitor who enters the ocean must purchase a Marine Park Nature Tag.
You can buy it online or at dive/snorkel shops.
Reef rules:
- No touching coral
- No standing on reef
- No gloves
- Reef-safe sunscreen only
This is why Bonaire’s reefs are in top condition.
Where to Stay
Best Areas
| Area | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Kralendijk | Walkable town, restaurants, market | First-timers |
| Belnem / South Coast | Quiet + close to top snorkel sites | Snorkel-first travelers |
| North Coast Villas | Oceanfront + views | Groups + photographers |
Budget Tiers
- $ Guesthouses + apartments near Kralendijk
- $$ Small boutique hotels + dive lodges
- $$$ Oceanfront villas with direct reef entry
Top Snorkeling & Shore Dive Sites
| Site | Why Go | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1000 Steps | Iconic aqua-water bay | Steps → go early |
| Salt Pier | Epic coral + fish schools | Go when no ship is docked |
| Bachelor’s Beach | Easy entry + great visibility | Good all-day spot |
| Klein Bonaire | Boat-only island reef | Amazing drift snorkel |
| Andrea I & II | Calm, easy snorkeling | Good for beginners |
| Windsock Beach | Right near airport | Great first snorkeling stop |
If doing just 3 snorkel spots:
→ Salt Pier → 1000 Steps → Klein Bonaire.
Best Beaches (Note: Mostly coral rock, not powder sand)
| Beach | Vibe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Te Amo Beach | Best relaxing swim beach | Soft sand + close to town |
| Bachelor’s Beach | Cliff-side staircase | Calm + scenic |
| Pink Beach | Scenic shoreline near salt flats | Best for photos |
Bonaire is not a wide-sand resort beach island — its beauty is underwater.
What to Do (Non-Snorkel Activities)
1) Klein Bonaire Boat Trip
Drift snorkel + beach time.
2) Flamingo & Salt Flats Drive
Good for landscape photography.
3) Washington Slagbaai National Park
Wild coastline + natural pools + hiking.
4) Sunset Sail / Catamaran
Calm water → perfect golden hour cruise.
Food & Drinks
Expect:
- Fresh fish
- West African + Dutch-Caribbean influences
- Smoothies + beach cafés in Kralendijk
Try:
- Lionfish tacos (removes invasive species)
- Sorbet stands on the waterfront
3–5 Day Itinerary
3 Days (Snorkel-Focused):
Day 1: 1000 Steps + Andrea II
Day 2: Salt Pier + Te Amo sunset
Day 3: Klein Bonaire drift snorkel
5 Days (Explore Everything):
Day 1: 1000 Steps + Windsock Beach
Day 2: Salt Pier + Belnem snorkel run
Day 3: Klein Bonaire
Day 4: Washington Slagbaai National Park
Day 5: Chill breakfast + waterfront + last snorkel
Safety & Practical Notes
Sun very strong → rash guard recommended.
- Enter water where coral sand or rock is clear.
- Avoid stepping on or touching coral (fragile + sharp).
- Marine Park rangers do patrol.
Internal Links
- Curaçao Travel Guide (sister island)
- Aruba Travel Guide
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen Guide
- Caribbean Catamaran Tours
Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español
Bonaire es la capital del snorkel y buceo desde la costa en el Caribe.
La mayoría de los arrecifes están a metros de la playa.
Se recomienda rentar carro, comprar el Marine Park Tag, y usar protector solar seguro para arrecifes.
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