Bonaire National Marine Park
Bonaire National Marine Park
5
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Popular area that boasts countless dive sites, many reachable from shore, and more than 70 sites with boat moorings.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Best nearby
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29 within 3 miles
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25 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,648 reviews
Excellent
1,348
Very good
223
Average
60
Poor
12
Terrible
5
alvin p
Denver, CO105 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
We thought we could visit once, but returned again the next day because there is much to see and do in the park! We took the long route to go check out the farthest northernmost dive sites in the park and had to make stops along the way to appreciate the beauty of the lamdscape and coastal vistas. Time management is key because you have to exit the park before sunset. While we were able to do the long loop and get several dives in the first day, we came back the second day to hike the tallest peak in Bonaire for a fabulous 360 vista of the island! It is only a little under 800' ASL. Bring plenty of water and food to enjoy picnicking on the beach. We also visited the small museum at the entry to learn about some Bonaire history and info on the parks Flora and Fauna. Park opens at 8 AM and should start early if you plan to do multiple activities here.
Written March 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beachtraveler
Madison, WI60 contributions
Feb 2023
Basically, most of the waters around the island are a marine park. That said, the number of visitors has increased exponentially--they have literally gone from 150k in 2012 to 400k in recent non-Covid years. This many people means it is not possible to educate everyone on how to interact in healthy safe ways with the environment. The amount of building that has been done to accommodate this is not helped and the reef quality by the shore has declined quite a bit so I don't think it lives up to its reputation. That said, it's 99% better than most places in the Caribbean, unless they keep up this pace of building and visitors.
As a snorkeler, there is a wide variety still of hard and soft corals, invertebrates and fish to be seen, but you have to look to find some kinds in shallower waters. I'm seeing a lot of algae and bleaching in the shallows. I think it may be better for divers. I did see more octopus, eels, and lobsters than other places, probably because of the marine park.
As a snorkeler, there is a wide variety still of hard and soft corals, invertebrates and fish to be seen, but you have to look to find some kinds in shallower waters. I'm seeing a lot of algae and bleaching in the shallows. I think it may be better for divers. I did see more octopus, eels, and lobsters than other places, probably because of the marine park.
Written March 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel J
Isle of Wight, UK39 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
The park is all around the island and you must pay a fee to snorkel the waters there, a slightly larger fee if you wish to dive them. What they have done in bonaire is amazing and worth every penny plus more. There is so much life to see when you sleep in the water, a real eye opener to other tropical tourist islands with fished out and destroyed coral.
Written February 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChrisFromNJ
New Jersey, USA199 contributions
Feb 2020
I applaud Bonaire for their efforts to protect and develop their coral reefs. While so many areas have lost their reefs, particularly the shallow ones, Bonaire still has many areas of shallow reefs that are thriving. I can't wait to bring my granddaughter here so she can see what healthy reef looks like.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Road64742532594
1 contribution
Dec 2019
A peaceful, relaxing atmosphere in Bonaire. Beautiful water, beautiful island. Particularly enjoyed visiting at the donkey rescue center. The sweet lady in charge of this fantastic endeavor was full of stories of her beloved donkeys. Beautiful island and I want to return to this paradise
Written April 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristine P
2 contributions
Jan 2023
What an amazing place. This was one of our favorite parts of Bonaire. You need to plan a full day and pack a lunch or take lots of snacks and drinks. We really enjoyed watching the waves crash against the rugged east side of the island and then seeing the change to clam beautiful waters on the west side. We ate our picnic lunch at Playa Funchi, they have a couple picnic tables and it was fun to watch the lizards run around while we ate. We snorkeled at both Playa Funchi and Wakaya II, we enjoyed both but thought that Wakaya II was definitely the best (you don't want to miss this one for snorkeling and I'm sure diving would be amazing too).
They were doing road construction (Jan 2023) so everyone had to do the long route and return to the entrance/exit via the short route. It really wasn't a big deal and would take about 2+ hours without any stops. I recommend arriving early if you want time to snorkel and explore.
They were doing road construction (Jan 2023) so everyone had to do the long route and return to the entrance/exit via the short route. It really wasn't a big deal and would take about 2+ hours without any stops. I recommend arriving early if you want time to snorkel and explore.
Written January 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
momof2wildchilds
Denver, CO678 contributions
Dec 2019
We were here on Sat. 1/4/20 when we needed to have a day of surface interval before flying home after a lovely dive vacation. I wish we had not already packed our snorkeling gear the secluded beaches would have been perfect places to snorkel. We hiked, saw plenty of flamingos, iguanas and lizard as well as a variety of birds. This is a lovely park and we will visit again and spend more time here on our next trip to Bonaire. We were in the park from 10-3pm. The one way roads are bumpy and rough in spots but so worth the drive on the long route thru the park.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allen B
Muskegon, MI1,221 contributions
Dec 2022
Absolutely amazing. I pray this marine park stays the way it is, but I fear with tourism on the rise things could change. So many tourists on the beaches and in the water and not many were using reef safe sunscreen or reusable water bottles. You will enjoy your visit here, but think about everybody doing their part to keep it as is.
Written January 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robin K
Washington DC, District of Columbia14 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
This was one of our cruise port stops so we had limited time. We rented golf carts from Bonaire Cruisers - excellent service and a fair price. We only had enough time to take the south loop on the island but the scenery was absolutely breathtaking! It was VERY windy so make sure your hat is secured. There were plenty of places where you could stop and get into the water if you'd like to take a swim or go snorkeling. There were areas for kite-surfing, wind surfing, etc. I could see it would be a destination for people who love water sports. Really no bathrooms or places to stop until we got to the far side of the island. Then we found a great stop over by Lac Bay - Sorobon Resort. They had a nice waterfront bar and restaurant as well as bathrooms. Everyone was stopping there though. We arrived there around 10:30 in the morning when they opened. By the time we left it was packed. I'm looking forward to going back to see the north loop but I might opt for renting an SUV just so we can get around faster and we have plenty of time for stops.
Written April 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah T
16 contributions
Mar 2020
You need a truck with good shocks to travel through this park. It is natural and there are many sites to see. The roads are rough, lots of ruts on the main road but that is part of the charm. It is untouched beauty. We saw flamingos and wild donkeys, beautiful hidden beaches, lots of lizards and were able to explore some of the stops throughout the park. You need about 3-4 hours if you want to explore a little. The park closes at about 5 so arrange your time accordingly.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vamos en crucero queremos saber a cuanto está la distancia al centro de la ciudad
Angela
Bergdietikon, Switzerland100 contributions
The ship practically boards in the center, so only a short walk.
JimNielsen
Chattanooga, TN83 contributions
I snorkel from land (long story) only. Is there adequate access to good snorkeling from the beach?
Jeff S
Springdale, AR7 contributions
Yes, there’s great snorkeling all over Bonaire and inside the national park. Keep in mind Bonaire doesn’t really have what most think as “beaches”. The beaches are somewhat rocky and you need booties, but with that comes AMAZING water. The best water I’ve seen in the Caribbean.
Claudia D
Santa Fe, Argentina15 contributions
Hola. Estoy llegando a Kralendijk (Bonaire) en el mes de enero proximo y quisiera saber si alguien conoce Playa Lechi que esta cercana al puerto, asi como si la misma cuenta con servicios, si vale la pena para pasar un rato en familia o a que playa me recomiendan ir al bajar del crucero.Gracias!!!!!
Rosangela P
Campinas, SP48 contributions
Vou passar 1 dia aí em Bonaire,qual o melhor passeio?
Juliana R
Curitiba, PR82 contributions
Klein Bonaire, visitar o parque Slagbaay, ou simplesmente andar pelas ruas e lojas centrais após um snorkel/banho de mar em Bachelors Beach e Kite City.
Claudia D
Santa Fe, Argentina15 contributions
Hola Estaria en Bonaire en el mes de enero proximo llegando con un crucero Me gustaria saber cual es la forma mas practica y economica de llegar al marine park ya que voy con mi familia. Asi como tambien si hay alguna playa bonita recomendable cerca del puerto de cruceros.Muchas gracias por cualquier informacion que pudieren suministrarme
Marília G
Natal, RN58 contributions
Gente eu não sei mergulhar, só usei snorkel uma vez. Será que dá certo?
Lá tem onde alugar snorkel e oculos?
Antoine5152
Kralendijk, Bonaire22 contributions
Wannadive for dive material and dive course PADI
mercedes69Argentina
argentina315 contributions
hola, lei comentarios y creo esta playa solo es para buceo, yo hago solo snorkel de playa , necesito informacion , gracias
Bauman147
Shelby, MT1,595 contributions
For the most part, the marine park is for scuba diving. There may be a few beaches from which you can do some snorkeling, but I think they are few and far between.
TexasHawk
Austin, TX9 contributions
Hi,
What Catamaran company did you use?
John W
9 contributions
There's a sailboat that docks at Devi Bonaire. I don't remember the name of the operator; we didn't go. There are a couple outfits that take people out to Klein.
And - there are a number of the marked dive sites that seem to me would be pretty good snorkeling.
mercedes69Argentina
argentina315 contributions
hola
estoy llegando en crucero a Bonaire .Como puedo ir por mi cuenta desde el puerto a este parque nacional marino para hacer snorkel
gracias
mercedes69Argentina
argentina315 contributions
hola, gracias por tu respuesta, si si ya averigue por las excurciones del crucero y son todas convinadas y caras, por eso estoy averiguando para bajar del crucero e ir hasta una playa no muy lejana para solo hacer snorkel
graciasss
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Claim your listingBonaire National Marine Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Bonaire National Marine Park
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Bonaire National Marine Park:
- Klein Bonaire Marine Park Snorkeling Excursion (From $75.00)
- 100% Private Snorkel & Sail charter on Bonaire by SoloBon Sailing (From $442.50)
- Catamaran Snorkel & BBQ Sail (cruise friendly) (From $105.00)
- South Island tour and Snorkel combo (From $99.00)
- 100% Private Sunset Sail on the most spacious monohull of Bonaire (From $295.00)
- Hotels near Bonaire National Marine Park:
- (0.88 mi) Windhoek Boutique Resort Bonaire
- (1.25 mi) Oasis Guesthouse Bonaire
- (1.66 mi) BEACHES ocean view apartments
- (1.76 mi) The Bellafonte - Luxury Oceanfront Hotel
- (0.93 mi) Delfins Beach Resort Bonaire
- Restaurants near Bonaire National Marine Park:
- (1.52 mi) King Kong Burger
- (0.97 mi) Restaurant Brass Boer
- (1.90 mi) Cactus Blue on the Beach
- (2.20 mi) Kite City
- (3.33 mi) Lekker Thuis Bonaire