Shaped somewhat like a boot, Bonaire diving really consists of essentially one long reef down the western side of the island, including the side trip to Klein Bonaire. Klein Bonaire is just as nice as Bonaire itself, but really not worth the extra effort to go there - it’s as nice, but no different. There are some rather nice areas on the south end and you should go there at least once. Everybody goes there to dive at least once just to say ‘I went there’ and it definitely is as pretty as the shoreline, but it is exactly a copy of the shoreline diving. You can’t possibly see all of the dive spots along the coast in a week, and Klein Bonaire is simply more of the same - no more, no less. Another dive often made which I consider less than attractive is the Lac Bay inlet. This is on the eastern side or windward side of Bonaire. The diving, if anything, is less attractive than the western shore and the water is always quite rough getting in and out. Many divers with years of experience have told me their horror stories of being swept back out by the currents and being unable to get back to shore. This is DEFINITELY not for the novice or even intermediate diver.There is just too much to see on the lee side to end up being beaten half to death by the surf and reef. Just the geography of the island tells the story of where the reef is and where to dive. As the map shows, there are a LOT of listed and named dive sites, but it still comes down to being one long dive which has to be taken piecemeal to cover them all.

Back to Bonaire

Diving in Bonaire is mostly shore diving with rocky beaches. There just aren’t any real sand beaches except on the eastern side, so entry can be difficult at times and must be approached with caution. There is usually a shallow rocky slope next to shore which extends out as much as 150 to 200 feet before dropping off. Wading out to water deep enough to start swimming with full gear and fins is often a challenge. Then, you come to the dropoff which is everywhere and start straight down. While the wall is not vertical as the pics show, it is still a vertical environment. Once over the edge, you will see all the beauty Bonaire is famous for. The reef is extremely prolific and extends down the entire western side of Bonaire.