Bonaire's nickname is "Divers Paradise," and for good reason; the underwater world is truly beautiful. Year after year, many divers from all over the world come to the island to enjoy it. But if you cannot or do not want to dive, snorkeling is a good alternative. Even while snorkeling you will see the most beautiful, colorful fish, sea turtles and special corals. Want to know where you should be, we share with you the most beautiful snorkeling spots of Bonaire.

The Salt pier

A special place to go snorkeling is the Salt Pier (or Zoutpier in Dutch), located in the south of Bonaire. This is where the salt extracted in the salt pans is loaded into ships. The pier is built above the shallow part of the sea. This way the ships can easily moor in the part where it gets deeper. The pillars of the Salt Pier are anchored into the sea floor. Snorkeling between the pillars is a real experience. This is because they are covered with all kinds of colored sponges and corals. Fish like to use the space between the pillars and under the pier as a resting place. Sea turtles are regularly spotted in the shallows near the shore.

Klein Bonaire

About twenty minutes by water taxi from the center of Kralendijk lies the uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire. The island has beautiful coral reefs. From the beautiful sandy beach 'No Name Beach', where the water taxi drops you off, you can walk straight into the water for snorkeling. 

Want to enjoy Klein Bonaire's beautiful coral reef even more? Then walk part of the way along the beach, facing Kralendijk, until you come across a yellow pole. Step into the water here, swim between the opening in the reef and let yourself be carried away by the current. While snorkeling, you will arrive back at No Name Beach. 

1000 Steps

Another wonderful place to snorkel is 1000 Steps. This beach is located in the north of the island, on the Queen's Highway. To get to the beach, you do have to descend a flight of stairs first. These do not have a thousand steps, as the name suggests, but only 67 steps. This snorkeling spot is also known for spotting sea turtles. Enjoy here the beautifully colored corals and tropical fish in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Photo credit: Inge Poorthuis