Also known as Little Bonaire, Klein Bonaire is a tiny, well protected island surrounded by a few dozen fantastic dive sites. Here is a small sampling of what you’ll find when you decide to dive Little Bonaire – with reefs, hills and valleys, and a splendid array of marine life from tiny shrimp to massive sharks, this perfect piece of paradise has it all!
No Name
Lying directly in front of No Name beach, and featuring massive coral heads sparsely spaced in shallow water over a sandy bottom, plus a fantastic reef, the site is often used for diver training, and is home to lots of yellow-headed jawfish and black sailfin blennies. You’ll also find flounder and rays in the sand, and curious goatfish, as well as the occasional shark or turtle. Maximum depth is 25 meters, but there is plenty to see in the shallows!
Sampler
Located on the northern side of Klein Bonaire, this site is home to sand divers, yellowhead jawfish, and sailfin blennies, as well as some very friendly angelfish which are used to being fed by divers. The area is also popular with snorkelers, and as the beach is a favorite with locals and day trippers from Bonaire alike; it can be crowded! Escape the onshore activity with a trip to the deeper section of the reef, where you will find lovely gorgonians and deep water coral at 30 meters.
Southwest Corner
The reef at southwest corner is subject to a strong current, and is a wonderful place to see some larger fish and sharks. You’ll find hawksbill and green sea turtles here, along with black durgons, yellowtail snappers, parrotfish, grunts, and moray eels, to name just a few. The reef itself is wonderfully coated with sponge and brilliant coral, sea plumes and sea fans, and bright green algae. Maximum depth is 40 meters.
Forest
A forest of fantastic black coral trees frame a large cave at 75 feet, and in the shallower areas, you’ll find beautifully vibrant stands of gorgonians where little sea horses hide. The area is also home to cleaner wrasse and shrimp, which have set up shop among the coral heads, awaiting the arrival of a loggerhead turtle or manta ray. Look for nurse sharks, groupers, grunts, chromis, and jacks, too! Maximum depth is 30 meters.
Hands Off
Hands Off is so named because the area was originally used as a test site to see whether photographers or even clumsy divers looking for a handhold would have an impact on the nearby reefs. With lovely tongue and groove formations, plus cleaning stations frequented by rays and turtles, the area is now one of the best places in the area for underwater photography. Still, it’s best to keep your hands to yourself as you explore this magnificent reef and enjoy swimming with its inhabitants. Watch for groupers and potato cod, tarpon, wrasse, and a few kinds of angelfish! Maximum depth is 37 meters.
Whether you visit these sites or others, you are certain to enjoy your visit to Klein Bonaire, with its wonderful beaches and amazing vistas. Be sure to book your dive trip well in advance, as diving is quickly becoming more popular here, and trips sell out quickly!