Maria Nelasova/Shutterstock ©
Kiteboarding
BONAIRE
A kiteboarder catches some air
Chogogo Kite
Coco Beach
Kralendijk, Bonaire
Tel: +599-700-5073
Email: [email protected]
Chogogokite.com
Bonaire Kite School
Altantis Beach (Kite Beach)
Kralendijk, Bonaire
Tel: +599-701-7873
Email: [email protected]
Bonairekiteschool.com
Kiteboarding Bonaire
Altantis Beach (Kite Beach)
Kralendijk, Bonaire
Tel: +599-701-5483, +599-786-4987
Email: [email protected]
Kiteboardingbonaire.com
Windsurf Place
Sorobon, at Lac Bay
Kralendijk, Bonaire
Tel: +599-717-2288
Email: [email protected]
Bonairewindsurfplace.com
Jibe City
Sorobon, at Lac Bay
Kralendijk, Bonaire
Tel: +599-717-5233
Email: [email protected]
Jibecity.com
A wind surfer cruises over the reef.
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Bonaire has some of the best shore diving and snorkeling in the world. Its fringing reefs start just steps from the beach and offer a mix of shallow, soft coral forests, steep reef walls covered in sponges and hard corals, and a diverse assemblage of reef creatures that are sure to amaze even the most experienced of divers. The quality of the coral reefs is in part due to the steps the government took to preserve and protect its reefs at a time when many other regions were letting boats drop anchor wherever they chose. The result: a paradise for divers and snorkelers.
The island takes its role as a steward of its marine resources seriously, from the government down to the many dive professionals who call Bonaire home. Everyone involved in the dive industry understands the importance of preserving the
coral reefs for future generations and they all help uphold the rules. We have outlined some of the most important rules on page 17, so please follow them.
Bonaire’s sites
One of the great things about diving and snorkelling in Bonaire is the ability to explore the marine environment with incredible freedom. To get the most out of their experience, divers will need either local knowledge or this guidebook and its accompanying waterpoof cards. This guidebook includes information for every official dive site on Bonaire – and even some of the unofficial ones – including how to get to each site, how best to access the reef and a brief description of what you can expect once you are in the water. Our three-star rating system gives
Diving and snorkeling
Shore diving in Bonaire often means setting up your gear on the ground
Reef Smart ©
DIVING AND SNORKELING
BONAIRE
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you information about the difficulty level, current strength, depth and the quality of the reef and fauna you are likely to encounter.
For 29 of the most popular dive sites, this book goes into greater detail, including a recommended route that will help you get the most out of your dive. We also point out what species to look for and what key features to observe. When coupled with the detailed 3D renderings of the wreck or reef, you will have a good idea of what is in store for you before you enter the water. And fortunately for you, Bonaire has a lot in store.
Snorkeling
Bonaire has plenty for divers, but many of the dive sites also include fantastic snorkeling opportunities. Nearshore shallow plateaus are filled with soft and hard corals sprinkled throughout a sandy seafloor, all of which supports a variety of reef creatures – and all accessible to snorkelers at the surface. We use a snorkel icon to help you scan the list of sites to see which ones offer the best snorkeling experience. We also provide information to help you get the most enjoyment from your time on the surface of the water.
DIVING AND SNORKELING
BONAIRE
SAFETY TIP
There are two dive sites that have long been on the official list of Marine Park dive sites, one located in downtown Kralendijk (#33 Town Pier) and the other located on the northern side of Lac Bay on the east coast, called Cai (#63). Both sites were removed from the official list of sites due to safety concerns. In particular, STINAPA delisted Cai after too many divers chose to dive the site without a guide and ended
up being swept out to sea in the strong east coast currents. According to the Park authorities, the costs related to launching rescue missions was too high to justify maintaining the site as one of the official dive locations.
Bonaire offers you the opportunity to enjoy incredible shore diving at your pace and on your schedule, but you must still understand the risks involved and be smart about how and where you dive.
Snorkelers can enjoy easy access and calm waters at many of Bonaire’s reefs
Gail Johnson/Shutterstock ©
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Diving and snorkeling services
Businesses are listed based on their order from north to south across the island. This information is up-to-date as of the publication of this guidebook.