Top 5 dive sites on Bonaire

Bonaire is without a doubt one of the best diving destinations in the world. This beautiful Caribbean island offers not only crystal clear waters, but also an incredible diversity of marine life. Whether you are a novice diver or a seasoned expert, Bonaire’s dive sites offer something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take you through Bonaire’s top 5 dive sites and show you why you shouldn’t miss them.

1. One Thousand Steps – a diver’s paradise

Let’s start with Bonaire’s most famous dive site: 1000 Steps. Despite the name, you only have to descend 67 steps to reach this magnificent beach. Walking back up after your dive, however, feels like taking a thousand steps. It is a coral beach, but as you walk into the sea it quickly becomes powdery white sand and clear turquoise water, making this one of Bonaire’s most beautiful dive sites.

Underwater, you will find beautiful coral reefs and an abundance of sea turtles that often dwell in the shallows. This makes One Thousand Steps a perfect spot for divers and snorkelers alike. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget, putting it at the top of many of Bonaire’s top five dive sites.

Want to unwind immediately after a fantastic dive at One Thousand Steps? Then book a stay at one of our nearby villas, such as Villa Kokopelli. Find more accommodations in the El Pueblo area near this popular dive site.

2. Hilma Hooker – a wreck dive to remember

Looking for adventure? Hilma Hooker is an impressive shipwreck located at the bottom of the sea, just 30 meters deep. This former freighter is surrounded by colorful corals and schools of tarpons, making it one of Bonaire’s most popular wreck dive sites.

Whether diving from shore or by boat, the Hilma Hooker offers a unique opportunity to explore a ship up close. Experienced divers can even enter the wreck for an even more spectacular experience. Don’t forget to bring your camera, as the surrounding reefs and fish species make it a perfect spot for underwater photography.

For a unique diving experience at Hilma Hooker and then relaxing in comfortable accommodations, there are plenty of options nearby, such as King’s Beach Ocean’s Eleven. Check here for more accommodations near this famous wreck dive in Punt Vierkant.

3. Andrea 1 & 2 – ideal for beginners

For those just beginning to dive, Andrea 1 & 2 are ideal locations to explore Bonaire’s underwater world. These spots are known for their soft corals and colorful parrotfish. But if you look closely, you can also spot seahorses hiding among the corals.

The calm waters and gentle reef make Andrea 1 & 2 perfect for a relaxing dive. You don’t have to be an experienced diver to enjoy these spots, making them ideal for beginners who want to have their first diving adventures on Bonaire. And indispensable in the top 5 dive sites on Bonaire.

After a dive at Andrea 1 & 2, you can spend the night in a villa within walking distance of the coast, such as Tres Ojos. Check out more accommodations in Sabadeco, close to this ideal dive site for beginners.

4. Salt Pier – a dive site full of surprises

One of the most fascinating dive sites on Bonaire is the Salt Pier. This is a place where you can enjoy not only the beautiful coral reefs, but also the special structures of the salt pier itself. The piles of the pier are covered with colorful corals and surrounded by schools of fish such as grunts, trunkfish and parrotfish.

Diving at the Salt Pier offers numerous opportunities for underwater photography. The shadow of the pier attracts a wide range of fish, making for a breathtaking spectacle. This makes it a unique experience for both novice and experienced divers.

Combine a swim at Salt Pier with a luxury stay at a nearby beach villa, such as Kas Vis. Find more accommodations perfect for an adventure diving vacation here.

5. Bari Reef – the greatest fish diversity in the Caribbean

When it comes to the greatest fish diversity in the Caribbean, Bari Reef is number one. With more than 300 recorded fish species, this dive site offers a truly spectacular underwater experience. Tarpons, seahorses and even octopuses are just a few of the species you may encounter here.

The calm currents make Bari Reef ideal for novice divers, but even experienced divers will be impressed by the enormous biodiversity. Whether you come for the colorful reefs or the countless fish species, Bari Reef will certainly not disappoint. With which we conclude the top 5 dive sites on Bonaire.

After a day of exploration at Bari Reef, enjoy a stylish accommodation such as Bon Bini Bon Bida. Find more accommodations in Hato here, near this dive site full of fish diversity.

Why dive at Bonaire’s top 5 dive sites?

Bonaire has been known as the best shore diving destination in the world for 25 years, and with good reason. With more than 350 recorded fish species, 63 marked dive sites and perfect diving conditions year-round, it’s every diver’s dream. Whether you want to explore the mysterious wrecks or swim with turtles, Bonaire has it all. Read more about Bonaire’s dive site map here.

From beginners to experts, Bonaire’s top 5 dive sites offer everyone an unforgettable underwater experience. Plan your next diving trip and discover for yourself why Bonaire is the diving capital of the Caribbean!