Bonaire’s Salt Pier is an iconic dive site, known for its colorful pillars, abundance of marine life and wonderful photo opportunities. Combine your dive with a luxury stay in a nearby villa for the ultimate diving vacation in Bonaire’s tropical paradise.
Bonaire is known worldwide as a diver’s paradise, and for good reason! With over a hundred dive sites scattered throughout the island and Klein Bonaire, there is always a new place to discover. One of the most special spots on the island is the Salt Pier. This unique dive site offers breathtaking underwater scenery that attracts beginners and experienced divers alike.
What makes the Salt Pier so special?
The Salt Pier is not only an impressive structure above water, but also under water it is a treasure trove of marine life. The large pillars of the pier, covered with colorful sponges and corals, provide the perfect habitat for countless species of fish. Large schools of fish such as barracudas, tarpons and grunts seek shelter here in the shadow of the pier. But that’s not all. You also have a good chance of spotting sea turtles and spotted eagle rays as they quietly glide through the waters.
The depth at Salt Pier ranges from shallow sections of 5 meters to deeper sections of about 15 meters, making it an ideal location for snorkelers and divers alike. In addition, the current is usually minimal, making it a safe and accessible spot for beginners.
Diving experiences at the Salt Pier
Diving at the Salt Pier offers not only a unique visual spectacle, but also countless opportunities for underwater photography. Especially macro photography enthusiasts will delight in the tiny creatures hiding among the corals and sponges. Think cute seahorses, octopuses, and colorful blennies.
The pillars of the pier create a kind of underwater castle, with numerous nooks and crannies where you can observe life. This makes navigating underwater easy and gives divers a sense of adventure. In addition to the fish, don’t forget to admire the special sponges and gorgonians attached to the pillars. These give the Salt Pier its iconic appearance and are especially beautiful to photograph in the morning or afternoon light.
Combine diving with a luxury stay
Want to combine your diving adventure at the Salt Pier with ultimate comfort? Then consider a luxury stay in a nearby villa, such as Kas Vis. This beautiful accommodation is the perfect base for your diving vacation. After a day of underwater adventures, you can relax in your own private villa and enjoy the peace and luxury. Kas Vis is a short distance from the Salt Pier, so you can make the most of your time. Want to discover more accommodations perfect for a diving vacation near the Salt Pier? Then check out the many options in Punt Vierkant for an unforgettable stay.
Practical tips for diving and snorkeling at the Salt Pier
At the Salt Pier, there are two main places where you can enter the water: on the north or south side of the pier. The south side is especially a good option when the waves are a bit higher, as there is a sandy access to the sea here. Dive carefully, as the pillars can have sharp edges.
Please note that you may only dive or snorkel at the Salt Pier when no ships are docking.
Caring for nature: STINAPA and the nature fee
Bonaire is committed to protecting nature, especially the sea around the island. To ensure that dive sites such as the Salt Pier are preserved, there is a nature management organization called STINAPA which manages the Bonaire National Marine Park. Divers and snorkelers are required to pay a nature fee of $40 USD per person. This fee helps maintain and protect Bonaire’s beautiful underwater world.
It is easy to pay the nature fee online, and it is valid for an entire calendar year. Make sure you always have your e-ticket handy so you can explore the sea without any hassle.
Why the Salt Pier is a must-see for divers
Whether you are an experienced diver or experiencing your first diving adventure, the Salt Pier offers something special for everyone. The combination of an industrial underwater atmosphere, an abundance of marine life, and Bonaire’s clear waters make it a dive site you won’t want to miss. It is not only a place where you can take beautiful pictures, but also a place where you feel like you are entering another world. The Salt Pier is one of Bonaire’s most iconic dive sites, and should definitely not be missed on your list.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your diving adventure to Bonaire and discover the magical underwater world of the Salt Pier for yourself! Discover more dive sites here.