Bonaire Snorkeling

We have explored everything Bonaire snorkeling has to offer, and thoroughly enjoyed our time on this little Caribbean island. We were enticed to go there because so many people consider it to be the best snorkeling in the world. And while Nicole and I loved Bonaire, and found some incredible snorkel spots, because of recent storm damage we can't get 100% behind that sentiment.

Below learn what we think of Bonaire snorkeling, where the best spots are after the damaging storms, our travel tips for Bonaire, and see tons of pictures of what it looks like underwater.

Galen & Nicole Bonaire

So is Bonaire snorkeling the best in the world?

It may have been, but I don't think we can really say that now. Don't get us wrong, Bonaire snorkeling is exceptional. It is some of the best we have experienced anywhere. It is just that it used to be exceptional everywhere you got in the water. But there were two tropical storms in the last ten years that have really damaged the shallow reefs in a number of spots that used to be considered superb snorkeling.

And unfortunately, we found no websites or printed guides that are updated to reflect this storm damage. In three different guides we found very different lists of where to snorkel, and often after snorkeling a recommended "excellent snorkeling" spot we would exit the water shaking our heads and wondering if the author had ever snorkeled. Although this is not really that unusual. All over the world we have read "diving & snorkeling guides" that are really just diving guides with the word snorkeling thrown in. And truthfully for divers it is not as big a deal, because the corals in Bonaire below 25 feet are still healthy all over the island.

So we ended up scouring Bonaire (and the little island off shore, Klein Bonaire), searching for the best snorkeling spots, and we are happy to report that there are still many excellent snorkeling spots that still have very healthy reefs. You just have to find them (actually we found them for you in our Bonaire Snorkeling Guide eBook).

snorkeler bonaire

What Is Bonaire Snorkeling Really Like?
First, Bonaire snorkeling is great because most of it is accessed from shore, and all of it is protected. This free snorkeling means you don't need to pay for a boat to take you out. Bonaire reef structure also makes it interesting. As you get in the water at shore, the depths start shallow, and get gradually deeper. Once you swim out 30 to 100 feet from shore, at about 25 feet of water depth, the bottom will suddenly take a near vertical plunge into the deep blue, sinking to over a hundred feet. So all of the snorkeling is very close to shore.

So if you get freaked out looking over the edge of a reef with deep water below (like the picture above), Bonaire may not be so good for you. There are a couple exceptions to this, but for the most part that is what it is like everywhere on Bonaire. Personally we enjoy the mix of the shallows and deeper areas.

Bonaire Turtle

Best Snorkeling Spots On Bonaire?
As we mentioned above, you have to search around to find really good snorkeling spots on Bonaire. If you only want to snorkel a couple of spots while there then do yourself a favor and take the water taxi out to the little island off shore, Klein Bonaire (you can just see it in the picture below), and pay a little extra to be dropped off for the drift snorkel at No-Name beach. Learn more about snorkeling Klein Bonaire. Another great spot, although a little bizarre in how you access the snorkeling, is off Sorobon Beach, at Lac Bay. This is the most protected and shallow snorkeling spot on Bonaire, and it is a treat.

For all of the best snorkeling spots on Bonaire check out our Bonaire Snorkeling Guide eBook.

Now enjoy a few pictures and the YouTube movie that we created, and see what it was like at the better spots we found.

Parrot Fish & Corals

Tube Sponges Bonaire

See More Of Our Bonaire Snorkeling Tips

Click here for many more specifics about what the snorkeling is like in Bonaire.

Click here for info about snorkel guides and boat tours in Bonaire.

Now save yourself some time and money and read our Bonaire travel tips and stories at the links below.

Where is Bonaire? - See a map of where in the Caribbean Bonaire is.
Getting To Bonaire - Read our flying tips.
Getting Around Bonaire - What rental car company is best & other car rental info.
Bonaire Accommodations - What's best, condos, apartments, or hotels?
Bonaire Vacation Tips - Learn about food prices, restaurants, grocery stores and more.
More Bonaire Traveling Tips - Tons of Bonaire FAQ's, including languages, money, travel seasons, etc.