01. BOCA BARTOL     

Located in Washington Slagbaai National Park, this is the northernmost dive site on Bonaire and a good place to look for larger fish species. The shallows offer large, unusual coral formations, and the sandy bottom provides a habitat for rays and garden eels. Depth 20-80 feet (5-20 meters).

02. PLAYA BENGI        

Located on the northwest coast of Washington Slagbaai, the experienced diver will be rewarded with some of the most pristine coral found on Bonaire. This site is also home to many of the larger fish species. Depth 15-100 feet (4-30 meters).

03. PLAYA FUNCHI      

Located in Washington Slagbaai National Park. In depths of 15-100 feet (4-30 meters), horse-eye jacks can be seen out in blue water. The shallows are loaded with many of the smaller species that approach divers and snorkelers looking for a handout

04. BISE MORTO        

Another Washington Park dive. The name means "dead deer." Deep-water pelagics such as whale sharks, manta rays, and even spouting humpback shale’s have been spotted here. Depth 20-100 feet (6-30 meters).  

05. WAYACA    

Located within the confines of Washington-Slagbaai National Park, Wayaca offers divers a new site where very little diving has been done in the past. Many times, dive sites in this area are visited by larger species of animals, so keep your eyes on the blue when you dive this site, and you might be lucky. Depth 30-100 feet (10-30 meters).

06. BOCA SLAGBAAI         

Located in Washington Slagbaai National Park, this is one of the northernmost dive sites--a place to look for the larger fish species. The shallows offer large, unusual coral formations, and the sandy bottom provides a habitat for rays and garden eels. Depth 20-80 feet (15-20 meters).

07. NUKOVE      
Located on the northwest coast of Washington Slagbaai. The experienced diver will be rewarded with some of the most pristine coral found on Bonaire. This site is also home to many of the larger fish species. Depth 15-100 feet (4-30 meters).

08. CAREL’S VISION       

This new site in the Bonaire National Marine Park is similar to its neighboring site, Nukove. Divers who visit Carel's Vision will delight in the wide expansive views and high density hard coral cover. Photographers should use their wide angle lenses. Depth 20-100 feet (6-30 meters).

09. KARPATA      

Popular with shore divers, Karpata is located at the end of the one-way section on the coastal road. Known for its good visibility and panoramic views, this site is great for wide-angle photographers. Models can pose by huge ship anchors embedded in the coral, or over branching colonies of Elkhorn, which stretch from ten feet up to the surface. Depth 20-100 feet (6-30 meters).

10. LA DANIA'S LEAP      

Before boat diving became popular, this site was known for the practice of "leaping" off the ledge and drift diving to Karpata. La Dania's is one of Bonaire's few vertical walls, with numerous canyons and sand shoots. It is best as a first dive in order to fully enjoy the deeper parts of the site. Look for tiny juvenile sunshine fish (yellow on top, bright blue below) on the mid- to deep portions of the wall. Depth 15-100 feet (5-30 meters).

11. RAPPEL 

One of Bonaire's most popular dives. In the past, divers had to use ropes to rappel to this site! There are large sea fans and colorful gorgonians of all shapes and sizes in the shallows. The beautiful coral formations appear to have been planted and cared for by a conscientious, hardworking gardener. Due to the close proximity of the mooring line to the ledge on shore, boats have a tendency to rock. Depth 30-100 feet (18-30 meters).

12. BLOODLET 

Though not recommended, this site can be reached from shore, but it's tricky and sometimes painful, thus the name Bloodlet! There is a dense reef structure, home to schools of algae-eating blue tangs, and many yellow or green tube sponges. Sea turtles are often seen here. Depth 20-80 feet (6-25 meters )

13. OL' BLUE (Tolo)      

This site lies off a long stretch of coral beach just north of 1000 Steps. Friendly French angels and schooling fish abound. Keep an eye out to depths, as whale sharks have been seen here on occasion. When diving from shore, listen for the musical sound of coral rocks as they're washed onto the beach. Depth 20-80 feet (6-25 meters).

14. COUNTRY GARDEN 

To the north of Old Blue are three beautiful pillars, unique to Bonaire, that have broken from the cliff along shore and fallen to a depth of 30 feet. There is an abundant growth of hard corals, gorgonians and sponges on the face of each, which provides shelter for schoolmasters, grunts, and goatfish. These pillars give the site its alternate name: Mushroom City. Depth 20-80 feet (6-25 meters).

 15. BON BINI NA CAS 

"Welcome home" in Papiamento, this site lies just next to 1000 Steps and is a boat dive only. Schools of blue tangs and Creole wrasse are common here. Lavender stovepipe sponges appear in abundance and staghorn colonies grow on the shelf. The large overhanging cliff creates an interesting cave complex along the shore. Depth 20-100 feet (6-30 meters).

16. 1000 STEPS      

Located adjacent to the Radio Nederland’s towers, this site was named for shore divers, who will find that the 64 steps leading from the road down to the beach seem like 1000 on the way back up. Immediately under the boat mooring are some outstanding formations of star coral. These have grown into high rising pagoda-like structures whose hollow cores provide homes for many reef creatures. Look inside for bluish patches of eggs guarded by the slate-colored male sergeant majors. These "pagodas" are found in few other places. Keep an eye out for hawksbill turtles and manta rays. Passing whale sharks have been spotted here. Depth 20-100 feet (6-30 meters

17. WEBER'S JOY/WITCHES HUT      

South of 1000 Steps, this is a delightful shore dive with lots of fish life: rock beauties, angels, and butterflies abound. A great spot for wide-angle photos. Look for a large lavender stovepipe sponge just south of the mooring. Depth 20-100 feet (6-30 meters).

18. JEFF DAVIS MEMORIAL    

The shallows on this site are covered with gorgonians. It's a good place for spotting a turtle or sea horse. There are a number of large coral accumulations forming chutes that lead to a sandy bottom. Depth 20-100 feet (6-30 meters).

19. KALLI'S REEF    

Named after a Bonaire National Marine Park Manager, this site is located between Jeff Davis Memorial and Oil Slick Leap, and is considered a very popular stretch of reef. Although only accessible as a boat dive, Kalli's Reef also offers excellent snorkeling opportunities and is a good location for spotting seahorses and turtles. Depth 30-100 feet (10-30 meters).Blue head Wrasses, Harlequin Bass and Bicolor Damselfish. You will also find a lot of small critters, Cleaning Shrimps, Blennies, Gobies and a lot of juvenile fish.

20. OIL SLICK LEAP      

Though recommended as a boat dive, the adventurous can find a steel ladder leading to the water from shore. Named Oil Slick Leap because this was the site originally proposed for the oil storage terminal. The area is, happily, still available to divers. Large schools of barracuda are often seen here. Depth 20-80 feet (6-25 meters).

21. BARCADERA    

This boat dive is located directly opposite the Bonaire National Marine Park Headquarters. The shallows are covered with elk horn coral and host schools of algae-eating blue tangs. Depth 30-100 feet (9-30 meters).

22. and 23 ANDREA I AND ANDREA II (Pali Coco)       

Located about a half mile north of the desalination plant, these sites are ideal for beginning divers and snorkelers. There are many anemones and soft corals, which provide hiding places for both predator and prey. Seahorses have been found on both sites. Snorkelers will enjoy the shallows here where all three of the "big" parrotfish can be seen, each a different color and easy to identify: the blue parrotfish, the midnight, and the rainbow, all over three feet in length. Depth 20-100 feet (6-30 meters).

24. PETRIES PILLAR      

This is a shore dive only, good for the beginner. The terrain is much like that of Andrea I and II. It was named by Captain Don as a wedding gift for a friend. Depth 30-90 feet (9-30 meters).

25. SMALL WALL    

Located in front of the Black Durgon Inn, this is generally a boat dive, as shore divers need permission to cross private property in order to access this site. A vertical wall beginning at 20 feet will lead divers to a cave at 60 feet, which sometimes shelters a sleeping nurse shark. Small Wall has probably the calmest surface anywhere on Bonaire. Depth 20-60 feet (6-18 meters).

26. CLIFF      

Cliff is located in front of the Hamlet Villas, just north of Habitat. It is the site of Captain Don's underwater Stone Memorial to the "divers who have gone before us", which is marked with a plaque and a dive flag. A unique small partial cliff is another feature of this dive. It lies directly under the buoy. Depth 20-70 feet (6-23 meters).

27. LA MACHACA    

Located just off Habitat, this site gives the novice diver a chance to do a wreck dive in relatively shallow water. The 45-foot, locally-built boat lies at 50 feet about 30 yards from the shore. It is the home of a large green moray eel that is quite accustomed to divers. Approach with caution. Depth 20-70 feet (6-23 meters).

28. REEF SCIENTIFICO    

This site, located just south of La Manchaca, was named for a grid system constructed to monitor the growth of algae on the reef. Conditions are much the same as at La Manchaca. Night diving/snorkeling is good here. Free swimming morays and sleeping parrotfish are common after dark. Depth 40 feet (13 meters).

29. BUDDY'S REEF    

Buddy Dive Resort's house reef, this site is perfect for beginners. Black crinoids can be found perched on coral heads in the shallows here. A resident tarpon greets most night divers. Depth 30-100 feet (9-30 meters).

30. BARI REEF    

This site is #1 in the entire Caribbean for fish diversity, with over 300 species sighted and surveyed here through REEF. Depth 30-100 feet (9-30 meters). 

31. FRONT PORCH    

Front Porch, truly an easy dive. Front Porch is located at the old Sunset Beach Resort. Access is either from shore just north of the property adjacent to the Den Laman Apartments, or from the beach at Eden Beach (location of the underwater web cam). The wreck of a tugboat lies in 80 feet of water just off the old pier at Sunset. Inside its darkened recesses are schools of big tooth cardinal fish, seldom seen elsewhere. Depth 20-80 feet (6-25 meters).

32. SOMETHING SPECIAL (Pali Grandi)      

While this site is pretty much devoid of coral near the marina entrance, it does have a lot of fish. This is the place to study what coral rubble and fish have for each other. The sandy bottom is a great place to see rays. Night divers favor this spot for its ease of entry. There are more unique sightings of fish here than at any other site, mainly because the marina attracts so many fish. Garden eels can be found at 55 feet. Depth 20-80 feet (6-25) meters).

33. TOWN PIER (Waf di Playa)      

One of the world's most photographed dive sites! Divers need permission from the Harbormaster and must be accompanied by a local dive guide. Boat diving is almost always done at night with one of the island's dive operators. This is a photographer's dream, with hundreds of macro photo opportunities. Years of growth and the greatest variety in size and shape of sponges anywhere are found on the steel pilings. Many species can be found here that are seldom seen elsewhere. Depth 9-30 feet (3-10 meters).

34. CALABAS REEF 

Divi Flamingo's house reef, a great place to do your check out as well as your first night dive. Lots of fish looking for a handout and an occasional turtle or ray. Depth 20-100 feet (6-30 meters).

35. EIGHTEEN PALMS      

This site lies directly in front of the Lt. Governor's house, which has at least 18 palms growing in the front yard. Access this site from the northwest entrance at Plaza Resort. A great place for beginning divers. Southern stingrays and spotted eagle rays are often seen on the sandy bottom. This is the first site as you travel south, where the reef separates into a "double reef", one part running along the bottom at about 90 feet, the other across a sandy channel close to the shore at Plaza Resort. One of the few sites where tarpon have been seen sleeping during the day. Depth 29-80 feet (6-25 meters).

36. WINDSOCK (Riba Ruina)       

A sandy beach with patches of shade provides a pleasant place to relax after diving; a favorite spot for picnics. Rays and turtles are often seen in the sandy shallows. Good for snorkelers and novice divers. Depth 20-80 feet (6-25 meters).

37. NORTH BELNAM      

Another easy dive, this site is sometimes called Dick's Place. It is visited by large schools of blue tangs. Depth 20-100 feet (6-30 meters).

38. BACHELOR'S BEACH (Fondu di Kalki)     

A convenient stairway provides access to the small beach here. This is another good place for the snorkel/novice diver to gain experience. Keep an eye out for turtles and rays. Depth 30-100 feet (9-30 meters).

39. CHEZ HINES    

Also called South Belnem, this site and those further south tend to be a bit more challenging to the shore diver. Many turtles have been spotted here. Depth 30-100 feet (9-30 meters).

40. LIGHTHOUSE POINT      

Located on the southern part of the island, divers and snorkelers will find a sandy botom with a chance of sighting rays in the shallows. Depth 30-100 feet (9-30 meters).

41. PUNT VIERKANT    

Dutch for "square point." Punt Vierkant marks the beginning of the double reef system. Many types of schooling fish can be found here. Depth 25-100 feet (8-30 meters).

42. THE LAKE    

The second of the double reef dives, Lake has beautiful gorgonians in the shallows and schools of circling reef fish. Depth 25-100 feet (8-30 meters).

43. HILMA HOOKER      

This internationally known wreck dive is located near the beginning of the double reef system. The top of the ship lies at 60 feet, the mast at 99. Shore divers will find the shallows full of fish. Boat divers will be limited to their bottom time due to the depth. This is a good place to see how corals have developed on an artificial site that was created with the sinking of the ship in 1984. It gives an idea of how long hard corals might take to recover from the damage due to storms. Depth 25-100 feet (8-30 meters).

44. ANGEL CITY    

One of the most interesting of the double reef dives. A sand channel separates the two distinct reef systems. Lots of friendly French angels and parrotfish here, and the channel is host to garden eels and stingrays. Shore divers should watch their navigation, as the double reef formation can be confusing. Depth 30-100 feet (9-30 meters).

45. ALICE IN WONDERLAND     

This dive offers a chance to really experience the double reef. Care should be taken to watch your depth gauge, especially when crossing from one reef to the other. Depth 30-100 feet (9-30 meters).

46. AQUARIUS  

This is an easy dive for beginners. It has a sandy bottom and is home to many schooling species. Depth 30-100 feet (9-30 meters).

47. LARRY'S LAIR 

Another easy site. Sandy bottom shallows offer an opportunity to see rays and turtles. Depth 30-100 feet (9-30 meters).

48. JEANNIE'S GLORY      

Lots of soft coral in the shallows and a sandy bottom for rays to hide in. Turtles are often seen along these southern dive sites. Depth 30-100 feet (9-30 meters).

49. SALT PIER (Waf di Saliña)   

Please note: Permission must be obtained to dive this site. Have your dive shop make the necessary arrangements. Easy entry for novice divers and great for photography. The pillars here are fully encrusted with sponges and coral. Large schools of fish congregate in the shadows created by the salt terminal overhead. Depth 15-50 feet (4-15 meters).

 

50. SALT CITY      

This site is still part of the double reef system. There’s a good chance of seeing turtles and eagle rays here. Depth 30-90 feet (9-30 meters).

51. INVISIBLES      

This is one of the few places divers have a chance to see garden eels in shallow water. One of the last of the double reef dives. Depth 20-100 feet (6-30 meters).

52. TORI'S REEF      

Located directly opposite the outflow from the salt works, the shore entry is fairly easy through a channel that comes onto the reef from under the highway. Divers will find strands of Elkhorn coral on a sandy bottom. Be sure to check the aggregations of fire coral on your way out to the reef. Many rare fish and eels can be found hiding there. This is #2 in the Caribbean for fish diversity. Depth 20-100 feet (6-30 meters).

53. PINK BEACH       

Just off one of Bonaire's most famous beaches, the current can be strong. Stingrays and bonefish are often seen along the shallow sandy bottom. The deep pink found imbedded in nearly every grain of sand is actually a creature called a foramins, which builds its nest from colored minerals, reddish in this case. Depth 25-90 feet (8-30 meters).

54. WHITE SLAVE    

Divers enjoy this site, since turtles are nearly always seen. The site is named for the white pinnacle and slave huts that are on shore opposite the mooring. Depth 20-100 feet (6-30 meters).

55. MARGATE BAY     

Named for the black margates found sleeping with other species of snapper among the gorgonian corals along the drop off, this is another place where turtles are commonly seen. Depth 20-100 feet (6-30 meters).

56. RED BERYL    

Another good site for spotting turtles and rays. Schooling fish are often seen feeding near the surface. Depth 30-100 feet (9-30 meters).

57. ATLANTIS    

Turtles and larger species of fish are seen here. Beautiful arrangements of hard and soft corals on the edge of the reef. Depth 30-100 feet (9-30 meters).

58. VISTA BLUE    

Much like the other dives in this area. Care should be taken as the currents can change or increase in strength during your dive. Depth 30-100 feet (9-30 meters).

59. SWEET DREAMS     

There are many species of gorgonians in the shallows here. In deeper water, large sponges and coral heads contrast dramatically with the "sugar sand" bottom. Care should be taken here, as the sites in this area can be a challenge to even the strongest swimmers. Depth 30-100 feet (9-30 meters)

60. RED SLAVE      

Located adjacent to the second set of slave huts, this site is definitely recommended for experienced divers only. Horse-eye jacks and turtles are seen here, also off shore schools of baitfish. Big-eye scad (mas bangos in Papiamentu) being pursued by the larger predatory fish. Depth 20-80 feet (6-25 meters).

61. WILLEMSTOREN LIGHTHOUSE    

Located at the southern tip of the island; the strong currents here can make a rough entry for shore divers. Lots of schooling fish, lobsters hiding under the corals, and an occasional turtle or tarpon. For advanced divers only. Depth 20-80 feet (6-25 meters).

62. BLUE HOLE     

More often called White Hole, this site lies off Lac Bay and requires a long walk in shallow water to the drop-off. Numerous tarpon are found here, as well as rays, and occasionally sharks. Depth 15-100 feet (4-30 meters).

63. CAI    

Definitely for advanced divers and strong swimmers only. Currents can be strong, unpredictable, and dangerous. Enter off the mouth of Lac Bay. Large species are often seen here. Depth 30-100 feet (9-30 meters). 

Klein Bonaire 

A. NO NAME    

This dive lies directly in front of No Name Beach. While large coral heads are sparse here in shallow water, there is a sandy bottom, where many lively yellow-headed jaw fish poke their heads out of holes in the coral rubble. Also seen are blackish sail fin blennies. This site is one of the most popular on Klein. Most of the passengers on the water taxi spend the day here on its beautiful sandy beach. Depth 30-100 feet (9-30 meters).

B. EBO'S REEF    

The mooring barrel is at 140 feet; there is a short swim over blue water on the way to the reef and again when you return to the boat. This site has giant orange elephant ear sponges often topped with black crinoids, also huge colonies of lavender stove pipe sponges which make excellent subjects for wide angle photography. Reef fish abound. Depth 40-100 feet (12-30 meters).

C. JERRY'S SPONGES (Jerry's Reef)    

Again, the mooring barrel is in deep water. Along with the previous two sites, this one is known for turtles, stingrays, and spotted eagle rays. Crinoids, elephant ear sponges and fern-like black coral are also found here. Depth 30-100 feet (9-30 meters).

D. JUST A NICE DIVE                        

                                                          
Divers will find an abundance of yellow pencil coral and leaf or sheet corals. There are lots of schooling fish at the top of the reef and solitary species, such as ocean triggerfish, are often seen. Depth 20-100 feet (6-30 meters). 

E. NEAREST POINT 

Deep mooring with very short swim over to the reef. Best to dive here, as on all the south side of Klein, in the morning, when winds are at their minimum, especially for snorkelers. Divers will find the healthiest and must luxurious coral formations in the Caribbean starting here and continuing on around the south side of Klein. Purple sea fans and lush gorgonians flourish between coral heads on the white, sandy bottom. Hugh heads of mountain corals lie in the drop-off area. At lower depths, black coral can be found, as well as big orange and purple tube sponges. Depth 20-100 feet (6-30 meters).

G. BONAVENTURE 

In the shallows, beautiful pagodas of star coral share their habitat with a large number of gorgonians, which usually harbor a seahorse or two. Angelfish and black durgons often accompany divers up and down the reef. Depth 20-100 feet (6-30 meters).

H. MONTE'S DIVI    

There is a good chance of finding a sea horse here. The shallow areas have large stands of staghorn coral. A lone Divi Divi tree stands guard on shore, directly opposite the mooring site. Depth 15-100 feet (5-30 meters).

I. ROCK PILE    

The mooring lies directly offshore from a pile of rocks. One of the few sites where one can enjoy a huge colony of staghorn coral, which provides day time hiding places for many schooling fish, such as grunts and snappers. A large green moray eel has been known to hide amongst the boulder corals. Depth 20-100 feet (6-100 meters).

J. JOANNE'S SUNCHI    

Joanne's Sunchi has lots of sand chutes and large tube sponges. Also, directly under the boat, large piles of coral rubble form nesting sites for a peculiar fish called a sand tilefish. Depth 20-100 feet (6-30 meters).

K. CAPTAIN DON'S REEF    

A must dive for all levels. Located at the mooring is a plaque dedicted to Bonaire's pioneer diver, Don Stewart, which thanks him for his dedication to the preservation of Bonaire's reefs. Depth 20-100 feet (6-30 meters).

L. SOUTH BAY    

This site offers different species of groupers and schools of bar and horse-eye jacks that can be found feeding on the polarized schools of boga just off the reef. Depth 30-100 feet (9-30 meters).

M. HANDS OFF 

Hands Off was originally established to gauge diver impact on the reef. No photographers or clumsy diving practices were allowed. Unique for its many small hills and valleys (in diving jargon, tongue and groove formations). Depth 30-100 feet (9-30 meters).

 

N. FOREST    

Gorgonians flourish in the shallows, and, in deeper water, one finds huge colonies of fern-like black coral, hence the name. At 75 feet a large cave provides occasional accommodation for a green moray, a female loggerhead turtle, or a nurse shark. Depth 25-100 feet (8-30 meters)

O. SOUTHWEST CORNER    

Divers will find lots of black durgons and yellow tail snappers here. Depth 15-100 feet (5-30 meters).

P. MUNK'S HAVEN
This site is currently closed.

R. SHARON'S SERENITY    

Located on the southwest corner of Klein Bonaire, Sharon's Serenity is also a good snorkeling site, since the mooring is quite close to shore. Elk horn, staghorn, and many varieties of soft coral are plentiful here. Large groupers are common and a number of basket star fish make this a popular night dive. Depth 20-100 feet (6-30 meters).

T. MI DUSHI    

Mi Dushi means "my sweetheart" in Papiamentu. The shallows are filled with staghorn and yellow pencil coral. Many smaller reef fish inhabit this area including yellow-headed jaw fish and sail fin blennies. It is currently "the" site for seahorses, with at least five in attendance at around 50 feet. Depth 25-100 feet (8-30 meters).

U. CARL'S HILL ANNEX (Yellow man’s Reef)
This site is currently closed.

V. CARL'S HILL     

This site is named after underwater photographer Carl Roessler and lies on the northwest tip of Klein Bonaire. The dramatic scenery makes this dive a photographer's dream. The main feature of the dive is the sheer wall that begins 20 yards offshore and drops to a sandy bottom at 70 feet. The face of the wall is covered with sponges and gorgonians and a seldom seen species called feather bush hydroid, which sits on the upper face of the wall filter feeding on the plankton that streams by. Barracudas and bar jacks are often seen here, as well as large schools of blue tangs. Depth 20-100 feet (6-30 meters).

W. EBO'S SPECIAL    

Another site with the same kind of anchorage as Carl's Hill, which had a helix anchor bolt installed as a mooring attachment just before the storm surge that hit this side of Klein in 1999. This new type of anchor bolt proved to be more than adequate and will be used for future replacement moorings. Also known as Jerry's Jam, it is named for Bonaire's first certified diver, Ebo Domacassé. Depth 25-100 feet (4-30 meters). 

X. LEONORA'S REEF    

Consists of typical sloping reef with coral formations of huge size and with hollow centers which make excellent locations for many fish and other creatures. Remember that huge coral heads that are hollow are the ancient ones because coral age from the inside outward and begin to die where the coral polyps are the oldest. Estimates of age on some of these have been placed at over 75 years old. Depth 25-100 feet (8-30 meters).

Y. KNIFE    

Coral rubble and sand in the shallows, which make an excellent site for large parrotfish, like midnight and rainbow, that graze over the abundant shallow algae patches. Sloping reef with a variety of different heights of coral heads make for an excellent site for many hidden creatures. Near the drop-off are found a variety of gorgonian corals, i.e., s