|
Bonaire is known as Diver's Paradise, and with good reason. The scuba diving and snorkeling on Bonaire is second to none in the Caribbean. While boat diving is available at most of the dive shops on Bonaire, the more popular way to explore the beautiful reefs is via shore diving. Scuba diving on Bonaire is known as 24/7 diving. Sign up for diving at any of the local dive shops, grab some tanks and go diving! The over 80 shore dive sites that are located along the island's leeward side are marked with rocks painted yellow with the dive site name written on it. Pull over, drive onto the beach (covered with chunks of large, dead coral), grab your gear, and get into the water. |
 |
The reef is usually about a 2-8 minute swim from the shoreline. But while swimming out towards the reef, you'll find small clumps of coral with little communities of fish going about their day. Look for moray eels, octopus, or other small critters. Along these sandy patches you will encounter stingrays or even eagle rays soaring looking for lunch.
After a short swim, the reef begins to appear usually around 25-30 feet of depth. The reef starts to drop and you can pick the depth you want to stay at. Turn either left or right, follow the reef at your desired depth and at the pace you enjoy until it's time to turn around. Follow your route back and then towards shore.
Most entries at the dive sites have a hard coral bottom making neoprene boots or beach shoes highly recommended.
A Marine Park tag is required for scuba diving on Bonaire and may be purchased for $25 cash at any dive shop.
More InformationFor those who enjoy the water a bit closer to the surface, the snorkeling on Bonaire is equally as fascinating. Many dive sites also make great snorkeling sites. Because the reef is so close to shore and relatively shallow, seeing a variety of marine life is guaranteed. And the small clumps of coral in the shallows on your way to the reef are full of fish and critters to catch your attention.
Our favorite snorkeling sites include: Windsock, Bachelor Beach, Sunset Beach, Margate, and Karpata. While many sites are suitable to enter with bare feet, most sites have hard coral entries and neoprene boots or beach shoes are highly recommended.
A Marine Park tag is required for snorkeling on Bonaire and may be purchased for $10 cash at any dive shop.
There is a huge selection of restaurants on Bonaire all with a variety of menu options. Some of our favorite restaurants include: Eddie's (great breakfast, dinner), Bobbajans (awesome ribs), It Rains Fishes (great seafood), Unbelievable (the name says it all), Richard's (great sea-side dining), Patagonia (great steak & seafood), Elle's Deli (great burgers & sandwiches). Donna & Giorgio (yummy Italian).
The dive villa is fully furnished with appliances, pots & pans, dishes, cutlery, BBQ and everything you need to eat in. There are several grocery stores around Bonaire but our favorite ones include Zhung Kong Supermarket (located just down the street from the villa), Van Den Tweel (huge selection and variety), Top Grocery (located downtown), and Warehouse Bonaire (located near the gas station on your way from the airport).
info@bonairedivevilla.com
