Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Spots in Bonaire for Beginners

The tiny Dutch island of Bonaire ranks among the best diving and snorkeling destinations in the Caribbean. The waters of the Bonaire National Marine Park feature 86 dive sites where more than 350 species of fish and 57 species of coral have been spotted. If you’re new to diving and snorkeling, these are some places to get your feet wet.

Andrea 1 & 2

With depths ranging from 20 to 100 feet (6 to 30 meters), these sister sites let snorkelers and inexperienced divers get close to a variety of anemones and soft corals and to spot seahorses and three types of large parrot fish. 

Salt Pier

The giant underwater pillars of Salt Pier can be accessed via shore entry, perfect for new divers. The maximum depth is just 50 feet (15 meters), and the encrusted pillars are covered with sponges and corals. It’s common to see large schools of fish congregating in the area.

Bari Reef

This easy shore dive has little current and calm waters, plus an impressive variety of fish—some 300 species have been surveyed here. On any given day, you might spot tarpon, seahorses, or octopuses hiding in the colorful reef.

Larry’s Lair

This dive site comprises two reefs, the first of which features a shallow plateau that gives way to a reef running down from 39 to 99 feet (12 to 30 meters). The dense vegetation offers hiding spots for abundant marine life, including duke fish and Spanish hogfish.

Klein Bonaire

The waters off the uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire teem with colorful life, even just steps from the beach. Many snorkeling and diving tours from the Bonaire mainland head here, making it a convenient option for those who want to spend a day in the water.