Top 5 Dive Spots You Can’t Miss on Bonaire

Bonaire is famous worldwide as a diver’s paradise, and for good reason. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, the island offers some of the best underwater experiences in the Caribbean. Over the years, we’ve explored countless dive sites around the island, but these five are the ones we keep coming back to. Here are our top recommendations for dive spots you can’t miss on Bonaire.

1. Something Special

This spot is more than just a favorite—it’s practically in our backyard! Located right in front of Villa Vos and Kas Vos, Something Special is aptly named. The waters here are calm, making it a great spot for both beginners and seasoned divers. The reef is teeming with colorful fish, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot an eagle ray or a turtle. This dive site is easy to access from shore, which makes it perfect for a quick morning dive before breakfast or a relaxing afternoon swim. We love that it’s so close to home, yet always offers something new to see.

2. 1000 Steps

Despite its daunting name, 1000 Steps is one of Bonaire’s most accessible and breathtaking dive sites. The walk down to the beach is closer to 67 steps, and the limestone cliffs add to the beauty of the setting. Once you’re in the water, you’ll be greeted by vibrant coral formations and a variety of fish species. The site is also known for its frequent turtle sightings, making it an exciting dive for anyone hoping to spot these gentle creatures. It’s a peaceful spot, and the underwater views are just as stunning as the scenery above.

3. Karpata

For more experienced divers, Karpata is an absolute must. Located on the northwest coast of Bonaire, the coral formations here are large and varied, offering a different underwater landscape compared to some of the other spots on the island. The drop-off at Karpata is particularly impressive, with a wall of coral that’s home to a diverse range of marine life. The site is known for strong currents, so it’s best suited for advanced divers, but the rewards are well worth the challenge. It’s one of those places where you feel like you’ve entered a completely different world.

4. Hilma Hooker

No list of Bonaire dive spots would be complete without mentioning the Hilma Hooker—Bonaire’s most famous wreck dive. This sunken cargo ship is located between two coral reefs and rests at a depth of about 100 feet. It’s an eerie but fascinating site, and the wreck is now home to a variety of marine life, including schools of fish, eels, and even the occasional barracuda. The Hilma Hooker is accessible to intermediate and advanced divers, and it’s a must-do for anyone visiting the island.

5. Salt Pier

Salt Pier is another iconic dive site on Bonaire, and the unique underwater structures make it one of our favorites. As you dive, you’ll navigate between the towering salt-encrusted pilings, which create a haven for schools of fish, coral, and even octopus. The play of light filtering through the water and the structures makes this dive particularly beautiful, especially during the morning or late afternoon. You’ll need permission to dive here when the salt pier isn’t in use, but when it’s available, it’s one of the most memorable dives you can experience.

Why Bonaire is Perfect for Divers of All Levels

One of the best things about Bonaire is that it caters to divers of all levels. Whether you’re just starting or you’re an experienced diver looking for a challenge, the island offers a wide range of dive sites that are easy to access from shore. The visibility is incredible, often stretching to 100 feet or more, and the marine life is abundant and diverse.

For beginners, sites like Something Special and 1000 Steps provide the perfect introduction to Bonaire’s underwater world, with calm waters and colorful reefs. More advanced divers will find excitement at places like Karpata and the Hilma Hooker, where the deeper waters and stronger currents offer more of a challenge.

No matter your experience level, Bonaire’s diving scene is unmatched, and these five spots are just the beginning of what the island has to offer.