Best Snorkeling Near the Bonaire Cruise Port: 6 Spots You Can Reach by Car

Bonaire is one of the best snorkeling islands in the Caribbean, and you don't need a boat. The reef starts just meters from the shore, and there are more than 50 spots you can walk into from the beach. With a car, you can visit two or three of them on a single cruise day.

Before you go: the Nature Fee

The whole coast around Bonaire is part of the Bonaire National Marine Park. To snorkel or swim at the reef, cruise passengers pay a STINAPA Nature Fee of $10. Check stinapa.org for the latest rates and how to pay. Rangers can ask for proof of payment.

1. Bari Reef – famous fish diversity, close to town

Just 2.5 km north of Kralendijk, Bari Reef is known for its incredible fish diversity, with more than 300 species recorded. The reef starts about 20 meters from shore, so it's ideal for a first snorkel of the day. Only a few minutes' drive from the pier.

2. Andrea I and II – healthy reef, easy to combine

A little further north, Andrea I and Andrea II are two neighboring spots with a healthy reef close to shore. Tip: enter at Andrea I and snorkel north to Andrea II, then walk back along the road.

3. 1000 Steps – turtles and clear water

About 9 km northwest of Kralendijk, along the coastal road. Despite the name, there are only around 70 steps down to the beach. It's one of the best places to see sea turtles. The entry is rocky, so water shoes help.

4. Te Amo Beach – easy entry near the airport

A sandy beach south of town, close to the airport, with the reef starting about 20 meters out. A good choice if you're snorkeling with kids or want an easy entry.

5. Salt Pier – turtles between the pillars

In the south, near the salt pans. Snorkeling between the pier's pillars is a unique experience, with a good chance of seeing turtles. Important: ask permission at the yellow guardhouse under the pier first, and you can't snorkel there when a ship is moored.

6. Klein Bonaire – by water taxi

Not reachable by car, but worth mentioning: the uninhabited island opposite Kralendijk has some of the best coral. Water taxis leave from near the cruise pier, about $25 per person return.

A snorkel day by car

• Morning: Bari Reef, a few minutes from the pier.
• Late morning: drive north to 1000 Steps or Andrea I and II.
• Lunch: back in town, or a picnic from your cooler box.
• Afternoon: head south to the salt pans and the flamingos, with a stop at Te Amo Beach or the Salt Pier (if no ship is moored).

Snorkel rules and tips

• Don't touch or stand on the coral. Gloves are not allowed in the Marine Park.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen, or better: a rash guard.
• Wear water shoes. Many entries are coral rubble or rock, not soft sand.
• Never leave valuables in the car at snorkel spots.
• Snorkel with a buddy and check the current before you go in.

No gear? We've got you

With our cruise day rental, you can add snorkel sets (mask and snorkel) for $2 each and a big cooler box with ice for $10. Lynden brings everything to the pier with the car. Read Cruise stop: renting a Jeep at the pier to see how it works.