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Dive and Snorkel Site Map of Bonaire and Klein Bonaire | Other Snorkel Sites to visit

Bonaire Guided Snorkel Program

One of the most successful programs that we have to offer is our unique Bonaire Guided Snorkel Experience. A number of sites have been chosen representing a cross section of our reef life. Most are from shore, while some involve short boat trips. Whichever suits you, they all begin with an informative presentation, providing an overview and introduction to that particular snorkel site. After the orientation, a trained guide leads the group on a guided snorkel, pointing out all sorts of marine life and behaviors. Check which dive shops offer the BGS (Bonaire Guided Snorkel program) and try it out for yourself. No matter if you are an old hand at snorkeling or just a beginner, you will be amazed at what you can learn! Additionally, many snorkel packages can be booked with local tour operators, such as Bonaire Tours & Vacations.

The Guided Snorkel Sites:
You can snorkel just about anywhere in the relatively calm waters on Bonaire. The following are locations that have been selected for the Bonaire Guided Snorkel  Program. (See the Snorkel site map.)

MANGROVES: Located on the eastern side of Bonaire in Lac Bay at Sorobon. Easy shore entry from sandy beaches next to fishermen's dock. Upside down jellyfish (Cassiopea xamachana) and baby barracudas (only a few inches long). (#60 on map)

1000 STEPS: Beautiful panoramic vista awaits the snorkeler as he descends the steps down to the beach.  Look for the sandy patches in which to enter the water and swim to your right where you will be able to stay in shallow water and view a variety of submerged iron shore formations where fish congregate in the recesses and small overhangs and small cave sections of the rocks. Huge schools of male stoplight parrotfish are here, along with all members of  the angelfish family, i. e. blue tang, doctorfish, and ocean surgeonfish who are all feeding on the abundance of new growth of algae growing on the substrate after the surge of Nov, 99. This area was almost completely spared. Out toward the dive buoy is extensive coral formations and clear, clear water where black durgeons and white-spotted filefish along with huge French Angelfish can be seen. Often turtles are seen not far from the entry point and straight toward the dive buoy. This is the only site where strong swimming night sargeants (they look like sargeant majors but after taking steriods) can be seen constantly in the shallows where the surf comes in.  Located on the hilly north part of the island, you can reach this site either by boat or car. Use sandy area for entry when snorkeling from shore, as there may be sea urchins in some of the rocky area near shore. Lots of hard corals and purple tube sponges. (#14 on map)

Balloonfish Photo Courtesy of Julie Morgan

CLIFF: Accessed from boat or shore, this site is a great introduction to snorkeling on Bonaire. It marks the beginning of the change in topography hence as you move about the site, note the underwater changes as well. The best Elkhorn Coral forest on Bonaire can be found at this site. (#23 on map)

JUST A NICE DIVE: A top rated Klein Bonaire site. Accessable only by kayak or boat. Top of shelf is in 2 to 3 feet of water and snorklers enjoy weaving in and out of the isolated large brain corals and prolific colonies of  gorgonians.  Good for angelfish, parrotfish of at least six species, surgeon fish, butterflyfish and an occasional turtle out a little deeper (#D on map)

NO NAME (Playa Neme) : This is a classic snorkel site located just off Klein Bonaire. It is one site on Klein that lends itself for a beach entry (you will need a water taxi or other boat to get there!) Perfect for first time boat snorkelers, there are generally large schools of fish in the sandy shallows. (#A on map)

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