This island is actually the submerged tip of an underwater mountain, so all you have to do is walk off the shore and within a few hundred yards, at depths of 40- to 60- feet you are viewing colorful coral and surrounded by fish. The reefs are in such good shape because Bonaire’s Marine Park was created more than 25 years ago to protect the environment from the high water mark to a depth of 200 feet. (Spearfishing, collecting coral and reef anchoring are prohibited.) There are 86 marked dive sites along the shore where you can start, if you want to dive by yourself, plus offshore diving and diving around Klein Bonaire. Since diving is the major activity here there are several resorts that have excellent dive programs.
Where is It?
Bonaire is the most eastern of the Leeward Islands in the southwest Caribbean, lying about 50 miles north of Venezuela. The island is part of The Netherlands Antilles, an autonomous region of the Netherlands. Dutch is the official language.
When to Go?
The year-round average air and water temperature is 82 degrees, and it's out of the generally accepted hurricane routes.
Pros and Cons
Diving and snorkeling are the major activities here. If these are your main interests this island is a terrific choice. Windsurfing is also popular. If you want lots of nightlife and shopping around your underwater dives, other islands may be better choices. Annual events include the festive Carnival every February and the Bonaire International Regatta in October, when yachts to windsurfers participate in races.
Contact Information
Visit Bonaire to learn more or call 800-Bonaire.
Best Islands for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Off the Shore
If you enjoy walking off the shore and scuba diving or snorkeling in coral so colorful you’ll think you are in an underwater garden, go to Best Islands for Diving Off the Shore. Here’s where you go if you want more information about learning how to start scuba diving.
