Shore Diving

Bonaire is distinguished by exceptionally accessible shore diving along the island’s sheltered western coast, where fringing reefs begin close to land and descend through coral terraces, walls, and sandy channels. Dive sites are commonly identified by yellow-painted stones beside the coastal road, allowing divers to explore independently according to conditions and experience. The surrounding waters form Bonaire National Marine Park, established in 1979 and extending around Bonaire and Klein Bonaire. Anchoring is prohibited within the park, with permanent moorings helping reduce direct damage to corals. The protected waters contain more than 350 recorded fish species and at least 57 species of soft and stony coral, although the reefs remain vulnerable to warming, disease, pollution, and other regional pressures.

Fun Fact: Bonaire National Marine Park protects the island’s entire shoreline. Its waters extend from the high-water mark to a depth of 60 meters.