With over 60 dive sites along Bonaire's coastline, choosing where to dive can be overwhelming. We've selected five must-visit sites that showcase the very best of Bonaire's underwater world, from pristine reefs to dramatic drop-offs. Here's our expert guide to the island's most spectacular diving.
1. Karpata
Located at the end of the one-way section on the coastal road, marked by the dilapidated yellow Aloe plant ruins, Karpata is the crown jewel of Bonaire's northern sites. This dive site amazes with its pristine hard coral formations, steep ravines, and overhanging reefs creating breathtaking underwater landscapes.
The site offers exceptional visibility up to 130 feet (40 meters), making it perfect for wide-angle photography. Large groups of barracuda patrol the blue, while sea turtles graze nearby. Lucky divers might even spot reef or nurse sharks. For history buffs, there's a centuries-old anchor hidden on the southeast side.
2. Salt Pier
Salt Pier offers a diving experience unlike any other in Bonaire. This operational pier creates a mesmerizing underwater maze where sunlight streams through massive pillars covered in vibrant purple, yellow, and pink sponges. During the day, you'll find large schools of groupers, snappers, and tarpon moving between the pillars, while turtle hatchlings graze on the seagrass below.
The site ranges from 20-55 feet (6-17 meters) deep, making it accessible for all skill levels. However, remember to check if diving is permitted - Cargill restricts access when ships are at the pier.
3. Hilma Hooker
Between The Lake and Angel City lies Bonaire's most famous wreck - the Hilma Hooker. This former cargo vessel, seized for smuggling and later sunk, now rests between 60-100 feet (18-30 meters) deep. The wreck has transformed into an artificial reef, home to large schools of tarpon, horse-eye jacks, and angelfish.
4. 1000 Steps
Don't let the name intimidate you - there are only 67 limestone steps leading to this spectacular site. After descending the famous staircase, you'll discover breathtaking coral formations, including unique pagoda-like staghorn coral structures that provide homes for various reef inhabitants.
The site features a dramatic wall drop-off where you might encounter hawksbill turtles, barracudas, and moray eels. The challenging entry is quickly forgotten once you're immersed in one of Bonaire's most rewarding dive experiences.
5. Red Slave
Located next to the historic second set of slave huts on the island's southern end, Red Slave offers experienced divers an exceptional adventure. The site features some of Bonaire's most beautiful soft coral gardens and an impressive drop-off extending beyond 200 feet (60 meters).
While entry is relatively easy down a small slope, always check surf conditions before diving. The site rewards divers with regular visits from eagle rays, southern stingrays, and hunting barracuda. Schools of horse-eye jacks and bigeye scad create swirling silver clouds, often pursued by larger predatory fish.
Ready to explore these amazing sites?
We'd love to take you on a guided tour of our favorite spots. Our experienced instructors know these sites inside and out and can show you all the hidden treasures each location has to offer. Whether you're a photographer, marine life enthusiast, or history buff, these five sites offer something special for every diver.
