Bonaire Dive Sites North
Bonaire dive sites in the north offer a stronger current that keeps the sponges and coral in their peak condition. There tends to be larger fish species and turtles usually hanging around these areas. The entrance and exit to the dive sites tends to be a bit more difficult. Most of the diving in these parts require a bit more experience due to the surf and current but you can still find some sheltered spots that are appropriate for a beginner diver.
Most of these Bonaire dive sites are located in Washington Slagbaai park. The park hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with no entry after 2:45 pm. The park fee is included in your $25 Nature fee.
(#1) Boca Bartol
20-80 ft. (15-20 M) Current/ Surf
Advanced/ Intermediate Shore/ Boat
This is one of Bonaire dive sites that have the grande poisson appeal. Angel sharks, groupers, rays and other big game hang out here. Take caution this site has the potential to be a dodgy if not dangerous dive. Beware of a strong current and large swells. The best time is when winds are blowing from south or southeast or not at all. Because the waves and the current make this a complicated dive, you will find very few visitors if any on your visit. The reef is in great condition due to lack of divers. There is a north route and south route.
(#2) Playa Bengi
15-100 ft. (5-30 M) Current
Advanced/Intermediate Shore/ Boat
Playa Bengi has an amazing amount of healthy and prestine coral found on the island. There is angel sharks, large baracuda and bass, for the larger species and a colourful bouquet of smaller reef fish.
(#3 )Playa Funchi-chi fun-chi-chi
15-100 ft. (5-30 M) Current
Novice Shore/ Boat
This is the go to Bonaire dive site when the weather hasn't been friendly. The currents aren't as strong, but still present. Look for friendly spotted trunk fish and horse-eye jacks in the blue. Black coral on the reef.
(#4) Bise Morto20-100 ft. (7-30 M) Current Advanced Boat A humpback whale has been spotted here. Usually a boat dive, but can be accessed from shore. There is a beautiful abundance of elk horn and stag horn corals. Look for whale sharks and manta rays.
(#5) Wayaka
20-80ft. (15-20 M) Current
Advanced Shore/Boat
While exploring Wayaka look for rays and garden eels on the sandy bottom and larger fish in the blue.
(#6) Boka Slagbaai
20-80 ft. (15-20 M) Current
Advanced Shore/Boat
While exploring Boka Slagbaai look for rays and garden eels on the sandy bottom and larger fish in the blue.
(#7) Nukove
15-100 ft. (4-30 M)
Advanced Shore/Boat
Nukove is one of Bonaire dive sites trickier spots to find. You need to drive around the oil terminal. Look for some large fish and old growth coral.
(#8) Carel's Vision
20-100 ft. (6-30 M) Advanced Boat Newest dive on Bonaire. Great old growth coral. Look for mantas in the blue.
(#9) Karpata 20-100 ft. (6-30 M) Novice Shore/Boat Look for huge ship anchors. A great spot for photography. Lots of reef life. Look for a huge assortment of sponges and sea fans. Because this is a popular site it is also popular with thieves, beware.
(#10) La Dania's Leap15-100 ft. ( 5-30 M) Current Advanced/ Intermediate Shore/Boat The best drift dive ending in Karpata taking about 30 minutes with a current and 45 minutes without. Once you see the anchor at 35 ft. you're in Karpata. The leap itself is about 4-5' from cliffs edge to water. Drop your gear off ath La Dania's Leap then drive and park to Karpata and walk back.
(#11) Rappel 30-100 ft. (18-30 M) Strong Surge Intermediate Boat A very popular dive. Lots of sea fans and sponges. This is a reef that is buzzing with life.
(#12) Bloodlet 20-80 ft. (6-25 M) Intermediate Boat A colorful reef full of blue tangs. Look for turtles.
(#13) Tolo/ Ol' Blue20-80 ft. (6-25 M) No Hazards Novice Shore/Boat Lots of friendly fish. Nice coral. Look into the blue for whale sharks and eagle rays. Look into the coral holes for eel homes.
(#14) Country Garden20-80 ft. (6-25 M) No Hazards Novice Boat This site has great reef life and a lot of sponge life. Look for lots of schooling fish.
(#15) Bon Bini N Kas20-100 ft. (6-30 M) No Hazards Novice Boat Bon Bini Na Kas translates to Welcome Home in Papiamentu. There's a large cave along the shore. Look for schools of blue tangs and creole wrasse.
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